BAYFIELD, WI – The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has acquired another 80 acres of vacant forested land within reservation boundaries as part of its ongoing land repatriation efforts. The properties are located on Sand Point Road and will provide more hunting and harvesting opportunities for tribal members. The acquisition increases the tribe’s total land occupation and preservation to over 15,000+ acres.
“Our membership has made it clear they want more opportunities to hunt, harvest, and practice our treaty rights,” said Red Cliff Chairwoman Nicole Boyd. “Reclaiming tribal land is incredibly important for providing safe access for our people, and for the tribe’s ability to properly manage and sustain the land for our future generations.”
Established by treaty, Red Cliff Reservation now encompasses over 15,000 acres. However, in the years leading up to 2006, tribal land holdings within the boundary had dwindled to under 8,000 acres, which is only 55% of the original land base. The result became a “checkerboard” ownership within the boundaries, with former reservation land being held by Bayfield County, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and in private non-member status.
With a growing population and limited land base, repatriation of lands is a high priority for the Red Cliff Reservation. Expanded residential, municipal, agricultural, and commercial space on the reservation is crucial for meeting the needs of the tribal membership. In June of 2022, the tribe successfully reclaimed ownership of all tribal land that was previously held by Bayfield County. However, non-members still hold many properties within the reservation boundaries. The tribe will continue to pursue reclamation of all tribal lands for our membership.
