A Native American community in Michigan is taking back ownership of nearly 1,000 acres of stolen land with the help of global environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy.
The tribe, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, made the announcement on June 12. KBIC is a federally recognized tribe with a primary land base of nearly 60,000 acres, the L’Anse Indian Reservation. . The tribe serves approximately 3,500 enrolled members in Baraga, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Marquette, Houghton and Keweenaw counties.
The 760 acres of forest land in Baraga County was originally part of KBIC’s 1842 reservation boundaries, according to the tribe. The Nature Conservancy purchased the land from a local owner in 2021 and officially transferred the deed back to the tribe during a tribal council meeting on Wednesday.
Evelyn Ravindran, KBIC Natural Resources Director, said the tribe is committed to the long-term protection of natural resources, healthy ecosystems and the preservation of traditions for generations to come.
“We recognize the importance of working with like-minded co-stewards to achieve goals across man-made boundaries and look to develop and strengthen partnerships to realize our vision,” Ravindran said in a press release. “Over the years, TNC has welcomed KBIC’s input and involvement in the Keweenaw Heartlands Project and expressed interest in other collaborations, including wildlife monitoring and wild rice restoration.”
Helen Taylor, Michigan state director of The Nature Conservancy, called the land transfer “vital” to support indigenous and local communities.
“We are honored to make this contribution to KBIC’s future success by transferring this land to them,” said Taylor. “KBIC members have been stewards of the land for generations, and their cultural teachings signify and honor the connection between people, wildlife and the natural world around us. “
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