Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Name	Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Total population	30,000+ enrolled members
Popplace	United States (North Dakota, Montana)
Langs	English, Ojibwe

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized Ojibwe Native American tribe based primarily in Rolette County, North Dakota. The tribe's reservation, the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, is located near the U.S.-Canada border and is a central hub for its people, who are descendants of Anishinaabe groups and Métis from the Red River region. Governed by a constitution and an elected Tribal Council, the band is a significant political and cultural force in the Great Plains.

History

The band's formation is deeply tied to the complex history of the Red River Valley and the displacement of Ojibwe and Métis peoples in the 19th century. Key events include the Pembina Band's signing of the Old Crossing Treaty of 1863 and the McCumber Agreement of 1892, which established the reservation's diminished land base. Prominent leaders like Chief Little Shell III fought against U.S. policies that excluded many mixed-ancestry families from recognition, leading to the long-standing Little Shell citizenship dispute. Federal recognition was solidified through the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Act of 1990, which resolved certain land claims.

Government

The tribe operates under a constitution approved by the Department of the Interior and is governed by an elected Tribal Council chaired by a Tribal Chairman. Its judicial branch includes a Tribal Court system. The band exercises its sovereign rights through various departments, providing services in law enforcement via the Turtle Mountain Police Department, healthcare, and education. It maintains a government-to-government relationship with federal agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service.

Culture

Cultural life is rooted in Ojibwe traditions blended with Métis influences from the Red River Colony. The Ojibwe language is actively promoted through programs, and traditional practices such as manoomin harvesting, beadwork, and powwows are central. The annual Turtle Mountain Celebration is a major event featuring dance, drumming, and ceremonies. The tribe's history and artistry are preserved at institutions like the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center and through the work of storytellers and musicians.

Economy

The tribal economy has diversified from primarily agricultural roots. Key enterprises include the Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt, which generates significant revenue, and Turtle Mountain Manufacturing, a defense contractor. Other ventures span construction, retail, and technology services. The tribe also administers programs for community development and workforce training, often in partnership with entities like the USDA and the Economic Development Administration.

Notable people

Notable enrolled members include Louise Erdrich, the acclaimed author of novels like *Love Medicine* and *The Round House*, who often draws on tribal themes. Dennis Banks, a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM), was a key figure in activism at Wounded Knee. Other significant figures are Tara Browner, an ethnomusicologist and dancer, and Ruth Buffalo, who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

Land and location

The tribe's land base is centered on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, which encompasses parts of Rolette County and extends into neighboring Montana. The terrain includes the forested Turtle Mountains, prairie, and numerous lakes. The primary community is Belcourt. The band also holds trust lands and has historical ties to areas in Manitoba, such as the Turtle Mountain region in Canada, reflecting the band's cross-border heritage.

Category:Native American tribes in North Dakota Category:Federally recognized tribes in the United States Category:Ojibwe