Cheeseheads: The Documentary

Wisconsin has a rich heritage of tribal culture and we will do our best to cover all of the tribes throughout the state, beginning with the tribe from which we (the filmmakers) descend in part, the Lac Courte Oreilles  (pronounced /ləˈkuːdəreɪ/^[1]).

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe is one of six bands of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians who entered into treaties with the United States in 1837, 1842, and 1854.   The Chippewa of this area have a long and rich heritage.  It is thought that they migrated to the Lake Superior region from Canada along the St. Lawrence waterway.

The Chippewa have been known by many names, and to this day, Canadians refer to them as “Ojibwa”.   The word “Chippewa” is considered a corruption of speech.   The origion of these two names is said to refer to a “manner of speech”, a style of moccasin, or to a cooking method”,   and means pucker.   Some Chippewa prefer to call themselves “Anishenabe” meaning “original or first man”, although this term is not widely used.   “Chippewa” gained general acceptance in the United States after its use on the treaties of the nineteenth century.

The Chippewa are members of the Algonquin linguistic family which also includes the Ottawa, Potawatomi, Fox, Cree, Menominee, and many other well known tribes.  For more information on one of Wisconsin’s many proud tribes click on the photo below or follow the link at the bottom of the page.

For more information visit Welcome to Lac Courte Oreilles.

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