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Is Wisconsin home to 12 Native Nations?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
YES

Twelve Native Nations reside in Wisconsin, with 11 having federal recognition.

They include the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Forest County Potawatomi, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa, Sokaogon Chippewa (Mole Lake), and Stockbridge-Munsee.

The Brothertown Indian Nation also resides in Wisconsin, and while it is not federally recognized, its tribal leaders are attempting to gain recognition — a move that Gov. Tony Evers supports. Federal recognition grants tribes certain federal benefits, protections and support.

In the 2020 Census, 144,572 people in Wisconsin identified — at least in part — as American Indian or Alaska Native, or about 2.5% of the state population. The Menominee is the most populous tribe in Wisconsin.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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