logo
Brief Publisher Logo
FACT BRIEF

Is Wisconsin home to 12 Native Nations?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
View this fact brief on Wisconsin Watch
Copy link
email
Copy featured image
email
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.
Sources
Wisconsin First Nations Frequently asked questions
Wisconsin Department Of Health Services American Indians in Wisconsin
WLUK Only Wisconsin tribe without federal recognition looks to change that status
US Census Total races tallied: American Indian and Alaska Native
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Wisconsin Watch
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.
FACT BRIEF BY
Brief Publisher Logo
Latest fact briefs from Wisconsin Watch
facebook
twitter
email
email
About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.