Lac du Flambeau Disputed Easement Roads Remain Open

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – The Tribal Council decides against barricades, keeping roads ready to ride after a lengthy disputes and missed payments.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Tribal Council has voted that no physical road barricade will be implemented on Thursday, Jan. 16.

The tribe says it based its decision on the responsibility to ensure the safe delivery of services for all residents within Reservation boundaries.

In a press release on the tribes Facebook, they say they “remain committed to finding resolutions with the Lac du Flambeau Town Board, despite their reluctance to meet with the tribe to address the ongoing dispute over the unauthorized use of Annie Sun Lane, Center Sugarbush Lane, East Ross Allen Lake Lane, Elsie Lake Lane (the ‘Four Roads’).

“I am disappointed in the Lac du Flambeau Town Board after they continuously run to the Federal Courts when we could have worked out a reasonable solution back in December,” stated Lac du Flambeau Tribal Chairman John Johnson Sr. “The Township has refused to meet with Tribal Officials to discuss their continued default of Resolution no. 143 (23) and has not made a payment since September.”

The Tribe said the Town of Lac du Flambeau had paid just over $500,000 as of July 2024 to avoid the barricades, but in August they could no longer sustain making monthly payments.

“It is unfortunate they continue to spend money on expensive Milwaukee Attorneys rather than a reasonable equitable solution with the Tribe. Our priority is the well-being and safety of everyone in our community. Tribal Council’s decision was rooted in upholding the dignity of our Tribal Members, and upholding our rights as a sovereign nation to protect our treaty-defined permanent homeland.”