The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa marked a historic moment Wednesday as approximately 3,400 acres of land known as the Cloquet Forestry Center were officially returned to the Band through the signing of Minnesota’s state bonding bill.
The land, located entirely within the Fond du Lac Reservation boundaries, has long been considered part of the Band’s homeland and cultural responsibility.
Tribal leadership joined Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs Karen Diver, state lawmakers, and community members for the ceremonial signing.
“Today, our Tribal leadership took part in a signing with Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and representatives from the University of Minnesota,” the Band said in a statement. “Our Tribal Nation has an incredible amount of gratitude to share with all involved, from previous Tribal leadership to University of Minnesota staff to the Minnesota Legislature to our community members and more.”
Band officials described the transfer as far more than a land transaction.
“This is a historic day for our people,” the Band stated. “For us as a Tribal Nation, this is not only the return of land. It is the return of even more responsibility. It is the return of a relative.”
The return of the land is being celebrated as a significant affirmation of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, while also advancing goals outlined in the University of Minnesota’s Truth Project: Towards Recognition and University Tribal Healing initiative.
Chairman Bruce M. Savage said the transfer reflects generations of work by Tribal leaders and community members.
“This land has always been connected to our people and our responsibilities as Anishinaabe,” Savage said. “Its return is an important step for our community and for the work we have carried for a long time.”
Savage also thanked the University of Minnesota, Gov. Walz, and the Minnesota Legislature for supporting the transfer.
“This moment reflects the work of many Tribal leaders, staff, and community members over many years, and we honor everyone who helped move this forward,” he said. “As we move ahead, we will continue building a respectful relationship that supports the land, honors our sovereignty, and creates space for learning and stewardship.”
Despite the transfer, the University of Minnesota will continue operating at the Cloquet Forestry Center while both parties finalize agreements regarding long-term stewardship and operations.
The Band said the continued partnership will support forestry and natural resources education, culturally grounded research, fire stewardship and Ishkode teachings, youth engagement, and long-term forest health and climate resilience.
Thomas Howes, director of Resource Management for the Fond du Lac Band, said collaboration between the Band and the forestry center has already been ongoing for years.
“Our Fond du Lac Resource Management Division and the Cloquet Forestry Center have worked side by side for many years,” Howes said. “We have a research review protocol that ensures new projects align with our cultural values and management goals.”
Howes added that current research and educational activities will continue during the transition process.
“This legislation is incredibly meaningful to our entire division and to our Tribal Nation,” he said. “Bringing this portion of our homeland back under the care of the Band carries significant responsibility, and we are prepared for the work ahead.”
University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham also praised the agreement.
“Returning the Cloquet Forestry Center land to the Fond du Lac Band is an important step in recognizing our shared history and moving forward together,” Cunningham said. “This work is about more than land. It is about building a future grounded in respect, reconciliation and shared stewardship.”
Band leaders said the transfer demonstrates what can happen when Tribal Nations, state leaders, and institutions work collaboratively toward long-term solutions.
“This land return shows that long term, respectful, and collaborative work can lead to meaningful change,” the Band stated. “It demonstrates that land reclamation is not only possible, but beneficial for our Tribal communities, those we collaborate with, and the land itself.”
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is one of six Bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Its homeland, Nagaajiwanaang — meaning “Where the Water Stops” — lies within the 1854 Treaty boundaries and remains the heart of the present-day Fond du Lac Reservation established under the 1854 La Pointe Treaty.
