Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

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• "Ga-ta-ge-te-gaun-ing", "Katikitegon", "Lac Vieux Desert" are names used throughout history to identify the large inland lake and the people who settled on and gained sustenance from the lake and it's shoreline.
• The Lac Vieux Desert people are a quiet, reserved and noble Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa who maintained and practiced cultural beliefs and traditions well into the 20th century.
• Their home among the lake and its three islands is in the head waters of the Wisconsin River Watershed and near the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan Watersheds.
• In addition to the convergence of the three watersheds near Lac Vieux Desert, three main trails also converge at Lac Vieux Desert.
• These trails provided inland travelers with access to the Keweenaw Bay Band at Lake Superior, Lac du Flambeau Band to the southwest and Mile Lake Band to the southeast.
• Despite this apparent access to Lac Vieux Desert, the people maintained their remoteness in contrast to other Bands and the overall intent of treatymaking of the mid 1800's.
• Until 1988, Lac Vieux Desert people were recognized as part of the L'Anse (Keweenaw Bay) community.
• On September 8, 1988 President Ronald Reagan signed H.R. 3697 entitled the "Lac View Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Act" which recognized the Lac Vieux Desert people as a distinct tribe. 
• Today, although highly respected and influential in community development throughout the region, the Lac Vieux Desert people continue to move ahead in their characteristic gentle and respectful fashion.
• The Lac Vieux Desert Tribe invites you to visit our beautiful lands and share in our rich history.