Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa did not move far from their woodland origins, which were north of Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The Chippewa are related to the Iroquois and are also called Ojibwe (or Ojibwa). Their name for themselves was Anishinabe, which means "First People."
Fishing and hunting provided some of the food for the Chippewa. Often they would fish at night, using birch bark torches to light their way. During the summer, small gardens were planted which included corn, beans, squash and pumpkin. Wild food such as strawberries, juneberries, cranberries and nuts were other staples. Once contact was made with Europeans, the Chippewa became heavily involved in the fur trade.
During the late 17th century, the Cippewa began to expand and disperse. Well-armed bands of Chippewa moved into Michigan and Wisconsin and displaced the Dakota (Sioux) and others. Some Chippewa groups formed alliances with the Ottawa and Potawatomi, while others moved directly south and some migrated onto the Plains. The Lac du Flambeau Band moved to Wisconsin, where they remain today.
About the Flag:
The face of a native man appears on a shield at the center of the Lac du Flambeau flag. Birchbark torches burn on either side of the shield. An eagle stands behind the man. Other important symbols include a pipe and feathers.
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