Tribes Rally Around LCO After Suspected Arson Attacks

Tribes across Wisconsin and the nation are offering help to the Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa band so it can rebuilt after a series of suspected arson fires destroyed religious and cultural sites there.

Six suspected cases of arson a month ago destroyed two lodges, the century old Big Drum Hall, and damaged parts of the Honor the Earth powwow grounds. LCO Police arrested one man. So far, they have not charged him.

The investigation is ongoing, so very little has been said publicly. Now, LCO tribal council member Rusty Barber says it is time to talk. According to Barber, the suspect is a tribal member. He says, “This young man and other individuals that may be involved are out of sync with identity as Ojibwe young men.” Barber says it is time to teach the old ways to young people who have lost that identity, “Not oriented in the traditional values. We have TV now, we have hip-hop, we have all kinds of music, Ojibwe song and dance. I think they’re just mistuned to who their identity is.”

Barber says the outpouring of support from other tribes is inspiring. That includes donating materials, money and labor to rebuild the Big Drum Hall. “A thing like this is unimaginable, and it happened. And so, I think we’ll be stronger here on Lac Courte Oreilles. Also, other tribal nations, not only here in Wisconsin, but a few across the United States could probably learn some lessons.”

While they still have some difficult issues to tackle, Barber’s message is that LCO will be okay.