Michigan Tribe Land Back of More Than 700 Acres

By Isaac White

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) recently took ownership of 760 acres of pristine forestland in Baraga County, marking a significant step in land reclamation and ecological stewardship. The transfer, facilitated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), aligns with KBIC's commitment to the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.

The acquired land is historically significant, located within the 1842 reservation boundaries. TNC purchased it from a long-time local owner in 2021, and the official transfer took place during a KBIC Tribal Council Meeting on June 12, 2024.

Evelyn Ravindran, KBIC’s Natural Resources Director, emphasized the community's dedication to environmental and cultural preservation from the TNC site, “KBIC is dedicated to the long-term protection of natural resources, healthy ecosystems, and preservation of our traditions and culture for the generations to come, so all may flourish and thrive. We recognize the importance of working together with like-minded co-stewards to achieve goals across man-made boundaries and look to developing and strengthening partnerships to realize our vision,” said Evelyn Ravindran, Natural Resources Director for KBIC. “Over the years, TNC has welcomed KBIC’s input and involvement in the Keweenaw Heartlands Project and has expressed interest in other collaborations including wildlife monitoring and wild rice restoration. The relationship between KBIC and TNC has grown organically, as both entities place great value on conserving our lands and waters in support of strong, resilient natural and human communities.”

“With the goal of making significant land purchases to help the world reverse climate change and biodiversity loss, TNC worked diligently on a Slate River Forest land purchase. These lands were carefully managed for generations and contain not only healthy forests, rich in biodiversity but portions of the beautiful Slate River. TNC has committed to the continuance of good stewardship of these lands which are open for the enjoyment of the whole community and is inclusive on decision making with co-stewards,” Ravindran said. “In addition, TNC has shown their understanding, commitment to, and respect for tribal sovereignty with the transfer of lands within the L’Anse Indian Reservation exterior boundaries to KBIC. We are honored by their trust in us as fellow caretakers of these lands and it is with great pleasure and a grateful heart that I say ‘Chi-miigwetch’ to our esteemed allies.”

The collaboration with TNC over the years has included projects like wildlife monitoring and wild rice restoration, highlighting a growing relationship based on mutual respect and shared values of land conservation.

Helen Taylor, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, commented on the importance of supporting Indigenous and local communities in their environmental stewardship efforts. “Supporting Indigenous and local communities in stewarding their environment and shaping their future is vital for both people and nature. We are honored to make this contribution to KBIC’s future success by transferring this land to them,” said Helen Taylor, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan. “KBIC members have been stewards of the land for generations, and their cultural teachings signify and honor the connection between people, wildlife, and the natural world around us. Working toward shared, durable conservation outcomes is a powerful principle that is needed now more than ever as we confront unprecedented environmental challenges.”

This land acquisition supports biodiversity and climate action and strengthens KBIC's sovereignty over its ancestral lands. The newly acquired area is adjacent to TNC’s 9,760-acre Slate River Forest Reserve, managed as a working forest demonstrating sustainable stewardship practices.

The Nature Conservancy acknowledges the critical role of Indigenous knowledge in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. By transferring land ownership within the L’Anse Indian Reservation's exterior boundaries back to KBIC, TNC is honoring its commitment to tribal sovereignty and ecological stewardship.