The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has a deep and enduring history rooted in tradition, resilience, and community. The Band has inhabited the Lac du Flambeau area since 1745, when Chief Keeshkemun led the people to this land rich in natural resources and cultural significance.

The name Lac du Flambeau, meaning “Lake of the Torches,” was given by French traders and trappers who observed the Band’s unique fishing practice—harvesting fish at night using torchlight. This tradition not only provided sustenance but also became a defining symbol of the community’s identity.