MILLE LACS — The state Department of Natural Resources is reminding Minnesotans of tribal members’ rights to spear and net for fish in the ceded territory of the 1837 Treaty.
The Minnesota portion of the 1837 treaty with the Chippewa includes the area south of Mille Lacs, between the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. A Supreme Court ruling in 1990 upheld the Ojibwe rights to hunt, fish and gather traditionally on these ceded territories, despite state authorities in both Wisconsin and Minnesota persistently denying those treaty rights.
The tribal harvest that typically begins at ice-out is regulated by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Tribes issue fishing permits to their members, and declare to the DNR how many of each species of fish they intend to harvest from each lake in the ceded territory.
It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with tribal members who are exercising treaty rights, including the spring harvest of walleye. This prohibited conduct includes stalking, obstruction to lakes, recklessly operating watercraft, creating hazardous wakes, threatening violence and committing acts of violence.
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Contributed/University of Minnesota CrookstonAn official census will be announced by the Board of Regents in early October, but U of M Crookston said it expects to pass the record set in the 2014-15 school year. -
The American Bear Association-owned sanctuary near Orr started with one man feeding black bears to co-exist. The nonprofit continues the practice to educate visitors.
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And: Highway 7 near Iron will be closed for about five days starting Monday; and the U of M seeks nominations from NW MN for Growing Local Leadership course.
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Megan Buffington/KAXENevis Public School reported the student for threatening to bring a gun to school on Sept. 11, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority is seeking 12-15 members from Cook and Lake counties to serve on an advisory committee for the Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County is proposing a 41% reduction in community funding for libraries in Blackduck and Bemidji, as well as the Beltrami County Historical Society and Paul Bunyan Transit, for the 2026 budget. -
The cost is 40 cents per pound for businesses and billing will be accomplished through the landfill office on Sept. 18, 2025. Computer equipment and other electronics are accepted. -
Plus: Walz appointed a Roseau County attorney to be the next Ninth District judge; a new study from the U of M School of Public Health found that access to obstetric care across the country has declined, hitting rural communities the hardest; the Superior National Forest will begin prescribed burns this week; and Paul Bunyan Communications says progress is on track for its broadband expansion projects in St. Louis and Itasca counties.
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Contributed/USDA Forest ServicePrescribed burning will begin in the eastern portion of the forest in the Gunflint and Tofte ranger districts, with burns in the western part slated when weather conditions allow.
