Full Breakdown
Dispute Over Road Access Between Lac du Flambeau Tribe and Town of Lac du Flambeau
2/25/2026, 9:17:13 PM
Background of the Dispute
The ongoing conflict between the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the town of Lac du Flambeau centers on access to roads situated on tribal land. This dispute escalated in January 2023 when tribal officials erected barricades on four roads after negotiations regarding expired easements failed. The town, which is located within the tribe's reservation, has historically used these roads without valid easements, leading the tribe to assert that the town was trespassing.
Key Developments
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Minocqua, has been vocal in advocating for the town, claiming that the tribe's demands for compensation amount to extortion. Tiffany first reached out to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in August 2023, requesting her assistance in seeking reimbursement for the town's payments to the tribe, which totaled at least $600,000. During a House Judiciary Committee hearing on February 11, 2024, Tiffany reiterated his concerns about the road closures affecting residents' access to emergency services and recreational activities.
In response, Bondi expressed her willingness to collaborate with Tiffany on the matter. The U.S. Department of Justice, however, has not provided further comments on the situation.
Tribal Perspective
Lac du Flambeau Tribal President John Johnson Sr. has strongly criticized Tiffany's characterization of the tribe as "perpetrators," labeling it as inflammatory and a direct attack on tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Johnson emphasized that the payments made by the town were voluntary and lawful, aimed at ensuring public safety while the tribe sought to protect its treaty-protected lands. The tribe had initially sought $20 million in damages for alleged trespassing but later reduced this request.
Legal Proceedings
In August 2023, U.S. District Court Judge William Conley ruled in favor of the town, stating that the roads must remain open for public access. Following this ruling, the federal government filed a lawsuit on behalf of the tribe against the town, although this appeal was withdrawn earlier this month.
Criticism & Opposition
Town officials, including supervisor Stephanie Greeneway, have expressed frustration over the road access situation, recounting personal experiences of being trapped and unable to access emergency services. Greeneway supports Tiffany's call for an investigation into the payments made to the tribe, reflecting a broader sentiment among town residents who feel their access has been unjustly restricted.
Official Statements & Responses
The Lac du Flambeau tribe has reiterated its commitment to resolving road access issues while respecting tribal sovereignty. They maintain that the permits for temporary access were lawful and necessary for public safety. The tribe's leadership has called for a constructive dialogue with government officials to address these ongoing challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The perpetrators of this, the tribe out there, they demanded compensation from the town. I would call it extortion,” — U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany
- “To mislead the public by calling the tribe ‘perpetrators’ is not only irresponsible, it is a direct attack on our sovereignty, our treaty rights and our reputation as a sovereign government,” — John Johnson Sr., Lac du Flambeau Tribal President
This dispute highlights the complexities of land use rights, tribal sovereignty, and community access, with significant implications for both the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the town of Lac du Flambeau.
