The Ojibwe in Burnett County
Long before fur traders arrived at the St. Croix and Yellow Rivers, the Ojibwe people called this land home. They paddled the waterways in birchbark canoes, set up seasonal camps, and lived from the rich gifts of the region—wild rice from the lakes, fish from the rivers, game from the forests, and maple sugar each spring.
When European traders entered the region in the 1700s, the Ojibwe became vital partners in the fur trade. They carried deep knowledge of the land and waterways, and their skill as hunters, trappers, and guides shaped the success of the trade era.
Even as treaties in the 1800s forced the loss of much of their homeland, the Ojibwe endured. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin still live in Burnett County today, with strong communities in places like Danbury, Round Lake, and Sand Lake. Their traditions, language, and cultural identity remain a living part of this region.
In 2026 the team at Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, will be restoring the Ojibwe Village so you can step into that world. You will be able to imagine life along the rivers, hear stories of survival and resilience, and connect with a culture that continues to shape Burnett County.
For more history on the St. Croix Ojibwe, check out this video from Wisconsin PBS.
https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/tribal-histories/st-croix-ojibwe-history-5ufxdg/
