Bois Forte BandÆs Protection of Lake Islands Honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Bois Forte BandÆs Protection of Lake Islands
Honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

TOWER, Minn. û A unique collaboration among the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, the Bureau of Land Management, and the 1854 Treaty Office to protect Minnesota lake islands was honored October 4 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Band and its partners were among 21 award winners recognized during the 2007 National Preservation Conference in the Twin Cities.  Each year, the National Trust presents the awards to individuals and organizations whose efforts help safeguard AmericaÆs architectural and cultural heritage.  Rose Berens, director of the Bois Forte Heritage Center, accepted the award on behalf of the Band during a ceremony at Saint PaulÆs Fitzgerald Theater.

Last year, the three partners began a five-year program to evaluate, stabilize, manage and protect islands in northern Minnesota lakes, which suffer from damage caused by recreational use, erosion, litter, and vandalism.

ôThese cultural resources represent the opening chapters in the story of America and to lose them would greatly diminish our national spirit,ö said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in a prepared statement.  ôThis remarkable partnership between federal and tribal agencies has yielded valuable data and helped protect significant sites.  Equally important though, it has fostered stewardship on the local level, empowering residents to participate in preserving the evidence of their own history.ö

ôThese fragile resources are precious to us all, and we all must do our part to ensure their survival,ö said Band Chairman Kevin Leecy.  ôIt is a pleasure to work with others who share our commitment to the lakes and lands of northern Minnesota.ö

Return to news listings