Leech Lake Indian Reservation (Minnesota)

The Leech Lake Reservation is a federally-recognized reservation in Minnesota.


 * Established -- 22 February 1855
 * Agency (BIA) --
 * Principal tribes -- Cass Lake, Pillager, and Lake Winnibigoshish Bands of Chippewa
 * Population --

History
The Leech Lake Reservation was established by Treaty of Feb. 22, 1855 (X, 1165); Executive orders, Nov. 4, 1873, and May 26,1874 and an act of Jan. 14, 1889 (XXV, 642). Leech Lake Reservation was probably established in the 1880s. The treaty of February 22, 1855 probably recognized this band of Chippewa's district. The Leech Lake Chippewa's are descended primarily from the military and police totem of the Algonquin's. They are also known as the Pillagers.

In 1889, the United States passed the Nelson Act which was passed to specifically eradicate the Minnesota Chippewa Reservations except Red Lake and a tiny part of the White Earth Reservation. It led to serious problems among the Minnesota Chippewa's, especially the Leech Lake Chippewa's. In the mid 1890's, the Chippewa's were planning some sort of secret military uprising. The United States found out and had the Leech Lake leader assassinated. However, chief Bugonaygishig took over and the short 1898 rebellion followed.

After the short war the United States returned the Minnesota Chippewa Reservations and actually established the Chippewa National Forest which makes up almost the entire land area of the Leech Lake Reservation. Leech Lake Reservation is, thus, off limits.

Records
Land Records: Allotted land: 37,683 acres