Chief Oshkosh
Chief Oshkosh (1795-1858,) is celebrated by the Menominee community for his unwavering commitment to ensure the Tribe stayed on its ancestral lands, negotiating treaties and meeting the federal government with great persistence against a proposed move to land in Minnesota. He is credited most for a famous, prophetic quote shared regarding the land ethic of the Menominee people:
“Start with the rising sun and work toward the setting sun, but take only the mature trees, the sick trees, and the trees that have fallen. When you reach the end of the reservation, turn and cut from the setting sun to the rising sun and the trees will last forever.”
The forest management practices of Menominee Tribal Enterprise, Menominee Tribal Forestry, and Menominee Environmental Services have been rooted not only through this quote, but in recognition of Chief Oshkosh’s dedication to the protection of the future generations of Menominee people. Chief Oshkosh and the Menominee Tribe endured great hardship within his lifetime. He was a visionary leader that is greatly attributed for his contributions guiding the state of the Menominee Forest today. Chief Oshkosh fought to resolve conflict and provide a model of guidance that ultimately led to the 220,000 acres of diverse, rich forest.
