Native American Culture

Bois Forte, or “strong wood," was the French name given to the Native peoples living in the densest forests of what is now the northernmost part of Minnesota, just south of the Canadian Border. The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (also known as Ojibwe) have lived in northern Minnesota for centuries.

Bois Forte cherish their traditions and culture, balancing and weaving everything together — a sense of community is expressed in gatherings, celebrations in powwow and sacred ceremonies. The Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum is located on the shores of Lake Vermilion on the grounds of the Fortune Bay Casino. The museum, owned and operated by the Bois Forte Band, is dedicated to telling the Bois Forte Ojibwe story, as its name, Atisokanigamig, or Legend House, implies.

The museum welcomes visitors from all over the world, from kindergarten to college student groups, tribal members from other nations, and indigenous people from other countries. When you're in Ely, come and learn about the proud Ojibwe heritage and history.