Lac Courte Oreilles Unveils New Dual-Language Highway Signs

Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman joined officials with the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Friday to unveil new dual-language highway signs.

The new signs identify the Lac Courte Oreilles community and the Couderay River in Ojibwemowin and English. The Tribal names “Odaawaa Zaaga’igan” and “Odaawaa Ziibi” appear alongside English translations on the new signage.

The unveiling took place at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. It is part of the state’s Dual-Language Sign Program, launched in 2021. The program works with Tribal Nations to add bilingual signs on state highways that run through Tribal lands.

“Our language is who we are as Anishinaabe,” Lac Courte Oreilles Chairman Gary Clause said. “It’s not just a language, it’s our way of life.”

Lac Courte Oreilles is now the tenth Tribe in Wisconsin to take part in the program.

“Putting Ojibwe on road signs, alongside English, moves the language beyond classrooms and into everyday public use. That visibility matters for younger generations learning the language and for promoting greater awareness and understanding across the region,” Evers said.

“These dual-language signs are more than a transportation initiative — it’s about recognition, respect, and making sure every person can see themselves reflected in the places we share,” Boardman said. “We’re proud to work alongside LCO to recognize the Ojibwemowin language and the enduring presence of the people on this land.”

State officials say the Dual-Language Sign program is part of ongoing efforts to support Tribal sovereignty and preserve Indigenous languages and culture in Wisconsin.