Gov. Evers, WisDOT Celebrate Unveiling of New Bad River Tribe Dual-language Highway Signs 

BAD RIVER RESERVATION — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Chairman Robert Blanchard and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman, today celebrated the newest set of dual-language highway signs unveiled for placement on state highways as part of WisDOT’s Dual-Language Sign Program. The new signs identify Bad River’s Tribal boundaries and two river crossings in both the Ojibwemowin and English languages.

“On behalf of the Bad River Tribal Council, we are here today to unveil a long overdue work that has been in progress for quite some time,” said Chairman Blanchard. “This signage marks an historic event for Bad River as we join other Tribes in the state that have already participated in this initiative of dual-language signing. This sign will be located on US 2 at the entrances to our Tribal lands and it will better inform the traveling public of our language and heritage. It also shows that collaboration between the state and Tribes can work for the betterment of all involved.”

“We have an obligation to work together to ensure the prosperity, health, and well-being of every kid, family, and community, including Tribal citizens and communities. A key part of that work is our commitment as a state to supporting efforts to promote and protect Tribal sovereignty and preserve Tribal languages and cultures,” said Gov. Evers. “Here in Wisconsin, we choose to embrace, not erase, our partnerships with Native Nations, and today’s exciting initiative is a great way to celebrate our shared government-to-government commitment.”

The sign unveiling took place earlier today at the new Bad River Health and Wellness Center in Odanah and expands on a statewide dual-language sign initiative launched by WisDOT in 2021. Through WisDOT’s sign program, the department collaborates with Native Nations in Wisconsin to install road signs on Tribal lands in both English and Indigenous languages.

The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is the eighth Tribe in Wisconsin to install dual-language signs, along with the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

“We are proud to coordinate with the Bad River Tribe on these dual-language signs to properly identify their lands and river crossings,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “These signs do more than welcome people to the beautiful Bad River Tribal lands. They continue the journey to help the Bad River community restore their culture, their heritage, and their sense of belonging for generations. We’re grateful for opportunities to enrich our connections with Wisconsin’s Native Nations as we work together to address transportation needs in our communities.”

The new Tribal boundary signs feature the Bad River Tribal seal next to the reservation name, “Gibiindige Mashkiziibiing.” Gibiindige Mashkiziibiing is the traditional name for the reservation, which means “You are Entering Bad River.” The English translation of the highway sign is located beneath the Ojibwemowin language.

WisDOT’s dual language sign program builds on the Evers’ Administration’s efforts to support Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous language and cultural preservation. Most recently, in July, Gov. Evers signed the 2025-27 Biennial Budget, in which he used his broad constitutional veto authority to ensure that all 11 federally recognized Tribes will receive $1 million each year for the next two years to help support Tribal programs and language revitalization efforts.

Wisconsin is home to 12 Native Nations, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, and Brothertown Indian Nation. Federally recognized Tribes are invited to learn more about the dual-language sign program and apply at the WisDOT website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.