Adams, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Oneida, Portage, Price, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties.
Forest County Potawatomi Dual-Language Signs
On November 6, 2023, Forest County Potawatomi celebrated the unveiling of dual-language signs. The new signs indicate the Forest County Potawatomi Community’s Tribal boundaries and two creeks in both the Potawatomi and English languages.
The new Tribal boundary signs feature the Forest County Potawatomi Tribal seal next to the Tribe’s name, “Bodwéwadmik.” Pronounced Bo-dwa-wah-meek, Bodwéwadmik is the traditional name for the reservation, which means “Keeper of the Fire.” The English language version of the highway sign is located beneath the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe version.
“I am thrilled to witness the unveiling of the dual language signs on the highway,” said Forest County Potawatomi Chairman James Crawford. “This marks a significant step in preserving our Potawatomi language and heritage and reflects our commitment to embracing and sharing our culture with all people.”
Members of Forest County Potawatomi and WisDOT representatives at the sign unveiling
Menominee Nation Dual-Language Signs
WisDOT launched the
dual-language sign initiative in 2021. The Menominee Nation held a celebration in honor of their dual-language signs on November 17, 2022.
The Menominee tribal boundary signs feature the Menominee Nation seal next to the tribe’s name in the Menominee Language, “Omāēqnomenēw Eskōnekan.” Pronounced Oh-Mat-Na-Mah-Nay Esco-Nee-cun, Omāēqnomenēw Eskōnekan is the traditional name for reservation and means “land set apart for Menominee people.”
Dual-language signs are installed at six other locations throughout the Menominee Nation's tribal lands, including South Branch, or Okāqtōhsaeh in the Menominee language.
"The Menominee Nation, standing alongside our ancestors, are very pleased with the dual-language signs created for our homelands. This is another example of how our state recognizes and respects our sovereignty, language, and unique cultural identity. Maec Waewaenen (Great Thanks) to the Department of Transportation."
Menominee Chairman Ron Corn Sr.
Governor Evers attended the dual-language sign celebration with the Menominee Nation on November 17, 2022 Sokaogon Chippewa Community Dual-Language Signs
On December 9, 2022 The Sokaogon Chippewa Community and WisDOT unveiled new dual-language signs. The new signs indicate the Sokaogon Chippewa Community's tribal boundaries and other locations in both English and the Ojibwemoin Language.
The new tribal boundary signs feature the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Tribal seal next to the tribe's name in its native language – "Zaaga'inganiin" – (Zaa-ga'in-gan-neen) the traditional name for the reservation, which means "place of a light in the water." The English language version of the highway sign is located beneath the Ojibwemoin language.
"This was something a long time coming and it’s an honor and pleasure to see this change take place. I am a former teacher and this is a teaching moment about our language. It’s a win-win situation for the tribe and state to build a relationship of understanding of one another.”
Sokaogon Chippewa Community Chairman Robert VanZile, Jr.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community and representatives from WisDOT and the Federal Highway Administration at the dual-language sign celebration
WIS 47 Duquaine Road to County VV
The WIS 47 Duquaine Road to County VV project updated 2.5 miles of WIS 47.
Project improvements include pavement resurfacing, bike lanes, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street lighting, crosswalk flashing beacons, and storm sewer and culvert replacements.
The project also installed a new box culvert and repaired the bridge deck over the Wolf River. Additionally, all curb ramps were reconstructed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.
Through the
Native American Hiring Provision (NAHP), ten tribal members were employed on this project.
The project was completed in 2021.
Box culvert along WIS 47
Asphalt paving along WIS 47
WIS 47/55 Shawano County line to Duquaine Road
The WIS 47/55 project created a new roundabout at the intersection of WIS 47 and Standing Pines Drive, and rebuilt two other intersections.
The project team coordinated with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to maintain access to important areas of the community impacted by construction, such as the Menominee Resort Casino and the College of Menominee Nation. A temporary pedestrian sidewalk allowed pedestrians to access the College of Menominee Nation during construction.
The roundabout opened to traffic in November of 2018.
Roundabout at the intersection of WIS 47 and Standing Pines Drive
For more information, contact:
Mindy Samz, North Central Regional Tribal Liaison
(715) 365-5709
mindy.samz@dot.wi.gov
North Central Region Office
510 N. Hanson Lake Rd.
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Phone (715) 365-3490
Fax (715) 365-5780