About Us
Partnerships NiiJii (pronounced nee-jee) means "friends" in Ojibwe.
NiiJii is all about partnerships. We know that only by pooling our resources and working together can we solve the challenges facing our communities. We take an areawide approach to local problem-solving so that all neighboring communities can participate and benefit.
The core members of the Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community are:
- The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
- The Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
We work closely with eight neighboring municipalities:
- County/Township of Shawano
- Township of Arbor Vitae
- Township of Boulder Junction
- Township of Lac du Flambeau
- Township of Manitowish Waters
- Township of Minocqua
- Township of Nashville
- Township of Woodruff
Our partnerships extend to federal and state agencies, local and tribal governments, private businesses, foundations, nonprofits and individuals.
A Strategic, Grassroots Approach
NiiJii's programs work because they are initiated and led by members of the community we serve. Each Reservation has a locally-elected Citizens Advisory Committee that meets quarterly to develop and oversee NiiJii community initiatives. Our role is to provide the technical support and organization to help residents implement smart and sustainable solutions to the problems they identify.
Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, Inc. Board of Directors
Brian Gauthier
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Lew Boyd
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Emerson Coy
Lac du Flambeau Planning Department
Judy Anaya
Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
Gerald Warrington
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Steve Sengstock
SCEPI Director (Shawano City/County)
Wesley T. Martin, Jr.
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Eugene VanZile
Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
Sandra Rachal
Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
Richard Ackley, Jr
Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
Nancy Kane
Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Mole Lake
Harold Jackson
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
George Thompson
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa