About Us

Partnerships
Our Approach
Board of Directors

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

President

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Lew Boyd

Vice President

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Emerson Coy

Treasurer

Lac du Flambeau Planning Department

Judy Anaya

Secretary

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