Menominee Connections: Perspectives on the Peshtigo Fire of 1871 and Indigenous Forestry

Our presenter, Gary Besaw, will tell of the Tribe’s association with settlers in the 1871 period, and especially work done by them in preparation for what was about to occur on October 8th, and their contribution to the recovery immediately afterward, for which they have recently been recognized.

Gary Besaw is Director of the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems. He served 15 years on the Menominee Tribal Legislature, including two terms as Tribal Chairman. Gary has served on or presented at multiple tribal, state, and national committees regarding Native policy, the environment, and various other areas. He holds an MS in Education Administration from UW-Madison, and a BS in K-12 Art Education from UW-Stout.