Hopes for Reconciliation: The Denny Pearson Approach

LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wisconsin — Dennis Pearson stood on the edge of a frozen lake, dressed in black and yellow snow gear and a snowmobile to match. He chose a spot in the middle between his house, located about a mile away, and a neighbor’s house, who houses multiple cars of non-tribal residences that are also affected by the barricades put down by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. 

Through the conflict that ensued the placement of the barricades, a Facebook group emerged titled “Behind the Barricades,” where residents living on or near the Lac du Flambeau reservation expressed their thoughts, experiences and feelings as the number of days the barricades remained grew. Among the conflict and differences of opinions that began to emerge, Pearson chose a more conciliatory approach.

“Originally we were mad and we were ready to take on a fight,” Pearson said. “I think we realized, some of us, that fighting is not going to get it done, we have to be diplomatic about it and hold people responsible.” 

Pearson explains that he and other members have asked to be a part of the negotiation team to try and keep community member voices and opinions in the conversation. Describing the North Woods as his “forever home,” Pearson hopes for a solution comes sooner than later and that is best to focus on coming up with a fair and equitable solution by the end of the 90 day reprieve that was issued on March 12.  

Even with high tensions in the community, Pearson says he still continues to support the tribe, a decision that other community members have chosen not to continue.  

“We interact with tribal members every day,” he said. “We go to the grocery store I use the boat service in town, we try to frequent all the establishments when we’re on the snowmobiling, we go to the casino, so you know we try to be active members of the community.” 

Pearson blames the lack of communication between the tribe, title companies, township leaders and the silence of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, for allowing this issue to continue so long. 

“This was the first time a group of us met and heard his point of view,” he said, in reference to meeting with tribal elder Tom Maulson. “There was a group of us that have been trying to kinda try and move this process forward, and we really want to be active members in finding the solution.” 

He says that the “key” to resolving the conflict is to be good neighboors. He hopes to celebrate, live and enjoy the northwoods as good neighboors after the conflict passes.  

“So we’re a checkerboard here on these 12 square miles and we will continue to be a checkerboard,” he says. “I can’t go in reverse, I can only look forward, try to figure out how to work together and try to help each other grow and mature.”