Genealogists/Family Historians

Selected Microfilmed Records Relating to Chippewa Enumeration

The Chippewa were organized into numerous autonomous bands and lived in the Great Lakes region, primarily in present-day Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Although the Federal government never forcibly removed the Chippewa from the Great Lakes region, it created several reservations and created records documenting the inhabitants. The following information is a starting point in researching your Chippewa ancestors.

Microfilm Publication Title Microfilm Pub ID / Catalog Info ARC Descriptions
Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1950 M595:
M595A
M595B
M595C
M595D
 View series in ARC
Correspondence, Field Notes, and the Census Roll of All Members of Descendents of Members Who Were on the Roll of the Ottawa and the Chippewa Tribes of Michigan in 1870, and Living on March 4, 1907 (Durant Roll) M2039

 

Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1881

Note: The letters relating to the Chippewa Agency can be found on rolls 149-168. While lists of people are rare among these records, the staff has located three relating to the Chippewa:
1). An 1838 list of Chippewa, Ottawa and Pottawatomie entitled to benefits at the Council Bluffs Agency. File H571, Roll 215.
2). 1878 lists of heads of families for Pillager and Lake Winnebigoshish Chippewa. File K259, Roll 166.
3). 1878 lists of heads of families for White Oak, Point and Mississippi Chippewa, File K266, Roll 166.

 M234: M234A
M234B
M234C
M234D
M234E
 View series in ARC

Additional resources on the National Archives web site:

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272