Some from around the area have gone up and helped during the six nations land reclaimation and other actions. It would be a good idea to keep and eye out for things like this that are happening, maybe to thinking of communicating with people better so that if they wanted help that we could assist them.
"A group of Lac du Flambeau tribal members have locked themselves inside the William C. Wildcat Tribal Center in Lac du Flambeau and are refusing to come out.
According to Vilas County Emergency Management, several people were observed entering the tribal center at approximately 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Standoff at Lac du Flambeau Tribal Center
A group of Lac du Flambeau tribal members have locked themselves inside the William C. Wildcat Tribal Center in Lac du Flambeau and are refusing to come out.
According to Vilas County Emergency Management, several people were observed entering the tribal center at approximately 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
It was later confirmed that no one had permission to be on the premises. Tribal police and deputy sheriffs responded to the building and determined that several subjects forced entry into the building. The suspects apparently broke a window to gain entry through the building's courtyard.
They chained doors shut and glued locks to prevent doors from being opened. The group has barricaded itself inside a small office and have told law enforcement they have tribal elders and children with them.
The suspects told law enforcement they had intended on completing a religious ceremony at sunrise.
Law enforcement and respected members of the Lac du Flambeau band are in voice contact with these individuals and are attempting to negotiate a peaceful solution.
As of 9 a.m., law enforcement says there is no indication or threat of violence.
"There is no danger to the public," said Vilas County public information officer Cindy Burzinski.
At approximately 11 a.m, three men who climbed onto the roof of the building were arrested by Vilas County authorities, according to a Daily News reporter on scene.
Representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs are en route to Lac du Flambeau. The individuals locked in the tribal center have drafted a new declaration of government and have indicated they will not leave the building until the BIA accepts the declaration and begins a formal investigation of the current tribal government. Critics of current tribal president Victoria Doud and her administration have alleged massive corruption has led to the tribe's financial woes.
Overall command of the response to this incident is a unified command between Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and the Vilas County Sheriff's Department. Law enforcement officers from Price County, Iron County, Oneida County, the Woodruff Police Department, and the Park Falls Police Department and other departments are assisting.
Tensions in Lac du Flambeau have been building for months as the tribe has found itself in financial trouble.
The Lake of the Torches Resort Casino in Lac du Flambeau is open. The casino's management is reassuring its guests and the general public that it is maintaining normal business operations and customers are welcome to come and enjoy gaming."
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"From a certain point onward, there is no turning back. That is the point that must be reached." Franz Kafka
