Without a doubt, life for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa has had its share of ups and downs. As traditional societies have evolved and changed, so have the Turtle Mountain Chippewa. From the invasion of settlers to government disloyalty, relocation and termination to self-governance and self-determination, the past century has been marked by countless changes the tribe has had to endure and their resilience is evident in their greatest resource–their people.
Today, the Turtle Mountain Reservation has approximately 31,000 enrolled members with around 14,500 tribal members living on or near the reservation. Despite having a relatively well-educated population, economic woes have plagued the drive. In recent years, the tribe, along with many others, have turned to gaming to boost the economy.
A stable government, economy, and educational system are critical to tribes across the country. Perhaps most encouraging, however, is the revived interest in tribal teachings. Elders who have preserved traditional customs and who have maintained spiritual and cultural practices are passing these on through modeling and oral history. Many young people are exploring their ancestral roots and rediscovering what was lost, stolen, and forbidden, and carrying the story onward for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.