The Menominee's original land base was approximately 10 million acres in what is now Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Various treaties concluding in the mid-nineteenth century ceded most of this land, leaving the Reservation with its present acreage.

Keshena Falls on the Menominee Reservation

In 1953, the federal government began a policy of termination of federal services to selected Indian tribes. The purpose of the policy was to end federal responsibility to Indians by dissolving tribal structures and acculturating Indians into white America. The federal government judged that the Menominees were economically a sound tribe and in 1961 the Menominee Reservation was terminated. The Menominees were no longer recognized as an Indian tribe by Congress. Economic hardship resulted as the protection and benefits guaranteed by treaties were withdrawn. Many tribal members moved to Chicago as part of the Relocation Program put in place at the same time.

The only financial solution for individuals seemed to be to sell the land. Tribal culture and the economic and social well-being of the people were clearly threatened; therefore, tribal members organized a movement to restore Federal recognition. This was eventually accomplished in 1973. The reservation was restored by law in 1974. Today, the Menominee Nation is economically stable; its economic base of lumbering and a tribally-owned sawmill and gaming also help to provide economic stability to the community.

Menominee leaders and providers of support services need credentialing for the unique knowledge and skills they possess. There are education programs on the Reservation that provide training for specific skills. These courses are often offered through extension programs from nearby technical schools, colleges and universities; however, the potential student population is small. Students previously had to leave the Reservation to earn a baccalaureate degree. Often this was not possible if they were to maintain leadership or service roles in the community. These students are precisely the people toward whom the mission of NAES College is directed.

In January of 1989, the Menominee Tribal Legislature passed a resolution that authorized NAES to operate. Courses offered have included the NAES required courses and core seminars, Menominee language classes and general education courses. Recognizing the interrelatedness of the land and culture, the core of the Menominee program focuses on the management and protection of the natural and cultural resources.

Since the Menominee campus was established in 1989, twenty one students have graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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