BROWN COUNTY, Wis (WFRV) – As the nation marks Native American Heritage Day, Brown County is taking time to recognize the history, resilience, and modern-day contributions of the Indigenous people who have long called this region home.
Once under-represented in official counts, often because racial identity was recorded in limited ways, the Indigenous population here is now more accurately reflected thanks to changes in how ancestry and race are recorded.
In Brown County, the number of people reporting they were “all or partly Indigenous” jumped by more than 3,200 between census counts, a 143% increase. This shift reflects both better census methods and more people embracing mixed ancestry, an important acknowledgment of the complexity of Native American/Indigenous identity.
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Much of the Native American/Indigenous population in the area is affiliated with the Oneida Nation, which has a significant presence in Brown County. The Oneida Nation is also one of the largest employers in the county, providing jobs to hundreds, both Native and non-Native, making the tribe a major part of the local economy.
But increased visibility does not erase the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous people, especially children. A 2023 report found that Native children in Brown and neighboring Outagamie County are disproportionately represented in child welfare removals: although Native children make up less than 1% of the child population, they accounted for about 32% of children removed from homes in Brown County.
Advocates and tribal leaders say these removals, often driven by systemic issues such as poverty, lack of access to services, and the lingering effects of intergenerational trauma, disrupt families and cultural community ties. Many emphasize the role of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in ensuring that when children are removed, preference is given to extended family or tribal placements, a safeguard for preserving cultural identity.
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For Brown County residents, especially those living in and around Green Bay, Native American Heritage Day is more than a symbolic observance. It’s a moment to recognize that the land we live on has long belonged to Indigenous people, and that today’s Native American/Indigenous communities remain integral to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region.
It’s also a reminder of the inequalities still present, and a call to support efforts to uplift Indigenous families, strengthen tribal services, and ensure that every child and family is treated justly and with respect.
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For those looking to support these communities beyond Native American Heritage Day, here are several Native-owned or Native-affiliated businesses in Green Bay and the surrounding region:
• Off the Trail — Green Bay
Indigenous-owned fast-casual restaurant on S. Packerland Dr., offering affordable, fresh meals rooted in community and culture.
• Oneida Market — Oneida/Green Bay area
A tribally operated store featuring Oneida-grown beef, bison, white corn, farm products, snacks, and locally sourced Indigenous foods.
• Cedar & Sage Grill House — Oneida
A restaurant highlighting seasonal, Indigenous-inspired cuisine made with ingredients from Oneida farms and regional producers.
• Oneida Arts Program & Marketplace — Oneida
Offers beading, crafts, artwork, workshops, and Indigenous artisan goods created by Oneida artists and community members.
• Oneida Cannery & Farm (Agri-Business) — Oneida
Produces traditional white corn products, bison, grass-fed beef, maple syrup, and other tribally grown foods that appear in local shops and restaurants.
• Tsyunhehkwa (Oneida Nation) — Oneida
A well-known agricultural program focused on traditional food restoration, heirloom white corn, and Indigenous sustainable farming practices. Their products are often available at Oneida Market and special events.
• Woodland Indian Art, Inc. — Regional
An Indigenous-run nonprofit that supports Native artists throughout Wisconsin, hosting annual markets, galleries, and workshops in the Green Bay/Oneida area.
