Meyer Group, P.C. selected as Architect for New Indian Bowl

The Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Living Arts and Culture Center’s Board of Directors recently selected the Meyer Group, P.C., as architect for the new Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Living Arts & Culture Center. The Indian Bowl was demolished last September to make way for the new facility.

“It’s exciting to be one step closer to making this a reality,” said Board President Georgine Brown. “The Indian Bowl has been an integral part of our community for over 60 years.”

Groundbreaking for Phase One will take place in August, when work will begin on a new amphitheater for the Pow-wow grounds. A Grand Opening is planned for May, 2016. Work will continue on the Living Arts & Culture Center, which will be built next to the George W. Brown, Jr. Museum.

“We are really honored to be selected by Lac du Flambeau to assist in developing this facility. Having been involved in earlier studies and the design competition, we know how important redevelopment of the Bowl is to the community in terms of preservation of Ojibwe culture and downtown economic development,” said Tim Meyer, Principal Architect of the Meyer Group.

The Indian Bowl has been a centerpiece of cultural sharing and education for Lac du Flambeau and the surrounding Northwoods community since 1951. Visitors from around the world have traveled to Northern Wisconsin to experience the rich heritage and traditions shared by the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe. Traditional dance and storytelling performances have brought together audiences to bridge cultural understanding for more than 60 years.

For many summers, the Indian Bowl was the epicenter of gatherings and celebrations for Indian and non-Indian families alike. Each year tourists journeyed to the Northwoods of Lac du Flambeau (Waaswaaganing) to enjoy Ojibwe culture and tradition. Guests were treated to an authentic Native American experience, and took home lasting memories and a piece of living history.

The venue offered Tribal artisans and historians a place to showcase the best in Native American creativity and traditional cuisine. The economic impact has been vital to the community and the region, with many families relying upon the seasonal income to supplement their traditional subsistence lifestyle.

Over $1 million has been collected or committed for the $3.8 million Indian Bowl project. Funding has come from the general public, Federal agencies, and the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

To support the Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Living Arts and Culture Center, donations may be made payable to the Indian Bowl, c/o NNEC, Inc. (Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, Inc.), P.O. Box 786, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538.

Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in partnership with the Lac du Flambeau Tribe.