Information and Permit Applications

1854 IDENTIFICATION CARDS
An 1854 identification card is required by any Grand Portage or Bois Forte Band member who intends to pursue harvest activities in the 1854 Ceded Territory. ID cards are issued at the main 1854 Treaty Authority Duluth-office and occasionally at powwows and community events. See our issuing policy.

*As of December 15th, 2023, the COVID era provision regarding use of Tribal ID's in lieu of an 1854 card has now EXPIRED and band members must have a valid 1854 ID Card while exercising treaty rights.

LICENSES for off-reservation treaty hunting
Off-reservation treaty harvest permits are required for big game (deer & bear) hunting in the ceded territory. Permits can be obtained at the 1854 Treaty Authority Duluth-office, received from an 1854 Conservation Officer, or picked up at Issuing/Registration Stations. Band members may also apply for big game permits by printing an application form and mailing it to our office.

HARVEST REGISTRATION
All Band members harvesting big game must register their animal and provide the requested information. Big game can be registered at the 1854 Treaty Authority Duluth-office, from an 1854 Conservation Officer and at these Issuing/Registration Stations. Additionally, deer can also be registered online. Bobcat, river otter, fisher and pine marten furs must be registered with an 1854 Conservation Officer or at the 1854 Treaty Authority Duluth-office.

DESIGNATED HUNTER
1854 ID card holders 55 years of age or older and/or disabled may designate a hunter to harvest for them.

DISABILITY PERMITS
Disability permits are available to band members that allow harvesting from a motor vehicle. Disability verification is needed from licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or certified physician’s assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician or chiropractor.   

NATIONAL FOREST CAMPING
Grand Portage and Bois Forte Band members may use designated USFS Superior National Forest campgrounds exempt of fees. Band members must have an 1854 ID card on their person and agree to abide by both the USFS Regulations and the 1854 Superior National Forest Camping Regulations.

BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS ACCESS
Grand Portage and Bois Forte Band members are not required to obtain a permit to access the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). An 1854 ID card, acts in lieu of a BWCAW permit. Treaty rights access to the BWCAW can include immediate family (spouse, those of lineal decent/ascent, i.e., a parent, grandparent, child and/or grandchildren) when accompanying an enrollee. Any other members of the party (not enrolled nor immediate family) are required to have a BWCAW permit. All rules and regulations prescribed for the wilderness area are to be followed while accessing the BWCAW. Review theBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide before your visit.

STATE PARKS ACCESS
All members of federally recognized Tribes within Minnesota’s borders may access any of the 75 state parks and recreation areas free of charge. Displaying a vehicle permit is required. Receive vehicle permits through Bois Forte and Grand Portage Tribal governments, or at the front office upon entry to state parks. Tribal members must present accepted identification to obtain a permit. See the access rules.

LICENSING WATERCRAFT, ATV’s, AND SNOWMOBILES
Grand Portage and Bois Forte Band members must have a valid state license for any watercraft or vehicles used while exercising treaty rights in the 1854 Ceded Territory.

1854 TREATY AUTHORITY SERVICES 
Review Grand Portage and Bois Forte Band member treaty harvest rights and 1854 Treaty Authority organization services in the Member Information Booklet.