The Menominee Indian Study Committee was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1955 to study and advise on the problems arising from termination of federal supervision over the Menominee Tribe. Specifically, the Committee was to aid the Menominee “in formulating a plan for the future control of tribal property and service functions now under the federal government.” The University of Wisconsin was requested to cooperate in providing facilities and personnel for the study. The University responded by appointing a special coordinating committee headed by sociology professor Burton R. Fisher. Professor David W. Ames of the Department of Anthropology did extensive research for the study. Other members of the Committee included the attorney general, individuals representing various state agencies, legislators, representatives of the Oconto and Shawano County Boards, and members of the Menominee Indian governing councils. After termination of reservation status in 1959, the Committee continued in existence, to study the possibility of public access to the forests and waters in the newly created Menominee County.
