
- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
At approximately 8:30 AM this morning, a fire broke out in a guest room on the second floor of the Lac Vieux Desert Dancing Eagles Hotel (“Hotel”), located at the Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino and Resort, located in Watersmeet, Michigan, owned by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (“Tribe”).
The Tribe extends its heartfelt gratitude to Casino Maintenance Worker Kirk Leaton, whose swift action saved the occupant of the room. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man and his family as he receives treatment for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, he is in stable condition. The Tribe is also relieved to report that the Hotel’s fire suppression system successfully contained the fire until first responders arrived. An assessment of the damage is currently underway.
“We will be forever grateful for the prompt response and quick action of Casino staff, the Watersmeet Fire Department, the Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police Department, and all area fire departments who assisted in extinguishing the fire, containing the area, and ensuring guest safety,” said James Williams, Jr., Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Chairman.
Hotel staff are working diligently to minimize disruptions for current and future guests, though check-in times may be delayed as safety remains the Tribe’s top priority. At this time, the fire has had minimal impact on Casino operations. While lodging availability may be affected, the Dr. Pool Tournament scheduled for March 7–9 will proceed as planned, along with the continued operation of other Casino amenities.
For inquiries regarding Hotel reservations or Casino amenities, please contact us at 906-358-4226.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Photographs of the Homecoming of the Three Fires Powwow
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher