NAFPS Forum
General => Frauds => Topic started by: Advanced Smite on November 26, 2022, 10:47:03 am
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I came across “nibiiwakamigkwe” when information on one of their performances showed up in my social media newsfeed. They were only identified by a single Anishinaabe name which piqued my interest about whether we could have friends or family in common. Their bio contained language often associated with people that may be misrepresenting their race or ethnicity.
nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Katie Le Claire / Kathryn Le Claire identifies as a “Two-Spirit Métis, Onyota’a:ka (Oneida), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Cuban and waabishkiiwed artist.” They “co-own and operate giige, an Indigenous and Queer art and tattoo space” in Madison, Wisconsin and are the “first Community Leader-in-Residence with the University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology” which is a grant-funded position through the Equity & Justice Network.
nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Katie Le Claire / Kathryn Le Claire has been given a platform to share their perceived knowledge on these topics in Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas (not intended to be a complete list):
• Indigenous Art
• Indigenous Craftwork
• Indigenous Feminism
• Indigenous Culture & Identity
• Indigenous Tattooing
• Jingle Dancing
• Throat Singing
• Food Sovereignty
• Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women
• Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Metis Culture
Questionable Claims:
• Cuban: Claimed to be Cuban in bios, interviews, and elsewhere through August 31, 2020. In bios and interviews that have occurred since September 2020 to the present day it appears they are no longer actively claiming to be Cuban.
• Oneida: Claims to “…sit in the bear clan of the Oneida Nation of New York.” They said they provided “two laceworks made by my grandmother, Kateri Johnson and her mother Theresia Hill—both Bear Clan Oneida women” to the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection at the Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery at UW-Madison. Stated in a presentation that “several Haudenosaunee groups have moved further west or north, including the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin who came here with the 1838 treaty. My family was not one of those to come over and so they remained in New York until about the Great Depression when they came to Wisconsin to try to farm.”
• Anishinaabe: Claims to be “Martin Clan from the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.” There is one example of them saying “I’m Martin Clan, a descendant of the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Ojibwe.”
• Metis: Claims to be “Métis from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba." There is one example of them saying “I am a Metis descendant from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba, Canada.”
• Northern Wisconsin: Claims to have been “born and raised in northern Wisconsin.”
In my opinion, based on publicly available information:
• Kathryn Elizabeth Le Claire was born and raised in southern Wisconsin by their parents, Brian and Carol (Johnson) Le Claire. They graduated from Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin.
o Maternal Ancestry: German and Swedish
o Paternal Ancestry: German, Swedish, and French Canadian
• Physical appearance has drastically changed from 2012 to 2022 – hair and eyebrows changed from dark blonde/light brown to black, skin tone appears darker
Over the next few days, I will:
• Share nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Katie Le Claire / Kathryn Le Claire’s genealogy with supporting documentation. Another NAFPS contributor assisted with development of nibiiwakamigkwe’s family tree which was greatly appreciated.
• Breakdown how publicly available information refutes nibiiwakamigkwe’s claims of Cuban, Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Metis descent.
• Provide a timeline of interviews, presentations, and performances with significant excerpts and/or transcribed text along with links to source material or attachments.
I hope anyone with firsthand experience or additional information will contribute to this thread.
SOURCES
Many of the sources below were utilized in this post. Others have been included as background information. I will post what I’ve been able to find in greater detail over the next few days. Everything has been saved offline in the event of broken links.
Community Leader-in-Residence
https://cdmc.wisc.edu/equity-justice-initiatives/ (https://cdmc.wisc.edu/equity-justice-initiatives/)
Center for Design and Material Culture Conversation Series: nibiiwakamigkwe https://mediaspace.wisc.edu/media/CDMC+Conversation+SeriesA+nibiiwakamigkwe/1_40nql0q5 (https://mediaspace.wisc.edu/media/CDMC+Conversation+SeriesA+nibiiwakamigkwe/1_40nql0q5)
Collateral Damage Project – Nibiiwakamigkwe Artist Gallery
https://www.collateraldamageproject.com/Artists-Galleries/Nibiiwakamigkwe/ (https://www.collateraldamageproject.com/Artists-Galleries/Nibiiwakamigkwe/)
Center the Movement, Not You – By nibiiwakamigkwe
https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/)
The Great Madison LGBTQ+ Artist Survey of 2020 – “Kay LeClaire/nibiiwakamigkwe”
https://ourliveswisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/OL80.pdf (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/OL80.pdf)
Nibiiwakamigkwe Wants Madison to Re-Indigenize Pride
https://web.archive.org/web/20221112164145/https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html (https://web.archive.org/web/20221112164145/https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html)
nibiiwakamigkwe Artist Profile
https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe (https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe)
“Katie Le Claire” Senior Picture
https://hhscg.weebly.com/alumni.html (https://hhscg.weebly.com/alumni.html)
Hamilton High School National Merit Scholar Article
https://www.hamilton.k12.wi.us/news-releases/2011/10/hamilton-students-recognized-in-nmsc-competition-2 (https://www.hamilton.k12.wi.us/news-releases/2011/10/hamilton-students-recognized-in-nmsc-competition-2)
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nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire/ Kathryn Le Claire (KL) claims to “sit in the Bear Clan of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York” and, of all three Indigenous nations they claim, has given the most detailed information about their allegedly Oneida ancestors. This post will primarily focus on their maternal grandmother’s genealogy and Oneida claims.
The Oneida Indian Nation of New York has a matrilineal clan system. You can read about how it still shapes the Oneida Indian Nation of New York today on their website: https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/about/oin-leadership/ (https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/about/oin-leadership/)
If KL were indeed Bear Clan, she would have inherited the connection the following way: KL’s Maternal Grandmother > KL’s Mother > KL
Here is a selection of the detailed claims that KL has made about their connection to the Oneida; specifically, the Oneida Indian Nation of New York:
September 8, 2021: Sacred Wisdom, Sacred Earth Day One Food Panel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5nGcR1eZSU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5nGcR1eZSU)
Transcription begins at 54:14:
nibiiwakamigkwe: "So, I’ll start with my Haudenosaunee relatives. We are all kind of in the northeast or the eastern woodlands portion of- of this continent. Really moving along what is now called the St. Lawrence River. Um. You know. What is now sometimes referred to as upstate New York or New England. Several Haudenosaunee groups have moved further west or north including the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin who came here with the 1838 treaty. Um. My family was not one of those to come over and so they remained in New York until about the Great Depression when they came to Wisconsin to try to farm a little bit better -um- or with less - fewer land pressures, I should say.”
October 17, 2021: University of Wisconsin Center for Design and Material Culture
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU5Twxwrfxe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (https://www.instagram.com/p/CU5Twxwrfxe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)
“Today on Indigenous Peoples’ day we feature one of the pieces on display in Lace from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection.
The history of lace-work among the Haudenosaunee initially started in 1898, when Sybil Carter, an Episcopalian missionary, introduced lace making to the women of Oneida Nation near De Pere, Wisconsin. She developed a piecework system in which the teachers, materials, and patterns were sent to the women on reservations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Mexico, and California. The finished pieces were considered a high commodity among New York society women and won many awards internationally.
For many Oneida women, their work through the lace industry became a substantial revenue for their communities. Yet, many were never given proper recognition for the work they created. In many of the lace pieces, you will find no name connected to the work, and very little research is done to correct this. Included in our Lace exhibition is an example of Haudenosaunee lace-work told through the family members of nibiiwakamigkwe, a Métis, Onyota’a:ka, Anishinaabe, Cuban and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist in Madison, WI. This piece represents the ongoing resilience of the Haudenosaunee people and the continuation of their traditional ways of making and looking at the adoption of newer art forms within their communities.
When the missionaries left the Oneida reservation in 1909, Josephine Hill Webster, a member of the Wisconsin Oneida Nation, became the lace-makers leader in the area. After the Sybil Carter Indian Lace Association disbanded in 1926, Webster and many other Oneida women continued making and selling lace locally for many years.
This piece was created by Theresia Hill of Oneida-Bear Clan. Theresia was born in upstate New York and was taught lacemaking at what she described as a Catholic girls finishing school. She made lace for 50 years and was taught bobbin, needle, crochet, and knit lace techniques over her life and passed them along to her daughters - she had ten children. Based on items found in her daughter, Kateri's, sewing containers, they both used cotton or linen thread and sometimes wool.
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December 8, 2021: Artist Profile: nibiiwakamigkwe - Written By Rachel Werner
https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe (https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe)
https://web.archive.org/web/20221112210236/https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe (https://web.archive.org/web/20221112210236/https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe)
4) Fave installation, exhibition, writing or performance by another artist that you've recently encountered?
It is absolutely Lace from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection at the Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery (part of the UW-Madison School of Human Ecology). Not only is it gorgeously designed and curated, but I was asked to provide two laceworks made by my grandmother, Kateri Johnson and her mother Theresia Hill—both Bear Clan Oneida women. My grandmother taught me how to bead, quill, sew, tuft, weave and the importance of them. But neither she, nor her mother, would have ever considered themselves artists or expected to see their works in a gallery. This felt so special. I knew the pieces would be safe and respected there since I had viewed Dakota Mace's (Diné) and Kendra Greendeer's (Ho Chunk, Ojibwe) Intersections: Indigenous Textiles of the Americas in the same gallery two years prior. I'm so grateful there are faculty, staff and students at the UW-Madison committed to telling the stories and histories of Indigenous lacemaking and art. Getting these pieces back will be so surreal. Also I hope they can be viewed by others in the future.
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May 2022: papercut work from Nibiiwakamigkwe – Collateral Damage Project
https://www.collateraldamageproject.com/Artists-Galleries/Nibiiwakamigkwe/ (https://www.collateraldamageproject.com/Artists-Galleries/Nibiiwakamigkwe/)
I, and all my matrilineal ancestors before me, sit in the…bear clan of the...Oneida Nation, part of the Haudenosaunee//Iroquois Confederacy. Our role has always been that of medicine carriers and protectors of the people. Traditional Haudenosaunee tattooing practices carry medicine both physically and spiritually, and our connections to place, community, and our own identities are held within these lines.
In creating...a resting place, it was important that the piece exist on both sides of pre- and post-contact. Haudenosaunee chest tattoos depict the land the wearer comes from. After the suicide of several of my cousins, this design does not currently have a young male family member to carry it. But, this piece can still be worn as a yoke over the chest; emblematic of contemporary Oneida regalia, but only composed from pre-contact materials. It is a reminder to keep our hearts wrapped in leather for protection, and remember where we come from.
As someone with c-PTSD, descended from Native ancestors with similar trauma, these pieces combined acknowledge permanence and impermanence of mental states across families and culture.
To summarize, KL claims:
- Their Bear Clan Oneida grandmother is Kateri Johnson.
- Kateri Johnson had lace made by her mother, Theresia Hill, in her sewing box.
- Kateri Johnson taught KL how to bead, quill, sew, tuft, weave and the importance of them.
- Their Bear Clan Oneida great grandmother is Theresia Hill.
- Theresia Hill was born in upstate New York.
- Theresia Hill learned lace making at what “she described as a girls Catholic finishing school” and made lace for 50 years. She
taught her daughters to make lace.
- Theresia Hill had 10 children.
- KL's Oneida ancestors lived in New York until “about the Great Depression” when they moved to Wisconsin to farm.
- KL's family has a Haudenosaunee chest tattoo design that does not currently have a young male family member to carry it after the
suicide of several of KL’s male cousins.
I looked at Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson’s maternal AND paternal family's genealogy. Related to the claims above, this is what I found:
- KL’s maternal grandmother was Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson, NOT Kateri Johnson.
- Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson’s paternal AND maternal grandparents were all born in Germany and immigrated to the United
States between the years 1874-1887.
- KL’s great-grandmother and Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson’s mother was Theresa (Hastreiter) Ortlieb, NOT Theresia Hill.
- Theresa (Hastreiter) Ortlieb was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin in 1904.
- I can find no record of her living in New York before or during the Great Depression.
- KL’s great-great-grandmother, Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson’s grandmother, and Theresa (Hastreiter) Ortlieb’s mother was Theresia
(Reitmeier) Hastreiter, NOT Theresia Hill.
- Theresia (Reitmeier) Hastreiter arrived in Baltimore, Maryland from Germany on April 20, 1887, with her fiancée, Joseph
Hastreiter.
- The couple were married 10 days later, on April 30, 1887, in Medford, Wisconsin.
- I can find no record of her living in New York before or during the Great Depression.
Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson's maternal and paternal grandparents were all born in Germany, were listed as "white" on every census, birth certificate, and death certificate, AND did not live with/near the tribes claimed.
In my opinion, based on publicly available information, Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson could not be the source of nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire/ Kathryn Le Claire’s claims of Oneida, Anishinaabe, Metis, or Cuban ancestry. It directly calls into question her Oneida claims based on the specificity of her statements. To "sit in the Bear Clan of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York" KL would need their mother, maternal grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandma to be Oneida. At this point in time, the documentation indicates they were German. Now I am looking at KL's genealogy through their paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather for Cuban, Anishinaabe (Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Chippewa), and Metis ancestry which would prove their claims. Despite KL's statements tying their Oneida ancestry to their maternal grandmother, I will continue to look for an Oneida connection with their paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.
The supporting documentation exceeded the character limit for a single post. It will be posted separately.
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Mother
Carol Ann Johnson
B: xx/xx/xxxx
Married: Brian John Le Claire
Maternal Grandmother
Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
B: 23 Jul 1933 - Dorchester, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
D: 23 Jan 2013 - Port Orange, Volusia, Florida, USA
Married: Donald Louis Johnson
Obituary: https://www.heritageflagler.com/obituaries/Kathleen-Marie-Johnson/#!/Obituary
Parents of Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson
Rudolph Oscar Ortlieb
B: 17 Sep 1896 - Wisconsin, USA
D: 1 Jun 1988 - Clark County, Wisconsin, USA
Theresa Hastreiter
B: 19 Jun 1904 - Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin, USA
D: 25 May 1977 - Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin, USA
Maternal Grandparents of Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
Joseph Hastreiter (Immigrated in 1887)
B: 16 Feb 1862 Germany
D: 16 Jun 1937 Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin, USA
Theresia Reitmeier (Immigrated in 1887)
B: 28 Oct 1865 Germany
D: 20 Dec 1941 Wood County, Wisconsin, USA
Paternal Grandparents of Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
Gottlob Ortlieb (Immigrated in 1884)
B: 26 Nov 1846 - Germany
D: 21 Jun 1917 - Clark, Wisconsin, USA
Johanne Friederike (Frieda) Wilhelmine Schauland (Immigrated in 1874)
B: 19 Apr 1864 - Fergitz, Uckermark, Brandenburg, Germany
D: 18 Mar 1936 - Dorchester, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: KATHLEEN MARIE (ORTLIEB) JOHNSON: 1933-2013
Obituary
Connects Kathryn Le Claire to their parents, Brian Le Claire and Carol (Johnson) Le Claire and Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson
https://www.heritageflagler.com/obituaries/Kathleen-Marie-Johnson/#!/Obituary (https://www.heritageflagler.com/obituaries/Kathleen-Marie-Johnson/#!/Obituary)
Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
Race White
Age 21
Birth Date 23 Jul 1933
Marriage Date 10 Jun 1955
Marriage Place Overland, St Louis, Missouri, USA
Spouse Donald Louis Johnson
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Kathleen Ortlieb
Age 16
Birth Date 1934
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Dorchester, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
Household Members (Name, Age)
Rudolph J Ortlieb 53
Theresa Ortlieb 45
Jerome Ortlieb 21
Donald Ortlieb 20
Kathleen Ortlieb 16
James Ortlieb 15
Jeann Ortlieb 12
John Ortlieb 10
Shirley Ann Ortlieb Mar
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Kathleen M Ortlieb
Age 6
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Home in 1940 Dorchester, Clark, Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Rudolph O Ortlieb 43
Theresa Ortlieb 35
Bernice Pencek 20
Eugene R Ortlieb 14
Jerome A Ortlieb 11
Donald J Ortlieb 10
Kathleen M Ortlieb 6
James H Ortlieb 5
Joan Ortlieb 2
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MATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF KATHLEEN MARIE (ORTLIEB) JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: JOSEPH HASTREITER (1862-1937)
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Joseph Hastreiter
Birth Year 1862
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 68
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Immigration Year 1880
Naturalization Naturalized
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 68
Theresa Hastreiter 64
Frank Hastreiter 19
*Joseph Hastreiter entered the United States in 1880, but returned to Germany when his father died two years later. He returned in 1887 with his fiancée. They arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on April 20, 1887 and were married in Medford, Wisconsin 10 days later on April 30, 1887. Source: Joseph Hastreiter's Obituary
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Joseph Hastreiter
Age 58
Birth Year 1862
Birthplace Pennsylvania*
Home in 1920 Colby, Marathon, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 58
Theresa Hastreiter 54
Theresa Hastreiter 15
John Hastreiter 14
Barbara Hastreiter 11
Francis Hastreiter 9
*Joseph Hastreiter’s birthplace documented as “Pennsylvania” on the 1920 census is inconsistent with other available records. It is not a transcription error, and the actual census does read “Pennsylvania.” I can’t speak to why, but I can’t find any other record that corroborates it. On the contrary, all other records directly refute it with Joseph Hastreiter's birthplace always listed as “Germany.”
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Joseph J Hastreiter
Age in 1910 48
Birth Date 1862
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Woodside, Otter Tail, Minnesota, USA
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1887
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse's Name Theresa Hastreiter
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph J Hastreiter 48
Theresa Hastreiter 44
Louis Hastreiter 19
Mary Hastreiter 17
Micheal Hastreiter 16
Tony Hastreiter 10
Theresa Hastreiter 6
John Hastreiter 3
Barbara Hastreiter 1
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Joseph Hastreiter
Age 38
Birth Date Feb 1862
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1887
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 13
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 38
Theresea Hastreiter 35
Joseph Hastreiter 11
Alvis Hastreiter 10
Mary Hastreiter 6
Mihy Hastreiter 4
Anton Hastreiter 5/12
Wisconsin, U.S., Marriage Records, 1820-2004
Name Josef Hastreiter
Marriage Date 30 Apr 1887
Marriage County Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Spouse Theresia Reitmeier
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., Passenger Lists, 1820-1964
Name Josef Hastreiter
Gender Male
Race Batavian
Age 25
Birth Date 1862
Port of Departure Bremen, Germany
Arrival Date 20 Apr 1887
Port of Arrival Baltimore, Maryland
Ship Name Koln
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Is the link certain between Kathryn Le Claire (the person in question) and the parents you have the genealogy for (Carol Ann Johnson and Brian John Le Claire)? Is there a chance that Carol and Brian's child Kathryn Le Claire is someone else with the same name?
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Is the link certain between Kathryn Le Claire (the person in question) and the parents you have the genealogy for (Carol Ann Johnson and Brian John Le Claire)? Is there a chance that Carol and Brian's child Kathryn Le Claire is someone else with the same name?
That's a great question, cellophane. All I had was the name "nibiiwakamigkwe" to start. I was able to connect nibiiwakamigkwe to the name "Kay LeClaire" here: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/OL80.pdf
From there, I was able to use the University of Wisconsin Directory to find this information:
Directory Search Result
Name Kay LeClaire
Also known as: KATHRYN E LE CLAIRE
E-mail
xxxxxxxxxx@wisc.edu
Title
Comm Leadership in Residence
Division
SCHOOL OF HUMAN ECOLOGY
Department
EXHIBITS & COLLECTIONS
Unit
HELEN L ALLEN TEXTILE COLLECTION
Mailing address
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Madison, WI xxxxx
The directory information matches with nibiiwakamigkwe being the Community Leader in Residence with the University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology. It appears they removed the space in "Le Claire" and began using "LeClaire" at some point.
I was able to find a social media profile under the name "Kay LeClaire" that had the same pictures of themselves posted as a "nibiiwakamigkwe" account on another social media platform. The "Kay LeClaire" account had pictures "liked" by a relative listed in the obituaries of Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson and Donald Louis Johnson. I have screenshots of this should it disappear.
It is highly coincidental that nibiiwakamigkwe claimed her maternal grandmother, Kateri Johnson, and maternal great-grandmother, Theresia Hill made the lace they placed in an exhibit. Kathryn Le Claire's grandmother is Kathleen (Ortleib) Johnson and their great-grandmother is Theresa (Hastreiter) Ortleib and their great-great-grandmother is Theresia (Reitmeier) Hastreiter.
The biggest connector was a family genealogy site run by a relative of Kathryn Le Claire. The person that runs the website has spent quite a bit of time compiling information. Honestly, it's impressive. It has pictures from KL's wedding which are different poses, but match the people in photos on the other social media accounts connected to Kay LeClaire. The family genealogy website lists Kathryn Le Claire's parents as Brian and Carol. It also lists their husband. It is possible to verify through social media that same husband listed on the genealogy site is married to nibiiwakamigkwe. I was also able to verify that nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire's husband, AP, graduated from Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin, just like Kathryn Le Claire. I am not going to link the site as it has birthdates for living people. I will provide it to a moderator for verification, if requested.
I hope someone else will look into it independently and confirm the match between nibiiwakamigkwe > Kay LeClaire > Kathryn Le Claire and that Kathryn Le Claire is the daughter of Brian and Carol (Johnson) Le Claire. In my opinion, based on publicly available information, it's a match, and only question it due to the amount of physical change (light hair/eyebrows to dark hair/eyebrows, darker skin tone), but mostly because of what being right means. In my opinion, it would be on the level of Jessica Krug and C.V. Vitolo Haddad who had connections to the University of Wisconsin, as well. Whenever I come across something KL wrote, like this: https://web.archive.org/web/20211206050046/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/ , I go back through everything, because it just seems too crazy to be true.
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MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF KATHLEEN MARIE (ORTLIEB) JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: THERESIA REITMEIER (1865-1941)
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Theresa Hastreiter
Birth Year 1866
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 64
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1930 Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Language Spoken German
Immigration Year 1880*
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 68
Theresa Hastreiter 64
Frank Hastreiter 19
*Per Joseph Hastreiter’s obituary, he briefly immigrated to Wisconsin in 1880. He returned to Germany after 2 years due to the death of his father. He returned in 1887 with his fiancée which is consistent with all other documentation for Theresia Reitmeier. It is most likely that Joseph Hastreiter’s initial immigration year was provided to the census taker and erroneously applied to Theresia, as well.
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Theresa Hastreiter
Age 54
Birth Year 1866
Birthplace Austria*
Home in 1920 Colby, Marathon, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1887
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Austria*
Mother's Birthplace Austria*
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 58
Theresa Hastreiter 54
Theresa Hastreiter 15
John Hastreiter 14
Barbara Hastreiter 11
Francis Hastreiter 9
*Theresia Reitmeier Hastreiter and her parent’s birthplaces all documented as “Austria” on the 1920 census is inconsistent with other available records. It is not a transcription error, and the actual census does read “Austria.” I can’t speak to why, but I can’t find any other record that corroborates it. On the contrary, all other records directly refute it with Theresia Reitmeier Hastreiter and her parent’s birthplaces always listed as “Germany.”
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Theresa Hastreiter
Age in 1910 44
Birth Date 1866
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Woodside, Otter Tail, Minnesota, USA
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1887
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph J Hastreiter 48
Theresa Hastreiter 44
Louis Hastreiter 19
Mary Hastreiter 17
Michael Hastreiter 16
Tony Hastreiter 10
Theresa Hastreiter 6
John Hastreiter 3
Barbara Hastreiter 1
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Theresa Hastreiter
Age 35
Birth Date Oct 1864
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Marshfield, Wood, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1887
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 13
Household Members (Name, Age)
Joseph Hastreiter 38
Theresa Hastreiter 35
Joseph Hastreiter 11
Alvis Hastreiter 10
Mary Hastreiter 6
Mihy Hastreiter 4
Anton Hastreiter 5/12
Wisconsin, U.S., Marriage Records, 1820-2004
Name Theresia Reitmeier
Marriage Date 30 Apr 1887
Marriage County Wisconsin, USA
Spouse Josef Hastreiter
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., Passenger Lists, 1820-1964
Name Terese Reitmeyer
Gender Female
Race Batavian
Age 21
Birth Date 1866
Port of Departure Bremen, Germany
Arrival Date 20 Apr 1887
Port of Arrival Baltimore, Maryland
Ship Name Koln
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PATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF KATHLEEN MARIE (ORTLIEB) JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: GOTTLIEB ORTLIEB (1846-1917)
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Gottlieb Ortlieb
Age in 1910 63
Birth Date 1847
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1884
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Gottlieb Ortlieb 63
Frederica Ortlieb 45
Bertha Ortlieb 18
Selma Ortlieb 15
Rudolph Ortlieb 13
Albert Ortlieb 11
Amanda Ortlieb 7
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Gottlob Ortlieb
Age 54
Birth Date May 1846
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 16
Household Members (Name, Age)
Gottlob Ortlieb 54
Frieda Ortlieb 36
William Ortlieb 14
Emma Ortlieb 12
Herman Ortlieb 11
Ida Ortlieb 9
Bertha Ortlieb 8
Selma Ortlieb 5
Rudolph Ortlieb 3
Albert Ortlieb 1
1895 - Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905
Name Gottlieb Ortlieb
Residence Date 1895
Residence Place Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
Relationship Head
New York Port, Ship Images, 1851-1891
Name Gottlieb Ortlieb
Arrival Date 5 Apr 1884
Age 37
Gender Male
Port of Departure Bremen, Germany
Ship route Bremen-Southampton-NY
Port of Arrival New York, United States
Ship Name Elbe
Ship built 1881
Shipping Line North German Lloyd
Ship tonnage 4,897 tons; 418' x 44'
Ship description 4 masts, 2 funnels
PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF KATHLEEN MARIE (ORTLIEB) JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: JOHANNE FRIEDERIKE (FRIEDA) WILHELMINE SCHAULAND
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Frieda Ortlieb
Age 55
Birth Year 1865
Birthplace Wisconsin*
Home in 1920 Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Widowed
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Frieda Ortlieb 55
Herman Hingis 30
Rudolph Ortlieb 23
Albert Ortlieb 21
Amanda Ortlieb 17
*While Frieda (Schauland) Ortlieb is listed as being born in Wisconsin on several censuses, there are multiple types of records that indicate she was born in Germany, baptized in Germany, and immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1874. I can’t speak to the cause of the discrepancy but put more weight towards the records indicating she was born in Germany. It doesn’t change the outcome of this analysis for nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire whether Frieda (Schauland) Ortlieb was born in Wisconsin or Germany. It is clear Frieda’s parents were born in Germany.
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Frederica Ortlieb
Age in 1910 45
Birth Date 1865
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin, USA
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Spouse's Name Gottlieb Ortlieb
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Gottlieb Ortlieb 63
Frederica Ortlieb 45
Bertha Ortlieb 18
Selma Ortlieb 15
Rudolph Ortlieb 13
Albert Ortlieb 11
Amanda Ortlieb 7
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Frieda Ortlieb
Age 36
Birth Date Apr 1864
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Mayville, Clark, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Op Ortlieb 54
Frieda Ortlieb 36
William Ortlieb 14
Emma Ortlieb 12
Herman Ortlieb 11
Ida Ortlieb 9
Bertha Ortlieb 8
Selma Ortlieb 5
Rudolph Ortlieb 3
Albert Ortlieb 1
New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957
Name Frieda Schauland
Gender Female
Ethnicity/ Nationality German
Age 9
Birth Date 1864
Place of Origin Germany
Departure Port Liverpool, England and Queenstown, Ireland
Destination USA
Arrival Date 3 Nov 1873
Arrival Port New York, New York, USA
Ship Name Batavia
Germany, Prussia, Brandenburg and Posen, Select Church Book Duplicates, 1794-1874
Name Johanne Friederike Wilhelmine Schauland
Gender Female
Religion Evangelische
Birth Date 19. Apr 1864 (19 Apr 1864)
Baptism Date 8. Mai 1864 (8 May 1864)
Baptism Place Fergitz, Fergitz, Templin, Brandenburg, Germany
Baptism Age 0
Father Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Schauland
Mother Justine Christine Spann
Volume Year Range 1027, 1850-1874
Page 49
FHL Film Number 1334772
Brandenburg, Germany, Transcripts of Church Records, 1700-1874
Name Johanne Friederike Wilhelmine Schauland
Birth Date 19. Apr 1864 (19 Apr 1864)
Birth Place Fergitz, Brandenburg, Preußen (Germany)
Event Type Geburt (Birth)
Father Name Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Schauland
Mother Name Justine Christine Spann
Volume Number 1027
Collection Number 5
-
That's quite solid, thanks.
It's really striking for someone to ease into a new identity out of nothing (no vague rumors of Indian ancestry or such), and have it be so elaborate and all-consuming, in such a short time.
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4Ground Festival Connects People, Land, and Histories
https://www.artsmidwest.org/news/2022/06-13/4ground-festival-connects-people-land-and-histories
Throat-singing with Taiquaa//Ambe Omaa – ayaga//babaami-ayaa (to travel around)
Nibiiwakamigkwe, meanwhile, is Oneida, a descendent of the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, and registered with the Manitoba Métis Federation. Those tribes don’t have throat singing as part of their heritage, but nibiiwakamigkwe began learning the skill about 10 years ago, when they attended their cousin’s wedding and throat singing was a part of the festivities.
Is Kathryn really registered with them? Does the Federation require proof? nipinet, the other person claiming indigenous affiliation in Giige, is, in their bio (https://www.giige.co/gigiigemin), "a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and a direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa."
Did she have a cousin who married into an Inuit family?
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(she -> they).
nipinet themselves seem to be the same as Ned Pines, whose background and work history (in particular Thistle Studios) match those of Ned Landsem's LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-landsem-27a0809b). The pictures on Giige and LinkedIn could be the same person. Ned Landsem's job history (barista, writing tutor at Marquette) matches info (https://www.zoominfo.com/p/Rachel-Landsem/-1771518857) for Rachel Landsem. I also see recent references to nipinet Landsem. Rachel Landsem appears in some high school related news items from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Rachel Landsem was born in 1994 (graduated high school in 2012). I think their mother is Stephanie Landsem, a writer of Christian fiction. That is based on the following: Stephanie wrote in her website:
https://stephanielandsem.com/review-and-giveaway-clouds-a-memoir/
that she'd met fellow writer Laura Sobiech when Laura was pregnant with her son Zach, and when Stephanie's oldest daughter, Rachel, was one year old. Zach Sobiech (who died tragically at a young age) was born in May of 1995. That would put this Rachel's birth year in 1994 as well. Rachel Landsem graduated from St Croix Catholic Middle School in Minnesota in 2008. Bruce and Stephanie Landsem donated (https://www.stcroixcatholic.org/Development/Legacy%20Newsletter/157772_StCroixCatholicSchool_SummerLegacyNL.pdf) to St. Croix in 2015, as did Bruce's parents, Norman and Juanita Landsem.
Stephanie Landsem was born to William Wetzel and Jeannette Reardon, and appears (with Bruce) in Willianm Wetzel's obituary:
https://www.lemleychapel.com/memorials/william-red-wetzel-2/
From Norman and Juanita's marriage record, Juanita Landsem was born Juanita Mae Jeanotte. She and her parents, Leo and Josephine Jeanotte, are all listed as Indian in the 1940 census. Both parents were born in Belcourt, North Dakota, home of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa.
To sum: nipinet, Kathryn Le Claire's associate, is apparently indeed one-quarter Turtle Mountain Chippewa.
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4Ground Festival Connects People, Land, and Histories
https://www.artsmidwest.org/news/2022/06-13/4ground-festival-connects-people-land-and-histories
Throat-singing with Taiquaa//Ambe Omaa – ayaga//babaami-ayaa (to travel around)
Nibiiwakamigkwe, meanwhile, is Oneida, a descendent of the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, and registered with the Manitoba Métis Federation. Those tribes don’t have throat singing as part of their heritage, but nibiiwakamigkwe began learning the skill about 10 years ago, when they attended their cousin’s wedding and throat singing was a part of the festivities.
Is Kathryn really registered with them? Does the Federation require proof? nipinet, the other person claiming indigenous affiliation in Giige, is, in their bio (https://www.giige.co/gigiigemin), "a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and a direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa."
Did she have a cousin who married into an Inuit family?
Nipinet is a Turtle Mountain Chippewa descendant. KL has genuinely Indigenous people around her. Sometimes all it takes is one person to give you legitimacy and others follow...then when the red flags pop up it's hard to question the person. Especially when your work is interwined with them.
I hadn't seen that article. KL claiming to be "registered" with the Manitoba Metis Foundation? From what I've found, I don't think that would be possible. Her dad's Le Claire family is French Canadian. There is some difficulty tracing them back further than Chicago in the 1860s. The family member that runs the genealogy website seems to have worked on it fairly extensively. No suggestion of Metis ancestry. I'm going to work on getting the rest of the genealogy posted. Then I have some timelines that are really interesting.
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Kathryn Le Claire’s maternal grandfather was Donald Louis Johnson. Donald Louis Johnson was a descendant of German and Swedish immigrants to the United States. Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, it is possible to rule out KL’s mother, Carol (Johnson) Le Claire as the source of KL’s clamed Cuban, Oneida, Anishinaabe (Leech Lake), and Metis ancestry. That means it would all need to come from KL’s father, Brian John Le Claire.
Maternal Grandfather
Donald Louis Johnson
B: 28 May 1929 - Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
D: 22 Dec 2020 - Ormond Beach, Volusia, Florida, USA
Married: Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
Obituary: https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/donald-johnson/
Parents of Donald Louis Johnson
Kearney Luther Johnson
B: 11 Jan 1905 Kane County, Illinois, USA
D: 13 Aug 1964 Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Sophia Mathilda Sperl
B: 30 Apr 1908 Kennan, Price, Wisconsin, USA
D: 14 Jul 1988 Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Paternal Grandparents of Donald Louis Johnson
Gustav Johnson
B: 15 Jul 1871 - Indiana, USA
D: 11 Jan 1957 - Madison, Dane, Wisconsin, USA
Angie Sonnenfroh
B: 6 Feb 1882 - Germany
D: 17 Jun 1942 - Waupaca County, Wisconsin, USA
Maternal Grandparents of Donald Louis Johnson
Louis Sperl
B: 1866 Germany
D: 25 Jun 1943 Taylor County, Wisconsin, USA
Sophia Glockner
B: 1872 Germany
D: 16 Jul 1940 Taylor County, Wisconsin, USA
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: DONALD LOUIS JOHNSON (1929-2020)
Obituary: https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/donald-johnson/ (https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/donald-johnson/)
Obituary links Donald Louis Johnson to Carol (Johnson) Le Claire and Kathryn Le Claire.
Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Name Donald Louis Johnson
Race White
Age 26
Birth Date 28 May 1929
Marriage Date 10 Jun 1955
Marriage Place Overland, St Louis, Missouri, USA
Spouse Kathleen Marie Ortlieb
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Donald Johnson
Age 20
Birth Date 1930
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Son
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Household Members (Name, Age)
Kearney Johnson 45
Sophie Johnson 40
Raymond Johnson 22
Donald Johnson 20
Gerald Johnson 17
La Verne Johnson 12
Bonita Johnson 9
Barbara Johnson 7
David Johnson 4
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Donald Johnson
Age 10
Estimated Birth Year 1930
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Son
Home in 1940 Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Kernie G Johnson 35
Sophine Johnson 31
Raymond Johnson 12
Donald Johnson 10
Jarold Johnson 7
Lavern Johnson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Donald Johnson
Birth Year 1930
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 0
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Son
Home in 1930 Little Black, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Illinois
Mother's Birthplace Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Kearney Johnson 25
Sofie Johnson 22
Raymond Johnson 2
Donald Johnson 0
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FATHER OF DONALD LOUIS JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: KEARNEY LUTHER JOHNSON (1905-1964)
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Kearney Johnson
Age 45
Birth Date 1905
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Illinois
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Household members
Kearney Johnson 45
Sophie Johnson 40
Raymond Johnson 22
Donald Johnson 20
Gerald Johnson 17
La Verne Johnson 12
Bonita Johnson 9
Barbara Johnson 7
David Johnson 4
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Kernie G Johnson
Respondent Yes
Age 35
Estimated Birth Year 1905
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin
Map of Home in 1940 Merrill,Lincoln,Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935 Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin
Residence in 1935 Merrill, Arora, Illinois
Household members
Kernie G Johnson 35
Sophine Johnson 31
Raymond Johnson 12
Donald Johnson 10
Jarold Johnson 7
Lavern Johnson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Kearney Johnson
Birth Year 1905
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 25
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Little Black, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Map of Home Little Black,Taylor,Wisconsin
Father's Birthplace Illinois
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household members
Kearney Johnson 25
Sofie Johnson 22
Raymond Johnson 2
Donald Johnson 0
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Kearney Johnson
Age 14
Birth Year 1906
Birthplace Illinois
Home in 1920 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Indiana
Mother's Birthplace Württemberg
Household Members (Name, Age)
Gustav Johnson 47
Angeline Johnson 36
Theodore W Johnson 17
Kearney Johnson 14
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name Kearney Luther Johnson
Gender Male
Race White
Age 35
Birth Date 11 Jan 1905
Birth Place Illinois
Residence Place Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin, USA
Registration Date 16 Oct 1940
Registration Place Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin, USA
Complexion Light
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Next of Kin Mrs. Sophie Johnson
Wisconsin, U.S., Marriage Records, 1820-2004
Name Kearney L Johnson
Marriage Date 3 May 1927
Marriage County Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Spouse Sophie Sperl
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Compiling genealogy records for posting from my genealogy software takes a considerable amount of work. I wanted to be thorough with KL's matrilineal descent as it directly relates to their most specific claims. The mother of Donald Louis Johnson was clearly born to German immigrant parents. I will not be posting the records for Louis Sperl or Sophie Glockner, unless requested. What you will find below is consistent evidence that Donald Louis Johnson was born to a mother of German ancestry. I did complete the genealogy through Louis Sperl and Sophie Glockner. All evidence points to both being born in Germany.
MOTHER OF DONALD LOUIS JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: SOPHIA MATHILDA SPERL (1908-1988)
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Sophie Johnson
Age 40
Birth Date 1910
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Medford, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Household members
Kearney Johnson 45
Sophie Johnson 40
Raymond Johnson 22
Donald Johnson 20
Gerald Johnson 17
La Verne Johnson 12
Bonita Johnson 9
Barbara Johnson 7
David Johnson 4
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Sophie Johnson
Age 31
Estimated Birth Year 1909
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1940 Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935 Merrill, Lincoln, Wisconsin
Residence in 1935 Merrill
Household members
Kernie G Johnson 35
Sophie Johnson 31
Raymond Johnson 12
Donald Johnson 10
Jarold Johnson 7
Lavern Johnson 2
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Sofie Johnson
Birth Year 1908
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 22
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1930 Little Black, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household members
Kearney Johnson 25
Sofie Johnson 22
Raymond Johnson 2
Donald Johnson 0
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Sophia Sperl
Age 11
Birth Year 1909
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1920 Lincoln, Wood, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household members
Louis Sperl 52
Sophia Sperl 47
Mary Sperl 24
Ludwig J Sperl 20
Sophia Sperl 11
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Sophia Sperl
Age in 1910 2
Birth Date 1908
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1910 Kennan, Price, Wisconsin, USA
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Louis Sperl 43
Sophia Sperl 37
Mary Sperl 14
Louis Sperl 10
Sophia Sperl 2
Wisconsin, U.S., Birth Records, 1812-1921
Name Sophia Mathilda Sperl
Birth Date 30 Apr 1908
Birth County Price, Wisconsin, USA
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Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, the grandfather of Donald Louis Johnson was the child of Swedish immigrants. I was unable to definitively identify his father and mother's maiden name. He was married in a Swedish American church. He consistently stated that his parents were born in Sweden.
GRANDFATHER OF DONALD LOUIS JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: GUSTAV JOHNSON (1871-1957)
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Gust Johnson
Respondent Yes
Age 68
Estimated Birth Year 1872
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Indiana
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin
Household members
Gust Johnson 68
Annie Johnson 58
Theodore Johnson 58
Nallie Johnson 25
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Gustav Johnson
Birth Year 1872
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 58
Birthplace Indiana
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Map of Home Chelsea,Taylor,Wisconsin
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
Household members
Gustav Johnson 58
Angela Johnson 48
Theodore Johnson 28
Hazel Johnson 16
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Gustav Johnson
Age 47
Birth Year 1873
Birthplace Indiana
Home in 1920 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
Household Members (Name, Age)
Gustav Johnson 47
Angeline Johnson 36
Theodore W Johnson 17
Kearney Johnson 14
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Gustave Johnson
Age 28
Birth Date Jul 1871
Birthplace Illinois, USA
Home in 1900 Cicero, Cook, Illinois
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
Household Members (Name, Age)
Annie Johnson 68
August Johnson 36
Gustave Johnson 28
Edward Johnson 21
Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940
Name Gus Johnson
Gender Male
Age 29
Birth Year 1872
Marriage Date 20 Feb 1901
Marriage Place Kane, Illinois, USA
Father S P Johnson
Mother Johnson
Spouse Angie Sonnenfroh
U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947
Name Gus Johnson
Gender Male
Event Type Marriage
Marriage Date 20 Feb 1901
Marriage Place Aurora, Kane, Illinois, USA
Church Grace Lutheran Church
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Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, the grandmother of Donald Louis Johnson, Angie Sonnenfroh, was born in Germany. Her parents were John/Johann Leonhard Sonnenfroh and her mother was Angelika Kroner. I will not be posting their information, unless requested.
I have now provided supporting documentation to show that, in my opinion, nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire’s maternal family all trace back to Europe; predominantly, Germany.
After this post, I will begin posting KL’s paternal genealogy to look for Cuban, Anishinaabe (Leech Lake), and Metis. While KL’s Oneida claim has been directly refuted due to the specificity of her claims, I will continue to look for it within KL’s paternal genealogy.
GRANDMOTHER OF DONALD LOUIS JOHNSON
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: ANGIE SONNENFROH (1882-1942)
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Annie Johnson
Age 58
Estimated Birth Year 1882
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1940 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin
Household members
Gust Johnson 68
Annie Johnson 58
Theodore Johnson 58
Nallie Johnson 25
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Angela Johnson
Birth Year 1882
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 48
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Homemaker? Yes
Home in 1930 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Language Spoken German
Immigration Year 1892
Naturalization Naturalized
Able to Speak English Yes
Household members
Gustav Johnson 58
Angela Johnson 48
Theodore Johnson 28
Hazel Johnson 16
Close
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Angeline Johnson
Age 36
Birth Year 1884
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1920 Chelsea, Taylor, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1892
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Württemberg
Native Tongue German
Able to Speak English Yes
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Household members
Gustav Johnson 47
Angeline Johnson 36
Theodore W Johnson 17
Kearney Johnson 14
U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947
Name Angie Sonnenfroh
Gender Female
Event Type Marriage
Marriage Date 20 Feb 1901
Marriage Place Aurora, Kane, Illinois, USA
Church Grace Lutheran Church
Spouse Gus Johnson
Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940
Name Angie Sonnenfroh
Gender Female
Age 19
Birth Year 1882
Marriage Date 20 Feb 1901
Marriage Place Kane, Illinois, USA
Father John Sonnenfroh
Mother Angie K*
Spouse Gus Johnson
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Kathryn Le Claire’s paternal grandmother was Ruth Hertha Woceske. Ruth Hertha Woceske was descended from German immigrants. Her paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother were born in Germany and then immigrated to the United States. Both her paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather were born in Wisconsin, but their parents were born in Germany.
Paternal Grandmother
Ruth Hertha Woceske
B: 1 Sep 1938 - Wisconsin, USA
D: 9 Dec 1988 - Dodge County, Wisconsin, USA
Parents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Edward John Woceske
B: 4 Feb 1893 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 19 Nov 1958 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Viola Emilie Ida Eichstaedt
B: 28 Mar 1902 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 25 May 1949 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Paternal Grandparents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Herman Woceske
B: 16 Sep 1861 - Germany
D: 29 Aug 1941 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Elizabeth Zillig
B:2 Oct 1862 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 3 Jul 1940 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Maternal Grandparents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Charles A Eichstaedt
B: 25 Jan 1868 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 13 Feb 1947 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Wilhelmina Zimmermann
B: Sep 1870 Germany
D: 1951
PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF KATHRYN LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE (1937-1988)
Wisconsin, U.S., Death Records, 1959-2004
Name Ruth Leclaire
Death Date 9 Dec 1988
Death County Dodge, Wisconsin, USA
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Ruth H Woceske
Age 13
Birth Date 1937
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Household Members (Name, Age)
Edward J Woceske 57
Laverne M Woceske 23
Ruth H Woceske 13
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Ruth Woceske
Age 3
Estimated Birth Year 1937
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Home in 1940 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Father's Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Edward Woceske 46
Viola Woceske 38
Laverne Woceske 13
Ruth Woceske 3
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Kathryn Le Claire’s paternal grandmother was Ruth Hertha Woceske. Ruth Hertha Woceske was descended from German immigrants. Her paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother were born in Germany and then immigrated to the United States. Both her paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather were born in Wisconsin, but their parents were born in Germany.
Father
Brian John Le Claire
B: xx/xx/xxxx
Married: Carol Ann Johnson
Paternal Grandmother
Ruth Hertha Woceske
B: 1 Sep 1938 - Wisconsin, USA
D: 9 Dec 1988 - Dodge County, Wisconsin, USA
Parents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Edward John Woceske
B: 4 Feb 1893 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 19 Nov 1958 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Viola Emilie Ida Eichstaedt
B: 28 Mar 1902 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 25 May 1949 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Paternal Grandparents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Herman Woceske
B: 16 Sep 1861 - Germany
D: 29 Aug 1941 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Elizabeth Zillig
B: 2 Oct 1862 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 3 Jul 1940 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Maternal Grandparents of Ruth Hertha Woceske
Charles A Eichstaedt
B: 25 Jan 1868 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
D: 13 Feb 1947 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Wilhelmina Zimmermann
B: Sep 1870 Germany
D: 1951
PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF KATHRYN LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE (1937-1988)
Wisconsin, U.S., Death Records, 1959-2004
Name Ruth Leclaire
Death Date 9 Dec 1988
Death County Dodge, Wisconsin, USA
1950 United States Federal Census
Name Ruth H Woceske
Age 13
Birth Date 1937
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Household Members (Name, Age)
Edward J Woceske 57
Laverne M Woceske 23
Ruth H Woceske 13
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Ruth Woceske
Age 3
Estimated Birth Year 1937
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Home in 1940 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Father's Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Edward Woceske 46
Viola Woceske 38
Laverne Woceske 13
Ruth Woceske 3
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In my opinion, based on publicly available information, the paternal grandfather of Ruth (Woceske) LeClaire was born in Germany.
PATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: HERMAN WOCESKE
U.S., Naturalization Record Indexes, 1791-1992 (Indexed in World Archives Project)
Name Herman Woceske
Naturalization Age 79
Record Type Naturalization
Birth Date 16 Sep 1861
Birth Place Germany
Naturalization Date 21 Apr 1941
Court District Wisconsin
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Herman Woceske
Age 57
Birth Year 1863
Birthplace Romania*
Home in 1920 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1879
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Romania
Mother's Birthplace Pomerania
Native Tongue German
Naturalization Status Alien
Household members
Herman Woceske 57
Elizabeth Woceske 56
Helen Woceske 29
Edward Woceske 26
Velva Woceske 3
*This census contradicts other records associated with Herman Woceske. Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, Herman Woceske was born in Germany. Whether Herman Woceske was born in Romania or Germany, the difference wouldn't impact proving KL's claims.
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Herman Woceske
Age in 1910 48
Birth Date 1862
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1879
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Naturalization Status Papers
Household members
Herman Woceske 48
Elizabeth Woceske 47
Della A Woceske 20
Helen E Woceske 19
Edward H Woceske 17
1905 - Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905
Name Herman Woceske
Gender Male
Race White
Age 43
Birth Year 1862
Birth Place Germany
Residence Date 1 Jun 1905
Residence Place Genesee, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
Relationship Head
Household Members (Name, Age)
Herman Woceske 43
Lizzie Woceske 41
Stella Woceske 15
Helen Woceske 14
Edward Woceske 12
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Hermann Wozeske
Age 38
Birth Date Sep 1861
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1880
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 20
Household Members (Name, Age)
Hermann Wozeske 38
Lizzie Wozeske 36
Alma Wozeske 12
Adela Wozeske 10
Helene Wozeske 9
Edward Wozeske 7
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Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, the paternal grandmother of Ruth Hertha (Woceske) LeClaire was the daughter of German immigrants. To be thorough, I included a few records from the parents of Elizabeth (Zillig) Woceske, Valentin and Elizabeth Zillig, which show they were both born in Germany.
PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LACLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Elizabeth (Zillig) Woceske
Wisconsin, U.S., Death Records, 1959-2004
Name Elizabeth Woceske Or Zillig
Death Date 3 Jul 1940
Death County Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Elizabeth Woceski
Age 76
Estimated Birth Year 1864
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Mother-in-law
Home in 1940 Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence in 1935 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Household members
Elizabeth Woceski 76
Gustave Boeck 62
Alma Boeck 52
Eugene Boeck 25
Richard Boeck 21
Iris Boeck 15
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Elizabeth Woceske
Age 56
Birth Year 1864
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1920 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household members
Herman Woceske 57
Elizabeth Woceske 56
Helen Woceske 29
Edward Woceske 26
Velva Woceske 3
Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905
Name Lizzie Woceske
Gender Female
Race White
Age 41
Birth Year 1864
Birth Place Germany
Residence Date 1 Jun 1905
Residence Place Genesee, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
Relationship Wife
Household members
Herman Woceske 43
Lizzie Woceske 41
Stella Woceske 15
Helen Woceske 14
Edward Woceske 12
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., Marriages, 1838-1911
Name Elisabeth Zillig
Gender Female
Race White
Age 23
Record Type Marriage
Birth Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marriage Date 2 Oct 1886
Marriage Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Valentin Zillig
Mother Elisabeth Zillig
Spouse Herman Wallske
Certificate Number 1463
Valentin Zillig & Elisabeth Leonhard Hohl Zillig
1870 United States Federal Census
Name Valentine Zillig
Age in 1870 43
Birth Date 1827
Birthplace Prussia
Home in 1870 Jackson, Washington, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Occupation Tailor
Father of Foreign Birth Yes
Mother of Foreign Birth Yes
Household Members (Name, Age)
Valentine Zillig 43
Elizabeth Zillig 35
Henry Zillig 14
Mary Zillig 12
Elizabeth Zillig 6
Catherine Zillig 5
Emma Zillig 3
1870 United States Federal Census
Name Elizabeth Zilling
Age in 1870 35
Birth Date 1835
Birthplace Prussia
Home in 1870 Jackson, Washington, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Father of Foreign Birth Yes
Mother of Foreign Birth Yes
Household Members (Name, Age)
Valentine Zillig 43
Elizabeth Zillig 35
Henry Zillig 14
Mary Zillig 12
Elizabeth Zillig 6
Catherine Zillig 5
Emma Zillig 3
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Elizabeth Zillig
Age 65
Birth Date Nov 1834
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Milwaukee Ward 10, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1855
Relation to Head of House Mother in Law (Mother-in-law)
Marital Status Widowed
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 45
Household Members (Name, Age)
Elizabeth Zillig 65
Edward Milbrath 29
Ida Milbrath 25
Alma Milbrath 5
George Milbrath 2
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MOTHER OF RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Viola Emilie Ida Eichstaedt
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Viola Woceske
Age 38
Estimated Birth Year 1902
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1940 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Household Members (Name, Age)
Edward Woceske 46
Viola Woceske 38
Laverne Woceske 13
Ruth Woceske 3
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Viola Woceske
Birth Year 1902
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 28
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1930 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace Wisconsin
Household members
Edward Woceske 37
Viola Woceske 28
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Viola Eichstaedt
Age 17
Birth Year 1903
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1920 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace Pomerania
Household members
Chas A Eichstaedt 51
Minnie Eichstaedt 49
Arthur Eichstaedt 25
Viola Eichstaedt 17
Walter Eichstaedt 13
Esther Eichstaedt 9
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Viola Eichstaedt
Age in 1910 8
Birth Date 1902
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1910 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Charles Erchstaedt 43
Minnie Eichstaedt 39
Fred Eichstaedt 16
Arthur Eichstaedt 15
Elsie Eichstaedt 14
Viola Eichstaedt 8
Walter Eichstaedt 3
Wisconsin, U.S., State Censuses, 1855-1905
Name Viola Eichstaldt
Gender Female
Race White
Age 3
Birth Year 1902
Birth Place Wisconsin
Residence Date 1 Jun 1905
Residence Place Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Relationship Daughter
Household members
Chas Eichstaldt 37
Minne Eichstaldt 34
Fredenck Eichstaldt 12
Arthur Eichstaldt 10
Elsa Eichstaldt 9
Viola Eichstaldt 3
Wisconsin, U.S., Marriage Records, 1820-2004
Name Viola Eichstaedt
Marriage Date 24 Nov 1923
Marriage County Washington, Wisconsin, USA
Spouse Edward Woceske
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., Births, 1839-1911
Name Viola Emilie Ida Eichstaed
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 28 Mar 1902
Birth Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Charles Eichstaed
Mother Wilhelmina Zimmermann
Certificate Number 2141
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This post includes supporting documentation for the maternal grandparents of Ruth Hertha (Woceske) LeClaire. Charles Eichstaedt's parents were born in Germany. It is consistently stated throughout the documentation. As such, I will not be posting documentation for his parents, but can post it if requested. Wilhelmina/Mina/Minnie (Zimmerman) Eichstaedt was born in Germany.
This post will conclude the genealogy for nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire's paternal grandmother, Ruth Hertha (Woceske) Le Claire. Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, Ruth Hertha (Woceske) Le Claire was entirely descended from German immigrants.
MATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Charles A Eichstaedt
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Charles Eickstadt
Age 72
Estimated Birth Year 1868
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence in 1935 Milwaukee
Household members
Charles Eickstadt 72
Minnie Eickstadt 69
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Charles Eichstedt
Birth Year 1868
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 62
Birthplace Wisconsin
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household members
Charles Eichstedt 62
Minnie Eichstedt 59
Walter Eichstedt 23
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Chas A Eichstaedt
Age 51
Birth Year 1869
Birthplace Wisconsin
Home in 1920 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Pommerania Germany
Mother's Birthplace Pomerania
Household members
Chas A Eichstaedt 51
Minnie Eichstaedt 49
Arthur Eichstaedt 25
Viola Eichstaedt 17
Walter Eichstaedt 13
Esther Eichstaedt 9
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Charles A Eichstaedt
Age 32
Birth Date Jan 1868
Birthplace Wisconsin, USA
Home in 1900 Milwaukee Ward 19, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Household Members (Name, Age)
Charles A Eichstaedt 32
Wilhemina J Eichstaedt 29
Fred E Eichstaedt 7
Arthur L Eichstaedt 5
Elsa A Eichstaedt 4
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., Marriages, 1838-1911
Name Carl Eichstaedt
Gender Male
Race White
Record Type Marriage
Birth Place USA
Marriage Date 17 Sep 1892
Marriage Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Friedrich Eichstaedt
Mother Wilhelmine Krause
Spouse Mina Zimmermann
Certificate Number 2402
MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF RUTH HERTHA (WOCESKE) LECLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Wilhelmina (Zimmermann) Eichstaedt
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Minnie Eickstadt
Respondent Yes
Age 69
Estimated Birth Year 1871
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1940 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inferred Residence in 1935 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence in 1935 Milwaukee
Citizenship Naturalized
Household members
Charles Eickstadt 72
Minnie Eickstadt 69
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Minnie Eichstedt
Birth Year 1871
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 59
Birthplace Germany
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1930 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Language Spoken German
Immigration Year 1883
Naturalization Naturalized
Household members
Charles Eichstedt 62
Minnie Eichstedt 59
Walter Eichstedt 23
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Minnie Eichstaedt
Age 49
Birth Year 1871
Birthplace Pommerania Germany
Home in 1920 Milwaukee Ward 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1882
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Pommerania Germany
Mother's Birthplace Pomerania
Native Tongue German
Household members
Chas A Eichstaedt 51
Minnie Eichstaedt 49
Arthur Eichstaedt 25
Viola Eichstaedt 17
Walter Eichstaedt 13
Esther Eichstaedt 9
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Wilhemina J Eichstaedt
Age 29
Birth Date Sep 1870
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Milwaukee Ward 19, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Female
Immigration Year 1884
Relation to Head of House Wife
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Germany
Mother's Birthplace Germany
Years in US 16
Household Members (Name, Age)
Charles A Eichstaedt 32
Wilhemina J Eichstaedt 29
Fred E Eichstaedt 7
Arthur L Eichstaedt 5
Elsa A Eichstaedt 4
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., Marriages, 1838-1911
Name Mina Zimmermann
Gender Female
Race White
Record Type Marriage
Birth Place Germany
Marriage Date 17 Sep 1892
Marriage Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Carl Zimmermann
Mother Mina Thurow
Spouse Carl Eichstaedt
Certificate Number 2402
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nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire's paternal grandfather was William George Le Claire. William George Le Claire was the son of Martha Warner and Philip John Le Claire. I will start with the genealogy of Martha Warner. Based on publicly available information, in my opinion. Martha Warner is the daughter of Swedish immigrants.
Father of Kathryn Le Claire
Brian John Le Claire
B: xx/xx/xxxx
Married: Carol Ann Johnson
Paternal Grandfather of Kathryn Le Claire
William George Le Claire
B: 21 May 1934 - Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA
D: 30 May 1982 - Waukesha County, Wisconsin, USA
Parents of William George Le Claire
Philip John Le Claire
B: 7 April 1899 - Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA
D: 20 Nov 1942 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Martha Warner
B: 26 Jul 1903 - Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, USA
D: 30 Dec 1986 - Waukesha County, Wisconsin, USA
Paternal Grandparents of William George Le Claire
Philip Louis Le Claire
B: 8 Oct 1866 - Canada
D: 17 Apr 1927 - Glenview, Cook, Illinois, USA
Caroline Ann (Carrie) Melzer
B: 1878 - Illinois, USA
D: 5 Dec 1963 - Glenview, Cook, Illinois, USA
Maternal Grandparents of William George Le Claire
John Emil Felt Warner
B: 29 Jul 1863 - Oskarsherumm, Sweden
D: 19 Apr 1942 - Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, USA
Emma Susanna Schwartz
B: 3 Aug 1868 - Sweden
D: 31 Mar 1924 - Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, USA
PATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF KATHRYN LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: William George Le Claire
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name William George Leclaire
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 21 May 1934
Birth Place Chicago, Illinois
Death Date May 1982
Father Philip Leclaire
Mother Martha Warner
SSN *********
Notes Jun 1950: Name listed as WILLIAM GEORGE LECLAIRE; 04 Jan 1988: Name listed as WILLIAM LECLAIRE
Wisconsin, U.S., Death Index, 1959-1997
Name William G Leclaire
Death Date 30 May 1982
Location Waukesha
Certificate 013487
1950 United States Federal Census
Name William G Le Claire
Age 15
Birth Date 1935
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Illinois
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Son
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Birth Place Illinois, USA
Mother Birth Place Illinois, USA
Household Members (Name, Age)
Martha Le Claire 48
John W Le Claire 18
William G Le Claire 15
1940 United States Federal Census
Name William G Le Claire
Age 5
Estimated Birth Year 1935
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Son
Home in 1940 Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Household Members (Name, Age)
Philip J Le Claire 40
Martha Le Claire 36
Philip A Le Claire 18
John W Le Claire 8
William G Le Claire 5
U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969
Name William George Le Claire
Baptism Age 8
Record Type Baptism
Birth Date 21 May 1934
Birth Place Chicago, Illinois, USA
Baptism Date 3 Jul 1942
Baptism Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Father Philip Le Claire
Mother Martha Le Claire
Church Name Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Church Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Based on publicly available information, in my opinion, the mother of William George Le Claire, Martha (Warner) Le Claire, was the daughter of Swedish immigrants.
The only remaining line to evaluate after this post is the paternal line of William George Le Claire. Philip John Le Claire, great grandfather of nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire, would need to be Cuban, Anishinaabe (Leech Lake), and Metis to validate KL's claims. The Oneida claim has been refuted due to the specificity of KL's claims, but I will continue to look for it.
MOTHER OF WILLIAM GEORGE LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Martha Warner
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Martha Le Claire
Age 36
Estimated Birth Year 1904
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Home in 1940 Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Household Members (Name, Age)
Philip J Le Claire 40
Martha Le Claire 36
Philip A Le Claire 18
John W Le Claire 8
William G Le Claire 5
1930 United States Federal Census
Name Martha Warner
Birth Year 1904
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 26
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Lodger
Home in 1930 Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Institution Antlers Hotel
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Martha Warner
Age 16
Birth Year 1904
Birthplace Illinois
Home in 1920 Peoria Ward 6, Peoria, Illinois
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
Household Members (Name, Age)
John E Warner 57
Erma S Warner 52
Francis Warner 24
Harry Warner 22
Hillive Warner 19
Martha Warner 16
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Martha Warner
Age in 1910 7
Birth Date 1903
Birthplace Illinois
Home in 1910 Peoria Ward 8, Peoria, Illinois, USA
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Daughter
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Sweden
Mother's Birthplace Sweden
Household Members (Name, Age)
John E Warner 46
Emma Warner 41
Francis Warner 15
Harry Warner 13
Hilda Warner 9
Martha Warner 7
Peoria County, Illinois, U.S., Births 1878-1915
Name Warner
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 26 Jul 1903
Birth Place Peoria, Illinois
Father John E Warner
Mother Emma Warner
Certificate Number 1392
MATERNAL GRANDFATHER OF WILLIAM GEORGE LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: John Emil Felt Warner
Illinois, U.S., Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947
Name John Emil Felt Warner
Birth Date 29 Jul 1863
Birth Place Oscarshamn, Sweden
Death Date 19 Apr 1942
Death Place Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
Burial Date 21 Apr 1942
Burial Place Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
Death Age 78
Occupation Ret. R.R. Car Inspector
Race White
Marital Status W
Gender Male
Residence Peoria, Peoria, Illinois
Father Name Carl Peter Felt
Father Birth Place Oscarshamn, Sweden
Mother Name Anna Sofia Karlsson
Mother Birth Place Sweden
Spouse Name Emma Schwartz Warner
FHL Film Number 1851452
MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF WILLIAM GEORGE LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Emma Susannah Schwartz
U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947
Name Emma Warner
Maiden Name Schwartz
Gender Female
Baptism Age 0
Marriage Age 23
Event Type Member List
Birth Date 3 Aug 1868
Birth Place SW
Baptism Date 1868
Departure Place Sweden
Arrival Date 1885
Marriage Date 24 Jan 1892
Death Date 31 Mar 1924
Relation to Head Wife
Church Salem Lutheran Church
Spouse John Emil Warner
Child Gerda Sofia Warner; Frances Alvira Warner; Carl Emil Harry Warner; Helvig Susanna Warner; Martha Warner
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Every line of KL's family has been posted except the paternal side of KL's great grandfather, Philip John Le Claire.
FATHER OF WILLIAM GEORGE LE CLAIRE, GREAT GRANDFATHER OF nibiiwakamigkwe / KAY LECLAIRE / KATHRYN LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Philip John Le Claire
1940 United States Federal Census
Name Philip J Le Claire
Age 40
Estimated Birth Year 1900
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Illinois
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Inferred Residence in 1935 Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Residence in 1935 Chicago
Household members
Philip J Le Claire 40
Martha Le Claire 36
Philip A Le Claire 18
John W Le Claire 8
William G Le Claire 5
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Philip J Leclair
Age 20
Birth Year 1900
Birthplace Illinois
Home in 1920 Northfield, Cook, Illinois
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father's Name Philip Leclair
Father's Birthplace Canada
Mother's Name Carolina A Leclair
Mother's Birthplace Illinois
Household members
Philip Leclair 55
Carolina A Leclair 40
Philip J Leclair 20
Evelyn Leclair 18
Howard Leclair 16
Lester Leclair 14
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Philip J Leclair
Age in 1910 11
Birth Date 1899
Birthplace Illinois
Home in 1910 Northfield, Cook, Illinois, USA
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father's Birthplace Canada
Mother's Birthplace Illinois
Household members
Philip L Leclair 48
Carrie A Leclair 32
Edward J Melzer 28
Philip J Leclair 11
Evelyn L Leclair 8
Howard E Leclair 6
Lester E Leclair 4
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Philip Le Claire
Age 1
Birth Date Apr 1899
Birthplace Illinois, USA
Home in 1900 Chicago Ward 19, Cook, Illinois
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father's Name Philip Le Claire
Father's Birthplace France, Canada
Mother's Name Carrie Le Claire
Mother's Birthplace Illinois, USA
Household members
Sophia Le Claire 60
Bell Le Claire 42
Philip Le Claire 39
Carrie Le Claire 23
Philip Le Claire 1
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
Name Philip John Leclaire
Race White
Age 42
Relationship to Draftee Self (Head)
Birth Date 7 Apr 1899
Birth Place Chicago, Illinois, USA
Residence Place Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA
Registration Date 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place Illinois, USA
Height 5 8
Weight 135
Complexion Light
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Gray
Next of Kin Martha Leclaire
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name Philip John Leclaire
Race White
Birth Date 7 Apr 1899
Residence Date 1917-1918
Residence Place Cook County, Illinois, USA
Physical Build Slender
Height 5-9
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Gray
Relative Philip L. Le Claire
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This is the last genealogy post. Philip Louis Le Claire immigrated with his family from Quebec. He was a naturalized citizen. Philip Louis Le Claire voted in 1890. American Indians didn't become United States citizens and eligible to vote until 1924. He was listed as white on every census. I've followed this line back 156 years with no indication of Cuban, Anishinaabe (Leech Lake or otherwise), Metis, Oneida ancestry.
Based on publicly available information, in my opinion:
Maternal Grandparents of nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire
Kathleen Marie (Ortlieb) Johnson: German Ancestry
Donald Louis Johnson: German & Swedish Ancestry
Paternal Grandparents of nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire
Ruth Hertha (Woceske) Le Claire: German Ancestry
William George Le Claire: German, Swedish, & French Canadian Ancestry
Parents of nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire
Carol (Johnson) Le Claire: German & Swedish Ancestry
Brian John Le Claire: German, Swedish, & French Canadian Ancestry
GRANDFATHER OF WILLIAM GEORGE LE CLAIRE, GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER OF nibiiwakamigkwe/KAY LECLAIRE/KATHRYN LE CLAIRE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Philip Louis Le Claire
Obituary
Per an obituary available on newspapers.com (attached), Philip Louis Le Claire immigrated from Canada in 1866. The obituary states he “was born of French parentage” and his parents were “of Quebec, Canada.”
"Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1871-1998
Name Philip Louis Le Claire
Sex Male
Age 60
Burial Date 19 Apr 1927
Burial Place Main, , Illinois
Death Date 17 Apr 1927
Death Place Glenview, Cook, Illinois, United States
Birth Date 08 Oct 1866
Birthplace Quebec, , Canada
Marital Status Married
Occupation Watchmaker
Race White
Father's Name Honory Le Claire
Mother's Name Mary Parowm
Spouse's Name Carolina Melzer
Informant's Name Carolina Le Claire
Event Type Death
Entry Number 28
Cemetery Ridgwood
1920 United States Federal Census
Name Philip Leclair
Age 55
Birth Year 1865
Birthplace Canada
Home in 1920 Northfield, Cook, Illinois
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1871
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace Canada
Mother's Birthplace Canada
Native Tongue French
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Watchmaker
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Household members
Philip Leclair 55
Carolina A Leclair 40
Philip J Leclair 20
Evelyn Leclair 18
Howard Leclair 16
Lester Leclair 14
1910 United States Federal Census
Name Philip L Leclair
Age in 1910 48
Birth Date 1862
Birthplace Canada
Home in 1910 Northfield, Cook, Illinois, USA
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse's Name Carrie A Leclair
Father's Birthplace Canada
Mother's Birthplace Canada
Native Tongue English
Occupation Watchmaker
Household members
Philip L Leclair 48
Carrie A Leclair 32
Edward J Melzer 28
Philip J Leclair 11
Evelyn L Leclair 8
Howard E Leclair 6
Lester E Leclair 4
1900 United States Federal Census
Name Philip Le Claire
Age 39
Birth Date Oct 1860
Birthplace Canada
Home in 1900 Chicago Ward 19, Cook, Illinois
Family Number 9
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1866
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father's Birthplace France, Canada
Mother's Name Sophia Le Claire
Mother's Birthplace Canada, France
Can Speak English Yes
Household members
Sophia Le Claire 60
Bell Le Claire 42
Philip Le Claire 39
Carrie Le Claire 23
Philip Le Claire 1
Chicago, Illinois, U.S., Voter Registration, 1890
Name Philip Le Claire
Race White
Birth Place Canada
Street Address 47 Brown St.
Naturalization Date 10 Oct 1890
Naturalized Yes
Voted Yes
Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriages Index, 1871-1920
Name Philip Leclaire
Age 38
Gender Male
Birth Year 1860
Marriage Type Marriage
Marriage Date 10 Dec 1898
Marriage Place Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Spouse Name Carrie Mulzer
Spouse Age 20
Spouse Gender Female
FHL Film Number 1030290
U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s-Current
Name Philip Louis Le Claire
Gender Male
Birth Date 8 Oct 1866
Birth Place Quebec, Canada
Death Date 17 Apr 1927
Death Place Glenview, Cook County, Illinois, United States of America
Cemetery Ridgewood Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place Des Plaines, Cook County, Illinois, United States of America
Has Bio? N
Children Philip John LeClaire; Howard E. Le Claire
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The earliest reference that I can find online for "nibiiwakamigkwe" is February 19, 2019. nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire is in a picture at the top of the article. I've attached the picture, as well.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Share Your Voice: Madison (American Indian Engagement Session)
Story by Dean Witter - Wisconsin Historical Foundation and Wisconsin Historical Society
https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994 (https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994)
https://web.archive.org/web/20220615001316/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994 (https://web.archive.org/web/20220615001316/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994)
Nibiiwakamigkwe, Oneida, Anishinaabe, Métis, provided insight into a rendering intended to celebrate the tradition of Wisconsin supper clubs.
“It really does look like a warm, inviting space,” Nibiiwakamigkwe said.
“But my memories of supper clubs when I was little (include) walking in and seeing blatant images of red face, tobacco Indians … these really not OK things,” she added. “When I walk into a supper club, I don’t always feel that warmth and that community (feel) because I’m aware that this place wasn’t made for me.”
Also highlighting a similar shared experience by a friend who is African American, Nibiiwakamigkwe acknowledged the difficult task facing the Society, “(My friend) walked into the supper club and every head turned around and looked at her, so she just turned around and walked out, because how can you feel safe in the kind of space that was created and designed, and is currently curated, to not include you?”
“I just hope that you include Native perspectives throughout all of (the exhibits) because we still live here and we’re still a part of it," Nibiiwakamigkwe added. "I see that you’re trying to do that here and I do appreciate it. I hope you’ll continue to look into that.”
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In 2019/2020, nibiiwakamigkwe (aka Kay LeClaire or Kathryn Le Claire) publicly challenged the name of a new music venue and restaurant, The Winnebago, in Madison, Wisconsin. The issue was covered in two articles which are partially quoted and linked in full below. The second article was written by nibiiwakamigkwe.
1. East side venue’s name change decision follows months of quiet pressure (Tone Madison), October 22, 2019 - By Scott Gordon
Article Link: https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/ (https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220707041301/https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20220707041301/https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/)
Shortly after a new music venue and restaurant opened on the east side in February, at least one Madison resident contacted the business directly to challenge its choice of a name: The Winnebago. Said Madison resident is of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Métis, and Onyota’a:ka (Oneida) heritage, and asked Tone Madison to use their Anishinaabe name, nibiiwakamigkwe. In an exchange of messages with venue co-owner and booker John DeHaven over the course of the spring, nibiiwakamigkwe provided a detailed history of the erasure and cultural appropriation white people in the Madison area have practiced at the expense of Indigenous people.
Along with that, nibiiwakamigkwe suggested several practices the venue could adopt to make it more welcoming to people of color and other marginalized people, including hiring a diversity coordinator and offering reparations in various forms.
The initial lack of action from the venue, after nibiiwakamigkwe sent over an extensively researched historical primer, also frustrated them, as did John DeHaven’s request for access to tribal elders. “Our Elders, knowledge-keepers, are so valuable, and to loan them out to people who have chosen a name that harms us is disrespectful to them,” nibiiwakamigkwe says.
The conversations between nibiiwakamigkwe and John DeHaven also illustrate how people of color are often burdened with educating white people. “There has been a long-standing expectation that we will educate others for free, at great time and emotional expense to ourselves,” nibiiwakamigkwe says. “That is exploitation and neo-colonialism.” They recommend that white people seeking to understand Indigenous issues go first to online resources like Native Appropriations, ndn.o, lilnativeboy, and @dearnonnatives, and they add: “If you want to slide into their DMs with a question, be sure to drop them some gas money through their Patreons or PayPals.”
2. Not Yours to Use (Our Lives - Dear Queer White People), February 12, 2020 - By Nibiiwakamigkwe
Article Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
Aaniin, boozhoo niindinawemaganidog. Hello, my relatives! My Anishinaabe name is nibiiwakamigkwe, which means watery ground or wet earth woman. I am an Anishinaabe (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, marten clan), Onyota’a:ka (Oneida Nation of New York, bear clan), and Métis (Red River Settlement) Two-Spirit and uninvited guest of 7 years here in Tee Jop, on HoCaak Land. Dr. Sami Schalk has created space here for me to talk about the intersection of queer and Indigenous issues. Ambe! (Let’s go!) On February 25, 2019, I read about a new music venue opening on the near east side. As an artist and consumer of art, I wanted to be happy, but couldn’t get past the name. Winnebago??? Do they know? It’s an easy enough fix, I thought. They aren’t even fully open yet. The same day I sent off a quick Facebook message on the venue’s page. What followed was an extended exchange with whom I later learned was John DeHaven, co-owner. He asked to learn more. I further explained the colonial implications behind using the name. He asked to talk with my Elders about a name change. I stopped responding. Our Elders are sacred to us, and we don’t rent them out to people. I gave up replying: I had explained, in detail, and he still didn’t want to take action to change the name.
While artists I adore and queer friends found a fantastic, seemingly inclusive space, I was never able to bring myself to go. Their name alone meant the space could not include me or other Indigenous folks. Representation matters, and how we define ourselves and who defines us have lasting impacts on our history and sovereignty. I am connected with three separate Indigenous nations, and when I google them, the primary searches are: a Louis Vuitton handbag (Métis), an upstate New York cult that decided to make flatware (Oneida), and an immediate redirect to a Lakota/Dakota exonym (Anishinaabe to Ojibwe). These kinds of cultural dissonance—who we are versus what society associates with us—are incredibly problematic and especially damaging to Native youth and those that are vulnerable. I couldn’t support this kind of disrespect to the Ho Chunk that I had experienced so heavily. In October 2019, after the success of GenderFest and strong community support, one of my non-Native friends rhetorically asked if anyone would ask The Winnebago to change its name. It was a completely real question to me, and I finally shared those transcripts from months ago. People saw, people shared, and many of Madison’s queer folks and artists agreed a name change was necessary and a boycott was needed to back the effort.
I am from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, but I identify as Anishinaabe.
Ok, they changed the name, aren’t you happy?
I’m glad the owners have decided to no longer profit from the identities of Indigenous peoples. But it took them nine months after my initial contact, and coincidentally around the time that multiple predominantly-white bands (miigwech Dumpster Dick and Sylvia), producers, and patrons decided to no longer attend the venue with its original name. The name change is in response to their anger and the potential loss of white people’s money rather than misrepresentation of and education from Indigenous peoples. Once again, white folks’ emotions, labor, and intentions carry more weight than ours. This is why allyship and accountability are so important, but holding these prejudices is not something that is easily forgivable of the owners. So I’m glad the name is going, but I’m not happy the institutions that allowed it to be stolen in the first place remain. For over 500 years, Indigenous Peoples have not controlled our narratives and representations. Our exclusion has been built into inclusion for others. The foundation of any equality work cannot be oppression. Let’s do better. Miigwech bizindawiyeg! (Thanks for listening!)
Like this? Follow me on IG @wetearthwoman or drop some bannock money to my PayPal at wetearthwoman@*****.com.
Text formatting added for emphasis.
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From February 19, 2019 through February 12, 2020, Nibiiwakamigkwe / Kay LeClaire / Kathryn Le Claire (KL) claimed to be Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Metis in publicly available interviews and articles. Then, in an article on May 19, 2020, KL claimed to be Cuban (in addition to Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Metis). KL claimed to be Cuban in all the articles, interviews, and presentations I was able to find online through August 31, 2020. In an interview on May 11, 2021 (and everything that followed), KL no longer identified as Cuban. Why?
Something significant happened at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in September 2020. On September 3, 2020, Jessica Krug, an associate professor of history at George Washington University, admitted to falsely claiming to be Black and Latina. Krug had completed her PhD at University of Wisconsin – Madison. On September 4, 2020, C.V. Vitolo-Haddad, a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, was the subject of an anonymous post to Medium which alleged Vitolo-Haddad was falsely claiming to be Black and/or Latina. Vitolo-Haddad later acknowledged they were "Italian with a possible, but unconfirmed, distant ancestor who is Ethiopian." The anonymous writer was motivated to action after reading about Jessica Krug and seeing the parallels between Krug and Vitolo-Haddad. In my opinion, KL shares many of those same parallels with Krug and Vitolo-Haddad.
Is it a coincidence that KL stopped claiming to be Cuban after the publicity surrounding Krug and Vitolo-Haddad? Maybe.
Below is a timeline of KL’s identity claims with excerpts from linked sources. I've also included sources with links related to Jessica Krug and C.V. Vitolo-Haddad on the timeline.
February 19, 2019 – February 12, 2020: 4 Sources
May 19, 2020 – August 31, 2020: 5 Sources
May 31, 2021 – December 8, 2021: 5 Sources
Unknown Date: 1 source
Prior to claiming to be Cuban…
February 19, 2019 – Wisconsin Historical Society
American Indian Engagement Session Story – By Dean Witter
Nibiiwakamigkwe, Oneida, Anishinaabe, Métis, provided insight into a rendering intended to celebrate the tradition of Wisconsin supper clubs.
Direct Link: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994 (https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220615001316/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994 (https://web.archive.org/web/20220615001316/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15994)
September 5, 2019 – MADISON.COM
Exhibit at Al. Ringling Gallery in Baraboo to celebrate Wisconsin female artists – By Nicole Aimone
Nibiiwakamigkwe, an artist from Madison with Oneida ancestry, will display beadwork that represents a native medicine wheel.
Direct Link: https://madison.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/exhibit-at-al-ringling-gallery-in-baraboo-to-celebrate-wisconsin/article_c6e73b2f-e4ef-5bca-a878-0a3024e19fc5.html (https://madison.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/exhibit-at-al-ringling-gallery-in-baraboo-to-celebrate-wisconsin/article_c6e73b2f-e4ef-5bca-a878-0a3024e19fc5.html)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20190909040035/https://madison.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/exhibit-at-al-ringling-gallery-in-baraboo-to-celebrate-wisconsin/article_c6e73b2f-e4ef-5bca-a878-0a3024e19fc5.html (https://web.archive.org/web/20190909040035/https://madison.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/exhibit-at-al-ringling-gallery-in-baraboo-to-celebrate-wisconsin/article_c6e73b2f-e4ef-5bca-a878-0a3024e19fc5.html)
October 22, 2019 – Tone Madison
East side venue’s name change decision follows months of quiet pressure – By Scott Gordon
Said Madison resident is of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Métis, and Onyota’a:ka (Oneida) heritage, and asked Tone Madison to use their Anishinaabe name, nibiiwakamigkwe.
Direct Link: https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/ (https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20200423135003/https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20200423135003/https://tonemadison.com/articles/east-side-venues-name-change-decision-follows-months-of-quiet-pressure/)
February 12, 2020 – Our Lives Magazine: Dear Queer White People
Not Yours to Use – By Nibiiwakamigkwe
I am an Anishinaabe (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, marten clan), Onyota’a:ka (Oneida Nation of New York, bear clan), and Métis (Red River Settlement) Two-Spirit and uninvited guest of 7 years here in Tee Jop, on HoCaak Land.
Article Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
While claiming to be Cuban…
May 19, 2020 – Tone Madison
Conduit: Nibiiwakamigkwe on the challenges to Indigenous artists – By Scott Gordon
Nibiiwakamigkwe is a Métis, Onyota’a:ka, Anishinaabe, Cuban and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodlands style to foster awareness of land protection, Indigenous cultural landscapes, and the complexity of identity.
Direct Link: https://tonemadison.com/articles/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists/ (https://tonemadison.com/articles/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20200713225201/https://tonemadison.com/articles/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20200713225201/https://tonemadison.com/articles/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists/)
July 1, 2020 – Our Lives Magazine: Dear Queer White People
Center the Movement, Not You – By Nibiiwakamigkwe
As a non-Black Native and Latine person, it’s my duty to show up and support Black folks right now. But also, as a non-Black Native and Latine person, I’m seeing plenty of white people acting foolish and centering themselves in attempts to help.
Direct Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20210228090404/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20210228090404/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/center-the-movement-not-you/)
August 4, 2020 - CDMC Conversation Series: nibiiwakamigkwe
Indigenous Arts as Decolonial Action
Transcription starts at 1:00
Dakota Mace: Hello, everyone. My name again is Dakota Mace, I am a Diné artist and photographer, but I have been working at CDMC as a collection photographer. But to jump into introductions, nibiiwakamigkwe is a good friend of mine and I really wanted to not only feature their work, but also have a conversation about their art practices. So, nibiiwakamigkwe is Métis, Oneida, Anishinaabe, Cuban, and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodland styles. Their work fosters awareness of land protection, Indigenous cultural landscapes, and the complexity of identity. This includes the relatedness of Indigenous art and artists to language preservation, land rights, environmental justice, and the impact of cultural appropriation.
Direct Link: https://cdmc.wisc.edu/event/cdmc-conversation-series-nibiiwakamigkwe/ (https://cdmc.wisc.edu/event/cdmc-conversation-series-nibiiwakamigkwe/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220627211525/https://cdmc.wisc.edu/event/cdmc-conversation-series-nibiiwakamigkwe/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20220627211525/https://cdmc.wisc.edu/event/cdmc-conversation-series-nibiiwakamigkwe/)
August 31, 2020 – Tone Madison
Willy Street’s giige brings healing tattooing practices to the forefront – By Holly Marley-Henschen
“So much of Indigenous and queer culture is education, and we would like to continue moving in that [direction] where, once people are more informed, that makes a safer and better environment for everyone,” says collective member nibiiwakamigkwe, a Two-Spirit artist whose heritage includes the Bear Clan of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, Métis, Anishinaabe, and Cuban. nibiiwakamigkwe works in an administrative role with giige.
Direct Link: https://tonemadison.com/articles/willy-streets-giige-brings-healing-tattooing-practices-to-the-forefront/ (https://tonemadison.com/articles/willy-streets-giige-brings-healing-tattooing-practices-to-the-forefront/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20201123220609/https://tonemadison.com/articles/willy-streets-giige-brings-healing-tattooing-practices-to-the-forefront/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20201123220609/https://tonemadison.com/articles/willy-streets-giige-brings-healing-tattooing-practices-to-the-forefront/)
September/October 2020* – Our Lives Magazine
The Great Madison LGBTQ+ Artist Survey of 2020
Kay LeClaire/nibiiwakamigkwe | @giige.co | giige.co/gigiigemin | nibiiwakamigkwe is a Métis, Onyota’a:ka, Anishinaabe, Cuban, and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist and organizer working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodlands style to foster awareness of land protection, Indigenous cultural landscapes, and the complexity of identity. They are committed to the long-term cultural work and community care tactics that transform social systems.
Article Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/OL80.pdf (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/OL80.pdf)
*This publication was the September/October 2020 edition of Our Lives Magazine. It published information that respondents submitted as part of a survey to become part of a LGBTQ+ artist directory. It would have been submitted by KL prior to September 2020.
September 3, 2020 – Jessica Krug's False Claims of Black and/or Latina Ancestry Revealed
Direct Link: https://medium.com/@jessakrug/the-truth-and-the-anti-black-violence-of-my-lies-9a9621401f85 (https://medium.com/@jessakrug/the-truth-and-the-anti-black-violence-of-my-lies-9a9621401f85)
Direct Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/04/prominent-scholar-outs-herself-white-just-she-faced-exposure-claiming-be-black (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/04/prominent-scholar-outs-herself-white-just-she-faced-exposure-claiming-be-black)
September 4, 2020 – C.V. Vitolo-Haddad False Claims of Black and/or Latina Ancestry Revealed
Direct Link: https://medium.com/@polite_keppel_dinosaur_57/cv-vitolo-haddad-another-academic-racial-fraud-c5c41fe32110 (https://medium.com/@polite_keppel_dinosaur_57/cv-vitolo-haddad-another-academic-racial-fraud-c5c41fe32110)
Direct Link:https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/09/14/more-cv-vitolo-haddad-and-jessica-krug%E2%80%8B (https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/09/14/more-cv-vitolo-haddad-and-jessica-krug%E2%80%8B)
No longer claiming to be Cuban…
May 11, 2021 – WORT 89.9 FM Madison
Shutting Down Line 5
I’m Marten Clan from the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe and I sit in the Bear Clan of the Oneida Indian Nation.
Direct Link: https://soundcloud.com/wort-fm/shutting-down-line-5 (https://soundcloud.com/wort-fm/shutting-down-line-5)
Jun 21, 2021 – The Cap Times
Q&A: nibiiwakamigkwe wants Madison to 're-Indigenize' Pride – By Addison Lathers
nibiiwakamigkwe, 27, a Métis, Onyota'a:ka, Anishinaabe and Two-Spirit person, was born and raised in northern Wisconsin. They moved to Teejop, or Madison, to study botany at the University of Wisconsin, and have stayed in the city ever since.
Direct Link: https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html (https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221112164145/https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html (https://web.archive.org/web/20221112164145/https://captimes.com/news/local/q-a-nibiiwakamigkwe-wants-madison-to-re-indigenize-pride/article_91cc52d8-1b52-51de-b76e-75bb7780217f.html)
July 1, 2021 – Our Lives Magazine
The Artist – By Our Lives Magazine
My name is nibiiwakamigkwe, which translates to watery ground or wet earth femme person. I have two spirits and use they/them pronouns. I’m marten clan from the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, I sit in the bear clan of the Oneida Indian Nation, and am a Métis descendant of the Red River settlement in Manitoba.
Direct Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-artist/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-artist/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20210727020429/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-artist/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20210727020429/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-artist/)
November 16, 2021 – Tone Madison
A flag raising spotlights UW-Madison’s dismal record on Native relations – By Nibiiwakamigkwe
nibiiwakamigkwe (they/them/awi, pictured here with illustrator Nipinet, on the left) is an Onyota’a:ka, Anishinaabe, Métis, and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist and organizer working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodlands style to foster awareness of land protection, Indigenous cultural landscapes, and complexity of identity.
Direct Link: https://tonemadison.com/articles/a-flag-raising-spotlights-uw-madisons-dismal-record-on-native-relations/ (https://tonemadison.com/articles/a-flag-raising-spotlights-uw-madisons-dismal-record-on-native-relations/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20211127002203/https://tonemadison.com/articles/a-flag-raising-spotlights-uw-madisons-dismal-record-on-native-relations/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20211127002203/https://tonemadison.com/articles/a-flag-raising-spotlights-uw-madisons-dismal-record-on-native-relations/)
December 8, 2021 – Little Book Wisconsin
Artist Profile: nibiiwakamigkwe – By Rachel Werner
nibiiwakamigkwe (they/them/awi) is an Onyota'a:ka, Anishinaabe, Michif, and waabishkiiwed Two-Spirit artist and organizer working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodlands style to foster awareness of land protection, Indigenous cultural landscapes and complexity of identity.
Direct Link: https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe (https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221112210236/https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe (https://web.archive.org/web/20221112210236/https://www.littlebookwi.com/blog/artist-profile-nibiiwakamigkwe)
Possible timeline outlier...
KL is currently the Community Leader in Residence with the Center for Design & Material Culture (CDMC) at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The CDMC website includes “Cuban” in KL’s bio. I’ve been trying to identify when KL was hired for the role to confirm the timeline presented above. An article from November 16, 2021 (information above) included a description of how KL is connected to the University of Wisconsin – Madison but did not include this position. However, KL did participate in the CDMC Conversation series on August 4, 2020 (information above). KL was identified as “Cuban” in the materials related to the event and while being introduced. In my opinion, it is most likely that KL’s Community Leader in Residence bio carried over from their previous work with CDMC.
Unknown Date – University of Wisconsin - Madison
Center for Design & Material Culture, School of Human Ecology
Artist nibiiwakamigkwe has joined the CDMC through a grant from the Equity & Justice Network Community Leader-in-Residence Program to collaborate and think through these questions, with the goal of developing a scalable and adaptable toolkit and curriculum around cultural appropriation.
nibiiwakamigkwe is a Two-Spirit Métis, Onyota’a:ka (Oneida), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Cuban and waabishkiiwed artist working in traditional Indigenous craftwork and contemporary Woodlands style.
Equity & Justice Initiatives, Community Leader in Residence Program
Direct Link:https://cdmc.wisc.edu/equity-justice-initiatives/ (https://cdmc.wisc.edu/equity-justice-initiatives/)
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Is the link certain between Kathryn Le Claire (the person in question) and the parents you have the genealogy for (Carol Ann Johnson and Brian John Le Claire)? Is there a chance that Carol and Brian's child Kathryn Le Claire is someone else with the same name?
I was put in touch with one of the members of the collective of which Kay is part owner, Nipinet, who let me know that they've seen legal documents that her legal name is Kathryn Le Claire and her parents are Carol and Brian. They, too, have screenshots of Kay's appearance changing over time and first hand accounts of tanning and dyeing their hair. I don't know if it helps.
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Is the link certain between Kathryn Le Claire (the person in question) and the parents you have the genealogy for (Carol Ann Johnson and Brian John Le Claire)? Is there a chance that Carol and Brian's child Kathryn Le Claire is someone else with the same name?
I was put in touch with one of the members of the collective of which Kay is part owner, Nipinet, who let me know that they've seen legal documents that her legal name is Kathryn Le Claire and her parents are Carol and Brian. They, too, have screenshots of Kay's appearance changing over time and first hand accounts of tanning and dyeing their hair. I don't know if it helps.
Thank you for confirming my research, shkodenhskwe. In my opinion, this is a really egregious case of red/brown face.
Here's another statement from KL I've recently found:
Claims to have been "born up at Red Cliff" -
“I’ve got a really long relationship with water… I was born up at Red Cliff … I was there for the first 6 years and Lake Superior is right
there so there’s that really strong healthy respect for bodies of water, and a ton of iron in the water, it was all well water. When we moved to southern Wisconsin I actually developed really severe anemia because my body was so used to having all that water from the well water and the lakes that we were swimming in.” - nibiiwakamigkwe
Direct Link: https://onewatermadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/zine-1-pdf-download.pdf (https://onewatermadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/zine-1-pdf-download.pdf)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221227174303/https://onewatermadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/zine-1-pdf-download.pdf (https://web.archive.org/web/20221227174303/https://onewatermadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/zine-1-pdf-download.pdf)
Public records indicate KL's parents lived in Pewaukee and then Sussex since 1984 until after KL was in college. I was unable to find any record that indicated the family had lived "up at Red Cliff."
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I was able to grab a screenshot from their FB in 2017 where they admit to being a "white woman." See attachment.
[Just changed title slightly and moved to Frauds. -Al]
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I was put in touch with one of the members of the collective of which Kay is part owner, Nipinet, who let me know that they've seen legal documents that her legal name is Kathryn Le Claire and her parents are Carol and Brian. They, too, have screenshots of Kay's appearance changing over time and first hand accounts of tanning and dyeing their hair. I don't know if it helps.
Did you get the impression then that Nipinet knows that Kay is white? What does Nipinet think about this?
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I was contacted through private message by someone that facilitated putting Nipinet into contact with me. After spending a significant amount of time on general research and genealogy for this thread, I had many questions about how “nibiiwakamigkwe” came to exist and whether the people around them had been suspicious - or possibly even complicit. I appreciated the opportunity to ask Nipinet some of those questions.
As I expressed earlier in this post, I understand how the actual Native American (NA) individuals around “nibiiwakamigkwe” aka Kay LeClaire aka Kathryn Le Claire (KL) could have found themselves in this situation.
KL has genuinely Indigenous people around them. Sometimes all it takes is one person to give you legitimacy and others follow...then when the red flags pop up it's hard to question the person. Especially when your work is intertwined with them.
Nipinet told me they met KL in the fall of 2019 through friends that vouched for KL. KL’s faux NA identity would have already been established at that point in time. Nipinet questioned some aspects of KL’s story but attributed the inconsistencies to other factors in KL’s life. I don’t believe Nipinet thought that KL’s entire NA identity was a lie though. As for “What does Nipinet think about this?” I’ve been given permission to say that Nipinet is angry.
I was able to put this thread together as an objective outsider because I only had publicly available information. I hadn’t heard more detailed stories and explanations from KL. We didn't have personal history together as friends or colleagues. I didn’t have feelings, positive or negative, towards KL at the beginning. My only thought initially was that KL’s claims seemed genealogically unlikely, not impossible, but unusual.
Now Nipinet and others with personal knowledge of KL are taking over where I left off. For example, I found information that called into question the provenance of a piece of KL’s art. I didn’t feel comfortable adding it to NAFPS without additional evidence. Others close to the situation have confirmed those suspicions with a great deal of hard work. This runs deep and it’s my belief (and hope) that the details are going to be shared beyond this forum soon.
KL wrote an article about the name of a music venue and restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, previously known as The Winnebago, back in 2020. A quote from that article below highlights the unbelievable hypocrisy of Kay LeClaire aka Kathryn Le Claire.
"Once again, white folks’ emotions, labor, and intentions carry more weight than ours. This is why allyship and accountability are so important, but holding these prejudices is not something that is easily forgivable of the owners. So I’m glad the name is going, but I’m not happy the institutions that allowed it to be stolen in the first place remain. For over 500 years, Indigenous Peoples have not controlled our narratives and representations. Our exclusion has been built into inclusion for others. The foundation of any equality work cannot be oppression. Let’s do better."
Not Yours to Use (Our Lives - Dear Queer White People), February 12, 2020 - By Nibiiwakamigkwe
Article Link: https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20211028174035/https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/not-yours-to-use/)
Native Americans (including myself) have already started investing emotion and labor towards fixing the damage left by Kay LeClaire aka Kathryn Le Claire. I wonder if KL will expect more forgiveness than they were willing to give?
I can be reached by email at advancedsmite@protonmail.com with questions about the sources used to compile this thread.
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Someone directed my attention to a specific timestamp of a podcast in which KL provides a more detailed description of their alleged ancestry. KL even claims to be an "Austrian Jew" which is bolded and underlined in the transcribed excerpt below.
May 18, 2020 - Tone Madison Podcast "Conduit: Nibiiwakamigkwe on the challenges to Indigenous artists"
Direct Link: https://soundcloud.com/tonemsn/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists (https://soundcloud.com/tonemsn/conduit-nibiiwakamigkwe-on-the-challenges-to-indigenous-artists)
Transcription begins at 1:07:19.
Yeah. So, well, also, “Hi!” Fellow Latina person here. My dad is Cuban. <laughter> But my Spanish is terrible, so I apologize. So, for me it’s always kind of acknowledging the breakdown of everything. And I want to acknowledge that I’m still French Canadian, and a little bit of Swedish and a little bit of Austrian are in there. And I think a really good way that I’ve been fighting this is by acknowledging my ancestors a little bit better. When Native children are born, we receive this little - besides our tribal enrollment cards, we receive this nice little piece of paper called a CDIB, Certificate Degree of Indian Blood, which is just as messed up as you think it is – as it sounds. <laughter> And it’s basically saying, “how much Native are you” and so for me, mine says 3/8. And then 1/4 - I’m 1/4 Cuban and then I am 3/8, you know, Europe (folx?). And so, for me I like to acknowledge that by saying well three of my great-grandparents are Native, which is true. And you know two of them are Cuban and 3 of them are European and white. Or specifically, you know, breaking down the different locations that they’re from. So, it's been really good to kind of look at in terms of that way instead of “Oh, I am <trails off>” breaking me down physically into 3/8, 3/8, 1/4. Um, acknowledging grandparents and great-grandparents or possibly, if you have a very very diverse background, great-great-grandparents. <laughter>
Just for better acknowledgement of where you come from - has been really nice for me. And I know that isn’t always available to everyone. For a lot of Native people, it’s very available because, again, they track us like racing greyhounds and it’s weird. <laughter> But, however, you know, I think acknowledging the living people behind who you are has been really good. It’s, you know, it’s a way of preventing yourself from being divided up. You know, I am completely Anishinaabe, I am completely Onyota'a:ka, I am completely Metis, I’m completely Austrian Jew, I’m still completely Swedish, I’m completely French Canadian, and completely Cuban. It’s having that acknowledgement that I can be all of those things, all at once, has been really good.
However, I do acknowledge that I have white passing privilege which means that a lot of artwork I do is collaborative because I think that it’s really good to have – I mean, first of all, I think it’s really good to employ more artists no matter what you do. If you can employ one, maybe you can employ two? So, I prefer to do that whenever I can. And that also allows me to kind of exercise the privilege that I have in the way that I look and the way I present myself and transfer that a little bit for another person. This isn’t really done as a way of charity or something. It’s more of like they can offer a perspective that I can’t, and I would prefer to…<technical issues with audio quality>
However, I’ve gotten a little more assertive when that privilege has been questioned by those that have more white privilege than I do. I think it is kind of problematic when, you know, a Euro-American, a white person, you know someone who really benefits from the colonial state says “Well, how Native are you really?” or “Are you sure you’re Native?” Or something. Well, I’m pretty sure, yeah. <laughter> You know? Usually, my favorite response when someone asks “Well, how Native are you?” is - I’ll just say “Very.” And be done with it. And, you know, so it’s one of those situations where you don’t really owe them an explanation and that is still a form of continued colonial violence. If they are repeatedly trying to question your place in your community, it’s really only your own community’s place to decide whether or not you’re a part of it.
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Well it looks like Advancesmite has got ol faker Kathryn Leclaire on the run. She has deleted her Facebook page and her Instagram account. It appears word gets around fast!
https://www.facebook.com/fakeindians?mibextid=ZbWKwL
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Thank you, Diana. Diana reviewed KL's maternal and Le Claire family genealogy which was essential to disproving KL's claims.
I've been sent screenshots of Facebook conversations that KL had with two different people. In both conversations, KL claims to have "bleached" her skin. The screenshots are attached and the content is transcribed below.
Facebook Conversation with Anonymous #1
Important Context - "CV" refers to C.V. Vitolo-Haddad. A date was not included with the screenshot but it would likely be after C.V. Vitolo-Haddad's fraudulent claims were revealed on September 4, 2020.
Kay LeClaire: Tbh, this CV and Sawyer stuff is hitting hard. My mom forced us to bleach our skin. She used Ambi “dark spot corrector.” It was so traumatizing, and when I quit a few years ago, she told me I would get spotted like a cow. There is some permanent damage, especially on my hands and face. For CV to claim that’s what happened is gut-wrenching.
Anonymous #1: Oh shit, I’m sorry. They were so reckless with how they appropriated experiences that weren’t their own. I can’t imagine not understanding how harmful that is, to be able to perpetuate those lies.
Kay LeClaire: Yeah, and like, this invalidates my lived experiences. People around here will associate this part of me with CV’s excuse. Me neither.
Facebook Conversation with Anonymous #2
Anonymous #2: Hi Kay! I wanted to reach out because I’ve admired a lot how you embrace your native roots. My <removed> had indigenous Latin Americans <removed>. I wonder if you know of any good ways to find out more about these kinds of histories or if there are any good groups in the midwest for conversing more about these histories. I have been <removed> encouraging me to seek out my history to see where these feelings and energies come from. Thanks for reading, I know this is a lot to offer a mere stranger, and I understand if you don’t have the emotional labor to spare. I appreciate your regardless. <heart emoji>
Kay LeClaire: Boozhoo <removed>. Thanks for your message– I’m so happy to connect! I was raised in my culture, then hardcore abandoned it from late high school through college and a bit after (honestly earlier too: I started bleaching my skin and hair when I was 11). I didn’t think I could be a professional person and indigenous, so I sort of gave up. It wasn’t until I started handling my PTSD diagnosis that I realized so much of my strength came from my culture and I was losing so much by acknowledging it. I don’t know much about Central and South American Indigenous peoples, but I consider us all family. <removed> is very into recovering <removed> indigenous Latinx history. I totally recommend going to one of <removed> workshops or reaching out, just be respectful of <removed> mental energy: <removed> but genuinely loves so many people and wants to help. I’m also down for tea if you want to talk reconnection. I’m part Cuban, but don’t claim Taino (because my ancestors probably killed them, not gonna lie), but am still working out what it means to be a settler, Indigenous, and Latinx all at once <heart emoji>
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Kathryn Le Claire provided a statement to Robert Chappell from Madison365.
January 3, 2023: Madison Indigenous arts leader, activist revealed as white - By Robert Chappell, Madison 365
https://madison365.com/indigenous-arts-leader-activist-revealed-as-white/ (https://madison365.com/indigenous-arts-leader-activist-revealed-as-white/)
“I am sorry,” they wrote. “A lot of information has come to my attention since late December. I am still processing it all and do not yet know how to respond adequately. What I can do now is offer change. Moving forward, my efforts will be towards reducing harm by following the directions provided by Native community members and community-specified proxies. Currently, this means that I am not using the Ojibwe name given to me and am removing myself from all community spaces, positions, projects, and grants and will not seek new ones. Any culturally related items I hold are being redistributed back in community, either to the original makers and gift-givers when possible or elsewhere as determined by community members. Thank you.”
LeClaire declined to answer follow-up questions, including who gave them their Ojibwe name and what information came to their attention.
I've attached a screenshot from a TikTok that KL made on 2/23/2021. In the comments, KL states "my name was given by an elder near Cass Lake, Minneapolis (sic)."
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I was interviewed for the Madison365 article and would like to clarify the intention behind an included quote about Native American population growth that I'm concerned could be misinterpreted. My personal belief is that the United States Census Bureau needs to ask more specific questions on the census to accurately document Native American population growth. I do believe some of those questions should be "Are you an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe? Which tribe or band?" I believe there should be additional questions and clarifying language about whether you identify as Native American (but are not an enrolled member) that would help pinpoint organic population growth versus erroneous self-identification. I also believe that tribes need to unite on this issue - Native American population data from the 2020 census is a harbinger of significant trouble ahead.
The article "How the Native American population in the US increased 87% says more about whiteness than about demographics" by Circe Sturm does a great job explaining the issue I was referencing in my Madison365 quote:
https://theconversation.com/how-the-native-american-population-in-the-us-increased-87-says-more-about-whiteness-than-about-demographics-170920 (https://theconversation.com/how-the-native-american-population-in-the-us-increased-87-says-more-about-whiteness-than-about-demographics-170920)
I do not believe that tribal enrollment or blood quantum are necessarily capable of indicating who is truly Native American. Personally, I am happy that some bands of the Minnesota Chippewa are reviewing enrollment criteria. My general belief is that if your closest ancestor with a DOCUMENTED connection was born before 1820 (at the latest) that you may need to think about your reasons for wanting to identify as Native American. I have an ancestor that was born in Switzerland in the 1700s and have taken a DNA ancestry test that indicates I'm possibly* 2% Swiss - I'm not going to add "Swiss" to a professional bio or include that information when I fill out the U.S. Census. Also, there is a significant amount of information online that may falsely lead people to believe they have a Native American ancestor and lead to inaccurate self-identification. Google "Chief Moytoy" to better the size of the problem. How many white people may be inaccurately claiming Cherokee ancestry based off false information?
I would like to thank Robert Chappell from Madison365 for telling the story of "nibiiwakamigkwe" aka Kay LeClaire AKA Kathryn Le Claire. Native American identity is a sensitive issue that many journalists would not have even entertained covering - much less covered it in such a well-researched and thorough manner. Initially, I was hesitant to participate beyond confirming the sources of information used in this thread, but felt comfortable the story was in good hands after talking to Robert Chappell.
To be clear - the quote below was not intended to infer that tribal enrollment is the only important factor in determining who is Native American.
AdvancedSmite, the New Age Fraud Forum user who uncovered the deception, said the appropriation of Native identity is a larger issue than any one person.
They noted that the self-identified Native American population grew by 85% between the 2010 and 2020 census, from just over five million to well over nine million.
“That’s not population growth,” they said. “It’s a major issue. The government needs to ask if you are an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
“You can’t assume … that Kay LeClaire is an isolated incident … the pretendian problem is a long term, strategic issue,” they wrote in a later email to Madison365, adding that people who falsely claim Indigenous heritage are then passing that false claim on to their children, who may unwittingly accept it, perpetuating a falsehood through generations. “It’s a fight for our future and identity.”
*DNA tests (like Ancestry and 23andMe) only provide estimates of ancestry composition. Ancestry estimates are subject to fluctuation when companies update their reference panels. In my opinion, any ancestry estimate below 3% needs to be considered possibly inaccurate without solid genealogical documentation. That documentation should be obtained through solid genealogical research using the Genealogical Proof Standard.
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The article "How the Native American population in the US increased 87% says more about whiteness than about demographics" by Circe Sturm does a great job explaining the issue I was referencing in my Madison365 quote:
https://theconversation.com/how-the-native-american-population-in-the-us-increased-87-says-more-about-whiteness-than-about-demographics-170920 (https://theconversation.com/how-the-native-american-population-in-the-us-increased-87-says-more-about-whiteness-than-about-demographics-170920)
There is a thread in here about that article and links to a book by Circe Sturm:
http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=5575.0
[How the Native American population in the US increased 87% (in ten years)]
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Great job Advancesmite 👏. My hat is off to you.
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Thanks, Diana :) One down…more need to go. I didn’t expect the email I set up for questions about sources used in this thread would receive tips about other potential fakes. It makes me, literally, sick to my stomach to know how many actual Native Americans in Madison (and across Wisconsin) are terrified of facing retribution at school or in the workplace for calling out the issue. These are not “low blood quantum” situations. These are people with NO blood quantum and NO connection. Some are unbelievably bold. One fake in Madison made a decision that was in incredibly poor taste this past week. Not quite a "nibiiwakamigkwe" yet - but this person has been ramping up over the last year.
To the people misrepresenting themselves and speaking for us when you are NOT one of us – I’m going to offer you some advice. STOP NOW. It isn’t too late to accept responsibility and move on as yourself. I promise it will look better if you’re one of the first to come forward. I don’t even care if you blame incorrect family lore or a misguided affinity for Native American culture. I do want you to contact any organizations, institutions, and media outlets to which you have misrepresented yourself and take responsibility though.
If you decide to take your chances and keep playing Indian, I want you to know everything has been saved.
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There was a follow-up by Robert Chappell on January 18, 2023:
https://madison365.com/indigenous-community-looks-to-heal-weeks-after-a-pretendian-is-exposed/
Indigenous community looks to heal weeks after a “pretendian” is exposed
Madison’s Indigenous and arts communities are working to disentangle themselves from a web left behind by Kay LeClaire, a white woman who has been claiming to be an Indigenous two-spirit person for at least five years.
Since we first reported on LeClaire’s deceptions, the story went viral internationally. But much of the public’s attention has moved on, leaving artists, Indigenous people, businesses, nonprofit organizations and even government agencies to pick up the pieces.
As Madison365 first reported on January 3, LeClaire had been claiming Anishinaabe and Metis heritage since at least 2017. They used that identity to claim positions of leadership in Indigenous communities, including membership and co-ownership of giige, an Indigenous and queer artists’ collective. LeClaire also successfully applied for a number of grants, fellowships and other positions based on the false claim of Indigenous heritage.
LeClaire told colleagues that they identified as “two-spirit,” a gender identity specific to Indigenous people, but did not identify as non-binary. Nonetheless, LeClaire still uses they/them pronouns.
LeClaire apologized in a statement emailed to Madison365, but has not yet directly acknowledged that they lied about being Indigenous.
Following the money
LeClaire has been paid at least $67,000 over the past four years for roles and opportunities they were given based at least in some measure on their claim of Indigenous heritage. The bulk of that was their wages at giige, where they served mostly administrative functions 20 hours per week, earning a total of $60,716 since 2019, according to tax records shared with Madison365.
Nipinet Landsem, another cofounder and member of the collective, said the organization also paid a buyout of an undisclosed amount when it separated from LeClaire.
LeClaire was Community Leader in Residence at the University of Wisconsin School of Ecology’s Center for Design and Material Culture from May through December 2022, for which they were paid $4,876.56. Officials there said Indigenous heritage was not required for that residency, but it was a key part of how LeClaire presented herself in her application.
LeClaire claimed to have made a “jingle dress” for an Overture Center exhibit; they actually purchased the dress from a maker on Etsy. An Overture Center representative confirmed that LeClaire received a stipend for participating in that exhibit; Overture did not disclose the amount but said it was less than $1,000.
LeClaire “participated in a one-day workshop in September 2022 where Wisconsin Historical Society staff met with members of Wisconsin’s Native community to discuss Native perspectives and input as it relates to Society programming,” WHS spokesperson Colleen Lies said in an email to Madison365. For that, LeClaire was compensated $599. Since learning LeClaire is not Indigenous, WHS has donated $599 to the Wisconsin Indian Education Association.
Jennifer Bastian of Communication Madison confirmed in an email that LeClaire was a member of the Communication Press editorial board from March through July of 2021, but was not compensated for that service. Communication did pay LeClaire $100 to design a t-shirt. Additionally, LeClaire was a guest on Conduit, a “live-streamed series that connected arts, culture, and community in Madison at the beginning of the pandemic,” produced by Tone Madison, Communication and Underbelly Creative. The producers collected donations from listeners and passed those along to the guests; LeClaire, who spoke specifically about their Indigenous heritage on that stream, raised $80.
Bastian said Communication has donated $100 to a Native-owned business, $90 to the UW Indigenous student organization Wunk Sheek and $90 to Little Eagle Arts Foundation.
LeClaire also apparently received a settlement after claiming racial discrimination when they were fired from Monroe Street Arts Center; the center, LeClaire and LeClaire’s attorney all declined to disclose the amount of that settlement.
LeClaire was nearly paid another $13,500 before the deception was exposed. They had been approved for a $10,000 fellowship in Springboard for the Arts’ Rural Regenerator program, for which they claimed to be Indigenous and provided a rural address, even though they currently live in the city of Madison. LeClaire was set to join the 2023 cohort of that fellowship, but the $10,000 will go to the remaining members of giige instead.
Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) had also contracted with LeClaire to pay $3,500 for them to create a mural on the side of the giige building on Williamson Street. Landsem said LeClaire asked Landsem to draw the art based on LeClaire’s concept, and only begrudgingly agreed to split the stipend with Landsem.
DAMA Executive Director Veronica Figueroa told Madison365 that LeClaire never cashed or deposited the check DAMA had written for their half of the commission, so they simply canceled that check and have committed to pay Landsem for the project.
LeClaire was also a member of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force Data Subcommittee, under the auspices of the state Department of Justice. They were not compensated for that work, but was able to contribute to policy recommendations. Subcommittee Cochair Dr. Jeneile Luebke said LeClaire identified not only as Indigenous but as a victim of trafficking – a claim Lueble now doubts.
“What I find so disturbing about this is having people weigh in on recommendations that we’re giving as a task force when they truly may not have that lived experience that they’re speaking from,” Luebke said.
Luebke said LeClaire’s relative silence has been hurtful, too.
“It’s just hurtful because I kind of expected there to be some kind of a statement or a response of some sort. But (they) just disappeared, and people are just kind of left hanging,” she said.
LeClaire did provide a statement to Madison365 for inclusion in our first story, and a second statement for this story.
“I apologize for taking up space, voice, and opportunities for Native people. I am sorry for the pain and anger that I have caused, most especially to Indigenous communities and to those who placed trust in me,” LeClaire said in an email. “I have vacated all community spaces, positions, projects, and grants.”
They declined to answer several specific questions, including whether or not they consider themself to be Indigenous.
They did answer one question specifically, though: in a previous statement to Madison365, they said they would no longer use the Indigenous name that was given to them. Asked who gave them that name, they at first demurred, but in a second statement said the name was given to them in their teenage years by an Ojibwe woman who has since passed away, and whom they declined to name.
“I do not want this situation to further impact her family,” LeClaire said.
Landsem and Cunningham said that’s not what LeClaire told them; they said LeClaire’s earlier story was that they’d been given the name by an uncle during a train trip.
“We are resilient.”
“I think that one thing that we’re missing here is that we’re giving too much attention to her, and not really giving attention to the aftermath of this,” Figueroa said.
That aftermath has not only left Indigenous communities in need of healing, but also left rifts in Madison’s arts community as well.
A former employee of the Monroe Street Arts Center, for example, said LeClaire turned other arts community members against them after they were fired.
“Kay had gone around and spoke poorly of multiple of us, and we had kind of been shut out of multiple arts communities, because they supported Kay,” said the employee, who asked to remain anonymous. “As much as now the community knows, none of us still feel like we know how to reach out or know how to reintegrate ourselves into those things, because we got shut out for so long. And now trying to get back into it would almost feel harmful to us and to those people, because we’re all healing from the same thing.”
Luebke from the MMIW Task Force said her subcommittee met and decided to remove LeClaire’s name from its forthcoming report. And, more importantly, the Task Force’s work will go on.
“We will not let this situation with Kay impact our work,” she said. “We are resilient. Our commitment to addressing violence will continue without interruption.”
The studio, which has since rebranded as Red Clover Tattoo Collective, has also served as the clearinghouse for many cultural and culturally-related items – mostly clothing and jewelry – that LeClaire had collected and is now returning. Landsem and co-owners Mar Gosselar and Bear Cunningham said LeClaire is still in possession of some items.
Figueroa, the executive director of DAMA, noted the many boxes of Indigenous clothing and other items filling the studio space during a recent visit, and noted the time Landsem has spent sorting and distributing those items.
“It’s a lot of things that they didn’t have to do, but they did,” Figueroa said. “This wasn’t their fault. It wasn’t any of our fault that we trusted somebody that totally failed us.”
“We are going to continue being involved in the community and being a space for queer and Indigenous and other marginalized folks to do art, get tattoos,” Landsem said. “Kay was in control of how we interacted with the community in a lot of ways, because that was supposedly (Kay’s) job. So we’re gonna rebrand. We’re gonna open up a space for folks to use … We’re not going to change anything about our core ethics.”
Photos and photo captions in there not included in quote.
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Some other interesting links to note:
https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/the-pretendian-among-us/
The Pretendian Among Us
Another race-faker was outed late last year when newagefraud.org exposed local activist Kay LeClaire’s familial lineage. Kay was proven to be German, Swedish, and French Canadian—not the Indian tribes they claimed, including Métis, Oneida, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee.
by jilip nagler | Mar 1, 2023 | 3 comments
https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/contributor/kay-leclaire
Kay LeClaire
UPDATE: Recently, evidence has been uncovered that shows Kay LeClaire, who also went by the name nibiiwakamigkwe, has been falsely claiming to be an Indigenous person with Tribal membership. This is a terrible act of racial fraud inflicting grievous injury to Indigenous people.
The Academy offered a free workshop on cultural appropriation in October 2022, in coordination with an exhibition at the Academy’s James Watrous Gallery and in partnership with UW-Madison’s Center for Design and Material Culture and the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection. Kay LeClaire was one of the workshop leads as part of their residency at UW-Madison's Center for Design and Material Culture and was not paid by the Academy. With the free workshop, we sought to fight cultural appropriation and increase engagement with Indigenous cultures in a respectful and ethical manner. We were deceived by Kay LeClaire and take responsibility for and deeply regret providing them with a platform.