Chairperson
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin | Keshena
Gena Kakkak is chairperson of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, a federally recognized tribe based in the village of Keshena with about 8,720 members. The Menominee Indian Tribe is the largest employer in Menominee County, employing about 700 people. Its chartered businesses include Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena, forest management business Menominee Tribal Enterprises in Neopit, Menominee Indian Economic Development Authority and Kenosha Gaming Authority.
The tribe is currently working with Hard Rock International to develop a casino and entertainment center on a 60-acre site in Kenosha. The $360 million project is expected to create 1,000 jobs. When completed, the development – which will include a casino, 150-room hotel, Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, six new restaurants and other amenities – is projected to attract an estimated 2.4 million guests and visitors annually to the area, including many out-of-state residents.
In October 2024, Kakkak was one of six tribal leaders to accompany President Joe Biden on Air Force One when he flew to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona to issue an apology for the country’s historic role in forcing indigenous children into boarding schools.
