Peter Mato "Bezhigoogiizhig" LaBlanc

Peter "Bezhigoogiizhig" Mato LaBlanc
Surrounded by love, Peter Mato LaBlanc departed this life peacefully on Sunday, November 2, in Madison, Wisconsin. His passing leaves a profound sense of loss among all who knew him. Pete will be remembered for his steadfast courage, generous spirit, quick wit, and a radiant smile that so often brightened the lives around him.
Pete was born on January 30, 1975, to Barb and Tom LaBlanc. His early years were spent on and near the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. In time, Pete's family made their home in Cumberland, Wisconsin, where Pete attended Cumberland Junior High and Cumberland High School. A bright student and a natural athlete, Pete excelled both in the classroom and on the field, distinguishing himself in baseball and football. Yet it was his extraordinary voice-warm, rich, and full of spirit-that truly set him apart. Throughout his youth and into adulthood, Pete shared his gift of song generously, leaving lasting impressions on all who heard him.
Pete devoted his life to the advancement and empowerment of Native American people. Much of his professional career was spent in service to the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, where he was a steadfast advocate for constitutional reform-efforts aimed at preserving cultural identity, strengthening families, and securing the future of the St. Croix Chippewa. In his role within Intergovernmental Affairs, Pete championed stronger partnerships between Tribal Nations and state and federal governments. His dedication extended across the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council and the Chippewa Federation, where his voice carried weight, wisdom, and conviction.
Over the past two decades, Pete's contributions to tribal tourism and economic development have been nothing short of transformative. Through his involvement with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW), Pete helped to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Native communities. A member of the NATOW board since 2003, he served four terms as Chairman, guiding the organization with vision and heart.
In recent years, Pete was instrumental in strengthening relationships between the Tribal Nations of Wisconsin and the State of Wisconsin-most notably through his efforts to host Governor Tony Evers for Treaty Day and visits to the St. Croix community and the Chippewa Federation. His advocacy for the protection of wild rice, a sacred and vital resource, culminated in the establishment of Wisconsin's Wild Rice Stewardship Council-an enduring testament to his leadership and love for his people.
Pete's career and passions carried him far and wide, across tribal lands and nearly every state in the country. Along the way, he formed deep and lasting friendships, his warmth and humor leaving an imprint wherever he went. Beyond his professional achievements, Pete was a man of many joys. He loved music and singing, took great pride in his cooking, followed the Minnesota Vikings with fierce loyalty, and engaged passionately in politics. Yet perhaps nothing brought him more happiness than the simple pleasures-sharing morning coffee with his mother, or the quiet companionship of his beloved cat.
Pete's life was one of purpose and service. His unwavering commitment to his people, his community, and the causes he held dear has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Pete is survived by his children, Julia and Jackson, his mother Barb, stepfather, Dino, sister Wenona, brother Muzin and sister-in-law Stacie, nephew Alex and niece Arya, father, father, Tom, brothers Matt, Chaske, Sonny, Rob, sister Isabella and Lyz, his beloved cat Mocha Kitty LaBlanc, and aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother Gladys Bearheart, grandfather Ed Kingeagle Sr, aunties Bonnie Bearheart and Becky Bearheart and uncle Ed Bearheart.
Traditional Ojibwe services will be held for Pete at the Maple Plain Community Center. Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4 and funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 5.
Pallbearers are Michael Decorah, Nate Johnson, Keith Hopinka, Joe Oustigoff, Alvin Oustigoff, Scott Vele, Darrell Sawyer, Charles Peterson, Albin Peterson, and Bob Phelps.
Skinner Funeral Home is serving the family.