October 24, 2018

Boozhoo,

As Halloween approaches, we wish you a fun and safe Trick or Treat! The Community Haunted House will open this Thursday and Friday.

As you prepare for the festivities, please take a moment to review these Halloween Safety Tips from the Bad River Police Department.

There are several community events listed below, and the Ashland Chamber has a list of area events and activities .

There are many good things happening in the Mashkiiziibii community. Scroll down to see news, community information and upcoming events.
NEWS
Brad Bigboy Graduates Law Enforcement Academy

Brad Bigboy started as a Conservation Warden with the Bad River Natural Resources Department on September 18, 2017.

On June 3rd, Brad left Odanah to travel to Rhinelander to begin the Law Enforcement Academy at Nicolet College the next day.

Nineteen weeks later, and after a lot of hard work, Brad graduated from the academy on October 12th.

Asked why he decided to complete the Law Enforcement Academy, Brad shared, "I needed to complete this training as it is a requirement for my current position. Not only that, but I saw this training as a huge opportunity to better myself and start to help my community."


Regular travel for four months can be rigorous. How did Brad stay motivated? "The motivation was my family. I knew I needed to finish what I started, to better myself and further my education and career. My family sacrificed a lot with me being gone all summer. I missed out on a lot of time with my kids and wife. I knew in the end completing the Law Enforcement Academy was a right step in right direction."

"I feel great. I am excited to get back to work. I have a lot to get done and am ready."

The Bad River Natural Resources Department is proud of Brad's hard work and dedication. Amazing job, Brad!  Please make sure to congratulate Brad on his big accomplishment.

Congratulations Brad!
Trapping Class Brings Traditional Skill to New Generation
By Lacey Hill Kastern, Bad River Wildlife Specialist

About a year ago while Bad River Natural Resources Department was hosting public meetings to comment on revisions to the Bad River trapping code, it was brought up that not many Tribal Members trap anymore and that there hasn't been a trapping education class in a while.

The following February of 2018, Lacey Hill Kastern, Bad River Wildlife Specialist, and Stephanie Julian, Bad River Education Department Director, met with John Olson, retired WDNR fur-bearer specialist, to learn how to host a trapping education class.

At that first meeting it was decided that this class fit in perfectly with the programs that the Indigenous Arts and Science program was doing, and that we should also invite Red Cliff and Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) to join in the efforts. We met again in March with staff from Bad River, Red Cliff and GLIFWC. As planning for the course went forward, more and more organizations and individuals contributed to make it a success.

We first realized that no one in our group were certified trapping education instructors and did not have any experience in teaching a class like this. So, we reached out to knowledgeable trappers in the area, both Tribal Members and non-Tribal Members and invited them to help with this course. Through all the discussions, we also decided that this class should be open to everybody because teaching about Treaty Rights and the various perspectives behind trapping was important for everyone to learn.

During the planning of this course, an anonymous donor came forward and offered to cover the registration fee for all the students. Bad River offered transportation for any youth that needed it to attend the course. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies made a financial contribution to the course. The Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education Program had a large trailer loaded with supplies and tools that the class was able to use. Lots of people donated time and resources towards this effort, and even traps were donated so that every student received at least one trap to start off their trapping endeavors. The Ashland High School offered credits to students that participated in the course. The effort and dedication that went towards this was outstanding!

We were limited by space and could only take 30 students and on the morning of the course we had a waiting list. Unfortunately, several people had circumstances arise and were unable to take the course. We ended up successfully graduating 16 students from the course. Many from the waiting list and others who could not attend let us know that there is enough interest and need for this course to be offered more often, and we have already begun planning for next year.

Day one of the course started with an overview of the different types of traps and what species they are used for, led by Todd Naas, Ethan Rossing and Nathan Martin. Todd then led a demonstration on how to prepare the equipment for use in the field. This was followed by an introduction of Treaty Rights and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Warden Lynna Martin and GLIFWC Warden Christina Dzwonkowski presented on the different types of regulations. They covered regulations for on reservation, off reservation, for Tribal Members and non-Tribal Members and why those differences exist. The night concluded with a presentation from Keldi Merton from the Madeline Island Museum on the history of the local fur trade and the large role that Madeline Island played. It was a very windy and wet day, so unfortunately the class was unable to be outside.


Day two started off at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center where the class was split into groups and students learned in the field how to set up dog-proof traps for raccoons, upland foothold traps for raccoons, coyotes, fox, bobcats, and other animals. They also learned about submerged water footholds for beavers and body grip traps for otters. At dark, the class returned to the WDNR service center for hot pizza and to learn more about the different fur-bearers and their habitats from WDNR Biologists Todd and Jenna, how to communicate about trapping with the non-trapping community and with people with different values, and how to clean and prep skulls by John Olson.

Day three was a Saturday and started first thing in the morning with a continued presentation on rules and regulations and then more practice with setting traps. The class was split up again to learn about cubbies and body grip sets, demonstrated by Kim Murphy, and cable restraints demonstrated by John Olson, Jenna Kosnicki and Lynna Gurnoe. Before lunch there were demonstrations on how to open skin and flesh a beaver (Ethan Rossing), case skin a muskrat (Nathan Martin), and case skin and flesh a fisher (Jenna Kosnicki).

The learning did not stop for lunch. While eating, students watched a video about trapping ethics and retired wildlife biologist Bruce Bacon gave a thorough lecture on safety including disease protection, personal protective equipment, ice safety, and more. This was followed up by GLIFWC's Jonathon Gilbert talking to the class about the importance of trapping best management practices, ethics and Treaty Rights. Edith Leoso, Bad River Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, came and spoke to the class about the uses of different furs and also taught the class about some of the Tribe's history in the area and some language associated with trapping. The day was concluded with the practical exam that everyone passed to become certified trappers through the state.


Day four was an optional day for the class, and 14 of the 16 students came back to learn more. Lacey started the day by providing some additional ice safety tips and asked if anyone had any additional questions for any of the instructors. We also spoke about the different ways to tan hides, including brain tanning, and the pros and cons of the different methods. The instructors then shared tips and tricks to be more effective trappers, and we concluded the day with Lacey presenting on how to identify different animal signs in the field.

The class finished with the students present having hands-on experience to skin and flesh beavers, otters, raccoons, fishers, bobcats and an ermine with Ethan, Kim, Lynna, Nathan, Bruce and Lacey. As a final bonus, each student picked two prizes out of a mix of traps, stretchers, fleshing boards and fleshing tools.

A special thank you to all the planners and instructors!
Todd Naas - WDNR Wildlife Biologist, Trappers Ed Instructor
Sandy Naas - Ashland School District Educator, Trappers Ed Instructor
Lynna Martin - WDNR warden, Trappers Ed Instructor
Nathan Martin - Apprentice Trappers Ed Instructor
Ethan Rossing - USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, Trappers Ed Instructor
John Olson - Retired WDNR Furbearer Specialist, Trappers Ed Instructor
Kim Murphy - Trappers Ed Instructor
Christina Dzwonkowski - GLIFWC Warden
Adam Oja - GLIFWC Wildlife Technician
Lori Lemieux - Bad River Indigenous Arts & Sciences Coordinator
Keldi Merton - Madeline Island Museum Historian
Jon Gilbert - GLIFWC Biological Services Division Director
Bruce Bacon - Retired WDNR Wildlife Biologist, Trappers Ed Instructor
Jenna Kosnicki - WDNR wildlife biologist, Trappers Ed Instructor
Edith Leoso - Bad River Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Zach Peterson - Red Cliff Warden
Lucas Cadotte - Red Cliff Assistant Chief Warden
Gerry White - Bad River Chief Warden
Florence Powless - Bad River Natural Resources Department Administrative Assistant
Lacey Hill Kastern - Bad River Wildlife Biologist

Many thanks to these agencies!
Head Start News

Mishiiminaatigokaa (Apple Orchard).  The Bad River Head Start recently visited Erickson's Orchard. They were very good to us as we learned about Mishiimin.  We were fortunate enough to harvest some Mishiimin, taste some apple cider donuts and explore the orchard searching for scarecrows.


The trip to Bayfield was beautiful as we enjoyed the beautiful fall leaves.  The children had a wonderful time.  Miigwetch Erickson's Orchard for hosting us.
Food Sovereignty News
By Joy Schelble

As we're preparing the garden beds for planting garlic and spinach, visiting with the plant and animal neighbors who will overwinter in the greenhouses, and processing the fall harvest, we are talking about the ways to grow better.


We've been gleaning apples at several orchards with the Mashkiiziibii Boys and Girls Club, the Birch Hill Community House and a community volunteer. We are making cider at a couple of upcoming events and processing the apples for future meals. We are cleaning out the high tunnel greenhouses and will plant garlic and spinach soon.

We've had a great harvest season, and are planning some early winter classes and feasts.
2018 Bad River Tribal Election Notice

Meet Marjorie Eaglemann, LCO College Alumni
By Thelma Nayquonabe

Boozhoo Nindinawemaaganidoog! Bangii eta go nindoojibwem. Niwiikwajitoon da ojibwemowyaan. Nageisesukwe nindizhinikaaz. Marjorie nindizhinikaaz zhaaganaashiimo. Waawaashkeshi nin doodem. Wikoonametaawingaasing nindoonjibaa. Nimino ayaa noongom. Niminwendam bi-izhaayaan noongom. Mii sa iw minik waa ikidoyaan. Miigwetch Bizindawiyeg.

Marjorie Eagleman is the Cultural Coordinator for the St. Croix Ojibwe Tribe, and a graduate of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College, with Associate Degrees in Native American Studies/Ojibwe Language, 2008, and Early Childhood Education, 2015. This Ojibwe introduction is her way of telling about herself to others.

"I really enjoy working in the Culture department. I am able to teach Ojibwe language to St. Croix students." Marge reflected on the importance of her position as cultural coordinator. Marge also teaches culture/language classes to students at Cumberland middle school grade 5 thru 12. In her office at the St. Croix education department, Marge spends time working on lessons for students, preparing for presentations at schools, and assembling booklets on Ojibwe language with English translations.

Marge grew up with the language, with first speakers of the Ojibwe language in her immediate family. "I sit with Ralph and Kwe and watch how Ralph teaches. I follow how Ralph teaches. Now that I completed a degree, I am able to sit with him as an instructor," Marge stated thoughtfully. Gwayakochigewin, how things are connected and making decisions the right way, are important teaching for Marge. This is the basis of much of the Ojibwe belief system.

When asked about highlights of her time at LCO College, Marge recalled attending a class at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to meet degree requirements. This required a lot of travelling and rigorous course work. Early childhood education practicum classes were exciting and rewarding.

"The students get to know you," Marge recalled. Education at LCO College has provided Marge the confidence needed to teach language and culture at schools and community events.

"People have inspired me. I see how people teach. For you, Thelma Nayquonabe, you've inspired me. Others who have inspired me are Brooke, Ralph and Kwe. Years ago, I did not know what I was doing. Kate pushed me. I think of my parents and grandparents; how our language was disappearing; I wanted to be a part of that. I suppose because of my parents and grandparents. I wanted to help save our language. I think I am going to cry." Marge pauses, overcome with emotion, thinking of how crucial her job as educator means to the preservation of Ojibwe culture.

Marge tells of her family of six children. "I lost one, the five remaining are all grown, and I now have 15 grandchildren and one great granddaughter." Family is so important to the beliefs of the Ojibwe, and Marge is a wonderful attentive mother and grandmother.

Everything Marge has accomplished has inspired her to work with young people to teach the importance of the language. "I am hoping some of the students will pick up the language and culture. Maybe they will be inspired to teach language. My granddaughter is so good with Ojibwe introduction," Marge stated proudly.

For more information on LCO College classes, please call 715-634-4790.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Dagwaagi Culture Camp - Due October 26th

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Tribal Council Meetings

All Regular Tribal Council Meetings are held at
the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.
November 7, 2018
December 5, 2018

All Special Tribal Council Meetings are held at
the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.
 November 20, 2018
 December 18, 2018
Winter Parking Ordinance Begins November 1st

The Tribe's Winter Parking Ordinance goes into effect on November 1, 2018.

The ordinance will remain in effect through April 30, 2019.

Daylight Savings Times Ends November 4th

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) is available to help low and moderate income households with heating and electric expenses. WHEAP is a one-time benefit payment for each heating season that began on October 1st and ends May 15, 2019.

The benefit is intended to help pay a portion of the heating costs and is not intended to cover the entire annual cost of the home heating bill. The amount of the heating assistance benefit depends on the household size, income level and household heating costs.

If you are eligible for heating assistance, you may also qualify for crisis assistance and the furnace repair or replacement program. Please call 715-682-7004 during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

If you have a no-heat/furnace emergency after hours or on weekends, please call the Ashland County Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 715-682-7023, option 1.

Read more information about WHEAP.
GLIFWC Seeking Wild Turkeys for Contaminant Testing

Flu Immunization Clinic - Today

Basic Life Support - Registration Due Today

Beading Circle - Wednesdays

Math Tutoring - Thursdays

Recycling Information


View the On-Site Waste Disposal
Roll-Off Container Service Agreement
Notice for Snowplowing Private Driveways
 
Vehicle Registration and Titling
 
Bad River Veterans Memorial Fundraiser

There has been an effort under way to develop a Bad River Veterans Memorial at the cemetery near the Veterans Pavilion.

Community members can help fund this effort by buying a brick to be included in the paving of the memorial. 

The goal is to raise enough money through this campaign to follow through with the developments to enhance the Veterans Pavilion area. Click here to learn more .

"It becomes a community effort to make this happen," Edith shared. "It will become aesthetically pleasing for our Veterans and community members to come enjoy and reflect and will also be handicap accessible." 

Initially they had an end date set for September 1st; however, Edith explained that they are leaving the end date open, so they can get more people involved in the fundraising effort.  Click here to buy a brick.
Refer a Friend Internet Promotion

NATOW

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Women's Ribbon Skirt Class - Today

Bingo - October 28th

The Bad River Elderly/Aging Program will have Bingo on Sunday, October 28th at the Elderly feeding site.

Doors open at 12:30 pm. Bingo is from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Bring your own dauber. There will be snacks and refreshments.
Off-Reservation Night Hunting Course - October 28th


Language Table - Rescheduled to October 30th

Youth Basketball Begins October 30th

Beginning on Tuesday, October 30th, Melanie Connors will donate her time to teach the game of basketball for our youth, kids in 7th grade and older.

Youth will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 to 8:00 pm until further notice at the Community Center. Melanie will be teaching set plays, drills, etc. The plan is to start a traveling basketball team, so come on down and learn basketball skills and have a blast!

Stay tuned for Soccer information.
Baby Play Time - October 30th

Dagwaagin-gabishiwin - November 3rd and November 4th

BART Autumn Scenic Selfie Contest - Ends November 7th

Gitchi Gami Veterans Pow Wow - November 10th

Holiday Craft Fair - November 24th

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
2020 Census Jobs

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The e-newsletter is sent every other Wednesday.

Email your information and story ideas, and please include your contact information so that we can follow up with you.   Please include a photo if possible.

Chi Miigwech!

Kim Swisher
Tribal Communications
Cell:  715-437-0465
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