Miisaninawiind December 20-26, 2021
Manidoo-Giizisoons (Little Spirit Moon)
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Boozhoo and welcome to the Miisaninawiind weekly newsletter!
The Miisaniinawind brings you important news, announcements and updates, designed specifically for the Red Cliff community. But that's not all. The weekly eNewsletter will also provide news about neighboring tribes, communities and broader issues across Indian Country that matter to you.
If you have photos, news or information you'd like to share, please email submissions to communications@redcliff-nsn.gov.
Check out our website HERE and our Facebook page HERE.
Want to receive the newsletter each week? Sign up HERE.
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Legendary Pow Wow Set for January 29-30 |
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Grand Entry times are set for 1 PM and 6 PM on Saturday January 29, followed by a 1 PM grand entry on Sunday. Dance specials will be announced soon!
Leslie Gibbs will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The Arena Director will be George Dick, and Keller Paap will serve as Spiritual Advisor.
Josh Zunker and Gretchen Morris will be featured as Head Dancers and Edward Bressette will be honored as Head Veteran.
Invited drums include Cedar Creek, Always Thundering, Little Thunder, War Thunder, Standing Bear, Ojibwe Park, Black Water, and Bad River.
For vendor information and any other questions, please contact Demetri Morris at 715-779-9463.
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Waawaashkeshi Hunting Season Extended |
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Attention any Tribal Members interested in hunting and harvesting waawaashkeshi (deer): This year's hunting season has been extended and will now end on January 9, 2022.
Please note - this order only applies to the Ceded Territories within the state of Wisconsin, and is only effective for this current deer season.
View the entire order from the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission.
Please direct any questions to the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission at 715-682-6619 or to the Red Cliff Wardens at 715-779-3732.
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Bayfield Chamber Collecting Warm Clothing
Items are donated to Bayfield School and Red Cliff Warming Shelter
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The Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau is inviting community members to drop off new or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing items as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Big Bundle Up campaign. Warm clothing donations can be dropped off at the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau through January 7, 2022.
“We’re so grateful to collaborate with the Bayfield Chamber as part of this warm clothing campaign,” said Red Cliff Family & Human Services Director Rebecca Benton. “Chi-Miigwech to the Chamber and to all area residents for considering donating warm clothing to school children and to our area’s homeless population.”
The Bayfield Chamber is located at 42 South Broad Street in Bayfield. The Red Cliff Homeless Warming Shelter is located at 89645 Youth Center Dr in Red Cliff. The shelter is open every night from 9 PM – 8 AM.
Questions about the Big Bundle Up Campaign can be directed to Kati Anderson, Bayfield Marketing Director at 715-779-1069 or via email at kati@bayfield.org.
Questions about the Red Cliff Homeless Warming Shelter can be directed to 715-779-3700 or 715-779-3706.
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Santa Visits Miskwaabikaang Youth |
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Red Cliff Early Childhood Center families were treated to a drive=up holiday party last week as children got to meet Santa, received presents, and were given food to go!
The Red Cliff Kids gift event also took place over the weekend at Legendary Waters. Families were able to drive through and pick up gifts for their children aged newborns through 17. Parents/guardians received a bag of unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper, and tape.
Miigwech to all who made these events possible for our youth!
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Boys & Girls Club Visit St. Croix |
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The Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami took an overnight trip to St. Croix on Friday December 10 and Saturday December 11. On Friday Youth attended a Youth Conference where they met with colleges from around the area, and they got to meet two special guests, one was National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. He talked to the youth about how education has helped him and why it is important and how to stand up to bullies. He then talked about how youth are the ones that control their futures not others.
The second guest was Brigadier General Joane K. Mathews, she is Wisconsin’s deputy adjutant general for the Army. She is a member of Lac Du Flambeau. She too talked about the importance of Education and that youth are the only ones that can control their future no matter where they come from. After youth checked into the hotel and had some pool time, followed by a nice dinner.
Saturday youth loaded up the van and went to Christmas at the Forts. Youth were able to take part in some holiday shopping, traditional Storytelling, and sleigh rides.
The youth had an amazing time and there was much laughter and great food had by all. We hope to plan this trip again next year! Until then we look forward to our next trip!
-Boys & Girls Club Staff
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The Red Cliff Wardens have proposed changes pertaining to Chapter 10 of the Red Cliff Code of Laws. Click HERE to view the proposed changes.
Public comment on this proposal is encouraged. Please drop your comments at the Tribal Administration Building or forward them directly to the Tribal Council.
This proposal will be voted upon on Tuesday January 18, 2022.
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Miskwaabikaang update on Wolf 813 - the breeding female of the Echo Valley Pack since 2015, was recaptured by Red Cliff wildlife staff on July 30th, 2021 and they replaced her old VHF collar with a new GPS collar. On July 28th wildlife staff also captured and GPS collared a yearling male wolf in the Echo Valley Pack. Currently staff are monitoring 4 GPS collared adult wolves in three different packs (Echo Valley, Miskwaabikaang, and Twin Lakes). |
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Jiibaakwedaa (Let's Cook) - Spring Rolls |
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Jiibaakwedaa (Let's Cook) - Join Ed Metelica, Peer Specialist from Red Cliff's Noojimo'iwewin Center as he prepares fresh spring rolls with vegetables or fruit!
Watch the video for helpful tips and a delicious recipe! Pick up your free ingredients at the Noojimo'iwewin Center December 27-29. The Noojimo'iwewin Center is located at 37450 Water Tower Rd in Red Cliff.
Contact Ed with any questions at emetelica@redcliffhealth.org.
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Red Cliff Community Invited to Take
Native Organizers Alliance Survey
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Last year, tribal and Native communities showed up to the election polls in record numbers and proved to the rest of the country something we already knew -- that there is power in our voices.
The Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS) is an opportunity to raise our voices once again, and to share our experiences, issues, and priorities that are important to our families and communities and how we will strengthen the sovereign role of our tribal governments.
Please click HERE to take a brief survey by January 31, 2022. Learn more about the survey and how it will benefit Indian Country HERE.
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Homebuyers Wanted,
Pre-Developed Sites Available
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Multiple lease sites (8) in current development will be ready for a home to be placed in 2022. Clearing, utilities, driveway and slab done – giving you a leg up on development!
To choose your site, bring in your pre-approval from a mortgage lender and select your manufactured home! These sites provide a homebuyer with immediate equity as the site development cost is subsidized with grant funding. Act soon to have a new home in 2022!*
For more information and for map review of sites, please contact Liz Boyd, Homebuyer/Homeowner Program Manager at 715-779-3744 ext. 3518 or email eboyd@redcliffhousing.org.
If you haven’t prequalified, we also can assist with getting you matched with a mortgage lender!
Don’t miss out! Own your own home today!
*Please note: lead times for ordering homes can vary; and COVID still does have impact on supply chains, labor and transportation. Home ordering must take place soon in order to have a home delivered & placed in the 2022 year.
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Holiday Ham / Turkey Giveaway |
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Please stop in the Tribal Administration Building and sign up to get your certificate. You will then be able to pick up your item from the Food Distribution Building.
Please be prepared to show your Tribal ID when getting your certificate, along with a current household bill with your name and physical address on it.
You are able to have someone pick up your certificate on your behalf. Please call ahead of time to arrange.
Certificates can be picked up at the Tribal Administration Building from 9 AM - 4 PM Monday through Friday. One certificate per household.
Please call 715-779-3700 with any questions.
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Elder Holiday Party Set for December 23 |
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The Elder's Holiday Party is scheduled for Thursday December 23 at Legendary Waters. Doors will open at 11:00 AM and a meal will be served from 12:00-1:00 PM.
Elders are asked to bring a dauber to participate in bingo.
Transportation is available. Please call Anna Hanson with any questions at 715-779-3706.
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Council Meeting December 21 |
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet on Tuesday December 21 at Legendary Waters.
The Regular Session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. Community Members are invited to attend.
Click HERE for the meeting agenda.
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Red Cliff Offers Snowplowing for Elders |
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The Red Cliff Band offers FREE snowplowing for Tribal Member Elders aged 55 and older living within the Red Cliff Reservation boundaries. Plowing is also offered to non-member elders at a cost of $125 for the season.
Elders can sign up for this service at the Tribal Administration Building or by calling the Public Works Department at 715-779-5228. Non-members can make payment at the Tribal Administration Building.
Click HERE to see all details and access a sign up form.
Please contact the Public Works Department with any questions at 715-779-5228.
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COVID-19 Relief Payments & SSI Eligibility |
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For Tribal Members who are enrolled in SSI programs or receive SSI payments: Any COVID-19 relief direct assistance payments you receive from the Red Cliff Tribal Government do NOT count against your SSI eligibility or your SSI payment.
See images or click HERE for details.
Please contact 715-779-3707 ext 2238 with any questions.
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Community Members Needed For Committees |
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The Tribal Council is seeking individuals to serve on the following committees, boards, and commissions.
Utilities Commission: 2 members
Health Board: 1 member
Business Board: 1 member
Family Human Services Committee: 2 members
Cemetery Committee: 4 members
If you are interested in serving on any of the committees, please pick up and drop off an application at the front desk of the Tribal Administration Building. You can also access a committee application HERE.
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Are you a tribal member-owned business interested in having your business included in our Business Directory? Click HERE.
Tribal Members and non-tribal members planning to do business within the boundaries of the Red Cliff Reservation are reminded to please submit a Business Permit Application. Completed permit applications should be sent to the Red Cliff Legal Department, 88455 Pike Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Available For
Tribal Members in Ashland and Bayfield County
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The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is still offering help and is accepting applications. This program is open to Red Cliff Tribal Members who rent housing in either Ashland County or Bayfield County.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can pay up to 12 months of rent and utilities for qualifying households. It is NOT required that applicants live in tribal housing or have past due bills.
Contact 715-779-3700 ext 4208 or ext 4209 with any questions.
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Happy Birthday To Our Members This Week! |
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Emylia Gordon
Bryan Bainbridge
Michael Bainbridge Natalya Gurneau
Ryan Vaughn
Russell Chidsey
William Lamoreaux Amanda Bresette
Madelyn Chiles
Alexander Taylor
Jeremy Deschler
Nicole Gordon
Joelynn Ribble
Carly Charette
Raymond Curran
Juanita Olson
Diane Cooley
David West
Reginael Rust
Serenity Roberts
Marshall Mott
Steven Stein
Gabriel Jelinek
Neveah Polzin
Brenda Walhovd
Phoenix Kunert
Gerald Jelinek
Joseph Stein
Elisha Liberty
Lora Bresette
Jack Ryan
Nicole Leitel
Amanda Belanger
David Pratt
Troy Gordon
Lisa Somers
Rebekah Morrin
Madison Ziebarth
Cory Basina
Sylvia Worzalla
Alisha Peckham
Gary Sanborn
Ava Kreutzinger
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Maylean Defoe
Kyle Sobotka
Kaycee Charette
Kennith Miller LaBarge
Sebastian Heino
Sandra Dailey
Holly Gauthier
Grant O'Bara
Peter Zervas
Rachel Basina
Tara Leight
Nicole Arseneau
Kiana Burhans
James Rask
Lakota Bennett
Daniel Bressler
Jasmine Livingston Joanne Peterson
Jordan Bresette
Nicholas Becht
Dalton Westlund Christopher Shaw Kathleen Richards Mullins Joseph Lamoreaux
Bryon Daley
Beatrix Joy
Phoebe Hyde
Abigail Chastain
Roxene Demo
Tracy Demo
Roxanne Fehr
Angela Schutten
Ryan Unterberger
Gus Joy
Nakodan Newago Brandon Dunlop
Carol Carroll
Jay Pratt
Taylor Leamon
Shannon Schultz
Kathleen Mc Intosh
Nicole Dietrich Christopher Hunt
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Jacob Anhalt
Andrew Schwid
James Gordon
Jeremy Stromgren
Milo Sierra
Jhene Dunphy
Karl Duffy
Kristin Leino
Elliott Crozier
Mikeal Launiu
Shannon Meagher
Ryan Ojibway
Carol Gordon
Gabriel Ramirez
Marlee Parkkonen
Julie Basina
Jose Rodriguez
Daniel Topping
Nicole Donahue Stephanie Franklin
Kaylee Amundson
Jeffery DePerry
Ryan Butterfly
Chad Vander Venter Daniel Gordon
Dorothy Poirier
Travis Barningham
Steven Abbott
Kennedy Weidner
Zachary Peterson
Davin Milligan
Ayden Wilson
James Weidner
Richard Gary
Melissa Topping
Riley Sobotka
Linda Johnston
Kurt Defoe
Stefanie Ertel
Julianna Saari
John Roman
Dorothy Bergsten
Jerimiah Claremboux James Soulier
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Carbon Monoxide Reminder:
Check Your Batteries!
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As the colder weather approaches – remember to check the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detector. If you don’t have a battery-powered or battery back-up CO alarm, now is a great time to buy one. More than 400 people die each year in the United States from unintentional, non-fire related CO poisoning.
CO is found in fumes produced by furnaces, vehicles, generators, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, or burning charcoal or wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO. When power outages occur during emergencies such as severe winter storms, the use of alternative sources of power for heating or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.
Stay safe!
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Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way |
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Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
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The Scoop on Snow Shoveling Safety |
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Shoveling snow is very hard work. It can cause muscle strains and back injuries, especially if you are relatively inactive and out of shape or do not lift properly. It can also put severe stress on your heart. For some, shoveling snow may even result in a heart attack. Shoveling snow, especially if the snow is wet, is like picking up heavy weights. One full shovel load of wet snow can weigh as much as 25 pounds.
To avoid injuries from snow shoveling:
Before you start shoveling, move and stretch your muscles to warm them up.
Do not shovel right after eating or while smoking.
Use a shovel with a handle that is long enough to let you keep your back just about straight when lifting. An ergonomic shovel with a bent handle is better than one with straight handle. A plastic shovel is lighter than a metal one and less strain on your back.
Take it slow! Shoveling can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically.
Push the snow whenever possible rather than lifting it.
Lift smaller loads of snow. Don’t overload your shovel.
Lift with your legs bent and your back as straight as possible so you are lifting with your legs rather than your back.
Step in the direction you are throwing the snow. This will help to avoid twisting your lower back.
Take frequent breaks. To reverse the excessive bending and extend your back, stand straight and walk around. Place your hands toward the back of your hips and bend backward slightly for several seconds.
Don’t shovel to the point of exhaustion. If you are out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately. If you have any health problems or are in poor shape, don’t consider shoveling. Arrange for someone else to shovel your driveway and sidewalk.
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Chiropractic Services Expanding |
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Boozhoo from Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez!
We are exited to announce that beginning in December, chiropractic services will expand. Appointments will be available all day Tuesday and half days on Thursday. Please keep us in mind for your family’s health care needs.
Below is information that can help you prevent falls during our winter months. Please give us a call soon and experience the benefits of Chiropractic care.
Winter Wonderland Safety
'Tis the season for icy walkways and parking lots; and with Mother Nature’s crazy sense of humor this year we all need to be extra careful! Please try to use and share these simple tips to help prevent falls on the ice this winter.
-Assume all wet, dark areas on pavement are slippery and icy.
-Wear boots or shoes that provide traction
-Take your time entering and exiting vehicles. Use the vehicle for extra support
-Wear a heavy, bulky coat that will provide cushion if you do take a fall
-If possible try to land on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side. Avoid landing on your knees, wrists, or spine.
-Try to keep your muscles as relaxed as you can. You’ll injure yourself less if your body is relaxed.
Do the Penguin Shuffle!
-Point your feet out slightly and walk like a penguin! This will increase your center of gravity.
-Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance
-Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet as much as possible.
-Keep your hands out of your pockets!
Watch where you’re shuffling and GO S-L-O-W-L-Y! Your safety is the most important thing! Better to be late than to be hurt!
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Recognize and Control the Spread of the Flu |
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National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an annual observance in December to remind everyone six months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
Vaccination against the flu is especially important for American Indians and Alaska Natives, who have been found to be at high risk of developing complications from the flu (ihs.gov).
Below are some helpful facts to get you through the flu season:
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CONTROL THE SPREAD OF THE FLU
If you think you have the flu, stay home.
Get tested to rule out Covid-19.
The standard recommendation is that you stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.
If leaving your home for any reason, follow standard infection control standards:
Cough into your sleeve or wear a face mask.
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
Avoid close contact (6 feet or less) with other individuals.
Flu vaccines are still available at the Red Cliff Community Health Center. Please call to make an appointment at (715) 779-3707 Ext. 5341
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COVID-19 Variants: Delta and Omicron |
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On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron and on November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. CDC has been actively monitoring and preparing for this variant, and will continue to work diligently with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more.
Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States. Below is a quote from a State-based CDC Director:
“While all eyes are on the new and little-understood Omicron variant, the Delta form of the coronavirus isn’t finished wreaking havoc in the US, sending record numbers of patients to the hospital in the Midwest and New England states. Omicron is a spark that’s on the horizon. Delta variant is the fire that’s here today.”
COVID-19 VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RED CLIFF HEALTH CENTER.
CALL 715-779-3707 EXT. 2341 TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
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Harm Reduction - Keep our Community "SAFE" |
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Saving lives from HIV and Hepatitis C requires aggressive strategies to reach people at high risk. The purpose of the Red Cliff SAFE Program is to help reduce harm from risky behaviors.
The SAFE Program is operated out of the Red Cliff Community Health Center. This program is available to all members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as well as surrounding communities. Individuals can access clean syringes, sharps containers, sterile water, antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, and condoms. By improving access to these materials, we help people who inject heroin, meth, and other drugs to reduce their risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C.
In addition, the Red Cliff Community Health Center now offers Narcan. Narcan is for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. When you come in for our needle exchange, you can request a dose(s) of Narcan at no charge to you.
If you or a loved one are at risk for HIV or Hepatitis C, we will never judge you or your behaviors. You can access the services by simply stopping at the health center reception and asking for the SAFE Program. The services are provided within the health center setting and are completely confidential.
The goal is to expand sites within the next year. The current services are available Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm except holidays. You can get more information by calling (715) 779-3707.
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NARCAN Training Available |
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Have you been trained and are looking to get a refresher or are you looking to get trained in the use of NARCAN?
It only takes 30 minutes to learn how to save someone from an overdose.
Do you own a business in Red Cliff and want to get trained? A training for you and your employees can be arranged.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Justin Hansen at the Noojimo’iwewin Center at 715-779-3707 ext. 2397 or jhansen@redcliffhealth.org
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We're Hiring - Come Join Our Team! |
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Red Cliff Health Division continues to grow and hire. The health staff are committed to serving the community and are a great team to work with!
Positions we are recruiting for:
· Youth Engagement Peer Specialist
· Client Engagement Specialist
· Homeless Services Coordinator
Please click HERE for more information.
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Click HERE to visit the Red Cliff Community Health Center website.
Click HERE for COVID-19 Updates and Resources.
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Financial Assistance Available for
Families At Risk Of Domestic Abuse
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The challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including economic stress, have increased the risks and severity of domestic abuse. To support families whose safety is at risk, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has launched the Living Independently Through Financial Empowerment (LIFE) program using emergency funding allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Under this program, domestic violence survivors can access pandemic relief funds to become financially empowered to live independent, violence-free lives. Eligible survivors will receive temporary financial assistance totaling $3,500 over a three-month period ($1,500 in month one and $1,000 in months two and three). To learn more, visit www.dcf.wisconsin.gov/life.
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Tips for Eating Healthy This Holiday Season |
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When going to a party or gathering, bring a nutritious but festive dish to share! Something like a salad, a veggie platter, a fruit salad, or healthy homemade snacks.
When you know you’ll be out and about Christmas shopping, running errands, or going to festivities, plan ahead and never leave the house without a healthy snack. This way, if you can’t find any healthy option, you don’t starve and give in to the temptations.
On Christmas day, make a balanced and healthy breakfast! Include some fresh fruit and healthy protein. Making a yummy breakfast Christmas morning can be healthy and fun, This can be a great way all around to enjoy and look forward to healthy foods!
While not everyone is going to completely abstain from any and all sweets and festive foods during the holidays, at least aim to load up your plate with the healthy, nutritious options first. This will dull your hunger and appetite so you are less likely to overeat the bad stuff! This is also a good time to practice portion control, especially when it comes to the desserts and high-sugar drinks.
Instead of dessert, or at least instead of a full serving of dessert, have a cup of herbal tea prior to eating the sweets. The tea will help make you feel full and less likely to scarf down the treats, while also providing some antioxidants!
Set goals for yourself and have a support group. Having a friend or family member to set goals with can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable during this particularly tempting time. Make goals like maintaining your workout schedule or avoiding processed sugar during the holidays. Having a friend working towards a goal with you helps you stay focused and on track!
Exercise. Keeping on track with your normal exercise routine is especially difficult with the extra business around the holidays. But making it a priority to exercise regularly this time of year not only helps you stay on track, but also helps decrease your appetite for junk food!
Don’t keep tempting things around the house. Friends and neighbors commonly deliver sweets and treats during this time of year, and while we all genuinely appreciate the sincere gesture of friendship and kindness, keeping and eating all the cookies and treats delivered to you doesn’t do you any good! If necessary, take a bite or two, but toss the rest (or maybe re-gift it) so it’s not there tempting you to indulge.
Drink plenty of water. Make sure, as you go throughout your day, you are sufficiently hydrated. Even slight dehydration can trick us into thinking we’re hungry, and, therefore, we are more likely to overeat and give in to those treats!
For More Information
Contact Carol Basina Nutrition Educator
Red Cliff Food Distribution
715-779-3740
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ECC Family Medicine Bag Demonstration |
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Boozhoo ECC Families! Follow along with this video and use the supplies you received to make your own medicine bags! A great activity to do together.
If you have any questions you can contact Mr. Tony at 715-779-5030 ext 2552.
Miigwech to Mr. Tony!
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Bayfield School District Updates |
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You can view the school's news and updates on their website:
You can also find updates on the
Bayfield School District Facebook page.
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Access Scholarship Opportunities |
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Red Cliff Community Members have access to a variety of scholarships.
Click HERE to visit the Education Department's Scholarships page.
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Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami |
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The Boys & Girls Club will be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
Youth meals will not be provided on Friday December 24 or December 31.
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Job Opportunity:
Construction Project Manager
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This position will work within the homeowner private home repair and rehabilitation programs planning, organizing & directing project work including conducting inspections, preparing scopes of work & cost estimates, preparing documents associated with project management. Incumbent will coordinate contractor work schedules; inspect and monitor the work of outside contractors on behalf of the organization.
Click HERE for a full job description.
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The Great Lakes Indian Housing Association Scholarship is open and accepting applications through January 15, 2022.
Click HERE to access the GLIHA scholarship application.
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Residential Resource Coordinator
Available For Housing Tenants
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Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority tenants now have access to a Residential Resource Coordinator. The coordinator will help tenants get connected with various resources.
This service is available to Housing tenants Monday through Friday at New Hope Building A, at 37580 Pageant Road.
Please call 715-779-3744 extension 3514 with any questions.
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Legendary Waters Resort & Casino |
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News Across Indian Country |
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GLIFWC, Tribes Raise Concerns with State's Draft Review of Proposed Oil Pipeline Reroute |
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By Danielle Kaeding
An intertribal agency says the state’s draft environmental review of a Canadian firm’s $450 million plan to reroute an oil and gas pipeline across northern Wisconsin is incomplete and flawed.
Enbridge wants to move the pipeline after the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa sued the company in 2019 to shut down and remove Line 5 from the tribe’s reservation.
The company’s proposed route is expected to cross nearly 200 waterbodies and temporarily affect 135 acres of wetlands. Enbridge maintains the nearly 70-year-old pipeline serves as a vital link to fuel across the region.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which represents 11 Ojibwe tribes, told the DNR in a Dec. 10 letter that the state’s review has significant gaps in information.
The commission’s environmental section leader John Coleman and environmental specialist Esteban Chiriboga said the draft released Thursday lacks adequate data to support the impacts of any oil spill to downstream waters, including Lake Superior. They said it also fails to assess compliance with the Bad River tribe’s water quality standards or combined impacts of other projects.
"There really needs to be a thorough description of the risks being posed by putting this pipeline around the reservation ... and Enbridge does not have a great history with spills," said Coleman.
Enbridge was responsible for one of the nation's largest inland oil spills in July 2010, which cost more than $1.2 billion to clean up. More recently, Minnesota regulators fined the company $3 million for failing to follow the state’s environmental laws after Enbridge pierced a groundwater aquifer during construction of Line 3, releasing at least 24 million gallons of water.
"This was a topic that was brought up time and time again, recognizing that Red Cliff specifically has a huge reliance on commercial fishing," said Noah Saperstein, environmental justice specialist for the Red Cliff tribe. "Not to mention, the cultural connection that the community has with the lake."
Line 5 has had around 30 spills that have released more than 1 million gallons of oil and natural gas liquids on land since 1968, according to federal pipeline safety data obtained by the National Wildlife Federation.
The draft review states an oil spill to nearby surface waters like the Bad River would temporarily impair water quality for weeks to months. The analysis said it’s unlikely a large oil spill would reach the lake "since much would become trapped in sediments and vegetation at the river bottom, along stream and riverbanks and in wetlands before reaching this far downstream."
The commission added the agency’s review appears to exclude alternatives based on Enbridge’s analysis, includes problems with reference to treaty rights along the route, lacks sections on water quality, and details incorrect route location and mapping.
Ben Callan, the DNR’s integration services section chief, declined to comment on the commission’s remarks. He noted the agency intends to review all comments to update, clarify or correct any information.
"That's the exact reason why we have a public engagement process associated with this. We want to get it right," said Callan. "And, so if there's something in there that anybody identifies that they think is inaccurate or incomplete, that's the information that we want."
The DNR contracted with TRC Environmental Corporation to help prepare the draft environmental impact statement. The state’s review identified federal and state endangered species in the project area, as well as high quality waterways and wetlands.
The Kakagon and Bad River Sloughs, which comprises 16,000 acres of internationally recognized wetlands, lie downstream of the proposed reroute. Federal officials say the sloughs are home to the largest wild rice bed on the Great Lakes.
The project is expected to include blasting and drilling within wetland and water crossings to install the pipeline. The proposed route would also pass within several miles of three state natural areas and come within a half-mile of Copper Falls State Park.
"There's a consensus, right, that we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, if not immediately, at least over time, and wean ourselves off," said Rob Lee, staff attorney with Midwest Environmental Advocates. "We don't accomplish that by continuing to build new oil pipeline infrastructure."
Enbridge has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The draft review considered greenhouse gas emissions from project construction and not continued operation of the line, saying any emissions from the reroute would be insignificant.
The company said in a statement Friday that it’s pleased the reroute is moving forward.
"Agreement has been reached with all private landowners along the 40-mile (reroute), chosen because it minimizes environmental impacts and protects critical resources," wrote Michael Barnes, an Enbridge spokesperson. "We will move forward with construction once all necessary permits are received."
"They'll all be Wisconsin workers or at least a good majority of them, and that equates to $135 million back into the Wisconsin economy," said Terry McGowan, president of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin drew $36.5 million in property tax revenues from Enbridge pipelines and facilities last year, according to the company.
Enbridge is currently fighting efforts by the state of Michigan to shut down Line 5 in the Great Lakes. The pipeline provides around 65 percent of the propane supplied to residents in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and around 55 percent of the state’s propane fuel. Opponents of the reroute note very little of that fuel is used to heat homes or businesses in northern Wisconsin.
Enbridge must obtain permits from multiple state and federal agencies. The DNR is currently accepting public comment on the proposed reroute. A public hearing will be held on Feb. 2.
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GLIFWC presents its quarterly newspaper Mazina’igan. The Biboon 2021-22 edition is packed with features, Ojibwemowin exercises, Ceded Territory news, research updates, and includes our reader-favorite phenology calendar.
Learn about the hunting reprieve for ma’iingan in Wisconsin; conservation wardens in Ojibwe communities; climate collaborations; and academic connections with UW-Superior and Loyola University’s Gregory Gagnon.
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Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, Wi. 54814
715-779-3700
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