January 16-22, 2023

Gichimanidoo-Giizis (Great Spirit Moon)

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and Mashkiiziibii (Bad River) tribal councils have extended "The Lapointe Band Ojibwe Language MOU" that was passed last year to continue Ojibwemowin/Anishinaabemowin revitalization. The MOU binds students from both Nations together in an Ojibwe language immersion cohort.

In October of 2021, the Tribe announced a 3-year Ojibwemowin Teaching & Training Program with the goal of building fluent language teachers who can then teach Ojibwemowin as a career or job path. Bad River announced the same program offering, and this MOU agreement serves to further promote the importance of working together to revitalize our language.

"Supporting the revitalization of Ojibwemowin is key to the survival of our people and the next generations to come," said Gaa-Miskwaabikaang Chairman Christopher Boyd.

This partnership also extends to the Bayfield School District as it seeks to further incorporate Ojibwemowin offerings as part of its teaching curriculum.

"Our language is alive and should be passed own to the next generations to come. With this program we are getting closer to achieving that goal for our people and community," said Gaa-Miskwaabikaang Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Marvin Defoe.

Chi-Miigwech to all involved in ensuring our language and culture can thrive for generations to come!

Contact Marvin Defoe or Joseph Montano from the Tribal Historic Preservation office with any questions:

715-779-3766

marvin.defoe@redcliff-nsn.gov

joseph.montano@redcliff-nsn.gov

Bad River Chairman Mike Wiggins Jr (left) and Red Cliff Chairman Christopher Boyd.

Photo from March 2022 Council Meeting.

Bad River Chairman Mike Wiggins Jr joins Red Cliff Tribal Council members and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to celebrate the partnership.

Photo from March 2022 Council Meeting.

Students from Bayfield Middle School helped distribute food during last week's Badger Box giveaway at the Red Cliff Food Distribution building. Great job to Ms. Caitlin Williams' Alt-Ed class and classroom aide Dana Benson.

Chi-Miigwech to the students and Gaa-Miskwaabikaang staff and volunteers for braving the cold to help get food to the community!

The Noojimo'iwewin Center's newest group - the Women's Sobriety Support Group - met for the first time on Saturday January 7. The group will meet weekly every Saturday from 4:30-6 PM. The group enjoyed coffee, food, conversation, and ribbon skirt making.

The Noojimo'iwewin Center is located on Watertower Rd in Red Cliff.

Please contact Noojimo'iwewin Center staff with any questions at 715-779-3508.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council Meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday January 17 has been rescheduled to January 24.

The regualr session is expected to begin at 4:30 PM. Community members are invited to attend.

Click HERE to access the meeting agenda.

The Red Cliff Food Distribution program provides food, nutrition education, mass food giveaways, and more nutrition resources. Click HERE to learn more about the program and to see if you or your family qualify.

Contact the Food Distribution Program at 715-779-3740.

Red Cliff Family & Human Services programs will host a clothing giveaway this week beginning Tuesday! There are men's and women's clothing, some children's options, and shoes available.

This is a first come first served giveaway with no limit. Please bring your own bags and wear a mask. The Family & Human Services Building is located at 88385 Pike Rd (upper level) in Red Cliff.

Please call 715-779-3706 with any questions.

The next Ojibwemowin Story Time hosted by Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library is set for this Thursday January 19 at 5 PM!

Join and enjoy the story of Gii-kimoodid Ishkode Nenaboozhoo "Nenaboozhoo Steals Fire" by Dr. Giniwgiizhig & Niizhobines.

Each Ojibwemowin Story Time will feature a new book and give away 10 books.

Please contact the Library with any questions at 715-779-3766.

Join Red Cliff Behavioral Health Services and Noojimo'iwewin Center's Chili Cook-Off series! The next date is set for this Saturday January 21 from 1:00-3:00 PM.



Please call the Noojimo'iwewin Center for more information at 715-779-3508.

Red Cliff Behavioral Health Services has announced its next Sobriety Speaker Feast. Join at the Noojimo'iwewin Center at 4:00 PM on Friday January 27 for an evening of good food, and listen to a community member speak about their recovery journey: what is was like, what happened, and what it's like now.



Please contact Noojimo'iwewin Center staff with any questions at 715-779-3508.

The Noojimo'iwewin Center is located at 37450 Watertower Rd in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.

The 6th Annual Winter Pow Wow at Legendary Waters is set for January 28 & 29! There will be dance specials, indoor vendors, and lots of performing drum groups. This event is open to all and will be indoors.

Les Gibbs from Red Lake will serve as Master of Ceremonies. George Dick, also from Red Lake, is set to serve as Arena Director. Hope Lake from Northwest Bay is scheduled to be the Host Drum. Tamara Montano (Red Cliff) and Chi Ma'iingan (Fond du Lac) will feature as Head Dancers. Steve Perry (Lac Courte Oreilles) will serve as Head Veteran, and Keller Paap (Red Cliff) is set to be Spiritual Advisor.

An Iron Person award is expected to give away $1,000, along with Men's Woodland payouts of $250, $150, and $100.

Drum registration is currently closed.

Please contact Legendary Waters with any questions at 715-779-9463.

The Red Cliff VFW will host its Burger Night and Meat Raffle this week! Burger Night is set for Thursday January 19. The Meat Raffle is scheduled for Saturday January 21. See images for all details. Please contact the VFW with any questions at 715-779-9711.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended the public comment period for their draft wolf plan through the end of February 2023. Read the plan and submit a comment HERE.

The public review and comment period is a key opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on the proposed wolf management plan. The DNR will review and consider all feedback submitted during the review period while preparing the final draft of the proposed wolf management plan.

The draft management plan lays out a holistic approach to ensuring the state’s wolf population remains healthy and secure while balancing the diverse interests of the public.

The proposed plan was developed in consideration of many factors, including public input, consultations with Wisconsin's tribal nations, scientific literature reviews, a study on current public attitudes towards wolves and potential outcomes of various management decisions.

The draft plan aims to effectively balance the tradeoffs between three main objectives:

• Ensuring a healthy and sustainable wolf population to fulfill its ecological role.

• Addressing and reducing wolf-related conflicts.

• Providing multiple benefits associated with the wolf population, including hunting, trapping and sightseeing.

In addition, the draft plan details proposals to increase public understanding of wolves, identify important scientific research to be conducted and outline steps to ensure collaboration on science-based wolf management in Wisconsin.

More details about the plan’s objectives and metrics for evaluation are described in the implementation section of the management plan. The descriptions and metrics provided give a clearer understanding of the intent behind each objective, how the DNR plans to measure it and what conditions constitute satisfactory progress toward the objective.

What’s Staying The Same?

The draft plan provides that DNR staff will continue to monitor wolves each year and address wolf-related conflict (consistent with current law). The DNR will continue supporting and conducting scientific research and science-based decision-making. Collaboration with other agencies, tribal nations, stakeholder groups and the public on items of mutual importance remains a department priority.

What’s Changing?

The plan proposes several changes to align the DNR’s wolf management strategy with the current state of the wolf population, the available science and the perspectives of a diverse public, such as:

• Moving away from a single numeric population goal and instead using an adaptive management process focused on balancing the three main objectives (above).

• Reducing harvest registration times and issuing zone-specific wolf harvest permits to improve the department's ability to effectively meet harvest quotas.

• Adding mechanisms to address localized concerns, including wolf harvest concerns near tribal reservation boundaries and focused wolf harvest in areas with a history of wolf-livestock conflict.

• Revising wolf management zone boundaries to better reflect current wolf distribution and habitat.

The public is encouraged to review the updated plan in detail to learn more.

The Red Cliff Fish Company in conjunction with the Red Cliff Environmental Department is requesting bids for one refrigerated box truck.

Description:

The Vendor shall ensure complete assembly of the vehicle and required components. The vehicle shall be delivered fully serviced, tested, wheels balanced and ready for operation. Truck specifications are as follows: minimum 18 feet box length; 224"WB; driver seat weight capacity 350 lbs; standard model specifications with power windows, power door locks, air conditioning; 5.57 final ratio; 11R22.5G tires; 21,000 pound multi-leaf suspension; aluminum wheel type; 100-gallon aluminum fuel tank; Thermo King T-690 W/Standby (or equivalent refrigeration unit); and Palfinger ILP-33 Tuck Under Lift Gate (or equivalent lift gate unit).

Submission:

Vendors shall ensure that all information required herein is submitted with the sealed bid. Vendors are encouraged to provide any additional information describing operational abilities. Vendors shall include itemized statements and any sub vendors for the vehicle and all accessories, labor, title and documentation, manuals, and delivery of vehicle. All information provided should be verifiable by documentation requested by the Department. Failure to provide all information, inaccuracy or misstatement may be sufficient cause for rejection of the bid or rescission of an award.

Payment Method: The vehicle and all accessories shall be paid for after final acceptance and delivery of the vehicle. Indicate your acceptable payment method. The Bids will be received by: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa  

Attn: Linda Nguyen, Environmental Director  

88455 Pike Road  

Bayfield, WI 54814  

The Bids will be accepted until 4:30 pm, (Local Time) Friday, January 20th, 2023 and then publicly opened and read aloud at the Red Cliff Environmental Department, located at 37295 Community Road, Bayfield, Wisconsin, 54814 on Monday, January 23rd, 2023 at 9am.

Howah! The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office has announced its Biboon Gabeshiwin (winter camp) will be held Namebini giizis (February) 20-26, 2023. Mark your calendars and save the dates. Biboon Gabeshiwin is open to all.

Biboon Gabeshiwin features outdoor and indoor activities, such as ice fishing, sled dogs, snow snake, wolf/animal telemetry, snowshoeing, asemaa teachings, storytelling, and much more! Stay tuned for more details.

Please contact the Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office with any questions at 715-779-3761.

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang community dancers are invited to attend a fashion show and feast on January 25, 2023 at Legendary Waters! All dancers regardless of age are invited. Categories include Traditional, Woodland, Jingle Dress, and Fancy.

A meal is scheduled for 5 PM, with an opening ceremony and fashion show at 6 PM.

Please send your name, age, address, phone number, and category to Jim Pete at guyaushk2022@yahoo.com by January 20.

Stay tuned for more details.

Click image to access the entire Behavioral Health newsletter

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its January 2023 newsletter!

FoodWIse is federally funded statewide by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). FoodWIse advances healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and healthy community environments for Wisconsin residents with limited incomes through nutrition education at the individual, community and systems levels.

Click HERE to view the full January 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

Boozhoo families with the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center! Week 15 of the Second Step Curriculum will teach your children how to name their feelings. Teachers will be implementing this curriculum and families will also receive these exercises to continue practicing at home.

Contact the ECC with any questions at 715-779-5030.

Ms. Haley from the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center teaches us Ojibwemowin! The phrase this week is "Ambe Omaa" (come here).

Challenge yourself and your children to use "ambe omaa!"

Dear Early Head Start Families,

I hope that the New Year finds you and your family happy and healthy.

I would like to let you know that we will be reducing our service hours for Early Head Start. We will be closed for students eight extra Fridays through the end of the school year, beginning January 27th.

Below are dates of closure that were regularly scheduled for services. We will also be sending out amended calendar pages to assist with keeping track of the changes.

January 27, February 24, March 10, March 24, May 5, May 19, June 2, July 14 

This is only through this school year and will impact 8 scheduled Fridays. We know that this may cause challenges for some families and for that we apologize!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jamie, Center Director, at 715-779-5030 ext. 2527 or Jenn, Center Administrator, at 715-779-5030 ext. 2561.

The Red Cliff Education Department is offering additional financial support for those who have already applied for the Higher Education and Job Training Program.

Click HERE to learn more and access an application.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is accepting applications for housing and housing assistance!

RCCHA provides clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing for qualified families and elders.

Housing options to apply for include low rent, 6-plex, 4-plex, Elderly, Tax Credit, Tax Credit Rehab.

Oski-Ombendaam New Hope Supportive Housing

The Oski-Ombendaam New Hope housing contains efficiency, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. The goal of New Hope housing is to provide supportive services to those individuals and families while providing clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing.

Click HERE to access an application for Housing Assistance.

Click HERE to access an application for New Hope Housing Assistance.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority tenants 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.

Click HERE to order online!

Invitation to artists and craftspeople to demonstrate cultural traditions

The 28^th Portage County Cultural Festival (PCCF) is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at The Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH), 1201 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. In past years, this event, which is free to the public, has attracted as many as 14,000 people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to sample food, music, folk dances, crafts, and games from around the world and here in Wisconsin.

The Portage County Cultural Festival (PCCF) is a community initiative celebrating Central Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage. It began in 1992 and brings together area residents to showcase their cultures and learn about multiculturalism in a fun and festive environment. Dubbed; ”a landmark event for the community run completely by volunteers” by the Portage County Gazette, the PCCF brings together people of all ages from Central Wisconsin and beyond for a day of celebration and enjoyment of each other’s cultures. More information about the Portage County Cultural Festival can be found at the festival website, http://www.portagecountyculturalfestival.org/.  

We are seeking members of ethnic/cultural groups to demonstrate a traditional art, craft, or other cultural activity. Demonstrators are expected to share information about their cultures and are welcome to bring examples of their art for sale if they wish, although this is not required. Participants are expected to comply with all applicable copyright and trademark laws.

Thanks to the generosity of donors to the PCCF, there are limited funds available to offset travel expenses for demonstrators. 

Those interested in participating as demonstrators should send a request for an application form as soon as possible to PCCF, P. O. 739, Stevens Point, WI 54481 or via email to pccf92@gmail.com. When you receive the form, please read the information on application, policies, and expectations of demonstrators carefully. To ensure mutual understanding, applicants are asked to sign or initial on the space provided on the completed application form before submitting it to PCCF, P. O. 739, Stevens Point, WI 54481 or via email to pccf92@gmail.com by February 15, 2023.



Anyone with interest in participating in other aspects of the festival (vendors, dancers, musicians, native language speakers) can express this interest by contacting the PCCF organizers at pccf92@gmail.com.

The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival is scheduled for June 24-25, 2023. Artists can apply to be featured!

Learn more and apply online HERE.

Greetings! We have exciting news! Native American Tourism of Wisconsin will be hosting the Native Wisconsin Arts Festival in June 2023 at the Menominee Nation Casino Resort/Powwow Grounds. Our goal is to raise $75,000 in support of NATOW’s tourism initiatives throughout the state.

But we can’t meet this goal without your help.

Below are the details for this year’s sponsorship levels:

1. $5,000 - Bear Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Your company/org name on our Golf Tournament Signage; Listed as event sponsor in all PR, marketing and outreach for the conference; Your logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; 2 Conference Registrations; VIP Reception.
2. $2,000 - Eagle Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Your logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; 1 Conference Registration; VIP Reception; Listed as an even sponsor on social media and website.
3. $1,000 - Wolf Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; Your logo on event t-shirt; VIP reception.
4. $500 - Manoomin Level: Logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; VIP Reception.
5. $150 - Booth Spaces for vendors.

If your organization would like to participate in this year’s event as a sponsor, please contact us to donate or for more information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Suzette Brewer

Executive Director

Ph: 715-861-1212

Email: director@natow.org