February 13-19, 2023

Namebini-Giizis (Suckerfish Moon)

Howah! The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office has released the full Biboon Gabeshiwin (winter camp) schedule of events. Biboon Gabeshiwin will be held next week Namebini giizis (February) 22-25, 2023. 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. View the up-to-date schedule of events HERE.

Sugar Bush Feast

A sugar bush themed dinner will celebrate the start of Biboon Gabeshiwin. The feast is set for 5 PM on Wednesday February 22 at the Bayfield School Cafeteria. The winner of the Winter Camp art contest will be announced at the feast. This is open to the entire community, all are welcome.

Local chef Chris Basina will prepare the meal. There will be building tours, storytelling, and classroom showcases after the meal.

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

The 45th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow is set for June 30 - July 2, 2023 at the Cultural Grounds in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang. Please share, mark your calendars, and save the date!

The Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow is the ideal opportunity to experience Gaa-Miskwaabikaang culture, food, drumming, dancing, and art.

» Grand Entry Sessions Daily

» Feast

» Food and Craft Vendors

» Cultural Experience for the Entire Family

» Open to the Public

» Arena Activities throughout the weekend

» Dance Specials

» Outdoor Event

» ADA Accessible

Details will be shared as we approach niibin (summer). Aho!

Community Members can now fill out an online request form using the Home Safety Reporting Tool to have environmental health safety testing at your home or residence. The Environmental Health Program can test your residence for the presence of radon, lead, asbestos, mold, water bacteria count, bed bugs, and other issues.

Red Cliff's Environmental Health Program is a part of the Tribe's Environmental Department and covers the intersection of the environment with human health and food safety as governed by the Red Cliff Food Code Chapter 53. This Environmental Health Program is responsible for a wide variety of work, including:

• Education on Safety
• Food Inspections
• Food Permitting
• Building / Home Safety Inspections
• Asbestos
• Radon
• Lead
• Bed Bugs
• Mold
• Training for Food Safety
• Home Bacteria Water Testing
• Inclement Weather Warnings and Alerts

Learn more about the Home Safety Reporting Tool and other resources provided by the Environmental Health Program online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/envhealth.

If you have an urgent environmental health concern, please contact the Environmental Health Specialist Natasha Trush at 715-209-3863 or 715-779-3650 ext 4313.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking seven (7) community members to serve on the 2023 Election Board. You must be 18 years of age, a Red Cliff Tribal Member and eligible to vote at the Tribal Elections.

The Election Board will serve both the Primary and General Elections.

If you are interested in serving on the Election Board, pick up an application at the Tribal Administration Building. Applications need to be submitted to the Front Desk of the Administration Office by March 29, 2023 by Noon.

For further information please contact:

Nora Cadotte, Tribal Council Secretary, at 715-209-3989 or secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov/election to learn more about this year's Election cycle.

Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin will be expanding its Food Sovereignty Equipment Loan Program to include butchering equipment. The farm is hoping to offer this equipment to community members to borrow starting this coming summer. At this time, the butchering equipment is only available to Tribal Departments and Programs.

Stay tuned for more details and dates of when butchering equipment will be available for all community members.

Chi-Miigwech to GLITC VRNA for their support in purchasing this equipment. Aho!

Please contact Farm staff with any questions.

Bayfield School sophomore Quintin Bresette scored 58 points against South Shore High School on Friday February 3 to set the school record for most points scored in a game. Howah!

The previous record was set in 1964 by Butch Vander Venter, who scored 54 points in one game.

Great job, Quintin!

Contributed photo

Boozhoo Elders! You are invited to join Valentine's Bingo on February 14. Bingo will start after congregate lunch.Please call 715-779-3706 with any questions.

Interested in learning more about budgeting and managing your personal / family finances, how to save, and how to build credit?

Join this free community workshop from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday February 15 at the New Hope Commons, located at 37580 Pageant Rd in Red Cliff.

Dinner will be provided along with gift cards and raffle prizes. Child care will be available. You do not need to register -- simply show up!



Please contact RCCHA with any questions at 715-779-3744.

Join the Noojimo'iwewin Center's Chili Cook-Off series! The next date is February 18, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 PM.

Every third Saturday through March, Noojimo'iwewin Center will be hosting a chili cook-off. Come enjoy some chili and renew your recovery.

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



The Noojimo'iwewin Center is located at 37450 Water Tower Rd in Red Cliff.

Red Cliff Community Members:

You are hereby notified that the following addition to the Red Cliff Code of Laws is being proposed by the Red Cliff Legal Department:

Pertaining to Chapter 32 - Tribal Elections, add section 32.15 Proposed Constitutional Amendments.

Click HERE to read the entire proposed addition to Chapter 32.

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 March 21, 2023 at the Regular Meeting of the Red Cliff Tribal Council. If the Council enacts these changes, the changes shall become effective upon enactment.

The next Red Cliff Tribal Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 21 at Legendary Waters.

The Regular Session is expected to begin at 4:30 PM. Community members are encouraged to attend.

As the meeting agenda becomes finalized, it will be available online HERE.

The Red Cliff Business Development Corporation is accepting applications for a Store Clerk position at Buffalo Bay Store.

The Store Clerk will:

-Greet guests and answer questions regarding goods sold

-Maintain a well-organized and orderly storefront that aligns with the company's image

-Introduce customers to current discounts and offers within the store to promote both sales and brand awareness

-Properly process coupons while following the company's stated policy and procedures

-Ensure the stockroom is organized and orderly

-Assist customers with purchases by processing their payment at registers

Please contact Janine Deragon, Assistant Manager at Buffalo Bay Store with any questions or to apply:

715-779-5309

buffalobaystore@outlook.com

The Red Cliff Behavioral Health Department is seeking applicants for several positions at the Mishomis House Recovery Program.

Open positions include a Night Manager, Weekend Relief Worker, and Peer Specialist.

View position details and apply online HERE.

Click image to access the entire Behavioral Health February newsletter.

Click image to access and learn more

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its February 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 February 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

Click image to access the entire ECC February newsletter

Boozhoo families with the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center! Week 19 of the Second Step Curriculum will teach your children how to "play fair" with others. 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.

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 Wisconsin Indian Education Association will host a Youth Art Contest as part of its WIEA Conference set for April 20-21, 2023 in Madison.

Student artists are asked to submit a piece of artwork that reflects the theme of this year's WIEA Conference: “In Beauty and Unity, We Walk the Healing Path.”

Artwork will be judged by selected community members, and based on the following criteria:

Originality, creativity, and culturally connected.

Relationship of the work to the theme: “In Beauty and Unity, We Walk the Healing Path”.

One submission per student.

The winning selection will receive $150 and the runner-up will receive $50.

The contest is open to all American Indian and Alaskan Native students in the State of Wisconsin grades 6-12.

Artwork must be submitted no later than Friday March 10, 2023.

Click HERE for all details and a submission form.

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.

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.

Click HERE to order online!

For the full job description and how you can apply, please visit wisc.jobs and search Job ID# 9007.

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