Miisaninawiind June 13-19, 2022

Odemiini-Giizis (Strawberry Moon)

The Miisaninawiind newsletter will not be published for the week of June 20-26, 2022.

The next publish date will be Monday June 27.

Be sure to keep up with events on our website calendar and our Facebook page. 

The Red Cliff Tribal Council and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors held a joint meeting last week for the first time since December 2015. Red Cliff has reclaimed ownership of all Tribal land previously held by Bayfield County, and the two governments have signed a joint proclamation to collaboratively protect the area’s water.

“This is a landmark moment for Gaa-Miskwaabikaang to finally be back in full ownership of Tribal lands,” said Red Cliff Chairman Christopher Boyd. “The Tribe is grateful to be strengthening relationships with the County, and I believe this joint work to protect water resources shows the Tribe’s willingness to continue collaboration while keeping the best interests of our future generations at the forefront of our work.”

Land Reclamation

Established by treaty, Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff Reservation) now encompasses over 15,000 acres. However, in the years leading up to 2006, tribal aki (land) holdings within the boundary had dwindled to under 8,000 acres. With a growing population and limited aki base, reclamation of lands has been a high priority for Tribal Leaders for well over a decade. Since 2017, the Tribe has worked with Bayfield County to reclaim approximately 1,582 acres of County Forest land. With this series of land reclamation, combined with previous reclamation efforts, the Tribe has greatly increased its ability to expand residential, municipal, agricultural, and commercial space on the reservation.

“Reclaiming land has been a continuous effort and it is such a powerful feeling to be a part of obtaining this for the next generations,” said Red Cliff Vice Chairman Nathan Gordon. “Increased housing opportunities, traditional agriculture and treaty rights practices, and business development are all more possible now. We continue to work towards meeting the needs of the Tribal Membership.”

Red Cliff Attorney Dave Ujke expressed gratitude and relief for the reclamation of lands, but said the work does not stop there.

“I feared this day would never come before my retirement when the Tribe would solve the issue of land lost to the County, and I want to thank everyone here for working to make this happen,” said Ujke. “However, the Tribe still has a checkerboard style of land ownership and tax issues that need to be solved. The Tribe has been here and will continue to be here. The Tribe will continue to stand up and protect itself.”

Gi-Ganawemaanaan Nibi: We are Protecting the Water

The joint Proclamation with Bayfield County is an enormous step in protecting the area’s water resources. While the Tribe takes pride in its Environmental Department’s robust water resources protection efforts, joining with the County will undoubtedly strengthen the protection of nibi within the reservation, around the Bayfield peninsula, and across the region.

The joint proclamation identifies clean water as being essential to life, health, and the wellbeing of our families and ecosystems. Clean water is the foundation of a vibrant community, economy, and high qualify of life. Red Cliff and Bayfield County both retain the authority to exercise water stewardship responsibilities, and wetland ecosystems are vital to the growth and harvesting of traditional medicines. View the entire proclamation to Protecting Water HERE.

Continued Collaboration

The joint meeting also highlighted other combined efforts between the Tribe and the County, including a presentation on public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayfield County’s Sara Wartman and Red Cliff’s Diane Erickson shared information behind the combined efforts of COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and vaccine distribution. Partnership efforts have also increased regarding food distribution to help both county and tribal citizens.

The Red Cliff Tribe and Bayfield County expressed sincere gratitude for the unique relationship, and confirmed interest in future opportunities to build relationships that will benefit both County and Tribal citizens now and into the future. A motion was passed to have the Tribal Relations Committee set two dates when the Tribe and County can meet again in order to avoid another seven-year lapse in meetings.

The Tribe and County exchanged gifts as another sign of respect and gratitude. Chi-Miigwech to the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors for working with the Tribe to strengthen relationships and collaboration.

Learn more about the Tribe’s land reclamation efforts and its work towards protecting nibi online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov.

See the signed Joint Proclamation to protect nibi, and a map showing reclamation of lands since 2017.

Red Cliff Elders Carolyn Gouge and Marvin Defoe spoke at the joint meeting about the importance of protecting nibi.

The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Department will be hosting a History Speaker Series throughout June and July. The series will take place at the Tribal Historic Preservation Office located at 36750Hwy 13 in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.

See flyer for all dates and details! Contact THPO with any questions at 715-779-3761.

Created by Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette and Severin Behnen with the help of local songwriters and storytellers, "Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story" is a poignant musical theater experience that honors the rich culture, history, hardships, and triumphs of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region.

Traditional and modern music merge with ancient storytelling while big screen visuals feature original artwork, beautiful photography, and historical images. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is presenting this powerful show again for their 2022 summer season. In addition to a free 1-hour matinee on Saturday June 25th at 1:00, a full performance will be presented at 7:30 on Friday, June 24th and Saturday, June 25th, and again at 7:00 on Friday, September 16th.

Big Top would like to invite members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to attend any of these performances; a limited number of vouchers for free tickets are available by calling the Red Cliff Administration Offices at (715) 779-3700. These free tickets are sponsored in part by a grant from the Red Cliff / Miskwaabikaang Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. Free transportation is available by calling Miskwaabekong Transit at 715-682-9664.

Last week Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin Red Cliff Tribal Farm planted about 1,200 native plants in a 20x60 foot plot at the Farm! This area is a low spot which gathers water and stays pretty wet throughout the year making it challenging to grow veggies. Because of this, last year the Farm decided to embrace the wetness and convert this area into a diverse, native planting especially for our pollinator friends like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

With the help of the Xerces Society, the Farm prepped the site over the past year and got over 1,200 native plants in the ground!

It’s going to be so wonderful to see these plants mature and continue to transform this space in the coming years!

The Zaagichigaazowin Home Visiting Program, Family Violence Prevention Program, and LCOOC will be hosting a Fathers Day event on June 17 at New Housing Park.

The event will begin at 5 PM and will include a raffle, grill out, water fun, and traditional activities.

Please call 715-779-3072 with ay questions.

After five years serving with the Red Cliff Police Department, officer Shane Moilanen has been promoted to Sergeant. Moilanen’s new rank comes after Jess Hall was promoted to Chief of Police in May 2022. Moilanen has been a part of the RCPD’s efforts to proactively change how it interacts and builds relationships with community members.

Sergeant Moilanen is also involved at the Red Cliff Boys and Girls Club through the Junior Officer Program!

Sergeant Moilanen is also a member of the Army National Guard. Miigwech Sergeant Moilanen for your dedication to keeping our community safe!

The Red Cliff Band is seeking bid proposals for Schematic Design and Engineering Services for water, road, and sewer utility infrastructure as part of a new Cultural Center and Emergency Response Campus development on the Ga-Miskwaabikaang Reservation in Bayfield County, WI.

Click HERE to view all details and the entire request for proposals.

Proposals should be submitted by July 1, 2022.

Please contact 715-779-9788 with any questions.

The Red Cliff Band is seeking bid proposals for seasonal lawn care services for tribal facilities and grounds. The chosen lawn care service provider will work under contract to manage the seasonal lawn care and grounds keeping needs at 20 tribal government properties. These properties are spread throughout the reservation and encompass roughly 27 total acres.

Proposals should be submitted by June 16.

View all details and submission instructions HERE.

Boozhoo Gaa-Miskwaabikaang! Red Cliff is embarking on a master plan for the Highway 13 commercial corridor and would like your input. We want to preserve what you love about the community and fix what we can.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

A market analysis was conducted in the fall of 2021 revealing the need for a new convenience and gas station with ample retail space. Five sites along the Highway 13 corridor were studied for commercial development.

Click HERE to view potential plans and provide your feedback.

Having trouble with the website but still want to provide your feedback? Call or email 218-279-2429 or heidi.bringman@lhbcorp.com

Red Cliff Tribal Members will have the opportunity to vote for two At-Large Council Member positions this July. The deadline to declare your candidacy is June 20. Submit your candidacy or direct any questions to secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov.

View all election details at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/election.

Tribal Departments host community events throughout each week!

Library, Youth, Behavioral Health, Government, Experiential Learning, Traditional Crafts, and more! View the events calendar to access details for all scheduled events.

Events are always being added -- check the events calendar regularly!

Click image to access the entire Behavioral Health June newsletter.

Breakfast gives you energy to start the day. A healthy breakfast is important for everyone. Get the morning nutrition you need with these quick breakfast ideas.

Make instant oatmeal with low-fat milk instead of water. Toss in raisins or dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.

Layer low-fat plain yogurt with your favorite crunchy whole grain cereal and blueberries.

Blend a breakfast smoothie with low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana.

Grits topped with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese and spinach or tomatoes. Add a cooked egg on the side.

Top a toaster waffle with low-fat yogurt and peach slices.

Stuff a whole-wheat pita with a sliced, hard-cooked egg and low-fat shredded cheese.

Spread a flour tortilla with peanut butter. Add a whole banana and roll it up.

Spread low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain toasted bagel. Top with sliced strawberries.

Add lean ham and low-fat Swiss cheese to a toasted whole-grain English muffin.

If your taste buds just don’t crave traditional breakfast foods, try these choices:

• Hummus spread on a whole-grain toasted bagel with cucumber and tomato slices on top.

• Leftover veggie pizza

• Low-fat cottage cheese with fruit

• Leftover rice mixed with low-fat yogurt, dried fruit and nuts. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

• Corn tortilla with mashed avocado, black beans, salsa, and low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

Power up with a healthy breakfast and you’re off to a great start!

For More Information

Contact Carol Basina Nutrition Educator

Red Cliff Food Distribution

715-779-3740

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its June 2022 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 June 2022 FoodWIse newsletter.

Click image to access the entire ECC June newsletter

Boozhoo Club Members, we've got more great summer programming starting this June! Howah! See flyers for these new program dates and details. Also, see the entire June Program Guide to learn more about all the activities listed on our June calendar.

RCCHA is hiring for two LTE Maintenance Assistants. Please submit applications by June 17, 2022. Click HERE to view the full job descriptions and apply.

The USDA Forest Service is looking for exceptional applicants to fill six Tribal Relations Specialist positions across the country who will have the unique opportunity to work with world-class scientists, forestry professionals, and Tribal Leaders to help implement projects that ensure healthy forests, clean water, and spectacular recreation opportunities.

Tribal Relations Specialists play a critical role in the government-to-government trust responsibility that is crucial to the health and sustainability of many of our nation’s most treasured landscapes. They serve as the point of contact for American Indian Tribes; work with Tribal Councils, Tribal Leaders, and officials of other agencies; and serve as partnership coordinators for programs involving collaboration and consultation with American Indian Tribes.

“The Forest Service is committed to fulfilling federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations through regular, meaningful and robust consultation,” said Reed Robinson, director of the Office of Tribal Relations. “Through hiring Tribal Relations Specialists in these critical landscapes, our goal is to build, strengthen, and uphold nation-to-nation relationships that sustain tribal sovereignty and help meet the agency’s trust responsibilities and treaty obligations.”

These positions are based in varied locations, but all offer the opportunity to work toward positive, meaningful change and to help solve some of our most complex natural resource challenges. The positions will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge natural resource research and science, along with world class forestry experts. Locations include:

• Eastern Region Regional Office
• Northern Region Regional Office
• Northern Research Station / Forest Products Laboratory
• Pacific Southwest Research Station
• Rocky Mountain Regional Office
• Rocky Mountain Research Station

The Forest Service strives to be a recognized leader among federal land management agencies in partnering appropriately and collaboratively with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal nations for mutually beneficial outcomes. Join us as we implement agency programs and activities in a manner that honors American Indian Tribes’ treaty rights while fulfilling the Forest Service’s trust responsibilities.

To apply for these opportunities, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/657948500