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May 1-7, 2023

Zaagibagaa-Giizis (Budding Moon)

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.


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Red Cliff News & Updates

Tribal Council Primary Election this Friday

Red Cliff Tribal Members will have the opportunity to vote for Chairperson and Treasurer candidates this Friday May 5. All voting for the Primary Election will occur at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. Polls will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM. View all important Tribal Council election dates and information at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/election.


The General Election is set for Tuesday July 4. Tribal Members will vote for Chairperson, Treasurer, and At-Large candidates.


Chairperson Candidates

Two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election on Tuesday July 4, 2023.

Christopher D. Boyd

Gretchen Morris

Mercie A. Gordon

Michael D. Soulier

Nicole L. Boyd


Treasurer Candidates

Two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election on Tuesday July 4, 2023.

Stephanie A. (Defoe) Haskins

Chanell Curran

Grace A. Livingston

Laura J. Gordon

Video: Red Cliff, Bad River protecting and restoring wetlands and watersheds

The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division and its Wetlands Program are doing vital work to protect and restore wetlands and watersheds. The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service have partnered with the Red Cliff Tribe and Bad River Tribe to raise awareness of this important work by producing short videos highlighting these stories. Chi-Miigwech to all involved in highlighting this important work!


In celebration of American Wetlands Month in May, the partners have released four new videos featuring the wetland and watershed conservation work being done by the Tribes in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff) and Mashkiiziibii (Bad River) in Northern Wisconsin.


The long-term landscape approach Tribes like Bad River and Red Cliff take to protect and manage their water resources improves water quality, alleviates flooding, and provides habitat.


“We must remember to take care of what we have here, to always be mindful that it is something that will sustain us in the long run,” said Edith Leoso, retired Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department.


Caring for wetlands and watersheds also helps to sustain ojibwe/anishinaabe culture and way of life. The healthier natural environment provides opportunities for our people to hunt, fish, and gather what nature has provided and establishes relationships that will build a stronger community today and for future generations.


“Tribes depend on the land to provide us with the gifts that the Creator created for us,” says Mark Duffy, Chief Conservation Officer with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Red Cliff Tribal Member. “Without these gifts, we wouldn’t be who we are, so we protect these lands.”


Generating and distributing video content is raising the visibility of the important work of Tribes and promoting examples of good wetland conservation in Wisconsin. The videos also help decision-makers and land managers understand how wetlands function and how they can care for them. Finally, telling these stories encourages broad-based understanding of wetlands and watersheds among the public. Earlier videos in this series featured the work of the Oneida Nation in Northeast Wisconsin.


See the video below to learn how Red Cliff is caring for our wetlands. Then, check out these short videos to learn more about Bad River and Oneida's efforts.

Education Honor Banquet set for May 22

Please join us for the 2023 Honor Banquet on May 22 at Legendary Waters from 6-8 PM as we celebrate the 2023 graduates of Bayfield High School! This is for ALL Class of 2023 Bayfield High School graduates.


The graduates will be honored and will receive gifts. A feast will also be provided.


Please contact the Red Cliff Education Department with any questions via email at education@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Chi-Miigwech to our Foster Care Parents

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the Red Cliff ICW program would like to say Chi-Miigwech to all of our foster care parents! You are helping keep our children safe, and you are impacting our future generations.


Open House Dates

All foster care families -- and anyone interested in becoming a foster care parent -- are invited to join our Foster Care Open House events throughout May. On Tuesdays (May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30) join us between 12-3 PM at the Red Cliff ICW office located at 37250 Watertower Rd in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.


Please call the Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare Program with any questions at 715-779-3747.

Video: Wisconsin Foodie visits RCFC

Red Cliff Fish Company was featured in the latest episode of Wisconsin Foodie! Host Luke Zahm Red Cliff to learn about Gaa-Miskwaabikaang's work towards creating a sustainable local food economy.


Zahm also features Bayfield’s Apple Festival, attended annually by 50,000 people for apples, seasonal foods and cultural dishes. He also visits Hauser's Superior View Farm to talk about a one-of-a-kind apple they produce.

Elder Guyaushk Re-Elected as WIEA President

At the Annual Conference of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association, Gaa-Miskwaabikaang Elder Guyaushk (Jim Pete) was re-elected as WIEA President. This will be Jim's second term serving as the President.


Other WIEA offices include Vice President Kate Erickson, Treasurer Shannon Chapman, and Secretary Chris Munson.


Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers provided a welcome address, and WIEA honored Evers with a gift of tobacco and Pendleton blanket with thanks of his support over the years to Indian Education.

Red Cliff TNR releases Ganawenjigaade for Ziigwan 2023

The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division has released its latest edition of the Ganawenjigaade newsletter for Ziigwan (Spring) 2023.


You will find anishinaabemowin vocabulary, program updates, permit information, rabies clinic, updates on water protection, hazardous waste collection event, details on Spring Clean Up Week scheduled for May 22-26, and more!


Click HERE to access.

Tribal Council Meeting

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet on Monday May 1 at Legendary Waters.


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


Click HERE to access the meeting agenda.

MMIW Walk set for Friday

Join the Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program's Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Walk this Friday May 5. Registration begins at 10 AM at Legendary Waters.


Indigenous people are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing violence, murder, or going missing.


For decades, Indigenous communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of women. Community advocates describe the crisis as a legacy of generations of government policies of forced removal, land seizures and violence inflicted on Native peoples.


Contact the Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program at 715-779-3706 to learn more about how you can help raise awareness.


Learn more about the MMIW crisis HERE.

Request for Proposals: New Cultural Center

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is seeking sealed bid proposals for the construction of a new 6,300 sq ft Cultural Center located at 88989 Nuzzo Rd., Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff) Reservation in Bayfield County, WI.


A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for April 27 at 9 AM. Bids should be submitted by May 11, 2023. View the entire request packet, project details, and submission requirements at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/rfp/


Project Description

Red Cliff is seeking to contract with a General Contractor to construct a 6,300 sq. ft. building. The facility includes an Event Hall, Entry Vestibule, Kitchen, Storage Room, Mechanical Room, IT room, and Men's and Women's Restrooms. See detailed specifications in Project Manual and construction documents.


All provisions and requirements of the funding sources shall apply, including prevailing wages for all workers. Please see 'Notice of Tribal and Federal Compliance Requirements' attached to this RFP for more details.


An optional pre-bid meeting has been scheduled to allow potential bidders the opportunity to learn more about the project prior to submitting their bid. The meeting will be facilitated in-person at Red Cliff and virtually through the Microsoft Teams meeting platform. Bidders are encouraged to submit questions in writing prior to the meeting. Verbal questions will also be accepted during the meeting, provided bidders confirm verbal questions in writing for the record. After the meeting, an amendment to the original RFP will be made publicly available with the questions and answers discussed at the conference. If attending the conference in-person, an opportunity to visit the proposed build site will be extended upon request.


The pre-bid meeting will take place on Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at 9:00 am at the Red Cliff Tribal Administration Building located at 88455 Pike Rd. Bayfield, WI 54814. A Microsoft Teams link for the meeting will be extended upon request.


Contact the Red Cliff Planning Department with any questions at 715-779-3700.

Larry & Jeanne Gordon Memorial Camping Week set for May 15-22

Tribal members camp free in Buffalo Bay Campground. Reservations and Check-in required.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council and Legendary Waters Resort & Casino have set the next Larry & Jeanne Gordon Memorial Camping Week for May 15-22, 2023. Red Cliff Tribal Members will be able to camp for free at Legendary Waters Buffalo Bay Campground. This year’s free camping week is set later in May due to the lingering snow and late winter conditions.


Tribal Members interested in free camping at Buffalo Bay Campground should contact the Legendary Waters Hotel Front Desk at (800) 226-8478 to reserve a spot. Members must still check in with the Hotel Front Desk to receive tags for the campsite.


A map of Buffalo Bay Campground is included below for those who wish to select a specific site.


Larry Gordon is a Red Cliff Tribal Member who dedicated a 30-year career to Isle Vista Casino – now Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. Larry offered much love and care for the community and spent countless weekends camping with friends and family. Larry passed away on November 12, 2020 while enjoying the outdoors. His wife and long-time Tribal leader Jeanne Gordon passed away December 31, 2021. Jeanne proudly served the Red Cliff community for years on the Tribal Council and as the executive secretary, only wanting to build a better community for the next generations to come. She worked to ensure the community was put first.


Read more about Larry HERE.

Read more about Jeanne HERE.

Library set to revamp game night, programs

Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library will be revamping several program offerings to better serve library patrons.


Stay caught up with program changes and offerings on the Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library Facebook page.


Contact the Library with any questions at 715-779-3766.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore seeks community feedback

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is seeking feedback on plans to create trails at Little Sand Bay and an accessible ramp at Meyers Beach. A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for review until May 12, 2023 – Click HERE to review the proposal and provide input. Hard copies are available upon request, please email apis_resource_issues@nps.gov.


What Is Proposed?

1) An ABA accessible boardwalk loop (approx. ½ mile) with views of the wetland, bi-lingual signs and waysides (Ojibwemowin and English), and a gathering place for school and other groups.


2) A coastal trail with island views. The route would follow the beach for 0.4 miles from Little Sand Bay to Allen Road and continue along a trail for 0.3 miles from Allen Road to the park’s boundary.


3) A trail that connects Little Sand Bay with the historic Nelson Cabin (0.1 mile), with the potential for a partnership trail that continues to Wilderness Inquiry (0.2 miles).


4) An ABA ramp at Meyers Beach to provide much easier access for all from the parking lot to the beach.


Chi-Miigwech for providing your thoughts and feedback!

Community Input Survey: Tribal Properties

The Tribal Council is seeking community input to help inform decision making about the future of some Tribal properties. Click HERE to learn more and provide feedback.


Please think about priorities, needs, and uses for the sites. The sites include:

Merchant Property

Merchant House site

Former Jim Pete House on Hwy 13 North

Former Cheers Bar site on County Rd K

Duplex on Hwy 13 next to Red Cliff Storage

House on Nuzzo Rd

Buffalo Bay Store (current site)

88260 Hwy 13 (Former Living Adventure's Kayak business site)


Open the survey for more details on each site, and to provide your suggestions.

Please contact the Planning Department with any questions at 715-779-3700.

VIM Work Group accepting requests

The Volunteers in Mission Ministry Group offers free labor for a variety of projects. The group is accepting work orders until June 12, with work scheduled to be done between June 19 - June 23, 2023.


If you are interested in getting some assistance at your home or perhaps on a community venture, please fill out the form and return to the Tribal Administration Building. Forms are also available to pick up at the Admin Building. If you know of anyone that could make use of these services, please feel free to make a referral or assist the individual with the form.


Please call the Administration Building at 715-779-3700 with any questions.

Iskigamiziganing Izhaadaa!

Sugarbush ojibwemowin resources, lending supplies

Online Resources

Community members can now access Iskigamizigan resources online! Visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov/sugarbush.


You will find vocabulary videos to watch and listen to, a downloadable document with vocabulary to use while you're out at your sugarbush, a How To Guide, information on accessing supplies, Maple ID Booklet, and a maple coloring activity for your little ones. Aho!

Click imto access the entire vocabulary document.


Iskigamizigan supplies available to use

Red Cliff's Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm are offering supplies and guidance for community members to start their own sugar bush! Howah!


See flyers below for all details. Please contact the THPO Department at 715-779-3761 or the Farm at 715-779-3782 with any questions

Ojibwemowin Phrase of the Week

Are you a tribal member-owned business interested in having your business included in our Business Directory? Click HERE.
Health & Wellness

Noojimo'iwewin Center Meetings

Harm Reduction - Keep our Community "SAFE"
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.
For other Health Center information or general questions call: 715-779-3707 or Email  RCHealthCenter@redcliffhealth.org

Click HERE to visit the Red Cliff Community Health Center website.

Click HERE for COVID-19 Updates and Resources.

Family & Human Services

FoodWise Newsletter May 2023

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its May 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 May 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

Education

Notice of various Early Head Start closure dates

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.


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.


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.

Bayfield School District Updates
Find Athletic Schedules and School Events on their Calendar.

You can view the school's news and updates on their website:

You can also find updates on the
Bayfield School District Facebook page.
Access Scholarship Opportunities

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 Community Members have access to a variety of scholarships.
Click HERE to visit the Education Department's Scholarships page.
Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami

Housing Authority

Apply for Housing Openings and Housing Assistance

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.


Services Offered at New Hope
The RCCHA ROSS Resource program, RCHC Behavioral Health and NWCEP, DWD/DVR, GLITC VRNA Staffs would like to announce the satellite service office for wrap around programs is now open at New Hope main building.

Please come check us out. We have Vocational, Employment, Mental health and Substance abuse services offered.

See below flyer with the specific days and hours currently offered.
Residential Resource Coordinator
Available For Housing Tenants

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.

Treaty Natural Resources

Red Cliff Fish Company

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino

Click HERE to order online!

News Across Indian Country

GLIFWC seeking Tribal Climate Adaptation Specialist

Under the supervision of the Climate Change Program Coordinator the Tribal Climate Adaptation Specialist participates in a broad range of GLIFWC Climate Change Program activities and provides support to the Tribal Adaptation Menu (TAM) Team. Primary duties include participating in the creation of a Ceded Territory climate adaptation plan, assisting with field research and adaptation projects, interacting with Tribal and non-Tribal partners, and coordinating and facilitating workshops and presentations sharing and implementing Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu, a tool created by a diverse multi-organizational team to guide Tribes and their non-Tribal partners in conducting culturally appropriate climate adaptation planning.


View more details about the position and apply at www.glifwc.org.

Call for Artwork for the next TTAP Logo Design

The Federal Highway Administration's Local Aid Support (LAS) is giving the newly re-established Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) a makeover. We are asking for assistance from the Tribal community to develop a creative and innovative look for the TTAP. The logo created must be engaging and align with the TTAP's mission and vision for providing training and technical assistance to Tribal transportation agencies all over the country that improves safety and encourages the use of innovation.


Entries will be judged on visual appeal, concept, logo meaning description,

design quality, and ease of reproduction.


The winning design will be announced during the National LTAP/TTAP annual conference in Columbus, OH, July 17-20, 2023.


Don't delay! Showcase your creativity by bringing the TTAP purpose to life!

*All entries must be submitted to TTAP@DOT.GOV by June 30th, 2023.*


For more information on the FHWA's TTAP or to find a regional TTAP center, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/clas/ttap/

Statewide Pitch Contest for Native Entrepreneurs

Two $5,000 prizes to be awarded at NATOW Conference in June


Hayward, Wis—First Native Community Financial today announced a collaboration

with Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW) and SCORE Mentors to provide Native American entrepreneurs in Wisconsin with an opportunity to win one of two $5,000 prizes for business planning and development. This competition is open to start-ups, developing businesses, growing businesses or businesses looking to expand their operations.


All aspiring or established Native American entrepreneurs in the state of Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to register and participate in workshops and mentoring that will help you develop your idea into a strong business plan and pitch to compete for a chance to win at NATOW’s annual conference on June 21, 2023, at the Menominee Convention Center in Keshena, Wisconsin.


First Nations Community Financial was a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Diverse Business Assistance and Diverse Business Investment grants in the amount of $2.85M. Those funds go to help support aspiring and established Native American entrepreneurs across the entire state of Wisconsin.


We will provide in-person workshops revolving around business planning and pitching business ideas. These workshops will provide participants support, resources and virtual learning opportunities, as well as requirements scoring matrix.


Workshops will be conducted in the 11 tribal communities throughout the state of Wisconsin, and participation and registration is required to be part of the contest.

First Nations Community Financial has a goal of helping start, grow or expand 100 Native American owned businesses by December 31, 2024 and the business plan pitch contest is just one of many initiatives that will surface throughout the year. The Native American Tourism of Wisconsin has added ‘Economic Development’ to their annual initiatives making this a prime collaboration opportunity to bring more awareness and spotlight on the Native American entrepreneurs across the state of Wisconsin. SCORE Mentors will also join in on the action and help provide support, 1-on-1 mentoring, instruction in the workshops as well as help judge the pitches on the pitch contest date.


To learn more about the Wisconsin Native Business Plan Pitch Contest, go to

www.NativeBizContest.com. This is absolutely free to any and all Native American entrepreneurs in the state of Wisconsin enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.

Show us your stuff Indian Country! Let’s get you fast tracked to achieving your dreams.

First Nations Community Financial offering new business program

The Wooruwi Business Program is open to any Native American residing in the state of Wisconsin that wishes to start or develop their business.


The primary benefits of the Wooruwi Business Program include pre-funding services which include free Native-American focused business courses, solidifying your business idea, conducting market research, developing your financial statements, and assistance writing your business plan. Once a client is funded by First Nations Community Financial, a technical assistance plan is established to help shore up areas that need the most improvement and get set up with a business mentor to work on sharpening business skills.


For more information on the Wooruwi Business Program, interested individuals can contact First Nations Community Financial for more information, or visit https://firstnationsfinancial.org/ and submit a loan inquiry to get the process started.

Contact Us
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office 
88455 Pike Road 
Bayfield, Wi. 54814 
715-779-3700