Miisaninawiind January 17-23, 2022
Gichimanidoo-Giizis (Great 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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Health Advisory: Avoid Private and Public Gatherings |
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Effective Immediately – Red Cliff Health is issuing an Emergency Advisory strongly discouraging any non-essential events or gatherings.
The Red Cliff community is currently experiencing a high level of community spread of COVID-19. There are at least 82 active cases of COVID-19, and testing is ongoing. Red Cliff’s COVID Response Team, Tribal Council, and Bayfield School are asking the community to help. Avoid gathering and limit your activity outside of the home. We must work together.
The COVID-19 pandemic is now overwhelming hospitals across our region, Wisconsin, and neighboring states. Medical staff in the hardest hit communities are begging people to get vaccinated, wear masks in public, and stay home if you are not feeling well. Limiting the spread is not just about your own health – it directly impacts our health care workers and their ability to provide care for both COVID patients and non-COVID patients.
Contact tracing of positive cases reveal infection is being spread in numerous social settings, including public and private gatherings.
Remember your COVID-19 prevention strategies:
- Get vaccinated – everyone over the age of 5 is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Wear a well-fitting mask when in public regardless of vaccination status. Red Cliff Health has KN95 masks available if you do not already have one.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Maintain at least 6 feet from non-household members.
- Avoid staying overnight at anyone else’s home.
- Avoid eating or drinking indoors anywhere other than your own home. Still want to support your favorite restaurant? Try ordering takeout and use curbside delivery for shopping when possible.
Masks are still required in all tribal buildings, including Legendary Waters and Buffalo Bay Gas Station. Subtle symptoms of the Omicron variant can include a scratchy throat or mild congestion. If you recognize any symptoms, please stay home and get tested.
You can call 715-779-3707 to get tested and/or to set up an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. You can also contact the Bayfield County Health Department for vaccinations at 715-373-3312.
Please continue to do your part in protecting our community.
Questions can be directed to the Red Cliff Community Health Center at 715-779-3707.
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Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin Update
USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative and increased sovereignty in Food Distribution Programs contributes to exciting steps in Red Cliff's local food system
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the formation of the USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative. This initiative is intended to create more equity among USDA programs, and will promote traditional food ways and Indigenous health needs.
According to the Director of USDA's Office of Tribal Relations, this initiative is "a response to tribal nation priorities and an opportunity to reimagine federal food and agriculture programs from an Indigenous perspective."
One way in which this initiative is taking shape, and which affects Red Cliff directly, is through promoting greater self-governance within Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Historically and currently, the USDA sources all foods for FDPIR programs (often referred to as Commods). However, a 638 FDPIR demonstration project enables Food Distribution programs, such as the one in Red Cliff, to have more control in where they source their food. '638' refers to the authorization of federally recognized tribes to operate with sovereignty and self-governance. This is the first time 638 authority is being applied to tribal Food Distribution programs, and this decision making power enables Food Distribution programs to prioritize local and traditional foods for distribution throughout their communities.
Red Cliff was one of only eight tribal nations to be awarded FDPIR 638 demonstration contracts in 2021. These contracts give tribes the authority to source food from local and/or tribally owned businesses, rather than relying on nationwide USDA vendors. For Red Cliff, this proposal includes the incorporation of local fish, local wild rice, and local vegetables. Red Cliff's FDPIR 638 demonstration grant will run for multiple seasons, allowing the Food Distribution program to establish strong relationships with new vendors and create a solid foundation for continuing these opportunities into the future.
Other components of the USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative include the establishment of two regional Indigenous seed processing centers, the creation of resources around wild and Indigenous food gathering and cooking, a manual for Native producers transitioning from cattle to bison, expanded domestic marketing opportunities for Native producers, and a report on legislative and regulatory proposals needed to empower greater tribal self-governance within USDA food programs. These initiatives are taking place in partnership with various Native-led organizations such as the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative based at the University of Arkansas, the Indigenous Seed Keepers Network, and more.
Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm is thrilled to partner with Red Cliff's Food Distribution program for the 638 Demonstration Project, and to continue working with the community and other tribal programs to advance the food sovereignty goals of Red Cliff.
Learn more by contacting Farm@redcliff-nsn.gov.
Follow Mino Bimaadiwiizin Gitigaanin on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with services, products, giveaways, and happenings at the Tribe's farm.
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Carrots and apples from Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm, along with fish from the Red Cliff Fish Company, are just some of the locally sourced items to be included in Red Cliff's Food Distribution program offerings. |
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Legendary Pow Wow Rescheduled For April |
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Grand Entry times are set for 1 PM and 6 PM on Saturday April 9, 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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Attention Red Cliff Tribal Deer Hunters |
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There is no extension of the deer hunting season beyond January 9, 2022. The Great lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission's order on extending the deer hunting season until January 31 does not apply to Red Cliff Tribal Members.
Please contact the Conservation Wardens at 715-779-3732 with any questions.
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Community Panel Discussion:
Line 5 Impacts and the South Shore of Lake Superior
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Join the community for a panel discussion on Thursday January 20 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM to learn more about how Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline may impact our lands and waters.
This panel discussion is being hosted by landowners along the proposed route with support from the Wisconsin Sierra Club. Panelists are expected to include landowners along the proposed route, impacted farmers, and traditional harvesters.
Click HERE to sign up for this discussion.
Please contact jadine.sonoda@sierraclub.org with any questions.
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Human Trafficking Awareness |
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Join us in spreading awareness and preventing human trafficking. Learn to spot the signs and how to properly report.
The Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program is also here to help. Learn more HERE.
Read a proclamation from President Biden on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month HERE.
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Council Meeting January 18 |
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet on Tuesday January 18 at Legendary Waters.
The Regular Session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. Community Members are invited to attend.
Click HERE to view the meeting agenda.
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Martin Luther King Jr Day |
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January 17, 2022 will mark the 27th anniversary of this national day of service. This day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and to encourage all to volunteer to improve their communities.
How can you volunteer to help your community? Offering to help neighbors and elders with home & yard upkeep can be a great way to continue fostering this sense of service year-round.
Interested in serving on a board or committee? Contact the Tribal Administration Building at 715-779-3700 to see how you can help. Miskwaabikaang also has numerous job openings! View openings and apply online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov.
Miigwech to all members for everything you do for Miskwaabikaang!
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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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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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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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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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Happy Birthday To Our Members This Week! |
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Beth Sitter
Clark Metz
Karoline Radka
Colleen Goetzke
Diane Gordon
Rick Bressler
Jeremiah Houle
Madison Emery
Maggie Richard
Carlissa Schultz
Teresa Fortunato
Brian Engler
Leah Senn
Joshua Munson
Katrina Phillips
Randolph Bresette
Cara Bresette-Yates Andrea Graves
Felecia Bressette
Bryce Heng
Johnathan Osbourne Davarious McFarland Jennifer Goslin
Kasey Thornburg
Vincent Cadotte
Olivia Borchardt
Jeanette Blake
Chanell Curran
Marcella Weber
Charles Slomba
Virgil Juntunen
Eva Pratt
Lisa Kosmo
Nathan Lenzen
Thomas Raymond
Eli La Grew
Evan Defoe
Maxen Croschere
Juliyn Croschere
William Soulier
William Gauthier
Troy Albert
Richard Milligan
Merton Brandt
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Carol Cameron
Erin Ross
Joseph Grittner
Patrick Julius
Sylvia Peppenger
Frankie Schnepp
Xander Velez
Emily Gurnoe
Dennis Falcon
Lenny Newago
Sarah Martinez
Boneane Liberty-Valencia Joseph Miller
Janie Vadais
Walker Nykanen
Jason Montano
Donavon Maki
Laurel Gokee
Tami La Grew
Steven Morrow
Alaicia Red Hail
Cort Heruth
Elizabeth Jorstad Makenzie Mc Mahon Logan Antiel
Alexander Pember
Ronald Cassidy
Jessica Ahlers
Halee Gordon
Brett Dolan
Ernest Grooms
Rowan Holcomb
Patricia Butterfield
Hailey Vinzant
Jeffery Krisik
Kimberly Lamoreaux Christopher Dion
Payton Hope
Paige Leger
Henny Hackman
Annette Dolan
Mitchell LaFernier Wenona Lively-Butterfly Anna Marie Kimball
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Mariah Austin
Edward Newago
Magnolia Bull
Dorian White
William MacCracken Francine Gutknecht
Tony Aitkin
Richard Pember
Gregory Topping
Vanessa Weber
Serene Lawrence
Brett Kayfes
Michelle Willis
Jamie Stenberg
Barbara Welck
Danny Livingston
William Kramer
Andrew Peters
Scott Wilmot
Janet Greendeer
Misty Kelly
Theresa Schuler
Sarah Zorc
Heidi Bresette
Georgia Boucher
Thomas Morris
Patricia DePerry
Jordan Roush
John Strickland
Daniel Teeples
Ryan Juntunen
Sasha Whittaker
Ava Vestuto
Waawaatesi Aubid
Nova Gordon
Victoria Poch
Damon Castle
Patricia Deragon-Navarro Adam Ojibway
Rachel DePerry
Derek Bonney
Tao Gurnoe
Nicholas Butterfield
Blake St. Onge
Andrew Richards
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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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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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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!
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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Affordable Connectivity Program |
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The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
· Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
· Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
· Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
· Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price lunch program or the school breakfast program. Including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
· Received a Pell Grant during the current award year; or
· Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
Two Steps to Enroll
1. Go to ACPBenefit.org to apply or print out a mail-in application.
2. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
Need Help With the ACP?
If you need to talk with someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.
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For More Information
Contact Carol Basina Nutrition Educator
Red Cliff Food Distribution
715-779-3740
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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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FoodWIse Newsletter - January 2022 |
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FoodWIse Nutrition has released its January 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 January 2022 FoodWIse newsletter.
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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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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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Housing Job Opportunities: |
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Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is currently hiring for multiple positions:
Receptionist / Program Assistant
Executive Assistant / HR Manager
Maintenance Assistants
Construction Project Manager
View all position descriptions and application instructions HERE.
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RCCHA Board Meetings Schedule |
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The Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority Board meets once a month. Click HERE for the entire schedule of 2022 RCCHA Board meetings. Meeting agendas are posted HERE.
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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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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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Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin farm eggs for sale! |
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Red Cliff Fish Company also sells eggs from Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin - Red Cliff's tribal farm! |
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Legendary Waters Resort & Casino |
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News Across Indian Country |
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Hundreds Gather For Clyde Bellecourt's Funeral Services in Minneapolis |
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By Darren Thompson
From Native News Online
MINNEAPOLIS — Leaders and hundreds of supporters attended the wake service last week for for Clyde Bellecourt (White Earth Ojibwe), one of the original founders of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who passed away on Tuesday morning due to complications with cancer. He was 85.
The wake service for Clyde Bellecourt began for the general public at 7:00 pm at the East Phillips Park Cultural & Community Center on Minneapolis’s Southside, near the Little Earth neighborhood. A wake service is also scheduled for Friday evening on the White Earth Indian Reservation followed by a traditional Ojibwe funeral service and burial Saturday morning.
Community leaders spoke of Bellecourt’s bravery and tenacity to fight for causes not popular to society.
“He talked about what it was to be brave, to be bold, to fight for what you want no matter what they do to you,” said community leader Spike Moss during Thursday’s services.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke of his presence at City Hall.
“There are few people that leave such a mark where you remember every single interaction you’ve had with them,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of Clyde Bellecourt during his wake service on Thursday evening. “Clyde had that charisma and persona and his presence was always preceded by drum beats when he entered City Hall.”
More than 300 people attended the wake service to pay their final respects to Bellencourt, who was one of the original founders of AIM and a well-known community leader. Founded in 1968 in Minneapolis, AIM would eventually gain international attention for protesting against the conditions many American Indians faced in society including police brutality, discrimination in employment and housing, and many other issues.
“His tenacity, bravery and empowering leadership will not be forgotten,” said Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan during the wake service on Thursday evening.
“With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Clyde Bellecourt for his dedication to Indian Country,” reads the proclamation.
Clyde Bellecourt established the Peacemaker Center for Indian youth, the American Indian Movement patrol, a legal rights center, the Native American Community Clinic, Women of Nations Eagle’s Nest Shelter, the International Indian Treaty Council, the American Indian Opportunities Industrialization and helped create the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media.
Clyde Bellecourt is survived by his wife Peggy, his sister Judy, his children Susie, Tanya, Crow, and Wolf, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends, and relatives.
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Madeline Island Ferry Update |
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Freeze-Up Advisory: Due to ice conditions and forecast for colder temperatures, no guarantee of ferry service after Sunday (1/16/22).
Please plan accordingly for getting supplies to the Island and moving a car to the mainland. Keep an eye on madferry.com or Facebook for updates.
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Ojibwe communities welcome return to elk season in northern Wisconsin |
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From Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
Ojibwe tribes are stocking community food pantries across the Ceded Territory following a string of successful elk hunts in northern Wisconsin. Over a season that stretched from September 2021 to year’s end, licensed Ojibwe hunters harvested four bull elk from the wilds of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
“A lot of work has gone into restoring elk, a native species driven to extinction during the settlement era,” said Michael J Isham Jr, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission executive administrator. “A healthy elk population, pre-hunt ceremonies, harvest opportunities—it all helps bring balance to the environment and solidifies our connection to the natural world.”
The hunts, conducted in the state’s Clam Lake Elk Range, brought together not only tag-holding hunters but entire families. A harvest camp near the shores of Chippewa Lake served as a hub for both hunters and their helpers. Tribal community members young and old contributed everything from traditional knowledge to the muscle-power required to haul quarter sections of elk from the vast public woodlands.
In Ojibwe ceremonial hunting, the animal, the bull elk, gives itself to the hunter if all the appropriate protocols have been followed. Prayer, drum songs, and tobacco offerings are important elements to the hunt. As the elk, or omashkooz, season unfolded last September, the first two animals harvested were spike bulls, taken following ceremonies at the harvest camp. Later in the season, Ojibwe hunters tagged another spike and a 3x3 raghorn bull—all from the Clam Lake area.
Returning to the elk woods
After participating in the first two elk seasons along with state-licensed hunters, Ojibwe tribes did not fill their omashkooz quota in 2020. While the Wisconsin Elk Advisory Committee—comprised of interagency biologists—recommended a safe harvest total of six bulls that year, the Natural Resources Board unilaterally bumped the quota 66% to 10 elk to be shared evenly by state and Ojibwe hunters. Concerned at the Board’s disregard of the science behind the Elk Committee’s recommendation, Ojibwe leaders decided to forego the season, in effect leaving its share of the elk quota on-the-hoof. It’s a management prerogative GLIFWC tribes have also used during state wolf hunting seasons.
“Using the best available science is a critical part of our decision-making process,” said John D Johnson, Chairman of the Lac du Flambeau Band as well as the Voigt Intertribal Task Force. “The health of the resource comes first. Always remember that.”
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission is an intertribal agency comprised of eleven Ojibwe bands in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Minnesota. GLIFWC works with member tribes to both manage and preserve off-reservation treaty-reserved resources. The Voigt Intertribal Task Force develops policy recommendations for GLIFWC-member tribes in the 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories. Omashkooz is the Ojibwe Anishinaabe word for elk. Please visit glifwc.org for more information.
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Violence Against Women Act Awareness |
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On January 19 at 11:15 AM CT, join the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF), Angelina Jolie, and Senate sponsors of the upcoming Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization for a policy day of action to ask Senators to co-sponsor and pass the bipartisan consensus bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. www.facebook.com/NTFSDV
On December 16, 2021, Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-LA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced they had reached a deal on a framework to reauthorize VAWA with key improvements and protections to better meet the needs of abuse survivors. They plan to introduce the bill this month.
While they are finalizing the bill, they need our help to build support among Senators so they can introduce the bill with as many bipartisan sponsors as possible.
VAWA is a central way the Federal government responds to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. First signed into law in 1994, VAWA creates grant programs to provide services and housing to victims and survivors and training to improve the legal response to gender-based violence. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 is based on extensive work with survivors, direct service providers, and other stakeholders, and is the first reauthorization since the pandemic, which has exacerbated domestic violence and sexual assault.
VIRTUAL RALLY: Join the NTF, with VAWA lead senators and international human rights and children's rights advocate Angelina Jolie at 11:15 CT on January 19: www.facebook.com/NTFSDV
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NATOW Launches New Website |
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Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW) has launched it's new website promoting the 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin.
The site features information about each tribe, as well as travel tips and things to do across Wisconsin's Indian Country -- including art & culture, recreation, scenic byways, and agriculture.
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How has COVID-19 impacted your life?
Respond to WPR's WHYsconsin
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More than 10,000 Wisconsinites have died from COVID-19 and there have been more than 1 million positive cases in the state since the pandemic began.
For many, COVID-19 has changed how we work and learn, what we do in our spare time, and how we interact with other people. For some, it has meant the loss of a loved one or a livelihood and the onset of chronic health conditions.
WHYsconsin wants to know: how has the pandemic impacted you and your loved ones in 2021? How do you think it'll affect your life going forward?
Click HERE to share what you would like others to know about your experience.
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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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