Miisaninawiind November 8-14, 2021
Gashkadino-Giizis (Freezing Over 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
Red Cliff, WisDOT Unveil Dual-Language Sign
Gaa-Miskwaabikaang sign signifies motorists are entering sovereign territory
November 3, 2021 – The Red Cliff Band and Wisconsin Department of Transportation held an unveiling ceremony to announce Wisconsin’s first dual-language road sign signifying tribal boundaries. The official WisDOT road sign features the word “Gaa-Miskwaabikaang” – the traditional Ojibwemowin name for the Red Cliff Reservation which means “the place where there is red rock cliffs.”

The unveiling kicks off an initiative around the state to include dual-language signage for all tribal communities. This sign informs motorists that not only are they in the Red Cliff community, but they’re also entering a sovereign territory with a rich history, culture, and ancestry.

“This is an historic day within our community, and to be recognized with Wisconsin’s first dual-language Tribal boundary sign is a tremendous honor,” said Red Cliff Chairman Christopher Boyd. “It’s important to recognize former Red Cliff Chairmen Bryan Bainbridge and Richard Peterson as this endeavor has been in the making for several years. Howah.”

Red Cliff Vice-Chairman Nathan Gordon has been at the forefront of this process since 2018 when Red Cliff administration proposed the idea to WisDOT staff.

“It is great to see this finally coming to light during this historic time for Red Cliff and other Tribal Nations across Wisconsin,” said Gordon. “It shows the Tribes and WisDOT building a stronger relationship while moving forward together.”

The Federal Highway Administration’s Glenn Fulkerson said WisDOT and other state agencies have a responsibility and are committed to this government-to-government relationship that respects tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

“Any time of year is a good time to think about how we can deepen and broaden the impact of these relationships,” said Fulkerson. “With November being an opportunity to observe Native American Heritage, we also thought the timing here was perfect.”

The ceremony featured comments from Dr. James Pete, Red Cliff Elder and Cultural Advisor; WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson; Red Cliff Chairman Christopher Boyd; Red Cliff’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Marvin Defoe; and FHWA Administrator Glenn Fulkerson. “Always Thundering” drum group also performed opening and closing Honor Songs as part of the ceremony.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council would like to say Chi-Miigwech to WisDOT for working with Red Cliff on this initiative to continue progressing towards honoring tribal sovereignty, and to all who played a role in making this happen.
Food Distribution Program Receives Grant,
More Flexibility In Food Choices
Red Cliff and its Food Distribution Program became one of eight Tribal Nations in the entire country to receive the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project grant. The project empowers tribal nations by giving them more options in selecting foods for food packages to better align with dietary preferences. The project also allows tribal nations to purchase directly from commercial vendors instead of the USDA.

Red Cliff Food Distribution Director Vincent "Butch" Bresette said he was honored and surprised to be one of the eight tribes across the country to be chosen for this three-year project.

"This grant allows us to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from our own tribal farm, plus we will be purchasing whitefish from our Red Cliff Fish Company," said Bresette. "We also have two other vendors that we will purchase wild rice and blueberries from."

FDPIR's current, traditional operating model purchases nutritious 100% domestic grown and produced USDA foods. The foods are then shipped to tribal nations and state agencies that administer FDPIR. The food is stored and provided to eligible community members.

This project is an important step for Red Cliff furthering self=determination as it allows the Tribe more flexibility in choosing the food it provides for its membership.

The other seven Tribal Nations participating in this project include the Oneida Nation/Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin; Little Traverse Bands of Odawa from Michigan; Lummi Nation from Washington State; Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium from Alaska; Chickasaw Nation from Oklahoma; and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw from Mississippi.

Chi-miigwech to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and all who played a role in making this happen!
Red Cliff Represented At AIANTA Conference
Red Cliff's Tourism and Planning Departments attended the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Annual Conference in Arizona last week at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Casino. Representatives from Oneida and Native American Tourism of Wisconsin Executive Director Suzette Brewer also attended.

Red Cliff sat on the Growing Scenic Byways in Indian Country panel. Discussion included tribal relations and outreach to accommodate growth and connect different Tribal Nations from across the country.

"It is great being a part of this organization and having all 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations also part of this," said Red Cliff Vice-Chairman Nathan Gordon. "Wisconsin was highlighted as being one of the first states to have all of its Tribal Nations become AIANTA members and for others to follow our footsteps here in Wisconsin."
Red Cliff Featured in Cultural Heritage Magazine
Red Cliff's efforts to collaborate with community leaders and surrounding areas has been featured in the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association's Cultural Heritage Tourism planning guide.

The guide highlights Miskwaabikaang history, culture, and several of its attractions including Frog Bay Tribal National Park. It discusses the forming of Red Cliff's Tourism Team and the importance of joining Native American Tourism of Wisconsin to improve the Tribe's tourism industry.

Access AIANTA's Cultural Heritage Tourism planning guide on their website.
Bayfield Students Help Plant
Native Shrubs at Red Cliff's Tribal Farm
Students from Bayfield High School's Alternative Education program assisted Red Cliff's Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin tribal farm last week with planting shrubs around the farm.

Students and Farm staff planted over forty native shrubs, including hazelnuts, elderberries, high bush cranberries, red osier dogwood, and even a few tamarack trees!

Chi-miigwech to Bayfield High School Alt-Ed students and staff!
Wood Available for Sacred Fires
Submitted by Red Cliff Elder Guyaushk Jim Pete

With the willingness to have a Sacred Fire when a person passes on to the Spirit World, it has been suggested to have a central location for the availability of fire wood, to be used for the Sacred Fire.

There might be other places around Red Cliff, but I wanted to start a fire wood supply at my location: 88850 Church Road, in Red Cliff.

This past weekend, when Gretchen and John were married in their Wedding Reception area at LW, they had so many beautiful birch wood pieces integrated into the decorations. I asked if they didn't already have any plans for the wood, if they would be willing to donate it to have available for people that wanted to have a Sacred Fire, when someone passes. And they did! Chi Mii Gwech!

And to encourage others to donate some firewood here (or where ever) for others to use, in a very difficult and challenging times.

I tried to have this in an area that would also be accessible during the winter time.
And. please, if you donate some firewood, don't just throw it there....pile it up!

CHI MII GWECH!
Guyaushk Jim Pete
Public Works Monitoring & Reporting
Red Cliff Water & Sewer reports Monitoring and Reporting notice regarding revised total coliform rule and disinfection by-products rule, and monitoring and reporting for DBPs.
Elderly Hunt Day
This year's Elderly Hunt Day is scheduled for Tuesday November 9.

This event is an opportunity for hunters to donate deer that will be cleaned and processed to be used for the Tribe's elders.

Processing will start in the morning on Wednesday November 10 at the Hatchery building.

All donated deer must be registered in person at the Red Cliff registration station and be issued a registration tag prior to drop off. Please no phone or online registrations.

Please contact the Red Cliff Wardens Office with any questions at 715-779-3732.
Community Submission:
Legendary Lights
Photo submitted by Jim Peacock
See more photos from Jim on Instagram @peacocknproud

Jim's artwork is also for sale at the Red Cliff Fish Company market and at the Artists On The Byway Gallery in Washburn.
COVID-19 Relief Payments & SSI Eligibility
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.
Community Members Needed For Committees
The Tribal Council is seeking individuals to serve on the following committees, boards, and commissions.

Utilities Commission: 2 members
Health Board: 2 members
Business Board: 1 member
Family Human Services Committee: 2 members
Cemetery Committee: 4 members

If you are interested in serving on any of the committees, please pick up and drop off an application at the front desk of the Tribal Administration Building. You can also access a committee application HERE.
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.
Emergency Rental Assistance Available For
Tribal Members in Ashland and Bayfield County
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.

Visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov/erap to learn more and apply.

Contact 715-779-3700 ext 4208 or ext 4209 with any questions.
Health & Wellness
Roll Up Your Sleeves: Flu Vaccine Now Available
Red Cliff Community Health Center has received this year’s influenza vaccines for seniors, adults, and children. It is critical to immunize your entire family for Influenza, and to do it as soon as possible!  Covid-19 infections will be more serious, and possibly deadly, if additional infections occur at the same time.  Also, the health care system regionally is under strain which makes it even more important to prevent the most common reasons for hospital admissions in the winter, which are influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia.

Influenza vaccines are not only for the medically vulnerable. Rather, they are important for the entire family in order to protect seniors and anyone with underlying medical conditions by reducing their chances of being exposed to influenza.  Many patients think the influenza vaccine caused them to feel sick after receiving the vaccine. However, it takes 2 weeks for the influenza vaccine to be effective.  Any symptoms of illness experienced after receipt of the vaccine are symptoms of an infection to which the patient was already exposed.  The vaccine is not perfect, but it is 80% effective at preventing influenza. Also, the vaccine shortens the number of days of illness, allowing people to return to work or school sooner, and it reduces the length of time that any one can spread the infection to others.

Pneumococcal vaccine is included in childhood vaccines. Adult pneumococcal vaccine is given routinely to adults at 65 years of age. However, it is also strongly recommended in any one with any underlying medical conditions, or tobacco use. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are recommending any one over 50 get the vaccine as well. A pneumococcal vaccine with in the last 5 years is most protective.  
Please call the clinic at 715-779-3707 to arrange vaccine appointments for your family. Do this for your family, elders and community!!
NARCAN Training Available
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
We're Hiring Nurses - Come Join Our Team!
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!
 
Positions we are recruiting for:
·        Community Health Nurse - MCH
·        Community Health Nurse - Generalist
·        Nurse Case Manager
·        Clinic Nurse (LTE to assist with vaccines)
 
Please click HERE for more information.
Clinic Welcomes RCCHC Contact Tracer
Boozhoo! My name is Janelle Gordon. I am a member of the Bad River Tribe but was born and raised in Red Cliff. I am excited to start working with the Red Cliff community as I begin my position as a contact tracer at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

I graduated from Bayfield High in 2020 and am currently a college student studying to obtain a degree in nursing and return here to serve the people of Red Cliff.

I enjoy playing sports, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and hanging out with my friends in my free time.
Clinic Welcomes Community Health Representative
Connor Bouchard, Community Health Representative
 
Connor grew up in Washburn and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. In his time at UW-Lacrosse Connor held leadership positions on the Native American Student Association where they hosted important events such as Indigenous Peoples Day. He is excited to be a part of the community health team. He has always been passionate about helping others in any way he can.
 
Championing youth is another passion of Connors. He loved sports in high school and has always helped with local youth sports programs. He hopes to be able to coach basketball in the future. Along with basketball Connor also has a passion for aviation. Growing up in an aviation family has led him to pursue a career as a pilot in the future.
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
Eat More Vegetables!
1. Discover fast ways to cook- Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick and easy dish to add to any meal. Steam green beans, carrots, or broccoli in a bowl with a small amount of water in the microwave.

2. Be ahead of the game-Cut a batch of bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Prepackage them to use when time is limited. You can enjoy them on a salad or in a veggie wrap.

3. Choose vegetables rich in color- Brighten your plate with vegetables that are red, orange, or dark green. They are full of vitamins and minerals. Try acorn squash, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or collard greens. They not only taste good but are also good for you, too.

4. Check freezer aisle- Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to use and are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Try adding frozen corn, peas, green beans, spinach, or sugar snap peas to some of your favorite dishes or eat as a side dish.

5. Stock up on vegetables- Canned vegetables are a great addition to any meal, so keep on hand canned tomatoes, kidney beans, mushrooms, and beets. Select those labeled as “reduced sodium,” “low sodium,” or “no salt added.”

6. Make your garden salad glow with color- Brighten your salad by using colorful vegetables such as black beans, sliced red bell peppers, shredded radish, chopped red cabbage, or watercress. Your salad will not only look good but taste good, too.

7. Sip on some vegetable soup- Heat it and eat it. Try tomato, butternut squash, or garden vegetable soup. Loo for reduced or low sodium soups.

8. While you’re out- If dinner is away from home, no need to worry. When ordering, ask for an extra side of vegetables or side salad instead of the typical fried side dish.

9. Savor the flavor of seasoned vegetables- Buy vegetables that are in season for maximum flavor at a lower cost. Check your local supermarket specials for the best in season buys. Or visit your local farmer’s market.

10. Try something new- You never know what you may like. Choose a new vegetable add it to your recipe or look up how to fix it online.
Women's Empowerment Group
Red Cliff's Family Violence Prevention Program is now offering a weekly Women's Empowerment Group every Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the Family & Human Services Building.

Participants can bring their own crafts or get supplies when they come!

Food will be provided and masks are required.

Please contact 715-779-3706 ext 5022 or ext 5012 with any questions.
FoodWIse Newsletter - November 2021
FoodWIse Nutrition has released its November 2021 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 November 2021 FoodWIse newsletter.
Education
Bayfield School District Updates
Please consider taking this survey! Open to everyone living in the School District of Bayfield. Open until November 30, 2021.

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
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
Boo at the Zoo!
On Saturday October 30th the Boys and Girls Club embarked on a trip to the Lake Superior Zoo for their annual “Boo at the Zoo.”

The Kids had a great time learning about the animals and their habitats and collected lots of candy from the zoo staff and volunteers alike. For many it was their first time at the zoo, and it was a great learning experience.

After working up an appetite walking around the zoo, we all stopped at Erbert’s and Gerbert’s for lunch. A great time was had by all, and we can’t wait to visit the zoo again!
Halloween Cupcake Decorating at the Club
On October 27th, the Boys and Girls Club with collaboration from the Family Violence Prevention Program decorated Halloween themed cupcakes with Club Kids.

Everyone had a blast decorating their own cupcakes to their liking and afterwards we got to indulge in our frightful creations. With so many toppings and colors there was enough to spark everyone’s creative imagination.
Sign up for our November Saturday Adventures!
Treaty Natural Resources
Housing Authority
Proposed Changes to RCCHA
Wait List Preference System
You are hereby notified that changes have been proposed to the Housing Authority Wait List Preference System.

Wait list preference point systems are utilized by every Housing Authority as a method to prioritize what the Tribe has identified as its highest needs, to attempt to address the highest need first (as there is always more need than resources available). Data gathered from Tribal Membership via surveys, needs assessment, Census, etc. establishes the priorities. The HA implements the identified priorities in conjunction with HUD regulations.

View the proposed changes HERE. Public comments on the proposed changes can be provided to the Housing Authority by Friday December 3, 2021.
Job Opportunity:
Executive Assistant - Grant Writer/HR Manager
Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is seeking applicants for a full time Executive Assistant - Grant Writer / HR Manager position.

This position is a key assistant to the Executive Director in carrying out and achieving goals identified in the Indian Housing Plan. Duties/Activities include grant writing / grant administration, pre-project development, executive level administrative support, policy writing; data gathering, analysis and preparation of specialized reports. Acts as the organizational Human Resource Manager.

Click HERE for a full job description. Contact RCCHA Executive Director Cheryl Cloud with any questions at 715-779-3744 ext 3506 or email ccloud@redcliffhousing.org.
RCCHA Tenant Driveway Snowplow
Payment due November 19
Housing Improvement Program
Contact Liz Boyd with any questions or to access a Housing Improvement Program application at 715-779-3744 extension 3518 or email eboyd@redcliffhousing.org.

You can also access an application HERE.
Residential Resource Coordinator
Available For Housing Tenants
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.
Red Cliff Fish Company
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
News Across Indian Country
1200 Year-Old Canoe Pulled From Lake Mendota
From Wisconsin Historical Society:

HISTORIC MOMENT: It may be the oldest completely intact water vessel known in Wisconsin, and it was pulled from Lake Mendota.

Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologists recovered a historic dugout wood canoe from the bottom of Lake Mendota today, just a few months after learning of its existence in June 2021. Carbon dating indicates that the vessel is approximately 1,200 years old and was in use around A.D. 800, centuries before European arrival.

“The dugout canoe found in Lake Mendota is a significant artifact of the continuum of canoe culture in the Western Great Lakes region,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “By taking action today to preserve this canoe we are protecting a piece of history for future generations.

The canoe is a remarkable artifact, made from a single tree, that connects us to the people living in this region 1,200 years ago. As the Society prepares to open a new history museum in 2026, we are excited about the new possibilities it offers to share Native American stories and culture through the present day.”

The canoe was raised from a depth of about 30 feet with the assistance of the Dane County Sheriff's Office dive team.

The canoe was transported to Wisconsin’s State Archive Preservation Facility and placed into a custom-built storage vat containing water and a bio-deterrent to protect the canoe from physical deterioration. Over time, a chemical solution will be added to the vat which will eventually replace the water in the cellular structure of the wood.

The preservation process is estimated to take approximately 3 years.

The canoe will enhance opportunities to learn about the history of Dejope (Four Lakes) and its residents 1,200 years ago.
Madeline Island Ferry Schedule through November 28. Call 715-747-2051 for any changes or updates.
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office 
88455 Pike Road 
Bayfield, Wi. 54814 
715-779-3700