Miisaninawiind January 10-16, 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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Red Cliff writes in support of Land and Water Conservation Fund program proposals |
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The Red Cliff Band continues its protection and advocacy efforts for natural resources and treaty rights. Tribal Administration wrote to the U.S. Forest Service in support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund program's land acquisition proposals for the Fiscal Year 2023.
The proposed projects would acquire and protect land within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin.
Chairman Boyd's letter highlights that both forests lie within ceded territory from the Treaties of 1837 and 1842, in which the Tribe retains rights to hunt, fish, and gather.
"Today, the descendants of those who once lived on these lands depend on them to carry out practices that support the Ojibwe lifeway. In particular, the national forest lands are places where sustainable management allows for a wide variety of plants and animals that provide food, medicine, and other necessary materials to the Tribe's citizens," wrote Chairman Boyd.
The proposed projects and acquisitions by the Forest Service within the Ottawa and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests expand the acreage on which tribal members can exercise their court-affirmed treaty rights. Red Cliff and other tribes have been steadfast in their support for expanding the areas in which tribal mem erfs can exercise their rights, particularly in light of threats that may diminish the quality and quantity of resources in other parts of the ceded territories.
Randy Moore, Chief of the US Forest Service responded in appreciation of the Tribe's support as the Forest Service considers and evaluates proposals that could receive funding. Moore points to the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 that provides the Forest Service an opportunity to work towards conserving and restoring at least 30 percent of the Nation's lands and waters by the year 2030.
:Together we can help create a vision for land stewardship that tackles the climate and nature crises, addresses inequities in access to public lands, and strengthens local economies," wrote Moore.
View the entire letter from Miskwaabikaang and USFS Chief Moore's response HERE.
Click HERE to learn more about the Great American Outdoors Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
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Red Cliff's Defoe, LDF's Johnson re-elected to lead GLIFWC Inter-Tribal Task Force |
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Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Marvin Defoe has been re-elected as Vice Chairman of the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission's Voigt Intertribal Task Force. Lac du Flambeau President John Johnson was re-elected as Chairman of the task force.
Red Cliff Vice Chairman Nathan Gordon and Red Cliff Chief Conservation Warden Mark Duffy also serve as representatives for Miskwaabikaang on the Task Force.
"It is great to see Marvin Defoe and Joh Johnson re-elected to these key seats as we continue to advocate for all Tribes on behalf of the natural resources we strive to protect for our people and the next generations to come," said Gordon.
The Voigt Intertribal Task Force is composed of ten members plus the chairperson. The VITF recommends policy regarding inland harvest seasons, resource management issues, and budgetary matters to the Board of Commissioners. The VITF addresses matters that affect the treaty rights of the member tribes in the 1837 and 1842 Treaty ceded territories. The VITF recommends harvest seasons and regulations for each inland season. Those recommendations are then taken to the respective tribal councils for ratification prior to becoming an ordinance.
Click HERE to visit the VITF website.
Click HERE to visit the GLIFWC website.
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ARPA General Assistance Payment Update:
Application Opening for Members Who Missed Previous Round
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Red Cliff Tribal Members who missed the ARPA General Assistance Payment will have a chance to apply for the one-time payment beginning towards the end of this week.
Tribal Members who already received a payment from the previous ARPA application period that closed on October 15, 2021 will not be eligible for this coming application period. This coming application period is only for tribal members who missed the previous round of ARPA payments.
Stay tuned to the Red Cliff ARPA webpage and Facebook pages for all details and application instructions.
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Aaniin Miskwaabikaang,
The past month Giwiidosendimin Circle of Healing (Project LAUNCH) have been busy working on community outreach, collaborating with local providers and team building. Our GCoH leadership met twice with Bayfield school to discuss the opportunities for collaboration and partnership in professional development, capacity building and evidence-based social-emotional curriculum, such as Second Step. The Bayfield School District has started their implementation of the evidence-based curriculum Second Step. Second Step is proven to promote the social-emotional development, safety, and well-being of children from early learning through age 8. The Bayfield School District and the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center are currently using the Second Step curriculum. Introducing this curriculum early on in age and having it continue throughout their elementary years will promote mental health well-being, reduce the stigma of talking about mental health concerns, and assist children with expressing their feelings as they transition from Head Start to Elementary school.
GCoH is sponsoring a midwifery apprenticeship for two community Doulas with Savita Jones through the Ashland Birth Center. Amanda Peterson-Teschner, ZHV Doula/home-visitor and Amaris Andrews-DePerry Community Health Worker/Doula have started their orientation and are well on their way to an amazing apprenticeship journey. This is a great opportunity for sustainability and the continued reclamation of indigenous birth work; with the intention to assist with OB services in Red Cliff and the surrounding areas.
On the community outreach front, we’ve recently collaborated with Red Cliff Housing Authority ROSS program and multiple other tribal/local programs to help host the New Hope Christmas event. For this event we gifted age appropriate social-emotional books along with Anishinaabe cultural books to 31 adults and 16 children that reside at New Hope. Family Navigator Midge Montano represented GCoH during the event and was able to share information with the residents on how our program can support them.
As always, we are continuing efforts to bring mental health awareness and assistance to our families with small children. We incorporate our Ojibwe Culture and values in as much as we can. WE hope to start hosting parenting groups soon! Miigwech!
If you are interested in more information about Giwiidosendimin Circle of Healing (Project LAUNCH), please contact Project Director Johanna Wilson at Johnna.Wilson@redlciff-nsn.gov or 715-779-3072 ext. 2603.
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Giwiidosendimin Circle of Healing (GCoH) team members during a team building meeting. from left to right; Julie Erickson- Red Cliff ECC Social-Emotional Support Teacher, Amanda Peterson-Teschner-ZHV Doula/Home Visitor, Johanna Wilson- GCoH Director, Nora Cadotte- LAUNCH Family navigator, Dawn Nixon- Mental Health Consultant, Midge Montano- LAUNCH family Navigator, Shaleena Montano- Administrative assistant |
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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 10 |
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet on Monday January 10 at Legendary Waters. This meeting was originally scheduled for January 3, but was changed January 10.
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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Closures for MLK day next week |
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Most Tribal Operations will be closed next week on Monday January 17 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
Please plan accordingly and contact the Tribal Administration Building with any questions at 715-779-3700.
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Legendary Pow Wow Set for January 29-30 |
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Grand Entry times are set for 1 PM and 6 PM on Saturday January 29, 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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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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Benjamin Miller
Julie Merriman
Lorita Carr
Christopher Aiken
Gerald Jelinek
Samuel Crozier
John Hinkle
Tracy Nykanen
Zachary Fizell
Ashley Peltonen
Le Loni Hooley
William Liberty
Adrian Artishon
Theresa Erickson
Michael King
Michael Tarich
John Croschere
Cooper Aitkin
Luca Barney
Tristin Wilcox
Noah St. Onge
Karen Wilber
Seth Morris
Kendrick Buffalo
Thomas Gustafson
Isibeal Ireland
Sarah Wilber
James Balber
Andrew Halfaday
Migizi Cadotte
Kelly Jelinek
Chad Seber
Samara Gordon
Gene Steele
Edward Morris
Colton Schewe
Winter Buffalo
Noah Hunt
Susan Teeples
Jeffrey Thomas
John Bresette
Lubet Workman
Jamie Grenier
Mason Henry
Kylie Barningham
Evan Hecker-Gandy
Jordan Castle
Megan Novak
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Emily Richards
Carrie Claugherty
Lucien LaPointe
Benjamin Bressette Decklyn Peacock-Rzepinski
Thomas Cadotte
Eugene Gokee-Rindal Michael Rabideaux
Jared Betterman
Janet Haskins
Christine Griffin
Tucker Gordon
Renee Salisbury
Matthew Defoe
Claire Williams
Nicole Garrett
Carolyn Jackson
Dustin Wiebe
Lily Gartley
Claire Chastain
Makayla Kannegiesser Rhonda Lystra
Carson Ryan
Michele Lehto
Adella Little
Trinidy Gordon-Defoe Crystal Andrews
Whitney Meierotto
Elijah Buffalo
Benjamin O'Brien-Lamirand Murphy Steininger Clayton Cadotte
Connie Flonnes
Scosha Liberty
Richard Versetto
Lakota Kelly
Kisa Turner Peters
Alexis Brand
Blake Wade
Randee Hanson
William Johnson
Charlene Thompson Zachary Van Vlack
Peggy Peterson
Reino Hanninen
Nicole Caudillo
Daniel Washburn Theodore Lauren
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Kenneth Williams
Derek Reijo
Lawrence Charette
Eric Soulier
Whitley Randell
Frank Nystrom
Roseann Abel
Lon Gustafson
Anthony Romero
Anthony Rude
Sarah Geboy
Willow Falkowski
Adam Shelley
Martin Babineau
Morgan Bielicki
Danelle Wallace
Allison Rogers
CarrieAnn Burk-Peterson Stephanie Resch
Harold Greene
Donald Claugherty
Sarah Gordon
Emily Hebert
Jeffrey Curtin
Kelly Gordon
Michael Dunphy
Aftin Baierl
Eva Pratt-Shelley
Cara Hays
Aiyana Ojibway
Theresa Ziebarth-Moritz Ayla Tolliver
Stephanie Ojibway-Gerberding
Coe Martin
Cheyenne McIntyre
Violet Grenier-Butler Ashaila Jackson
Brantley Adamavich Marion Munson
Joseph Koscinski
Cathie Roy
Shyann Arseneau
Gage Duffy
Karen Jaskowiak
Michelle Kramer
Paul Gentry
Leah Gordon
Christina Pagel
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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!
Positions we are recruiting for:
· Youth Engagement Peer Specialist
· Client Engagement Specialist
· Homeless Services Coordinator
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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The Great Lakes Indian Housing Association Scholarship is open and accepting applications through January 15, 2022.
Click HERE to access the GLIHA scholarship application.
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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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Legendary Waters Resort & Casino |
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News Across Indian Country |
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Abby Roque Becomes First Indigenous Hockey Player for U.S. Women's Team |
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By Dan Scifo
Abby Roque (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) grew up surrounded by Native American heritage her entire childhood.
So, it came as a bit of a surprise to Roque — a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team — that when she went to play college hockey at Wisconsin, she learned that many others didn’t have the same experience around Native American culture.
“For me, it was all just so normal that when I left [for college], I realized that people aren’t predominantly around other Native American people, or know many at all, where I knew a good amount,” Roque said. “Just leaving where I grew up, I realized how few Native American people there really are, just everywhere.”
Roque grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, but her tribe, Wahnapitae First Nation, is from the Sudbury area of Ontario, Canada. Roque, the daughter of Jim and Julia, is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada because her father is originally from Canada and he’s also Native American. Roque’s uncle Larry was also recently voted in as chief of the Wahnapitae First Nation, part of the Ojibwe First Nation, and some of her family still lives on the land off of Lake Wanapitei, which includes an ice skating rink.
“It’s a great community to be part of,” Roque said. “I love to represent our tribe because they’ve done so much for me and they’ve always been so supportive. The community itself is really special and it’s nice to have all of their support.”
Roque’s father spurred her love for hockey. It started with building a rink annually in the family’s backyard for Roque and her sister Emma, who was also heavily involved in athletics, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field and figure skating.
“He always built that rink, and he started with a small one because he wanted my sister and I to skate,” Roque recalled. “We tried figure skating, but I really hated it because all I wanted to do was play hockey. Being around the sport, I just kind of fell in love with it. I always wanted to go to the rink with him and help with practice pushing pucks. I just wanted to be there.”
Roque was always around the game, as her father worked as a college coach at Lake Superior State and he’s currently a pro scout with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her father is a Canadian citizen, but Roque said that’s not a conflict of interest when the U.S. Women’s National Team faces Team Canada, its biggest rival.
“It’s pretty funny to watch my dad truly root against [Canada],” Roque said. “I grew up with some Hockey Canada shirts and hats, but he loves USA Hockey now and rooting for our team and me.”
Roque, because of her dual citizenship, could’ve played for Hockey Canada at one point in her career, but she always wanted to play for the U.S.
“I’m an American, I’m from here, so I never really considered it as an option,” Roque said. “He wanted me to know that I could if I wanted to, but I didn’t really give that much thought.”
The decision has paid off for Roque, who was named the Bob Allen Women’s Hockey Player of the Year in 2020, an award that salutes the accomplishments of outstanding American-born women’s ice hockey players.
Roque, as an alternate captain, led Wisconsin to a top-three national ranking. She also earned a spot on the Women’s National Team roster in the 2019-20 Rivalry Series and the IIHF Women’s World Championships, which were canceled because of the global pandemic.
Roque gave credit to her father for helping her to reach this point.
“I think it helps, just with my hockey knowledge, growing up with a dad who has a smart hockey IQ, and who was a coach and now a pro scout,” Roque said. “It has really helped my development.”
Roque also enjoys educating others about her Native American heritage. She is using her platform on the U.S. Women’s National Team to represent her tribe.
“It’s great to be able to talk and teach about my Native American culture and of our specific community’s culture,” Roque said. “When I left, I didn’t realize how small the numbers were of Native American hockey players, so for me, it’s doing all I can to help do things to allow hockey to be more inclusive.”
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Madeline Island Ferry Schedule |
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Madeline Island ferry schedule effective Monday, January 3 thru freeze-up. All trips are ice and weather permitting. Any schedule updates will post at madferry.com.
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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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