Miisaninawiind :: May 17 - 23, 2021 |
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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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Proposed Burial Ordinance Open for Community Comment |
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The Red Cliff Ad Hoc Cemetery Committee and the Tribal Historic Preservation Department have proposed adding a Burial Ordinance to the Red Cliff Code of Laws.
Public comment on the proposal is encouraged. Please submit any comments on this proposal to the Tribal Administration Building. The Tribal Council will vote on this proposal at the June 22, 2021 Tribal Council Meeting.
The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to establish rules governing burial plots within the Red Cliff reservation. If approved, the policy states that burial lots are only permitted within tribally designated cemeteries. Burial on private lots outside of tribally designated cemeteries is specifically prohibited. Burials in designated cemeteries regulated under the proposed ordinance would be available to Red Cliff Tribal Members, their spouses, their children, and other individuals approved by the Cemetery Committee.
View the entire proposal and a presentation HERE.
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VIM Work Group Now Accepting Orders
Work to be scheduled June 20 - 26, 2021
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The Volunteers in Mission-Ministry Group is now accepting work orders for work to be completed June 20-26. The VIM group offers free labor for a variety of projects and home repairs.
Work and needs may be prioritized based on number of requests and circumstances, such as disabled, elderly, low-income, and capabilities of the work group.
Community members interested in getting some assistance at your home or on a community venture should fill out this form and return to the Tribal Administration Building by June 16.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit Now Accepting Applications |
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As of May 12, 2021, eligible households are able to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This temporary benefit will provide eligible households with a discount of up to $50 a month on the cost of broadband service and associated equipment rentals, or up to $75 a month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands.
All eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the cost of a laptop, desktop or tablet computer purchased from a participating broadband provider, subject to a modest copay requirement. The EBB Program will conclude when the $3.2 billion fund is expended or six months after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, whichever occurs first.
Households can apply in three ways:
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Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
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Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
In addition, households on qualifying Tribal lands are eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if a member participates in one or more Tribal Programs for Residents of Qualifying Tribal Lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Tribal Reservations
Bayfield School Hosting Application Event to Help Families Enroll
When: May 20, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: School Gym
What you will need:
-Your students' Chromebook and login details
-Access to the confirmation of enrollment letter emailed to you by the school
-BOTH you and your student's SSN or Tribal ID number
-Appetite! (pizzas will be provided)
RSVP to smatier@bayfield.k12.wi.us
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General Election Set for July 6 |
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Voting for the 2021 General Election will take place on July 6 at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino.
Red Cliff Tribal Members interested in declaring candidacy for a Member At-Large seat on the Tribal Council should submit your intentions in writing no later than 6:00 PM on June 21 to the Tribal Council Secretary.
Tribal Members will have the opportunity to vote for a Tribal Chairperson, Treasurer, and three At-Large seats.
Please direct any questions to Secretary Laura Gordon at secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3700.
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Programs Raise Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women |
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President Biden officially declared May 5, 2021 at Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, calling for support and collaboration to address and prevent the ongoing disproportionate number of Indigenous people who continue to go missing or are murdered.
"I call on all Americans and ask all levels of government to support Tribal governments and Tribal communities' efforts to increase awareness of the issue of missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives through appropriate programs and activities," Biden wrote in his proclamation.
Tribal programs are working to further raise awareness for our missing and murdered indigenous peoples. Clinic staff created a display and wore red to call attention to MMIW.
Virtual Walk to Raise Awareness
Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program is sponsoring a virtual walk throughout May to raise awareness. Anyone can register online for the virtual walk.
Red Cliff FVVP is also sponsoring a prize contest for those who wear red on Wednesdays throughout May. Send a picture of yourself wearing red and you'll be entered into a prize drawing.
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Spring at Frog Bay Tribal National Park |
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Frog Bay Tribal National Park is open and the trails are in great shape for individual or family outings! Spring is a wonderful time at Frog Bay -- get out and enjoy!
Follow Frog Bay Tribal National Park on Facebook and Instagram for park updates, cool photos, and environmental education!
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council will meet on Tuesday May 18 at Legendary Waters Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom.
The Regular Session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. The regular session begins with Community Comments & Announcements. This is a time for community members to bring any opinions and comments to the Tribal Council.
Click HERE for the meeting agenda.
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Cemetery Cleanup, preparation for Memorial Day |
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The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Department and the Ad Hoc Cemetery Committee is hosting a cleaning event at St. Francis Cemetery and Ishpiming Akiin Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day weekend.
All community members are invited to attend and help clean up. On Sunday May 23 meet at St. Francis Cemetery at 10:00 AM. Once cleanup is finished at St. Francis the group will head to Ishpiming Akiin Cemetery.
Bring your rakes, shovels, gloves, and garbage bags. There will be top soil available for fill-in or planting.
Please contact Marvin Defoe or Edwina Buffalo-Reyes with any questions at 715-779-3761
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The Red Cliff Food Distribution Program will be hosting a food box giveaway on Thursday May 27. The event is scheduled to take place at Red Cliff Boys & Girls Club, and boxes will be available from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Red Cliff Boys & Girls Club is located at 89645 Youth Center Dr in Red Cliff.
Please remain in your vehicle while food is loaded.
This giveaway is open to all.
Please call Red Cliff Food Distribution with any questions at 715-779-3740.
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Housing Offers Free Pickup of Cleanup Loads |
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Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is offering to pick up Spring Cleanup loads for RCCHA tenants who have no means to haul their own.
Tenants should call to schedule a pickup by Friday May 21 by calling 715-779-3744 ext 3500.
There will be no charge for RCCHA tenants to bring loads directly to the transfer station, except for special waste disposal fees.
Click HERE for details and instructions on picking up any necessary vouchers and tenant verification letters.
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Honor Banquet Scheduled for May 25 |
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The 2021 Honor Banquet for Bayfield High School Class of 2021 graduates is scheduled for Tuesday May 25 at the Red Cliff Cultural Pow Wow Grounds. The event is set to begin at 6:00 PM.
There will be guest speakers, gifts, and more to honor our graduates.
Contact the Red Cliff Education Department at education@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3700 with any questions.
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Community Cleanup Events Scheduled For May |
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Several community cleanup events are scheduled for this May. Community members are encouraged to get outside and help keep Miskwaabekong clean!
May 28: Spring Cleanup Day by RC Environmental Department (Spring cleanup dumpsters available to community May 27-29).
Click HERE to find more information on Environmental Department Spring Cleanup information in the Treaty Natural Resources 2021 Spring Ganawenjigaade newsletter.
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Spring Garden Assistance
Backyard Garden Tilling Now Available
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Free backyard-garden tilling is now available for Tribal Members living on the reservation. Mino Bimaadiziiwin can till established gardens to help prepare your garden for the growing season!
Click HERE for details or contact the Farm to schedule a day and time for tilling at 715-779-3782.
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Daley Steps In As Tribal Administration Liaison |
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Bryon Daley has been named Tribal Administration Liaison and is responsible for ensuring Tribal programs operate in accordance with Tribal laws, policies, and directives of the Tribal Council. Daley serves as a liaison between Division Administrators and Tribal Administration / Tribal Council. Daley had previously been serving as the environmental health specialist at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.
"I've been married to my wife Becky for 25 years and I have three sons - Dustin, Jordan, and Joshua. I grew up in Minneapolis and relocated to northern Wisconsin in July 2017. After high school I enlisted in the Army and was lucky to be stationed in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division. After my tour I moved back to Minnesota. I met my wife while I was in high school and we got married after my military service. During my career I received my Bachelors degree in Business Management."
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RCCHC Raising Mental Health Awareness |
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The Red Cliff Community Health Center is working to raise awareness and end the negative stigma around mental health. RCCHC is sponsoring a digital storytelling contest for youth and an awareness walk. Please join us in supporting mental health awareness!
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact us at (715) 779-3741 to begin services or to get help answering any questions you may have. Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am -4:30pm.
If you are having an emergency call 911, or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis call the Bayfield County Mental Health Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1 (866) 317-9362.
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Virtual Sharing Circle - Every Wednesday |
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The virtual Sharing Circle hosted by the Noojimo'iwewin Center is back on Wednesdays at 6 PM! The Sharing Circle is scheduled weekly for each Wednesday.
This Sharing Circle provides an opportunity to share and receive support on your Recovery Journey from a Community of People who have been there. Weekly themes will be determined by the group.
Click HERE to access the meeting.
Meeting ID: 745 466 870
Password: nicetry
To join by Phone:
Dial +1 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 745 466 870
Password: 456125
For more information, please call 715-779-3508 or 715-779-3707 Ext. 2450
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Behavioral Health May Newsletter |
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Red Cliff Behavioral Health has released its May newsletter.
Click HERE to access the full newsletter for behavioral health resources. This month the focus is on mental health.
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Virtual Recovery Meetings |
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There are various AA / NA / Alanon group meetings offered around the Chequamegon Bay area.
Click HERE to access the different meeting links and 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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FoodWIse Newsletter - May 2021 |
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FoodWIse Nutrition has released its May 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 April 2021 FoodWIse newsletter.
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New Elderly Driver: Lynell Fox |
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Lynell Fox is our newly hired elderly driver. In addition to working for Red Cliff, she provides supportive home care for a disabled elderly person in Ashland and enjoys the relationships that come to her through these connections. Lynell comes to us with 5 years of experience transporting at-risk youths to essential appointments. During her years of providing human services, Lynell has worked with children of diverse ages and abilities as a teacher's aide, librarian's aide, para-educator, client adviser and line worker for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP). Before working in the field of human services, Lynell worked for 20 years managing the assembly of automotive, defense, and medical devices. Lynell also holds an A.A.S Degree in Business Management with a focus on accounting software and held the Office of the Treasurer as a resident member of Earth1s Rising Cooperative Fann (Monroe, Or) and as a member of the St. Croix Valley Greens (St. Croix Falls, WI).
When not at work, Lynell's biggest passions are gardening and hobby farming. She values organic methods, sustainable practices and self-sufficiency. This year she will be planting just over 100 trees with some help from her son and grandchildren for the benefit of future generations. Family and friends are extremely important to Lynell, and she looks forward to visiting with them walking in nature, putting on the 4-wheeler, fishing, swimming, spending time at the farm, and telling stories around the bonfire. Lynell enjoys reading and listening to music, and she currently expresses her creativity through abstract painting and creative writing. Lynell and her husband of 30 years, Mike Kegel, are in the process of renovating their 100 plus year old farmstead which they purchased just outside of Moquah. In 2017, they dug up their roots in the St. Croix Valley and transplanted them to Mike's hometown of Ashland to be closer to his aging parents, and together they are writing new stories, growing old roots and nurturing new ones.
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Indigenous Arts & Sciences Registration |
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Registration for the 2021 Earth Partnership Indigenous Arts and Sciences (IAS) program is now open!
Click HERE to learn more and register for one of the 2021 summer institutes.
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Bayfield School District Updates |
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Bayfield School Board Meeting May 17, 6:00 PM
Click HERE for the agenda and meeting link.
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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Boys & Girls Club is back open!
Limited Capacity (10 Youth Limit)
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The Red Cliff Boys & Girls Club of Gitchigami is back open! Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, the Club can only allow 10 youth in at a time.
How this looks:
Youth must sign up for the day they wish to attend the Club (Monday-Thursday). The Club will have sign up sheets. Guardians can call the Club and sign up youth for the day. You may also come to the Club and sign up. This is a first come first serve for the 10 spots on each day. Once the 10-youth limit is filled we will not e allowing any other youth in at that time. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible!
Restrictions
Youth must have an updated application and COVID-19 waiver in their file to attend the Club. If you are unsure if they have this, please call the Club. Once we are at the 10 youth limit, no other youth will be allowed in the Club. Youth must be in 3rd grade up to 12th grade. Masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.
We understand this is not ideal, but it is a start to getting back to some normalcy. Please be patient as we try to navigate through this.
Temporary Schedule
Monday - Thursday: 3 - 6 PM. Youth must be picked up or walking home by 6 PM. Rides will not be provided.
Friday: CLOSED. Meal pickup at Food Distribution.
Please call the Club with any questions at 715-779-3722.
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Free Meals for Club Members |
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The Red Cliff Boys and Girls Club continues its free meal campaign for club members through May.
Meals for Friday and Saturday are handed out at Red Cliff Food Distribution every Friday from 11 AM - 12:30 PM.
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WI DNR Requests Feedback on Wild Rice Management |
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Public Comment for Wild Rice Management open until June 7
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on a draft Statewide Strategic Analysis of Wild Rice Management through June 7, 2021.
Wild rice is part of Wisconsin’s natural landscape. Beds of wild rice help maintain good water quality, and they provide food and habitat for waterfowl and many other types of wildlife. Protecting and managing wild rice will help ensure many wildlife species persevere for all to enjoy. Wild rice is also a culturally significant plant to Wisconsin’s Native American tribes, which have a personal and longstanding connection to wild rice.
The management of wild rice intersects with several DNR programs. The department chose to use the strategic analysis process to evaluate the range of scientific, natural resource and socioeconomic factors involved with protecting and encouraging the growth of wild rice. The purpose of the strategic analysis is to inform decision-makers and the public about current wild rice conditions, authorities and management practices, information gaps and alternative approaches.
A strategic analysis does not establish DNR policy or change existing rules. Instead, it will assist decision-makers, stakeholders and the public to better understand wild rice issues and make informed decisions about its management. This strategic analysis is the precursor to the development of a Statewide Wild Rice Management Plan.
“Wild rice is an amazing plant. Each year it grows from seed and transforms open waters into seas of grass, teeming with birds, mammals, insects, fish and other aquatic species,” said Jon Simonsen, DNR Environmental Analysis and Review Specialist.
“Whether you are familiar with wild rice or not, this analysis is intended to help anyone interested learn about wild rice and wild rice management.”
The public is encouraged to review and submit written comments to improve the accuracy, clarity and objectivity of the draft strategic analysis document by June 7, 2021 to:
Department of Natural Resources
c/o Jon Simonsen, DNR Rhinelander Service Center
107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501
Following the public comment period, the department will review the input and provide a summary of the comments received. The public will be notified once a final version of the Strategic Analysis is available.
To learn more about the Wild Rice Management Strategic Analysis, click here.
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The Housing Authority reception window will be closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 - 1:00 PM daily.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Please contact the Housing Authority with any questions at 715-779-3744.
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Legendary Waters Resort & Casino |
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News Across Indian Country |
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Prescribed Burn on Stockton Island |
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The National Park Service, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal partners, began a 19-acre prescribed burn on Stockton Island (Wiisaakodewan-minis) last week.
Objectives of the prescribed cultural fire include restoring globally imperiled pine barrens habitat, with an emphasis on increasing blueberry (miin) production. This is a continuation of the culturally prescribed burns on Stockton Island, started in 2017.
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Oneida Nation - Revitalizing Land & Culture |
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The Wisconsin Wetlands Association has released a series of videos highlighting the vital role tribes are playing in wetland and watershed restoration and management. This video highlights the Oneida Nation and its watershed conservation management.
Click HERE to access and enjoy more videos from the Wisconsin Wetlands Association.
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FEMA Offers Funeral Reimbursements
for COVID-19 Deaths
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now offering financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
How to Apply
Call 844-684-6333
Eligibility
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Click HERE for details and information on the FEMA website.
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Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, Wi. 54814
715-779-3700
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