January 9-15, 2023

Gichimanidoo-Giizis (Great Spirit Moon)

The 6th Annual Winter Pow Wow at Legendary Waters is set for January 28 & 29! There will be dance specials, indoor vendors, and lots of performing drum groups. This event is open to all and will be indoors.

Les Gibbs from Red Lake will serve as Master of Ceremonies. George Dick, also from Red Lake, is set to serve as Arena Director. Hope Lake from Northwest Bay is scheduled to be the Host Drum. Tamara Montano (Red Cliff) and Chi Ma'iingan (Fond du Lac) will feature as Head Dancers. Steve Perry (Lac Courte Oreilles) will serve as Head Veteran, and Keller Paap (Red Cliff) is set to be Spiritual Advisor.

An Iron Person award is expected to give away $1,000, along with Men's Woodland payouts of $250, $150, and $100.

Drum registration is currently closed.

Please contact Legendary Waters with any questions at 715-779-9463.

Effective January 9, 2023

Tribal Employees, Community Members, and Visitors

In an attempt to limit outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses, masks must be worn inside Tribal Government buildings until further notice.

Tribal Employees are expected to wear masks when assisting or interacting with community members and the general public inside Tribal Government buildings. Red Cliff Public Health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Please do your part to limit the spread of any illnesses:

-wear a well-fitting mask

-monitor your symptoms, and test if symptoms do develop

-if you are sick or have symptoms, avoid being around those who are at high risk

Please contact the Red Cliff Public Health Department with any questions at 715-779-3707.

The next Badger Box food giveaway is scheduled for Thursday January 12 at the Red Cliff Food Distribution program. The giveaway is scheduled to start around 10:00 AM.

This giveaway is open to everyone. Red Cliff Food Distribution is located at 88430 Pike Rd.

The boxes are expected to include:

apple cider; bagged apples; potatoes; onions; harvest butter; cheese; milk; eggs; pasta; pasta sauce; bread flour; pancake mix; maple syrup; italian herb seasoning mix; minced garlic; chocolate & cranberry granola; ground beef; bacon.

Please call Red Cliff Food Distribution with any questions at 715-779-3740.

Community members are invited to attend a public hearing regarding the Zhawenimikaang Child Care Center Pre-Print Plan on January 13 from 1-3 PM.

The Zhawenimikaang Child Care Center is located at 37495 Water Tower Rd in Red Cliff.

Please contact Jenn Leask or Jennifer Meierotto with any questions at:

715-779-5030

715-779-3072 ext 2600

The next Ojibwemowin Story Time hosted by Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library is set for next week Thursday January 19 at 5 PM!

Join and enjoy the story of Gii-kimoodid Ishkode Nenaboozhoo "Nenaboozhoo Steals Fire" by Dr. Giniwgiizhig & Niizhobines.

Each Ojibwemowin Story Time will feature a new book and give away 10 books.

Please contact the Library with any questions at 715-779-3766.

Join Red Cliff Behavioral Health Services and Noojimo'iwewin Center's Chili Cook-Off series! The next date is set for Saturday January 21 from 1:00-3:00 PM.



Please call the Noojimo'iwewin Center for more information at 715-779-3508.

By Danielle Kaeding

From WPR

Published January 2, 2023

Joe Graveen with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has been harvesting wild rice for nearly 35 years in northern Wisconsin.

Once collected, Graveen, the tribe’s wild rice program manager, said he and his family begin the process of "dancing" the rice. A hole is made in the ground, sometimes lined with canvas along with a wooden barrel. The rice is then placed inside and the barrel is used as a frame for family members to grasp while dancing the hulls from the rice. Weather permitting, his family later sets the rice on canvas to dry in the sun for a day or two before using red pine stumps to parch or roast it.

For Graveen, wild rice is directly tied to who he is as an Ojibwe person.

"Manoomin is tied into our prophecies," he said. "We're spiritually connected to it."

The protection of wild rice is vital to Ojibwe tribes who say they were guided by those prophecies to find their home where food grows on water. They journeyed from the northeastern U.S. until they found Manoomin in the western Great Lakes region, including near Madeline Island on Lake Superior. That’s where the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have made their home.

"For us, that food is not only a part of our story of what brought us to this region, but it's again a part of our identity," Red Cliff tribal member Melonee Montano said. "For us, it's considered to be one of our first foods."

Montano said it’s not just a plant or resource, but a living being whose fate is intertwined with that of Ojibwe people. Over time, the staple food that’s sustained them has declined in abundance across northern Wisconsin. Now, a research collaborative of tribal and university partners in Minnesota has been working to better understand and protect wild rice by prioritizing Indigenous knowledge and views.

Tribal members and researchers discussed the project at a December meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Chicago. The work is part of a partnership formed in 2018 between researchers at the University of Minnesota and resource managers with tribes in the upper Great Lakes region to study the decline of wild rice. One 2020 report by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission found the number of acres supporting wild rice on 84 waters in northern Wisconsin had dropped by half over a 30-year period.

The research collaborative is rooted in respect for tribal sovereignty while blending Anishinaabe knowledge with Western science. Montano, who is also the commission’s traditional ecological knowledge outreach specialist, said the partnership was driven in part by concerns with the university regarding research on wild rice genetics. She said tribal members have struggled in the past with agencies who don’t consider Ojibwe people’s connection to Manoomin while conducting research or management.

Montano said tribal members push researchers to properly consult tribes and include them in decision-making.

"That's one thing that's core of our research, that we really try to do with the university, is make sure that they're sitting with us at our table, and we're sitting at theirs as well," Montano said. "And we're exchanging thoughts and concerns and love for that plant and understanding how to take care of it together."

Crystal Ng, a hydrologist and associate professor at the university, said she was always taught that academic experts know best. Working with tribal partners, she said, helped her realize the harm scientists and institutions may be perpetuating without engaging Indigenous people in their work.

"This research that really has this new collaborative approach in which we as scientists have humility, and we learn from indigenous worldviews — I think that this is not just ensuring that we're doing this work in a good way with tribes. But, also, we’re just opening our eyes to so many new and really important ideas as well," Ng said.

The partnership developed 10 protocols for ethical research outlined in a 2021 paper published in the journal Environmental Science and Policy. They include honoring Indigenous sovereignty and rights, addressing past and present harms, and identifying and protecting sensitive Indigenous data.

The collaborative now includes at least eight formal tribal partnerships that include the Fond du Lac and Lac du Flambeau Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Croix Chippewa Indians, GLIFWC, and Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council.

University of Minnesota researchers have been working with tribes for several seasons to collect data on water quality, water chemistry and water levels tied to wild rice. They then analyze the data with tribal partners, according to Maddy Nyblade, a doctoral student with the university working on the research collaborative.

"We've been trying to find ways in which we can really use Western science to support answering questions that have come from that really interconnected thinking," Nyblade said.

Researchers have been examining the impacts of climate change and land use that threaten wild rice. As they learn more, Bazile Panek has been working to present those findings in a culturally appropriate way for Ojibwe tribes. Panek, the commission’s tribal climate adaptation menu coordinator, aims to ensure research is shared in a way that’s useful for Indigenous communities. He said too often Indigenous people are "tokenized" by agencies or committees regarding research or management decisions.

"Ethical engagement is honoring what they say," Panek said. "And actually integrating that."

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended the public comment period for their draft wolf plan through the end of February 2023. Read the plan and submit a comment HERE.

The public review and comment period is a key opportunity for the public to share their thoughts on the proposed wolf management plan. The DNR will review and consider all feedback submitted during the review period while preparing the final draft of the proposed wolf management plan.

The draft management plan lays out a holistic approach to ensuring the state’s wolf population remains healthy and secure while balancing the diverse interests of the public.

The proposed plan was developed in consideration of many factors, including public input, consultations with Wisconsin's tribal nations, scientific literature reviews, a study on current public attitudes towards wolves and potential outcomes of various management decisions.

The draft plan aims to effectively balance the tradeoffs between three main objectives:

• Ensuring a healthy and sustainable wolf population to fulfill its ecological role.

• Addressing and reducing wolf-related conflicts.

• Providing multiple benefits associated with the wolf population, including hunting, trapping and sightseeing.

In addition, the draft plan details proposals to increase public understanding of wolves, identify important scientific research to be conducted and outline steps to ensure collaboration on science-based wolf management in Wisconsin.

More details about the plan’s objectives and metrics for evaluation are described in the implementation section of the management plan. The descriptions and metrics provided give a clearer understanding of the intent behind each objective, how the DNR plans to measure it and what conditions constitute satisfactory progress toward the objective.

What’s Staying The Same?

The draft plan provides that DNR staff will continue to monitor wolves each year and address wolf-related conflict (consistent with current law). The DNR will continue supporting and conducting scientific research and science-based decision-making. Collaboration with other agencies, tribal nations, stakeholder groups and the public on items of mutual importance remains a department priority.

What’s Changing?

The plan proposes several changes to align the DNR’s wolf management strategy with the current state of the wolf population, the available science and the perspectives of a diverse public, such as:

• Moving away from a single numeric population goal and instead using an adaptive management process focused on balancing the three main objectives (above).

• Reducing harvest registration times and issuing zone-specific wolf harvest permits to improve the department's ability to effectively meet harvest quotas.

• Adding mechanisms to address localized concerns, including wolf harvest concerns near tribal reservation boundaries and focused wolf harvest in areas with a history of wolf-livestock conflict.

• Revising wolf management zone boundaries to better reflect current wolf distribution and habitat.

The public is encouraged to review the updated plan in detail to learn more.

The Red Cliff Fish Company in conjunction with the Red Cliff Environmental Department is requesting bids for one refrigerated box truck.

Description:

The Vendor shall ensure complete assembly of the vehicle and required components. The vehicle shall be delivered fully serviced, tested, wheels balanced and ready for operation. Truck specifications are as follows: minimum 18 feet box length; 224"WB; driver seat weight capacity 350 lbs; standard model specifications with power windows, power door locks, air conditioning; 5.57 final ratio; 11R22.5G tires; 21,000 pound multi-leaf suspension; aluminum wheel type; 100-gallon aluminum fuel tank; Thermo King T-690 W/Standby (or equivalent refrigeration unit); and Palfinger ILP-33 Tuck Under Lift Gate (or equivalent lift gate unit).

Submission:

Vendors shall ensure that all information required herein is submitted with the sealed bid. Vendors are encouraged to provide any additional information describing operational abilities. Vendors shall include itemized statements and any sub vendors for the vehicle and all accessories, labor, title and documentation, manuals, and delivery of vehicle. All information provided should be verifiable by documentation requested by the Department. Failure to provide all information, inaccuracy or misstatement may be sufficient cause for rejection of the bid or rescission of an award.

Payment Method: The vehicle and all accessories shall be paid for after final acceptance and delivery of the vehicle. Indicate your acceptable payment method. The Bids will be received by: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa  

Attn: Linda Nguyen, Environmental Director  

88455 Pike Road  

Bayfield, WI 54814  

The Bids will be accepted until 4:30 pm, (Local Time) Friday, January 20th, 2022 and then publicly opened and read aloud at the Red Cliff Environmental Department, located at 37295 Community Road, Bayfield, Wisconsin, 54814 on Monday, January 23rd, 2022 at 9am.

Howah! The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office has announced its Biboon Gabeshiwin (winter camp) will be held Namebini giizis (February) 20-26, 2023. Mark your calendars and save the dates. Biboon Gabeshiwin is open to all.

Biboon Gabeshiwin features outdoor and indoor activities, such as ice fishing, sled dogs, snow snake, wolf/animal telemetry, snowshoeing, asemaa teachings, storytelling, and much more! Stay tuned for more details.

Please contact the Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office with any questions at 715-779-3761.

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang community dancers are invited to attend a fashion show and feast on January 25, 2023 at Legendary Waters! All dancers regardless of age are invited. Categories include Traditional, Woodland, Jingle Dress, and Fancy.

A meal is scheduled for 5 PM, with an opening ceremony and fashion show at 6 PM.

Please send your name, age, address, phone number, and category to Jim Pete at guyaushk2022@yahoo.com by January 20.

Stay tuned for more details.

Boozhoo and welcome to Katrina Heggie! Katrina will serve as a Case Manager for the Community Health Program at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

Katrina is a lifelong resident of Red Cliff and a proud mama of three amazing kids. She also serves the community as a volunteer EMT with Red Cliff EMS, which she has done for 2 years. Katrina enjoys spending her time with friends and family, as well as learning new things that she has always wanted to do but never really go the chance. She looks forward to learning new ways that she can help serve the community and our elders.

Click image to access the entire Behavioral Health newsletter

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its January 2023 newsletter!

FoodWIse is federally funded statewide by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). FoodWIse advances healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and healthy community environments for Wisconsin residents with limited incomes through nutrition education at the individual, community and systems levels.

Click HERE to view the full January 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

Boozhoo families with the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center! Week 14 of the Second Step Curriculum will introduce your children to the feeling of frustration and how to learn to manage their frustration. Teachers will be implementing this curriculum and families will also receive these exercises to continue practicing at home.

Contact the ECC with any questions at 715-779-5030.

Dear Early Head Start Families,

I hope that the New Year finds you and your family happy and healthy.

I would like to let you know that we will be reducing our service hours for Early Head Start. We will be closed for students eight extra Fridays through the end of the school year, beginning January 27th.

Below are dates of closure that were regularly scheduled for services. We will also be sending out amended calendar pages to assist with keeping track of the changes.

January 27, February 24, March 10, March 24, May 5, May 19, June 2, July 14 

This is only through this school year and will impact 8 scheduled Fridays. We know that this may cause challenges for some families and for that we apologize!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jamie, Center Director, at 715-779-5030 ext. 2527 or Jenn, Center Administrator, at 715-779-5030 ext. 2561.

The Red Cliff Education Department is offering additional financial support for those who have already applied for the Higher Education and Job Training Program.

Click HERE to learn more and access an application.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority is accepting applications for housing and housing assistance!

RCCHA provides clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing for qualified families and elders.

Housing options to apply for include low rent, 6-plex, 4-plex, Elderly, Tax Credit, Tax Credit Rehab.

Oski-Ombendaam New Hope Supportive Housing

The Oski-Ombendaam New Hope housing contains efficiency, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. The goal of New Hope housing is to provide supportive services to those individuals and families while providing clean, safe, adequate, and affordable housing.

Click HERE to access an application for Housing Assistance.

Click HERE to access an application for New Hope Housing Assistance.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority tenants have access to a Residential Resource Coordinator. The coordinator will help tenants get connected with various resources.

This service is available to Housing tenants Monday through Friday at New Hope Building A, at 37580 Pageant Road.

Please call 715-779-3744 extension 3514 with any questions.

Click HERE to order online!

Invitation to artists and craftspeople to demonstrate cultural traditions

The 28^th Portage County Cultural Festival (PCCF) is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at The Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH), 1201 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. In past years, this event, which is free to the public, has attracted as many as 14,000 people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to sample food, music, folk dances, crafts, and games from around the world and here in Wisconsin.

The Portage County Cultural Festival (PCCF) is a community initiative celebrating Central Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage. It began in 1992 and brings together area residents to showcase their cultures and learn about multiculturalism in a fun and festive environment. Dubbed; ”a landmark event for the community run completely by volunteers” by the Portage County Gazette, the PCCF brings together people of all ages from Central Wisconsin and beyond for a day of celebration and enjoyment of each other’s cultures. More information about the Portage County Cultural Festival can be found at the festival website, http://www.portagecountyculturalfestival.org/.  

We are seeking members of ethnic/cultural groups to demonstrate a traditional art, craft, or other cultural activity. Demonstrators are expected to share information about their cultures and are welcome to bring examples of their art for sale if they wish, although this is not required. Participants are expected to comply with all applicable copyright and trademark laws.

Thanks to the generosity of donors to the PCCF, there are limited funds available to offset travel expenses for demonstrators. 

Those interested in participating as demonstrators should send a request for an application form as soon as possible to PCCF, P. O. 739, Stevens Point, WI 54481 or via email to pccf92@gmail.com. When you receive the form, please read the information on application, policies, and expectations of demonstrators carefully. To ensure mutual understanding, applicants are asked to sign or initial on the space provided on the completed application form before submitting it to PCCF, P. O. 739, Stevens Point, WI 54481 or via email to pccf92@gmail.com by February 15, 2023.



Anyone with interest in participating in other aspects of the festival (vendors, dancers, musicians, native language speakers) can express this interest by contacting the PCCF organizers at pccf92@gmail.com.

The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival is scheduled for June 24-25, 2023. Artists can apply to be featured!

Learn more and apply online HERE.

Greetings! We have exciting news! Native American Tourism of Wisconsin will be hosting the Native Wisconsin Arts Festival in June 2023 at the Menominee Nation Casino Resort/Powwow Grounds. Our goal is to raise $75,000 in support of NATOW’s tourism initiatives throughout the state.

But we can’t meet this goal without your help.

Below are the details for this year’s sponsorship levels:

1. $5,000 - Bear Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Your company/org name on our Golf Tournament Signage; Listed as event sponsor in all PR, marketing and outreach for the conference; Your logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; 2 Conference Registrations; VIP Reception.
2. $2,000 - Eagle Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Your logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; 1 Conference Registration; VIP Reception; Listed as an even sponsor on social media and website.
3. $1,000 - Wolf Level: Your company name and logo on our event signage; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; Your logo on event t-shirt; VIP reception.
4. $500 - Manoomin Level: Logo on event T-shirt; Complimentary 1-year Associate Membership; VIP Reception.
5. $150 - Booth Spaces for vendors.

If your organization would like to participate in this year’s event as a sponsor, please contact us to donate or for more information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Suzette Brewer

Executive Director

Ph: 715-861-1212

Email: director@natow.org