May 8-14, 2023

Zaagibagaa-Giizis (Budding Moon)

The Red Cliff Tribal Council Primary Election was held Friday May 5 at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. Red Cliff Tribal Members had the opportunity to vote for Chairperson and Treasurer candidates to advance to the General Election.

Christopher Boyd and Nicole Boyd received the most votes for Chairperson. Stephanie Defoe-Haskins and Laura Gordon received the most votes for Treasurer. View voting totals below. Boyd, Boyd, Defoe-Haskins, and Gordon will advance to be on the July 4 General Election ballot along with candidates vying for three open At-Large Seats. Anyone interested in running for an At-Large Seat on the Tribal Council should declare their candidacy by June 19, 2023. Declare your candidacy by contacting the Tribal Council Secretary at 715-779-3700 or via email to secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov.

View all Election information at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/election.

Primary Election Results

Chairperson Candidates

*Two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election.*

*Christopher D. Boyd - 137*

Gretchen Morris - 56

Mercie A. Gordon - 11

Michael D. Soulier - 15

*Nicole L. Boyd - 166*

Treasurer Candidates

*Two candidates with the most votes advance to the General Election.*

*Stephanie A. (Defoe) Haskins - 143*

Chanell Curran - 74

Grace A. Livingston - 24

*Laura J. Gordon - 144*

The Red Cliff Family/Youth Spearing Night is set for May 12! There are 20 spots available for youth to ride in Boys & Girls Club vans. There are also gas vouchers available for families who are able to drive themselves.

Vans will leave from the Boys & Girls Club at 4:30 PM on May 12.

Volunteers, boats, and spearing equipment is needed.

Please contact Dusty LaFernier at 715-779-3722, or Edwina Buffalo at 715-779-3761 if you would like to sign up for spearing, need a gas voucher, to volunteer, or to volunteer equipment.

*Participants must bring Tribal ID*

Howah! Red Cliff's Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin Tribal Farm is currently looking to buy zhiiwaagamizigan (maple syrup) and ziinzibaakwad (maple sugar) from Red Cliff Tribal Members.

The Farm was awarded a USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program grant, which will allow the Farm to purchase foods grown/harvested/produced by Red Cliff members throughout the year.

Syrup and sugar will be used during Red Cliff youth events like Language Camp, and may also be distributed free for Red Cliff members through a new Local Food Box Program the Farm will be starting this summer.

Contact the Farm to learn more at 715-779-3782, or email Farm@redcliff-nsn.gov.

The Red Cliff Summer Youth Employment Program is accepting applications for youth aged 14-18. This program is a great opportunity for youth to gain work experience and earn money over the summer months.

Access an application and view details online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/SYEP or pick up an application at the Tribal Administration Building.

Work is expected to be available for 4-8 weeks beginning around June 19, and ending around August 11.

Please contact Julie Barstad with any questions at 715-779-3700.

Boozhoo Elders, the Tribal Elder Food Box Program is back! See flyer for all dates through the end of 2023. This program is for Red Cliff Tribal Members aged 55 and older. Please contact Red Cliff Food Distribution with any questions at 715-779-3740.

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the Red Cliff ICW program would like to say Chi-Miigwech to all of our foster care parents! You are helping keep our children safe, and you are impacting our future generations.

Open House Dates

All foster care families -- and anyone interested in becoming a foster care parent -- are invited to join our Foster Care Open House events throughout May. On Tuesdays (May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30) join us between 12-3 PM at the Red Cliff ICW office located at 37250 Watertower Rd in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.

Please call the Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare Program with any questions at 715-779-3747.

The Environmental Department has set dates for spring clean up events. Please call 715-779-3650 with any questions or to volunteer.

Spring Clean Up Week: May 22-26, 2023

Hazardous Waste Collection Event: May 22

Roadside Cleanup: May 23

Transfer Station Hours: May 22-26 open 10 AM - 6 PM. May 27 open 8 AM - 12 PM.

View Spring Cleanup details and the Transfer Station brochure HERE.

The Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program held a Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Walk last week to raise awareness and call for activism as part of the MMIW crisis.

Indigenous people are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing violence, murder, or going missing.

For decades, Indigenous communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of women. Community advocates describe the crisis as a legacy of generations of government policies of forced removal, land seizures and violence inflicted on Native peoples.

Contact the Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program at 715-779-3706 to learn more about how you can help raise awareness.

Learn more about the MMIW crisis HERE.

Chi-Miigwech to all who took part in the MMIW walk!

The Red Cliff Fishing Committee is set to meet on Wednesday May 10 at the Red Cliff VFW building.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. View the meeting agenda HERE.

Please contact Ian Harding with any questions at 715-779-3750.

Please join us for the 2023 Honor Banquet on May 22 at Legendary Waters from 6-8 PM as we celebrate the 2023 graduates of Bayfield High School! This is for ALL Class of 2023 Bayfield High School graduates.

The graduates will be honored and will receive gifts. A feast will also be provided.

Please contact the Red Cliff Education Department with any questions via email at education@redcliff-nsn.gov.

With ziigwan (spring) activities ramping up, the Red Cliff Environmental Department reminds you to check fire danger levels and get a burn permit when necessary. High fire danger levels will be posted on Facebook, and the "Smokey the Bear" fire danger level signs are updated on a daily basis, located at the Environmental Department Office on Community Road, and at the intersection of HWY 13 and Blueberry Rd.

The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division and its Wetlands Program are doing vital work to protect and restore wetlands and watersheds. The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service have partnered with the Red Cliff Tribe and Bad River Tribe to raise awareness of this important work by producing short videos highlighting these stories. Chi-Miigwech to all involved in highlighting this important work!

In celebration of American Wetlands Month in May, the partners have released four new videos featuring the wetland and watershed conservation work being done by the Tribes in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff) and Mashkiiziibii (Bad River) in Northern Wisconsin.

The long-term landscape approach Tribes like Bad River and Red Cliff take to protect and manage their water resources improves water quality, alleviates flooding, and provides habitat.

“We must remember to take care of what we have here, to always be mindful that it is something that will sustain us in the long run,” said Edith Leoso, retired Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department.

Caring for wetlands and watersheds also helps to sustain ojibwe/anishinaabe culture and way of life. The healthier natural environment provides opportunities for our people to hunt, fish, and gather what nature has provided and establishes relationships that will build a stronger community today and for future generations.

“Tribes depend on the land to provide us with the gifts that the Creator created for us,” says Mark Duffy, Chief Conservation Officer with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Red Cliff Tribal Member. “Without these gifts, we wouldn’t be who we are, so we protect these lands.”

Generating and distributing video content is raising the visibility of the important work of Tribes and promoting examples of good wetland conservation in Wisconsin. The videos also help decision-makers and land managers understand how wetlands function and how they can care for them. Finally, telling these stories encourages broad-based understanding of wetlands and watersheds among the public. Earlier videos in this series featured the work of the Oneida Nation in Northeast Wisconsin.

See the video below to learn how Red Cliff is caring for our wetlands. Then, check out these short videos to learn more about Bad River and Oneida's efforts.

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is seeking sealed bid proposals for the construction of a new 6,300 sq ft Cultural Center located at 88989 Nuzzo Rd., Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff) Reservation in Bayfield County, WI.

Bids should be submitted by May 11, 2023. View the entire request packet, project details, and submission requirements at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/rfp/

Project Description

Red Cliff is seeking to contract with a General Contractor to construct a 6,300 sq. ft. building. The facility includes an Event Hall, Entry Vestibule, Kitchen, Storage Room, Mechanical Room, IT room, and Men's and Women's Restrooms. See detailed specifications in Project Manual and construction documents at the link above.

All provisions and requirements of the funding sources shall apply, including prevailing wages for all workers. Please see 'Notice of Tribal and Federal Compliance Requirements' attached to this RFP for more details.

Contact the Red Cliff Planning Department with any questions at 715-779-3700.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council and Legendary Waters Resort & Casino have set the next Larry & Jeanne Gordon Memorial Camping Week for May 15-22, 2023. Red Cliff Tribal Members will be able to camp for free at Legendary Waters Buffalo Bay Campground. This year’s free camping week is set later in May due to the lingering snow and late winter conditions.

Tribal Members interested in free camping at Buffalo Bay Campground should contact the Legendary Waters Hotel Front Desk at (800) 226-8478 to reserve a spot. Members must still check in with the Hotel Front Desk to receive tags for the campsite.

A map of Buffalo Bay Campground is included below for those who wish to select a specific site.

Larry Gordon is a Red Cliff Tribal Member who dedicated a 30-year career to Isle Vista Casino – now Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. Larry offered much love and care for the community and spent countless weekends camping with friends and family. Larry passed away on November 12, 2020 while enjoying the outdoors. His wife and long-time Tribal leader Jeanne Gordon passed away December 31, 2021. Jeanne proudly served the Red Cliff community for years on the Tribal Council and as the executive secretary, only wanting to build a better community for the next generations to come. She worked to ensure the community was put first.

Read more about Larry HERE.

Read more about Jeanne HERE.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is seeking feedback on plans to create trails at Little Sand Bay and an accessible ramp at Meyers Beach. A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for review until May 12, 2023 – Click HERE to review the proposal and provide input. Hard copies are available upon request, please email apis_resource_issues@nps.gov.

What Is Proposed?

1) An ABA accessible boardwalk loop (approx. ½ mile) with views of the wetland, bi-lingual signs and waysides (Ojibwemowin and English), and a gathering place for school and other groups.

2) A coastal trail with island views. The route would follow the beach for 0.4 miles from Little Sand Bay to Allen Road and continue along a trail for 0.3 miles from Allen Road to the park’s boundary.

3) A trail that connects Little Sand Bay with the historic Nelson Cabin (0.1 mile), with the potential for a partnership trail that continues to Wilderness Inquiry (0.2 miles).

4) An ABA ramp at Meyers Beach to provide much easier access for all from the parking lot to the beach.

Chi-Miigwech for providing your thoughts and feedback!

The Volunteers in Mission Ministry Group offers free labor for a variety of projects. The group is accepting work orders until June 12, with work scheduled to be done between June 19 - June 23, 2023.

If you are interested in getting some assistance at your home or perhaps on a community venture, please fill out the form and return to the Tribal Administration Building. Forms are also available to pick up at the Admin Building. If you know of anyone that could make use of these services, please feel free to make a referral or assist the individual with the form.

Please call the Administration Building at 715-779-3700 with any questions.

Online Resources

Community members can now access Iskigamizigan resources online! Visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov/sugarbush.

You will find vocabulary videos to watch and listen to, a downloadable document with vocabulary to use while you're out at your sugarbush, a How To Guide, information on accessing supplies, Maple ID Booklet, and a maple coloring activity for your little ones. Aho!

Click imto access the entire vocabulary document.

Iskigamizigan supplies available to use

Red Cliff's Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Mino Bimaadiziiwin Farm are offering supplies and guidance for community members to start their own sugar bush! Howah!

See flyers below for all details. Please contact the THPO Department at 715-779-3761 or the Farm at 715-779-3782 with any questions

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its May 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 May 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division has released its latest edition of the Ganawenjigaade newsletter for Ziigwan (Spring) 2023.

You will find anishinaabemowin vocabulary, program updates, permit information, rabies clinic, updates on water protection, hazardous waste collection event, details on Spring Clean Up Week scheduled for May 22-26, and more!

Click HERE to access.

Click HERE to order online!

Under the supervision of the Climate Change Program Coordinator the Tribal Climate Adaptation Specialist participates in a broad range of GLIFWC Climate Change Program activities and provides support to the Tribal Adaptation Menu (TAM) Team. Primary duties include participating in the creation of a Ceded Territory climate adaptation plan, assisting with field research and adaptation projects, interacting with Tribal and non-Tribal partners, and coordinating and facilitating workshops and presentations sharing and implementing Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu, a tool created by a diverse multi-organizational team to guide Tribes and their non-Tribal partners in conducting culturally appropriate climate adaptation planning.

View more details about the position and apply at www.glifwc.org.

Madeline Island Museum is seeking applications for several open positions and volunteers!

View Madeline Island Museum job opportunities HERE.

The Federal Highway Administration's Local Aid Support (LAS) is giving the newly re-established Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) a makeover. We are asking for assistance from the Tribal community to develop a creative and innovative look for the TTAP. The logo created must be engaging and align with the TTAP's mission and vision for providing training and technical assistance to Tribal transportation agencies all over the country that improves safety and encourages the use of innovation.

Entries will be judged on visual appeal, concept, logo meaning description,

design quality, and ease of reproduction.

The winning design will be announced during the National LTAP/TTAP annual conference in Columbus, OH, July 17-20, 2023.

Don't delay! Showcase your creativity by bringing the TTAP purpose to life!

*All entries must be submitted to TTAP@DOT.GOV by June 30th, 2023.*

For more information on the FHWA's TTAP or to find a regional TTAP center, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/clas/ttap/

Two $5,000 prizes to be awarded at NATOW Conference in June

Hayward, Wis—First Native Community Financial today announced a collaboration

with Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW) and SCORE Mentors to provide Native American entrepreneurs in Wisconsin with an opportunity to win one of two $5,000 prizes for business planning and development. This competition is open to start-ups, developing businesses, growing businesses or businesses looking to expand their operations.

All aspiring or established Native American entrepreneurs in the state of Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to register and participate in workshops and mentoring that will help you develop your idea into a strong business plan and pitch to compete for a chance to win at NATOW’s annual conference on June 21, 2023, at the Menominee Convention Center in Keshena, Wisconsin.

First Nations Community Financial was a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of Administration Diverse Business Assistance and Diverse Business Investment grants in the amount of $2.85M. Those funds go to help support aspiring and established Native American entrepreneurs across the entire state of Wisconsin.

We will provide in-person workshops revolving around business planning and pitching business ideas. These workshops will provide participants support, resources and virtual learning opportunities, as well as requirements scoring matrix.

Workshops will be conducted in the 11 tribal communities throughout the state of Wisconsin, and participation and registration is required to be part of the contest.

First Nations Community Financial has a goal of helping start, grow or expand 100 Native American owned businesses by December 31, 2024 and the business plan pitch contest is just one of many initiatives that will surface throughout the year. The Native American Tourism of Wisconsin has added ‘Economic Development’ to their annual initiatives making this a prime collaboration opportunity to bring more awareness and spotlight on the Native American entrepreneurs across the state of Wisconsin. SCORE Mentors will also join in on the action and help provide support, 1-on-1 mentoring, instruction in the workshops as well as help judge the pitches on the pitch contest date.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Native Business Plan Pitch Contest, go to

www.NativeBizContest.com. This is absolutely free to any and all Native American entrepreneurs in the state of Wisconsin enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.

Show us your stuff Indian Country! Let’s get you fast tracked to achieving your dreams.

The Wooruwi Business Program is open to any Native American residing in the state of Wisconsin that wishes to start or develop their business.

The primary benefits of the Wooruwi Business Program include pre-funding services which include free Native-American focused business courses, solidifying your business idea, conducting market research, developing your financial statements, and assistance writing your business plan. Once a client is funded by First Nations Community Financial, a technical assistance plan is established to help shore up areas that need the most improvement and get set up with a business mentor to work on sharpening business skills.

For more information on the Wooruwi Business Program, interested individuals can contact First Nations Community Financial for more information, or visit https://firstnationsfinancial.org/ and submit a loan inquiry to get the process started.