June 5-11, 2023

Ode'imini Giizis June (Strawberry Moon)

Red Cliff Tribal Member Michael Witgen was named a finalist for this year's Pulitzer Prize. Witgen's book Seeing Red: Indigenous Land, American Expansion, and the Political Economy of Plunder in North America was one of three finalist in the History category. Aho, great job Michael!

From The Pulitzer Prizes

Witgen's book is a piercing analysis of exploitative colonial arrangements made by the U.S. in the settling of the Old Northwest, and of Native resistance.

Against long odds, the Anishinaabeg resisted removal, retaining thousands of acres of their homeland in what is now Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Their success rested partly on their roles as sellers of natural resources and buyers of trade goods, which made them key players in the political economy of plunder that drove white settlement and U.S. development in the Old Northwest. But, as Michael Witgen demonstrates, the credit for Native persistence rested with the Anishinaabeg themselves. Outnumbering white settlers well into the nineteenth century, they leveraged their political savvy to advance a dual citizenship that enabled mixed-race tribal members to lay claim to a place in U.S. civil society. Telling the stories of mixed-race traders and missionaries, tribal leaders and territorial governors, Witgen challenges our assumptions about the inevitability of U.S. expansion. 

Deeply researched and passionately written, Seeing Red will command attention from readers who are invested in the enduring issues of equality, equity, and national belonging at its core.

Michael Witgen is a professor in the Department of History and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race at Columbia University, and he is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. He specializes in Indigenous and Early North American history, comparative borderlands, and the history of the early American Republic.

A new kind of career fair is coming! Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority and Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library have partnered together to bring you an Unconventional Opportunity.

All are welcome to attend this FREE opportunity, skills, knowledge, and career fair event. You will have access to over 20 vendors and breakout sessions to learn more about trades and skills training, building resumes, entrepreneurship, managing income, growing your business, military career opportunities, and much more.

The fair will be open from 10 AM - 6 PM on Wednesday June 14 at Legendary Waters Event Center in Red Cliff, WI.

Learn more at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/opportunityfair.

Interested in being a vendor at this event? Register here.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Deb Morris

ROSS Resource Coordinator / Stability Coach

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority

715-779-3744 Ext 3514

dmorris@redcliffhousing.org

The Red Cliff Boys & Girls Club of Gitchi Gami will begin its Summer Program next week! The Club's summer programming will run from June 12 through September 5.

The summer programming will include outdoor activities, trips, summer learning, breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Check out the Club's monthly calendar for specific activities and times.

Interested in joining or want to have your child participate? Contact the Club at 715-779-3722.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set for meet on Monday June 5 at Legendary Waters.

The regular session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. Community members are encouraged to attend.

Click HERE to access the meeting agenda.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua offers a Free Family Series of shows all summer, including the Woodland Sky Dance Company, native dance workshops, Boozhoo Nanaboozhoo, and more.

See all Free Family Series dates HERE.

Big Top also offers several cultural performances and learning opportunities, including Wigwam Talks with Frank Montano and Michael Charette, The Seven Grandfather Teachings, dance workshops, and more.

See all Native American Community Connections events HERE.

Get ready to compete in the 2nd Annual Legendary BBQ Battle! $1800 in Cash Prizes are up for grabs! Pack up your grill and head over to Legendary Waters on Saturday June 17.

$100 entry fee gets you a whole chicken, pork ribs, and beef brisket for you to work your magic and get the judges taste buds tingling! Cash prizes for each meat category and a Best in Show Trophy (and of course bragging rights!)

Judging criteria includes: Taste (duh), Tenderness, Appearance, and Smoke Ring.

Pre-register by June 10th. Call or email: 715-779-9463 / dmorris@legendarywaters.com

Secure your spot today!

Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm is seeking community feedback on food preferences for an upcoming food box program. Take the short survey HERE.

The Red Cliff Community Health Center offers various behavioral and mental health services to the community. You are not alone. Services include mental health and AODA counseling, comprehensive community services (CCS), drop in Peer Specialist support. relapse prevention, culturally rich group activities, and more. Learn more online at www.redcliffhealth.org or on the Red Cliff Behavioral Health Facebook page.

The next Circle of Security Parenting Class begins June 21. Limited spots are available. This program aims to help you understand your child's emotional needs, support your child's ability to manage emotions, enhance the development of your child's self esteem, and honor your wisdom and desire for your child to be secure.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Mercie Gordon or Johanna Wilson:

715-292-8227

mercie.gordon@redcliff-nsn.gov

johanna.wilson@redcliff-nsn.gov

The Red Cliff Tribal Council General Election will be held on Tuesday July 4, 2023. Red Cliff Tribal Members will have the opportunity to vote for a Chairperson, Treasurer, and three At-Large members. Polls will be open from 8 AM - 8 PM at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino.

Declare Candidacy for Member At-Large

If you would like to declare your candidacy for a Member At-Large seat on the Tribal Council, please submit your intentions in writing no later than 6 PM on June 19 to the Red Cliff Tribal Council Secretary Nora Cadotte.

For more information or to submit your candidacy, contact:

secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov

715-209-3989

View all election details and information here.

Mark your calendars for Giwiidosendimin Project LAUNCH's Kwe Connections group beginning June 17. The group will meet every other Saturday through August 26. Join for a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and to make ribbon skirts, earrings, and belts.

Please contact Amaris or Johanna with any questions:

715-979-1554

amaris.andrews@redcliff-nsn.gov

johanna.wilson@redcliff-nsn.gov

Howah! Red Cliff's Mino Bimaadiziiwin Gitigaanin Tribal Farm is interested in buying wild harvested foods from Red Cliff harvesters to be shared during Red Cliff's youth camps throughout the year.

If you are interested, please contact the Farm before harvesting.

See flyer below and contact the Farm to learn more at 715-779-3782, or email Farm@redcliff-nsn.gov.

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.

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its June 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 June 2023 FoodWIse newsletter.

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.

You are also able to apply for Home Repair Assistance and Down Payment Assistance.

Click HERE to access an application.

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!

From ParrySound.com

Art and Anishinaabemowin are coming together in Magnetawan First Nation lands, resources and environment department’s coloring book to offer a colorful learning experience.

“We really wanted to focus on the language,” said Nadine Perron, a conservation biologist with the department. “Getting … youth and people more familiar with (the) language and reclaim it for our community.”

With the help of Ali Postma, who created a similar book on underwater species, the concept initiated by former employees Cory Kozmik and Chevaun Toulouse’s was brought to life.

“We also wanted to use this book and platform as a way to share knowledge,” said Perron. “Something that can help create and empower community and … facilitate knowledge transfer from generation to generation.”

Each page featured coloring images that were converted from photographs taken by staff of common reptiles such as snakes (gnebikoog) and turtles (mishiikenyag) found on Magnetawan First Nation.

The books also included designs by Autumn Smith, who creates Woodland art under the name Mishiikenh Kwe, that act as labels and identifiers.

Along with English, the coloring book provided both northern and southern dialects of Anishinaabemowin as well as phonetic spelling to work as a guide.

Due to the First Nation’s location in between the regions, Perron explained both dialects are common in the community.

“My favorite quote in this book is from the leader, Larry Smallwood. And he said whatever dialect you learn or however you learn to speak Ojibway, as long as you’re speaking from the heart, the Creator will understand you no matter how you sound.”

Perron said the quote rang true in Magnetawan as it is a small community with few language keepers left.

But she hopes the book will be a starting point to engage in conversations with other First Nation communities on how they identify species and create a larger resource base.

“Colonialism has greatly impacted everybody, and communities need to connect … and be resources for each other in reclaiming their rights and their language.”

Those interested in getting their hands on a coloring book can email a request to tiffany.garon@magfn.com.

Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin is providing Critical Incident Response Training for folks who wish to be on a Critical Incident Response Team to respond in the aftermath of a critical incident in or associated with a school. There is a training schedule for June 26-28 in Superior.

Critical Incident Response Training 

When critical incidents or crisis events occur in a school, quick access to effective resources that minimize the traumatic impact on students and staff is essential. At the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) – Office of School Safety (OSS) we prioritize the need for prompt, efficient, evidence-based crisis interventions to promote recovery after a crisis event. The OSS has dedicated federal grant funds from the Office of Justice programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program to develop and train participants who will serve as regionally based Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) members. There are 12 regional teams in Wisconsin that align with the 12 CESA regions. The teams are comprised of multidisciplinary volunteers trained in crisis response and intervention.

This training will take place regionally and is geared towards participants who have not previously attended the CIR training and are interested in serving as a member of the regional CIRT which they are a part of. At the conclusion of training, participants will be asked to sign the CIRT Agreement to establish a mutual understanding between OSS and individual CIRT members.

The purpose of the training is to provide CIRT members the right sized, solutions-oriented approach to crisis response and recovery techniques that “do no harm” and the ability to supplement the resources and support networks that are already in place in our schools. Participants will be expected to attend all 3 days of training which includes the following curriculum:

•  PREPaRE 2 Workshop – NASP/School Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training – (16) hours

•  Comprehensive School Safety: Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Standard Reunification Method (SRM) – (4) hours

•  Community Circling, Care for the Caregiver, CIR Resources and Toolkit – (3) hours

Applications for the CIR training will be reviewed and approved. Priority registration will be given to participants serving in CESA Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 12. Participants will receive an email once the registration is complete.

Click here to submit an application.

BIA Great Lakes Agency in Ashland has three new positions open for job applications.

Administrative Support Assistant for Branch of Natural Resources: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/726216500

Administrative Support Assistant for Deputy Superintendent of Trust Services: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/726222800

Administrative Support Assistant for Office of the Program Manager: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/726226100

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/

Are you ready to pitch your best stuff for the chance at $5,000? First Nations Community Financial, Woodland Financial Partners (formerly known as NiiJii Capital Partners) and WIEDC, in collaboration with SCORE and the Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW), bring you the 2023 Business Plan Pitch Contest.

We want to help aspiring Native American entrepreneurs in Wisconsin on their journey by offering support, guidance and technical assistance through workshops sharing the 10-Step Business Planning Guide and the Pitch Anything S.T.R.O.N.G. framework.

 We are hosting workshops to help you gain clarity of your business idea, structure your idea and write a comprehensive business plan as you look to secure funding, seek investors or potential business partners, and prepare you to craft a pitch for the Business Plan Pitch Contest.

Upcoming Workshops:

6/8 – Keshena – College of Menominee Nation (N172 Hwy 55) – Noon to 3:00 pm

6/5 – Madison – Ho-Chunk Community Center (4724 Tradewinds Pkwy) – 5:00 to 8:00 pm

6/13 – Hayward – LCO Kinnamon School and Visitor Center (N8493 Hwy E) – Noon to 3:00 pm

6/15 – Milwaukee – Ho-Chunk Community Center (3501 S Howell Ave) – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

At the Business Plan Pitch Contest, Native entrepreneurs will give a “Shark Tank” style presentation and pitch their business, competing for one of two $5,000 prizes, on June 21st in Keshena at the NATOW Annual Conference.

Click here to register.