June 19-25, 2023

Ode'imini Giizis June (Strawberry Moon)

Last week the United States Supreme Court voted 7-2 to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), reversing lower court rulings and rejecting race-based constitutional challenges to the Act.

The ruling leaves ICWA and native American placement preferences intact. In a concurring opinion, Justices Gorsuch and Sotamayor reaffirmed Congressional authority to "secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history."

Red Cliff’s Chairman Christopher Boyd also praised the ruling, stating “the United States Supreme Court did its part to prevent undermining the Indian Child Welfare Act. ICWA plays an important role in addressing some of the historic trauma our communities suffered at the hands of non-natives seeking to erase our culture. Our children are our future, and ICWA plays an important role in helping us maintain our identity as a tribal nation.”

The Red Cliff Band participated as amicus curae (friend of the court) in briefing before the Supreme Court.

The entire Supreme Court decision and opinions can be found HERE.

A statement by Governor Evers can be found HERE.

Learn more about the case in this article from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Please contact the Red Cliff Tribal Administration Building at 715-779-3700 with any questions.

Anishinaabemowin Gabeshiwin (Anishinaabe Language Camp) is set for July 4-7, 2023 at Raspberry Campgrounds here in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang!

In addition to lots of language learning opportunities, we’ve got a variety of traditional activities that also incorporate Anishinaabemowin, including traditional games, basket making, moccasin making, traditional cooking, flute making, fish net making, beading, lacrosse, and more!

Free camping is available on-site, first come first serve. No alcohol and/or drugs.

More information and a detailed event schedule will be available online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/languagecamp.

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

Howah! Details are set for the 45th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow, located in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang at Hwy 13 & Aiken Rd.

Any event updates will be shared online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/powwow and on our Facebook page.

Pow Wow Workers Needed

The Pow Wow Committee is looking for individuals to assist with a variety of jobs including button sales, security, traffic, dancer registration, etc. Please call the Administration Building at 715-779-3700 if you'd like to sign up to work.

$10/hour, 4-hour shifts

Timeframes Needed:

Friday

4-8 PM

Saturday

9 am - 1 pm

1 pm - 5 pm

5 pm - 9 pm



Sunday

9 am - 1 pm

1 pm - 5 pm

Howah! Debra Newago Proulx has received a Governor's Service Award and has been named Northwest Wisconsin's Volunteer of the Year! Debra serves as a volunteer for GLITC's Senior Companion Program, and we are so proud of her!!

Here’s what GLITC had to say about Deb:

Deb Newago is a long-time volunteer with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) - Senior Companion Program, who is making a difference for others in her Red Cliff community. With a positive attitude and an outgoing “can-do” personality, Deb provides needed assistance for individuals in need of support and companionship. Deb has been helping one of the local elders for many years, providing companionship, transportation, general assistance in his home, and addressing other needs as they may arise.

Deb “works up a sweat” to clean for the elder each week, making sure everything is in order before she leaves. With this client being an author whose writings include historical accounts on the Red Cliff tribe, she has used reading as an activity to build their connection. Many times when she visits or is providing transportation, she will bring homemade soup or other traditional native dishes to share with him to help maintain their connections to the community. During the times she could not see this elder in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, she actively worked to maintain their connection and provide companionship however she could through frequent phone calls and dropping off deliveries of groceries or handmade soups on their porch. Of everything Deb does for this elder, his favorite thing is their “coffee time” spent around the kitchen table talking and reminiscing about friends in common, historic community members, and sharing stories of old times. He explains that Deb “keeps me going,” as she is very genuine and a person who always gives. He describes her as “tireless” and “true-blue Red Cliff” for her willingness to help him and other community elders when needed.

Deb also provides assistance and companionship to an elder with dementia, having stepped up in numerous ways to help them as their health situation was changing rapidly. Deb worked to ensure that this client could have medical services put in place and receive needed support. This came through numerous phone calls, providing rides, obtaining groceries, helping them to pay bills, and doing whatever else was needed to help keep this client on track. Understanding how important it is to maintain connections in the community, Deb will regularly bring this individual to the noon congregate meal in Red Cliff. Due to the nature of dementia, this elder often speaks inappropriately, causing other community members to be concerned or offended, but Deb works to continually promotes kindness, speaking with the other meal attendees and reminding them of the effects of dementia. Deb will also use this time to visit with each of the groups sitting across the dining area, and when she sees someone in need of help but reluctant to ask, she encourages them to visit the Red Cliff Tribal Aging Director in their office.

This desire to assist and connect others is clear throughout her service, with Wendy Rozhon from the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council - Senior Companion Program commending her dedication to the program, describing her as a very willing volunteer with a helpful, “will do” attitude. She speaks highly of the Senior Companion Program, encouraging others to get involved.

Chi-Miigwech to Debra Newago Proulx for everything you do for Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the Red Cliff Community. Aho!

Learn more about this year’s Governor’s Service Awards.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet on Tuesday June 20 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.

On June 8, Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources staff stocked 1,650 brook trout from the Tribal Fish Hatchery into Gitchi Gami near Wiigobiish-minis (Basswood Island). It was an exciting day! All of these fish were fin clipped, which allows them to be identified as hatchery fish if they are caught by fishermen.

Of the 1,650 fish that were stocked, 200 of them were wearing pit tags, which are similar to microchips in your pet dog or cat. Pit tags can be scanned, which allows us to identify individual fish upon recapture. TNR staff transported the fish to Buffalo Bay Marina in the hatchery truck and loaded them into a large water trough on the boat to prepare for netting and releasing them into the lake. We hope that the fish all thrive in their new home!

Great job Red Cliff TNR staff!

Please contact Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources with any questions at 715-779-3795.

Chi-Miigwech to all community members who provided feedback with suggested uses for the future of several Tribal properties. Your input is valued greatly and will help determine the priorities, needs, and uses for these sites. Please note: no final decisions have been made on these sites. This information is only the result of community feedback. Please contact the Planning Department with any questions at 715-779-3700.

Sites include the Merchant Property, Merchant House site, former Jim Pete house on Hwy 13, former Cheers Bar site, Duplex next to Red Cliff Storage, House on Nuzzo Rd, Buffalo Bay Store current site, and the former Living Adventure's Kayak business site.

Feedback results can be viewed online HERE.

A Tribal Monitor Training is now open for registration. Certified Tribal Monitors and Tribal Historic Preservation are an important function of tribal self-determination and sovereignty. It is imperative that tribal monitors are certified for the purpose of monitoring in the field. Certification allows the Red Cliff Tribe to take an active role in the protection and preservation of our cultural and historic resources throughout all Red Cliff jurisdictional areas and projects.

Contact the Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office to register, or with any questions, at 715-779-3761 // marvin.defoe@redcliff-nsn.gov

From the Ashland Daily Press

by Tom Stankard

Nathan Gordon is a mainstay at powwows and other Ojibwe cultural events in the Bay Area.

He began attending such events as a kid growing up in Red Cliff. He was inspired by what was going around him, from the dancing and ceremonial dress to the drum circles, and he wanted to know more and more.

As he learned about his Ojibwe culture, he was inspired to create his own art, celebrating Native American traditions.

“I started making things and I couldn’t put it down,” he said. “So it’s like a passion. It was in high school when I made my first basket. I still have it on my shelf.”

What began as a hobby and creative outlet now has morphed into a full-time business — NWG Creations. At most powwows and cultural events in the region, Gordon sets up his booth selling medallions, baskets, drums and other Ojibwe artifacts he made by hand — and always with a smile on his face, eager to teach customers about the meaning behind his work.

It’s his way of preserving Ojibwe culture and inspiring others to do the same.

Read the full article HERE.

Red Cliff's Food Distribution Program hosted its last Badger Box Giveaway last week. Chi-Miigwech to the Hunger Task Force and Sherrie Tussler for providing these boxes to our community.

Cadet Javier-Prado of Red Cliff, WI will be graduating from the Wisconsin Challenge Academy on June 21, 2023. Cadet Javier-Prado will be one of 95 graduates in Class 50 that have completed the 22-week residential program located in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Cadet Javier-Prado will earn his diploma from Bayfield High School and his HSED from the Academy, graduating with a 3.8 GPA.

The Challenge Academy re-shapes the lives of at-risk 16-18-year-olds at risk of not graduating from High School. It uses a structured, military-style environment and state-certified teachers and counselors to build Cadets’ academic abilities, character, self-confidence, and personal discipline. Cadets typically graduate with a High School Equivalency Diploma and also earn at least 7 college credits from Western Technical College.

After graduating from the 22-week residential phase of academy training, Cadets work with hometown mentors who offer guidance and encouragement in pursuing their new direction in life.

The Challenge Academy’s next class begins on July 19, 2023. Please contact them at 608-269-9000 or check out their website www.challengeacademy.org for more information.

Great job Cadet Javier-Prado!

There are free garage sale items that will be available on June 25 from 8 am - 1 pm.

There will be a wide variety of items available as part of a multi-family garage sale. The garage sale and free items will be located at 35705 Hwy 13 in Red Cliff. Please contact Anne Sullivan 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.

Want to apply for the scholarship? Here's what we need from you:

Application, Education Plan, Unofficial Transcript, Fall/Spring Schedule.

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, and more!

Click HERE to access.

Click HERE to order online!

Did you know Veterans can electronically access their VA decision letters online? The Decision Letter Download Tool allows Veterans to download their decision letters using VA.gov.

Any Veteran with a VA.gov login can use this tool, which provides instant access to decision letters. Veterans no longer have to speak with VA or wait for a paper letter in the mail to know the decisions made on their claim.

Check out this video for information on how to use the Decision Letter Download Tool.

If you know a Veteran who is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

BIA Great Lakes Agency is accepting job applications for its Deputy Superintendent for Trust Services position.

View all details and apply HERE.

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.

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/