January 29 - February 4, 2024

Gichimanidoo-Giizis (Great Spirit Moon)

Gaa-Miskwaabikaang’s Bryce Stevenson, Owner and Chef of the restaurant Miijim on Mooningwanekaaning (Madeline Island), has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation Emerging Chef Award!

The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious culinary honors. The Emerging Chef category features chefs who display exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability who are likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.

“The nomination came as a surprise, and like many in our community, I move forward with my greatest efforts and intentions, but as a result of the indigenous experience, I doubt myself and my mind constantly,” said Stevenson. “I never thought I would be highlighted in such a way and to say that I'm both shocked and overwhelmingly emotional would be a vast understatement.”

Stevenson said he has always wanted his creations to represent himself, his experience, and most of all, Miskwaabikaang.

“Most people from Miskwaabikaang don't really remember me or how I'm connected with the tribe. I hope most people can understand the trauma and pain me and my family suffered from a young age, and that my time away from the tribe and community helped me to reflect on who and what I am from a position of disconnection. No matter where I've been in my life, I've always kept my family and tribe so close to my heart that it still beats in bruised rhythms. My dream has always been to return home, create something that my people can be proud of, and figure out a way to inspire and motivate others to reach as high as they can dream.”

The James Beard Awards celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established chefs. The awards are highly coveted and often launch chefs and restaurants to greater success. Stevenson said despite some struggles that come with being located on an island, he’s hopeful this will help bring more support to his restaurant.

“I really hope to be able to find help and the team I need to bring Miijim to the forefront of indigenous cuisine. Our first year was a struggle and it left me with so many missed opportunities to really showcase what we are capable of doing. We've always paid as well as we can, but the island has proven to be a giant barrier in retaining staff and creating access for the community to visit and explore our ancestral lands on Mooningwanekaaning.”

While Stevenson hopes this will provide a boost to the restaurant, the award nomination could have a greater impact on spotlighting Native American cooking.

“I really just hope to stand as an example of what someone with a burning idea in their mind can accomplish. I could never have done it without the very few people who bled from their knuckles beside me. I want everyone to be able to realize that no greatness can be accomplished alone and that it is the people around you – friends, family, community, tribe – that build your dream into something tangible. If I can just inspire one indigenous person to exist outside themselves and work for their people and their food, I could very much rest in happiness.”

Stevenson opened Miijim in May of 2023 and features seasonal Ojibwe foods with a French twist. The menu includes exciting dishes with meats like deer, elk, fish, and rabbit mixed with wild foods from the island, like mushrooms, ramps, chaga, and bergamot.

Howah! The Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation Office will host a community engagement feast this Wednesday January 31 from 5-8 PM at Legendary Waters to discuss implementing Ojibwemowin immersion at the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center and at the Bayfield School District!

Join us at the casino event center to share ideas and learn more about language immersion. We'll cover topics like the benefits of language immersion, parent testimonies, student success highlights, and more. There will be time for questions.

If you are able, please consider bringing a dish to pass.

Contact THPO with any questions at 715-779-3761.

Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library will host a child care career fair on Tuesday February 6 from 3:30 - 6:30 PM.

Do you enjoy working with children and want to make an impact on our future generations? Mark your calendars to stop by and learn about child care and early childhood job opportunities here in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang. You'll also be able to apply for open positions at the same time!

The Library is located at the Red Cliff Cultural Grounds, 37650 Hwy 13. Please contact Kathy Barri at the Library with any questions: 715-779-3766 // kathy.barri@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library will host a chat with Elder Guyaushk (Jim Pete) on Thursday February 8! Join us beginning at 5:30 PM.

He will be sharing some of his stories of growing up here in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the surrounding area.

This event will also be available virtually. Check out next week's Miisaninawiind for the virtual link, or visit the Library's Facebook page.

Please contact Kathy Barri with any questions at 715-779-3766 or email kathy.barri@redcliff-nsn.gov.

The Library is located at the Red Cliff Cultural Grounds, 37650 Hwy 13.

Mino Bimaadiziiwin Red Cliff Farm is interested in purchasing more foods from Red Cliff producers this year as part of the USDA Local Foods Purchase Assistance Program! The Farm will buy products like maple syrup, maple sugar, wild rice, meats, pickles, jams, wild harvested foods, dried teas, and more.

The Farm is committed to paying competitive prices because they value the time and knowledge it takes to grow, harvest, and/or process these foods. For more information about selling your products to the Farm or with questions about the Local Food Box give-away, please reach out to the Farm at 715-779-3782 or email Farm@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Looking for tips on your finances and budgeting? Join us at Ginanda Gikendaasomin Red Cliff Library from 4:30-6:00 PM on Wednesday February 7!

This free class will cover:

• Setting financial goals
• Using your tax refund to achieve your goals
• Budgeting basics
• Saving for a rainy day

Snacks and raffle prizes will be available!

Please contact Deb Morris for more information at 715-779-3744 ext 3514 or email library@redcliff-nsn.gov.

The Bayfield Middle School 8th Grade Class will host a bingo fundraiser on Sunday February 18 at Legendary Waters. Doors open at noon and early bird session begins at 1 PM. Regular session begins at 2 PM.

Bingo packs are available for $30.

Funds will go to the 8th Grade Class end of year trip.

Raffle items and food donations are also being accepted. Items can be dropped off at the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center. Please contact Alicia Jane DePerry with any questions.

Chi-Miigwech for your support!

Howah! Save the date for our 2nd Annual Unconventional Opportunity Fair in Red Cliff, WI. This is free and open to all.

We had such a fantastic turnout last year with wonderful vendors, breakout sessions, and guests from all over the northland!

Interested in being a vendor to promote your organization or business? Looking to get information out about your employment offerings? Access our vendor registration.

The Red Cliff Legal Department has proposed changes to Chapter 7 Commercial Fishing Regulations.

Public comment on the proposed changes is encouraged. Please drop your comments at the Tribal Administration Building or bring your comments to a Tribal Council meeting. The Tribal Council will vote on the proposed changes on Monday March 4, 2024.

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking community members to serve on various tribal government boards and committees. You do not have to live in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang to be on a board or committee!

Business Development Corporation - 2 Member Openings

Membership Committee - 3 Member Openings

Cemetery Committee - 1 Member Opening

Gaming Commission - 3 Member Openings

FoodWIse Nutrition has released its January 2024 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 2024 FoodWise newsletter.

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.

Click to access the entire Treaty Natural Resources Division Ganawenjigaade newsletter for dagwaagin (fall) 2023.

Click HERE to order online!

Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced its summer internship opportunities!

There is a great representation of the diversity of work GLIFWC does from climate change to public information to enforcement to Great Lakes and inland fisheries; there's something for every interested college student.

Applications are open until January 31st 4:30CST.

Wisconsin Conservation Voices is looking for a Native Vote Director who has a deep commitment to Wisconsin’s tribal communities, enjoys managing staff and developing programs, and believes in the power of voting to create positive change. This is a full-time position and there is geographic flexibility within the state. The full position description can be found HERE.