May - Bois Forte

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May - Bois Forte

Inside
66257 Wilkie_BoisForte News 4/26/10 12:50 PM Page 1
PrESortEd
StANdArd
uS PoStAGE PAid
MPLS, MN
PErMit No. 100
Page 8
Page 5
Page 14
CHANGE SErviCE
rEquEStEd
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - MAY 2010
VOL. 32 NO. 4
www.boisforte.com
Close Primary races prompts
general election face-off
Donald vs. Morrison, Benner vs. Villebrun, Dunkley vs.Toutloff
In recent history, Bois Forte Primaries have
yielded candidates who gained more than 50
percent of the votes and thus by-passed the
General Election and were automatically
declared elected. But the March 30 Primary had
several candidates in each race and the vote
totals were closer. Not a single candidate
garnered more than 50 percent of the votes.
That means the top two vote getters in each seat
– three are up for election – will face off in the
June 8 General Election.
For the Secretary/Treasurer seat, incumbent
David Morrison, Sr., led all candidates with 304
votes. He will face Joanne Donald, who drew
249 Primary votes. Marty Connor, who dropped
out of the race after the Primary, got 107 votes.
For the District 1 Representative spot, Brandon
Benner, who netted Primary 226 votes, will face
off against incumbent Ray Villebrun, Sr., with
176 votes. Robbie Goggleye earned 54 votes.
And for the more crowded field of District II
Representative, Kelly Dunkley and Ray Toutloff
rose to the top, netting 55 and 93 Primary votes,
respectively. Geraldine Hanks earned 23 votes,
and Pam Hughes, 37.
These results stand in contrast to the past two
Primaries. In 2006 David Morrison, Sr., won the
Secretary/Treasurer position in the Primary, and
Mark Drift won the District I Representative slot.
Seats were won outright again in the 2008 Primary, when Kevin Leecy was named Chairman
and political newcomer Cathy Chavers was
elected the District 1 Representative.
In addition to closer results, this year’s Primary
was distinguished by a general drop in voter
BOIS
FORT E
NEWS
turnout. Bois Forte’s last Primary for
Secretary/Treasurer, back in 2006, drew 690
voters, while this year’s vote for the same
position drew 660 – a 4 percent decline. The
District 1 seat, meanwhile, drew 506 voters in
2006 and only 456 this year – a 10 percent drop.
The one exception came in District II, where four
candidates elicited an upward tick in turnout –
208 voters, compared with 189 in 2006, a 10
percent increase.
Another distinguishing mark of the 2010 Primary
was the number of women in the mix: four of the
10 candidates. They fared pretty well; two of the
six finalists are women.
(cont. on page 3)
First-time voter Rhonda Kukk, pictured here
completing her ballot, used the new electronic voting
machines at the Urban Office in Minneapolis.
Blood Quantum change moves forward
Survey to help measure all blood lineage
In response to a steady push from Bois Forte,
the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe voted to take a
significant step forward in the process of
amending the Blood Quantum section of the
Constitution.
The Tribal Executive Committee, made up of the
Chair and Secretary-Treasurer of the six member
bands, met in early April and instructed
Executive Director Gary Frazer to seek
professional expertise in developing a survey of
all MCT members that will collect data on their
blood lineage.
According to Frazer, “We have never asked
about other Indian blood because it wasn’t
recognized. The survey will collect the
information we need to determine the exact
impact of amending the Constitution. Some
Tribes estimate our numbers could increase fourfold, others say it might be eight-fold. No one
can accurately project because we haven’t asked
people to list other blood lines; the survey will
give us some reliable data.”
The TEC called for the survey to be presented at
their April 29 meeting. If they approve the
survey format, it will be mailed to all MCT
members in May. “The Blood Quantum issue has
been debated for a long time,” said Frazer. “Bois
Forte has brought it up at every one of our
meetings, so I’m glad we are taking this critical
step forward to gather the data we need to
accurately determine what the impact of a
change will be.”
P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 • bfnews@boisforte-nsn.gov • Visit us! www.boisforte.com
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Page 2 • Bois Forte News • May 2010
National and State News
Historic reforms usher in new era of health care delivery
The fight has been long and bruising, but health
care reform has finally come.
In late March, President Barack Obama signed
two new laws: the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act, and the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act. They represent the
culmination of one of Obama’s key campaign
promises – a promise that many thought would
never be realized.
Health care reform has been a goal of many
lawmakers for years. President Bill Clinton tried
and failed to achieve it. The late Senator Edward
Kennedy (D-Mass) spent much of his career
working for it. And during the 2008 Democratic
primaries, candidates put it at the top of their
agendas.
At times, it looked as though President Obama’s
effort would unravel, too. By the end of 2009,
both houses of Congress had passed different
bills, and many in the media were predicting the
demise of health care reform once again.
But despite all the setbacks, health care reform
finally passed. In this issue of the Bois Forte
News, we look at some of the ways it will affect
us all.
Health Care Reform Across Indian Country
The health care reform package permanently
reauthorized the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act, which had not been updated in
more than 17 years. The improvements that the
nation’s 1.9 million Native Americans will see
include:
Recruitment and Training of Providers
• Funding to increase the number of American
Indians entering health care professions.
• Training Indians as community health
representatives.
• Educating health care employees who serve
tribal groups in the history and culture of tribes.
Expanded Health Care Services
• Cancer screenings beyond mammography
• Long-term care, including home health care,
assisted living, and community-based care.
• Improved health care for Native American
veterans.
New Health and Human Services Programs
• Fetal alcohol disorder programs, child sexual
abuse and prevention treatment programs, and
domestic and sexual violence treatment programs
in every HIS service area.
• Comprehensive youth suicide prevention
efforts.
Leecy re-elected NIGA Vice Chair
Tribal leaders voting at the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) conference in San Diego, California unanimously re-elected Kevin Leecy as Vice Chairman of NIGA.
Leecy, who has served as NIGA’s vice chair since 2006, will
continue working with tribes around in the country to improve
economic development and diversification in Indian
communities.
“Indian gaming has laid an excellent foundation for native
communities to succeed,” Leecy said. “Having more consistent
revenue streams has allowed us to improve the infrastructure, programs and services that our people
require. It’s important to remember, that although our resorts and casinos are job generators and
economic boosters for non-Indians, that is not the reason they exist. Indian gaming was created for
one purpose: to benefit Indian people.”
About the National Indian Gaming Association
The non-profit National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) was established in 1985 to protect and preserve the general
welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country. To advance the lives of
Indian people economically, socially and politically, NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and
public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community
development.
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• Expanded urban Indian health programs,
including drug abuse and communicable disease
prevention.
• Chronic and infectious disease initiatives
covering more than tuberculosis.
More Research
• Grants to develop comprehensive school health
education programs for children from preschool
through grade 12.
• Monitoring of health care for Indian women.
• Possible establishment of an Office of Indian
Men’s Health.
• Monitoring of environmental and nuclear health
hazards.
More Facilities
• At least one inpatient mental health facility in
each IHS area
• An epidemiology (study of disease) center in
each IHS area.
Insurance and Payments
• Indian health programs eligible for Medicare
and Medicaid payments.
• Outreach provisions to enroll more American
Indians in Medicaid and Children’s Health
Insurance Program.
• Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund for
victims of disasters or catastrophic illness.
The Big Picture: Health Care
Reform Across the Nation
As provisions of the new health care
reform laws are phased in between 2010
and 2018, here are some of the biggest
changes Americans will see:
• The number of uninsured people
will drop by 32 million.
• People with pre-existing medical
conditions will not be charged higher rates
or discriminated against.
• Policyholders will not be dropped by
their insurers if they get sick.
• Medicaid eligibility will expand.
• Medicare will expand to small rural
hospitals and facilities
• Insurers will be prohibited from placing
caps on annual spending.
• Fraud detection will be enhanced.
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Bois Forte News • May 2010 • Page 3
RTC News
New Land Use Permits now
required
The RTC approved a new land use permit process to insure that any
construction on the reservation proceeds in a manner consistent with the
Band's cultural, environmental and land use plans. The new permit
process will allow staff an adequate opportunity to review construction
proposals ahead of time and work with the person building to avoid
problems like encroachment, erosion, or disturbing culturally significant
areas that could create costly time and material delays for the builder.
The application form for all construction projects is available through the
Leasing Office and Community Development and Planning. You can also
download the form from the Bois Forte's website, www.boisforte.com.
Before you begin construction, contact Bill Whiteman of the Planning
and Community Development team, at 218-757-3111 ext. 146. Bill will
answer any questions about the permit form and handle coordination for
you with Tribal Government offices such as Leasing, THPO, Environmental Services and Public Works so that your project can proceed
smoothly.
Heritage Center Director Rose Berens presents a gift basket to Louise
Trygg, whose family donated historic documents to the Heritage Center that
were created by Louise’s father-in-law J. William Trygg. Mr. Trygg’s
meticulous collection of surveys, maps and appraisal documents were used
to substantiate claims made by Indian tribes that they had not been fairly
paid for lands they had ceded to the U.S. during the 1800s. Thanks to the
work of Trygg and others, the federal government did provide more
compensation to the Indians for their lands.
Tribal members, employees urged to
oppose gambling expansion
Officials of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) are urging
tribal members, employees and others who benefit from tribal gaming to
speak out against expansion proposals currently under consideration at the
Minnesota Legislature.
MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy said that tribal leaders in the association have directed him
to meet with casino employees around the state to brief them on the expansion threat. McCarthy met
with Fortune Bay employees and introduced them to the new MIGA website,
www.mnindiangamingassoc.com. The site includes a Legislative Action Center that allows visitors to
send messages opposing expansion to the Governor, legislators and local media.
Tribal leaders believe rural casinos would be hit hardest by state-sponsored competition in the form
of racinos or slots in neighborhood restaurants and bars.
In a recent Star-Tribune commentary, Mille Lacs Chief Executive Marge Anderson estimated that a
racino at Running Aces Harness Track in Anoka County could take as much as 40 percent of her
tribe’s casino business away. Mille Lacs and other rural casinos also would be hurt badly by
competition from bars and restaurants or regional racinos.
(cont. on page 16)
(Election cont. from page 1)
One of the finalists, Donald, is the retired Education Director. The other, Dunkley, is a political
newcomer. She works as a Community Health Representative and runs a family food business.
Indeed, this Primary is different in several ways, including the wide range of candidates – both in age
and background. With so much at play, the June 8 General Election could see a higher voter turnout.
Political history makes it clear: In a close contest, every vote counts.
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Absentee ballot requests
forms now available on-line
In an effort to make voting easier for all Band
members, absentee ballot request forms are
now available at www.boisforte.com.
Any voter who does not want to vote in person
on June 8, should print out an Absentee Ballot
Request form, fill it out and then submit it through the mail or in person - to the Bois
Forte General Election Board. The Board will
use Certified Mail to send you a ballot the
same day they receive your request.
Election Judge Jeremy Hoagland reminds all
voters to request their ballots as early as
possible, “Please take into consideration the
amount of time required by the Post Office to
deliver your request to us, for you to receive a
ballot back from us and then for you to fill it
out, notarize and return it. All these steps need
to occur before the June 8 General Election.”
Voters can submit their request in person
between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Nett
Lake Community Center, 5322 Saint Mary Drive
Nett Lake, MN 55772. Absentee Ballot requests
can also be mailed to:
Bois Forte General Election Board, P.O. Box 23
Nett Lake, MN 55772
B O I S
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Nett Lake
Benner thanks
supporters
Nett Lake housing project receives
legislative support
Thank You to all that supported me in the
Primary Election. We were 5 votes away from
getting the job done! More support and
momentum has been pledged after the good
showing in the Primary. The People of Bois
Forte want change - and I am proud to be that
voice for the people. Please stay away from
negative talk or campaigning. Focus on the
positives - of a fair government, an open
government, Referendums (Peoples Vote) on
Major Issues, and getting the people back in our
Government. “The People of Bois Forte are the
True Bosses”…if things haven’t changed to your
satisfaction in 12 or so years they won’t nowunless you vote for that change. June 8th Vote
for Change. Vote for Benner.
On March 29, the Minnesota Legislature passed
a Bois Forte initiative for $250,000 for housing
in Nett Lake. The legislative appropriation,
along with a $1.4 million grant from the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency that was
awarded in January, will be used to build six
new two-unit duplexes on Pineview Road in
Nett Lake.
Brandon Benner
The duplex project will go out to bid, but the
type of structure will be similar to the Dynamic
Homes that have already been ordered for the
Cedar Grove project in Vermilion.
The photo above, courtesy of Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes, illustrates the type of two-unit
duplex that will be constructed in Nett Lake this year.
Message from Dave Morrison, Sr.
Message from
Ray Villebrun
Mii gwech for voting in the March Primary.
Regardless of who you supported, taking time to
vote is important.
I appreciate the opportunity to run in the June 8
General Election for District I Representative.
Mii gwech to those who voted for me and to my
family and friends for your help on the
campaign. No matter who you supported in the
Primary, I ask for your vote in June. If you have
questions, please contact me at (218) 757-0083.
Ray Villebrun, Sr.
Boozhoo Band members:
Mii gwech for your support in the March 30
Primary Election. I promise to work even harder
in the next few months to earn your vote in the
June 8 General Election.
I’d also like to publicly acknowledge the
candidates who are not going forward to the
General Election. Marty Connor, Robbie
Goggleye, Geraldine Hanks, and Pam Hughes
deserve our thanks for running good campaigns.
Running for office requires candidates to give of
their own time, energy and money. It also takes a
bit of a thick skin to listen to the criticism that
you receive. But we wouldn’t be able to have a
Tribal Government if Band members weren’t
willing to make the sacrifices required in a
campaign, ask for your vote and then be willing
to serve as an elected leader.
So regardless of who you voted for, lets all say
mii gwech to the candidates who ran in the
Primary. And now as we move to the General
Election, I ask for you vote as Secretary/
Treasurer.
My campaign will be run positively. I promise to
focus on what I have helped accomplish in the
past four years and priorities for the next four. I
ask you to look at what we have achieved and
honor me with your vote on June 8.
Mii gwech,
Dave Morrison, Sr.
On Sunday, March 28, the Bois Forte’s Forestry and Fire Departments worked together with Fond
du Lac and Leech Lake’s Forestry crews and manpower from the BIA to conduct a Hazard Fuel
Reduction Burn in the Nett Lake Village. Taking advantage of an early start before the fire season
was underway, the crew burned off dried grasses, brush and small trees that have accumulated and
would provide “flash fuels” that could feed a catastrophic fire.
The Hazard Fuel Reduction Burn is a good practice every year in order to protect life and
property. This year, with the quick snow melt and lack of moisture in March and April, it was
more important than usual.
Northern Minnesota continues to be experiencing an extremely dry spring with active fire
conditions. It has been a very busy fire season for the crews so far. Your continued cooperation in
paying attention to fire conditions and observing the burning permit process are essential. Chee
mii gwech for your cooperation and to the Forestry and Fire crews for helping to keep us safe.
B O I S
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Iskigamizigan - Sugar Bush!
April may be iskigamizige-giizis, “maple sugar moon”, but this year’s
early spring weather started the sap flowing in March, onaabani-giizis,
“hard crust on the snow moon.” That meant Gene Goodsky’s annual
Sugar Bush Camp was moved up to March 30.
This year over 100 fifth and sixth graders from Nett Lake, Orr and
Cook came together for the Sugar Bush camp. The large group
required several volunteers and Gene recruited several family
members to help. In fact there were four generations of Goodskys
present; Gene, his daughter Lela Correa, her son Craig Goodsky
and Craig’s nine month old son Memphis Goodsky.
The camp is always a sweet event for the kids and this year the event was
even better. Elder Myra Thompson instructed the kids in Native crafts. The
Forestry staff helped with some hands-on demonstrations of wild land fire
prevention techniques by engaging the kids in digging a fire line.
Chee mii gwech to the Goodskys, Myra Thompson, Fire Aid Ron Day,
Forestry Technician Ron Laroque, and Allotment Forester Chris Cox.
Each Maple Tree in the Sugar Bush…
• 1 Maple = 12-16 gallons of sap
• 12-16 gallons of sap = 2 quarts of syrup
• 1/4 cord of hardwood (for your bush fire) is sufficient
energy to produce 4 gallons syrup
The kids weren’t the only ones boiling sap, veteran Sugar Busher
Vern Connor had 60 trees tapped in the maple tree stand by the
Baptist Church. Vern, who has been sugar bushing since he was a
young boy said, “I really like being outdoors by the fire this time
of year. My family has done this for as long as I can remember.
The warm days and cool nights made it a good year.”
The lower-right picture was taken when Vern was boiling his
60th gallon of sap. Pastor Kevin Lasley helps Vern
boil the sap down and the
Do you know
members of the
your tree sa
p?
Church enjoyed fresh
maple syrup at their
sugar, syrup
, candy
ininaatig wii
pancake breakfast on
shkobaaboo
– sugar map
zhiishiigimiiw
le
Easter
morning.
sa
p
anzh waboo
– red maple
adjagobimak
sap
waboo – bo
wiigwaas mit
x
e
ld
e
r
sa
p
ig waboo – p
aper (white)
wiinizik waa
b
ir
ch sap
boo – yellow
b
ir
c
h
wadoop mit
sap
ig waboo – a
lder sap
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B O I S
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Vermilion
Candidate Statements
Boozhoo District II Band Members,
I am thankful that you honored me with your
votes in the Primary, and I hope to earn your
support in the General Election on June 8.
I offer you my understanding of youth, my
respect for elders, and my experience as a
modern, working woman living a sober and
traditional native life with my family.
Our community has asked for new ideas and
native ideals. Community members and elders
asked me to run for District II Representative.
I agree with many of you that we can build a
stronger, more vibrant Lake Vermilion Community. Now I ask for your vote so we can make positive changes that will honor our elders, train our
youth and empower all of us to build a better life.
Chee-Mii gwech,
Kelly (Lumbar) Dunkley
Kellydunkley@ymail.com
218-410-0736
Mii gwech to my family, friends and Band
members for you support in my first campaign for
the Tribal Council. It was a real learning experience. I wish all the candidates good luck in the
General and encourage you to run a clean and
honest campaign.
Mii gwech to my family and the community for
your support in the Primary.
Vermilion
Community Severe
Weather Plan
Geraldine Hanks
I was very pleased to see the substantial turn out
for the primary election of March 30. It indicates
the serious attitude Bois Forte people have in the
democratic process. Thanks to everyone that
voted and encouraged others to vote.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank all
candidates that participated in the election. They
are all good people and have a genuine concern
for the betterment of our way of life. It’s
unfortunate that only two for each office will
move on to the general election on June 8 and
only one will finally succeed in each position.
I know each of the candidates personally and
anyone of them would represent Bois Forte at a
high level of service.
Personally, I felt honored to receive the high vote
number for District II (Vermilion). I will continue to work hard to convince voters that I will
steer our government toward openness, accountability and honesty. The people’s needs, concerns, and issues will be expressed through “the
voice for the people”. The Bois Forte people will
be assured involvement in major government
decisions.
Your vote is your voice. I encourage everyone to
vote. Your vote makes a difference!
Thanks, once again for taking part in the most
important exercise of your democratic right,
getting out to vote.
Pam Hughes
Mii gwetch!
Ray Toutloff
Spring showers bring summer flowers, but we
can also get more serious surprises from the
summer skies. Fortune Bay Risk Manager Bryan
Weinzierl, shares some important information for
Vermilion residents to keep in mind about severe
summer weather.
Severe weather can happen at any time of the day
or night. However, statistics show afternoon and
evening to have the highest severe weather
activity. Severe weather can strike with little or
no warning. It can include tornadoes, high winds,
rain, and hail, lightening and flooding.
Severe weather WATCH
A severe weather watch will be initiated by the
national Weathers Service and indicates that
conditions are favorable for the formation of bad
weather. This is an information warning only. No
sirens will sound but you are encouraged to
closely monitor the conditions via your
television, the internet or radio.
Severe weather WARNING
A severe weather warning, also initiated by the
National Weather Service, indicates that severe
weather is imminent. This can include high
damaging winds, hail, rain, flooding, tornado
touchdowns and dangerous lighting.
Fortune Bay will active their community siren
located near the water tower. If you hear the
siren, residents are urged to take cover in the
interior of a sturdy structure, away from windows
or glass. Move to a basement if you can.
Housing Update
Bois Forte Construction Manager Dave Anderson, Tim Olson of Dynamic Homes,
Housing Commissioner Carol Burr and Community Development and Planning
Director Andy Datko (pictured right) met last month to finalize the order of modular
duplexes that will be part of the new Cedar Grove housing erected in Vermilion this
summer. The duplexes will be ready for occupancy in November.
Don’t wait to apply for housing
Band members interested in applying for the new housing opportunities in Nett
Lake or Vermilion need to get on the housing waiting list as soon as possible.
Contact the Housing staff and request an application by calling 218-757-3253 or
888-833-7337. You can also email Patsy Adams at padams@boisforte-nsn.gov or
Troy King at tking@boisforte-nsn.gov.
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IF I DON’T SAY IT,
WHO’S GOING TO SAY IT FOR ME?
Remaining silent will not allow our voice to be heard in
the 2010 Census. The 2010 Census helps determine resources
such as schools, housing, roads, and hospitals.
WE MOVE FORWARD WHEN WE PARTICIPATE | 2010CENSUS.GOV
PAID FOR BY U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
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B O I S
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Urban Office
Band financials the focus at
Mpls. Community meeting
The 1854 Treaty Authority staff will
be at the Urban Office to issue
Tribal IDs:
May 12 - 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
June 9 - 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Bring a photo ID such as driver’s license or passport. A certified
birth certificate will work in place of a photo ID.
Sharon Day (standing) begins explaining the ground rules for the
Candidate Forum she helped organize at the Urban Office on Mar. 23.
All ten candidates attended and answered questions that were
submitted in writing by Band members who came to the Forum.
For help, please call the
Bois Forte Victims
Services:
!" #
"# $
866-362-2982
%
B O I S
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&
'( "
) "
On April 14, Bois Forte Band members from the Twin Cities area
gathered at the Band’s Urban Office in Minneapolis to meet with the
Reservation Tribal Council, Commissioners, and an independent auditor.
The main topics of discussion were an examination of the Band’s
financials, an explanation of the system of checks and balances that
protects Bois Forte’s assets for Band members and community
development projects.
The event was one in
a series of community meetings begun
in 2006 as part of the
RTC’s commitment
to increase communication with Band
members. Quarterly
meetings have been
held in areas where
large numbers of
Band members live,
including Vermilion,
Nett Lake, MinneChief Financial Officer Kim Greiner reviews
apolis, Duluth,
financial safety procedures.
International Falls
and Bemidji. The meetings were interrupted last summer by the Tribal
building fire as staff devoted extra time and energy to organizing
temporary offices and moving forward with construction of a new
facility, but the meeting schedule for 2010 is back on track. Locations are
being secured for upcoming meetings planned for Duluth in July,
International Falls in
October and Bemidji
in January, 2011.
The April 14 meeting
included all five of
the RTC members,
Band Commissioners, staff from
Fortune Bay Resort
Casino, and Urban
Office Coordinator
Jacque Wilson. In
addition, Band
members heard from
Lyle Lumbar and Dist. I Rep. Cathy Chavers visit at
Keith Stonebrenner,
the Community meeting.
an auditor with
McGladrey & Pullen, a leading independent national audit and
accounting firm. McGladrey & Pullen performs independent audits for
35 Indian Tribes’ casinos across the country including Fortune Bay.
Stonebrenner noted that his firm is also auditing The Wilderness, WELY,
the Nett Lake Store, the Y-Store, the Y-Lube Center and Powerain.
*
(cont. on page 9)
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Urban Office
opportunities and
monthly meetings
Jacque Wilson is often surprised at the good
opportunities for Tribal members that pop up at
the last minute. Often these items come up not
only with short notice, but with short deadlines
to respond as well. Employment openings,
holiday food baskets and awards dinners are just
a few of the opportunities that Jacque would like
to pass on to Band members living in the metro
area.
If you would like to be on a list of people
contacted when a short notice opportunity comes
up, contact Jacque and provide your phone
number and/or email address.
Jacque would also like to hear from Band members by the end of May on their preference for
the day of week for monthly meetings. During
the first year the Urban Office was open, monthly meetings were held on Wednesdays. However
that is also the day the RTC meets, making it
difficult for the RTC to travel to Minneapolis in
time to attend the Urban meetings.
To make it easier for an RTC member to attend,
the Urban Office is changing their meeting night
to either Tuesday or Thursday. Please contact
Jacque and let her know your preference. Jacque
can be reached at 612-871-6618;
urbanoffice@boisforte-nsn.gov or on FaceBook.
Indigenous Women’s Life Net Program
(IWLN) is a domestic violence program
and sexual assault women’s healing
program serving the seven county
metro area.
Minneapolis American Indian Center
Indigenous Women’s Life Net Program
1530 E. Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
www.maicnet.org
612-879-1782 Tara, Case Manager
612-879-1783 Sharon, Coordinator
612-879-1784 Nancy, Director
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(Community meeting cont. from page 8)
Stonebrenner made clear that the goal of an
independent auditor is to protect the assets of the
stakeholders. In the case of Bois Forte’s
businesses, the stakeholders are the Band
members. He presented a PowerPoint
presentation about the Fortune Bay audit which
illustrated that Fortune Bay is in compliance with
its loan covenants and debt.
Stonebrenner explained that a lot of Tribal
casinos across the country are now having
difficulty paying back their debt, “It is quite an
achievement that Fortune Bay is not facing that
situation. Fortune Bay has minimal debt in
comparison to the assets that support the debt.
Fortune Bay is paying a low interest rate on their
debt and it is well in balance with the assets.
Many Tribes would be envious of both your low
debt and great facility.”
He went on to describe that Fortune Bay is
making annual distributions to pay for Tribal
programs for Band members and the process for
Tribal Government finances would be explained
in a presentation made later in the evening by
Chief Financial Officer Kim Greiner.
Stonebrenner was particularly pleased with a
letter that Fortune Bay recently received from the
National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC),
the federal regulatory agency that oversees Indian
gaming.
He joked that auditors sometimes refer to letters
from NIGC as “nasty grams” because of the bad
news or criticism they contain. However, he
thought the NIGC letter to Fortune Bay should
be framed and displayed with pride.
NIGC Field Investigator Benjamin Buck visited
Fortune Bay on March 24 to review employee
background checks, operations procedures and
service standards. In a letter to Tribal Chair
Kevin Leecy, Buck called his visit very
successful, writing that the facility “was fully
prepared for my visit” due to “diligent
preparation” and praising Fortune Bay team
members’ “vast knowledge of their positions and
duties that greatly simplified this review
process.” Stonebrenner said the letter affirms
what a solid job Fortune Bay is doing to keep its
finances and internal compliance house in order.
Also during the community meeting, RTC
members announced they are seriously
considering hiring another staff person to assist
at the Minneapolis Urban Office. The Council is
also planning to open a second urban office in
Duluth by the end of 2012. In response to a Band
member request, the RTC said they will work to
make sure that at least one Council member
attends each monthly metro meeting at the
Minneapolis Urban Office.
Grab a seat at the table!
The Urban Office hosts a language table
every Monday evening.
Potluck dinner at 5:00 p.m. with
breakout sessions follow.
B O I S
F O RT E
N E W S
Elders
A Soldier on Leave
By Dr. Linda Grover
of life.
We watched the children at
our house while the sergeant’s
wife, our daughter, drove to
the airport to meet her
husband’s plane.
They miss him; we all do. We are just one of
many families who have someone serving our
country.
“What are they doing right
now?”
the first-grader asked
Dr. Linda Grover
every seven minutes or so.
The third-grader thought her dad would be
surprised to see all the snow. Yes, my husband
answered; remember how the day he left for
Afghanistan was sunny and warm.
The sixth-grader was the first to spot the van. He
let his little sisters run outside to the driveway
(the first-grader without her shoes) ahead of him.
Once inside the back door, the sergeant looked
around (while his wife held his arm). “It seems
so strange to be in a house,” he commented. We
asked if we could take them out to eat, and where
they’d like to go. The sergeant chose the Ground
Round, where he savored his burger and fries,
and every word of conversation.
“Just think, when your dad comes back it will be
warm summer weather,” I said yesterday to the
little girls. “Won’t he be surprised to see that the
snow is all gone?” Their faces perked up, as they
always do when someone mentions their dad,
during what must seem an unimaginably long
time. Just as we did while our daughter went to
the airport to pick him up for his leave, we
segment time, mark it by event and season.
We wait. The dog waits, too. He has no idea
how long it’s going to be but knows that his job
is to take good care of the sergeant’s family and
keep them company.
Happy May
Birthdays, Elders!
Gary Adams
5-16
Joyce Kay Davis
5-13
Cecelia Gonier
5-2
Joanne Hanks,
Leech Lake
5-19
Frances Isham
5-26
Alma Lumbar
5-21
Clara McGleno
5-21
Raymond Toutloff
5-27
When I was a child, two weeks was the length of
Christmas vacation. It was one-sixth of summer
vacation. Two weeks was a very long time,
indeed.
I am sure that to my grandchildren, the two-week
leave that came just over halfway through their
dad’s lengthy deployment seemed on that first
day quite a lengthy stretch. I hope that it
seemed as long to them as Christmas vacation
did to me when I was their age.
Here is some of what filled our soldier’s twoweek leave: Visiting relatives. Taking care of the
dog (who thinks the sergeant is his dad).
Remembering how to drive over ice and snow.
Driving the kids to school and picking them up.
A steak dinner date with his wife. Catching up
on sleep. Catching up on chores around the
house. Checking out the van to make sure
everything was in good shape for the last, and
shorter, half of his deployment. Enjoying every
single minute, even, as he said, listening to his
kids argue.
At the end of the two weeks our daughter drove
him by herself to the airport. She and the kids,
and the dog, too, were very quiet for the next
week as they got back into their pre-leave routine
B O I S
F O RTE
NEWS
Elders Mary Belle Isham, J. Kay Davis, Gloria Drift, Bernard and Lorraine O’Leary,
Marcy Drift, Janet Thompson, Myra Thompson, Raymon Geshick, Jenny
Woodenfrog, Irene Boney, Eileen Barney and Holly Smith of Red Lake along with
Heritage Center staff Bev Miller and Bill Latady traveled to Voyageurs National Park
on April 21 to help identify historic artifacts and photographs that will be returned
to Bois Forte under the National American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
This is the sixth annual trip the Elders have made to Voyageurs where they are
working with National Park staff Mary Graves.
M AY
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Veterans
Veterans’ names sought for new Warrior Memorial
For the past few years, Bois Forte Veterans, in particular the members of
the Honor Guard, have been meeting with Tribal Council members to come
up with a Warrior Memorial that would honor all Veterans who have served
in the Armed Forces. All of the pieces are quickly falling into place and
they now need to make sure they have the names of all Bois Forte Band
members who served.
The names of all Band member Veterans will be inscribed on the Memorial.
Please review the list below to make sure you, or a loved one who has
served, is listed. If you know of a name missing from the list, contact
Honor Guard Commander and Veterans Service Officer Ernie Steel at
218-757-0111 or ernest.steel@state.mn.us.
Bois Forte Veterans
Adams, Gordon Jr.
Adams, Pete Jr.
Adams, Ron
Adams, William
Anderson, John Jr.
Anderson, John Sr.
Barto, Ernest Sr.
Benner, Frank Sr.
Boness, Bennie
Boness, Calvin
Boness, Harry Sr.
Boness, Justin
Boness, Roy
Boness, Walton
Boney, Arnold
Boney, James Sr.
Boney, Peter Jr.
Boney, Peter Sr.
Boshey, Elmer
Boshey, Ernest Jr.
Boshey, Ernest Sr.
Boshey, Eugene Sr.
Boshey, George
Boshey, Milton
Boshey, Ray
Boshey, Richard
Brown, Chandler
Burnip, Nicole
Chicag, Gerald Jr.
Chicag, Gerald Sr.
Chicag, Rachelle
Chosa, Donald Sr.
Chosa, Donald Jr.
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Air Force
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Air Force
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Marine Corps.
Chosa, Eugene
Chosa, Peter
Chosa, Raymond
Chosa, Vincent Jr.
Chosa, Vincent Sr.
Chosa, Ward
Columbus, Duane
Columbus, Joe
Connor, Alden
Connor, David
Connor, Francis
Connor, James
Connor, Jonathan
Connor, Kay
Connor, Kenneth
Connor, Lafayette
Connnor, Larry
Connor, Lawrence Sr.
Connor, Loren
Connor, Paul
Connor, Peggy
Correa, Fred
Curry, Leo
Day, Earl Francis
Day, Stanley
Day, William Jr.
Deegan, James
Donald, Gary W.
Donald, Pete
Drift, Darwin
Drift, Ernest Sr.
Drift, Louis
Drift, Peter Sr.
Drift, Raymond Sr.
Drift, Raymond Jr.
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Air Force
US Navy
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Army
Drouillard, Raymond
Dupree, Frank
Early, Raymond
Emery, Earl
Emery, Leslie
Emery, William
Fairbanks, Nicole
Fisher, Michelle
Fisher, Philamaine
Geshick, Albert
Geshick, Amos
Geshick, Donald
Geshick, Lawerance
Geshick, Ronald
Geshick, Wilbur
Goggleye, Charles
Goggleye, Harold Jr.
Goggleye, Harold Sr.
Goggleye, Jess Jr.
Goggleye, Joseph
Goggleye, Raymond
Goggleye, William Sr.
Gonier, Charles Sr.
Gonier, Donald
Gonier, Elmer
Gonier, Joseph D.
Gonier, Joseph
Memorial facts
• The Memorial will include four large stones
representing the branches of the military.
• The location for the Memorial has been
determined; facing Spirit Island in Nett Lake,
next to the new Community and Government
Services Center (CGSC).
• Veterans’ names will be carved in the stone
representing the branch in which they served.
• The proposed design includes an eagle staff
positioned at the head of the Memorial. Native
colors will be incorporated into the design.
M AY
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US Army
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Navy
US Air Force
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
• Flags will represent the U.S., Bois Forte, MIAs,
each branch of the military.
• Benches will be available for guests to rest.
• Additional planning meetings are being held to
Goodsky, Alfred
Goodsky, Archie
Goodsky, Curtis
Goodsky, Dianna
Goodsky, Eugene
Goodsky, Harold Jr.
Goodsky, Harold Sr.
Goodsky, Henry Jr.
Hackey, Donald
Hackey, George
Hackey, Jack
Hackey, Jerry Jr.
Halverson, Eric
Halverson, Jesse
Hanks, Gene
Hardwig, Lance E.
Hawk, Raymond
Helgerson, Denise
Herhusky, Jack
Hill, Ernestine
Holms, Axel Jr.
Holms, Axel Sr.
Isham, Bruce
Isham, Curtis
Isham, Ed Sr.
Isham, Fred Sr.
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Navy
US Navy
US Navy
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Air Force
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Navy
US Army
(cont. on page 13)
discuss the final design. Veterans are invited to
attend the meetings or contact Ernie Steel or
Dave Morrison, Sr. with you ideas for the design.
• Funding for the Memorial will come out of the
$12.8 million construction budget for the
Community and Government Services Center.
These funds come from a combination of three
sources: a $7.5 million low interest loan from the
Shakopee Mdwankaton Sioux (SMSC); a $1.6
million grant from SMSC; and $3.7 million in
New Market Tax Credit benefits.
B O I S
F O RT E
N E W S
Youth/Culture
Eagles soar in tourney play
Congratulations to the Nett Lake Eagles boys basketball team and coaches
Brandon Benner and Robbie Goggleye on a great season. The Eagles
finished the regular season as the new team to beat in the Northeastern
Conference (NEC). On February 20, the number three seeded Eagles
played in the NEC Tournament in Babbitt where they advanced to the
Championship game only to lose by three to Mountain Iron Buhl.
Congratulations to Tower Junior Sandy Hartland on
her induction into the National Honor Society.
Spring Harvest Opportunities
Greens and Flowers
On February 27, the Eagles were invited to the Ely Hoop Club Tournament where they won the Championship, defeating the hometown Ely
Timberwolves by 27.
In early March, the Eagles played in the Prestigious State Pacesetter
Playoffs for Region Seven. Sixteen teams from eight regions competed in
the playoffs. The Mighty Eagles once again advance all the way to the
Championship Game only to lose by seven to Hermantown, a triple A
class team with 54 sixth graders on their roster!
On March 13, the Eagles joined 15 other teams competing in the Hibbing
Tournament. They drew an early match up against Hermantown. Those in
the know, called this game the “true championship battle of the
tournament.” The Eagles played a great game but in the end came up
short by five points, and went on to finish the tournament with three wins
and one loss.
All of the hard work for the Eagles has paid off – in four tournaments they
have made the championship game three times and even when losing the
first round in another tourney, they went on to post a three and one record.
Great work guys!
Congratulations to Phil Brodeen,
sophomore at the University of Minnesota
School of Law on his election to the
National Native American Law Students
Association Executive Board. Phil will serve
as the American Bar Association liason.
B O I S
F O RTE
NEWS
raw, sautéed, steamed, boiled, deep
fried, soup
waagaagan – ferns (young shoots)
nessibag annibiishan – clover leaves
-waabigoniin annibiishan – cowslips
leaves
doodooshaaboojiibik annibiishan –
dandelion leaves
bagwaji zhigaagawinzhiig annibiishan
– wild leek leaves
-shaaboosigan annibiishan – milkweed
leaves
*watercress leaves
*pigweed leaves
*aster leaves
Roots
roasted, sautéed, steamed, boiled
wabiziipin ojiibikan – arrowhead roots
oga’da mun ojiibikan – yellow
waterlily roots
bagwaji zhigaagawinshiig – wild leeks
bagwaji zhigaagananzhiig – wild
onions
apakweshkway ojiibikan – cattail roots
annakanashk
ojiibikoon –
bulrush roots
annakanashk
ojiibikoon – rush
roots
doodooshaa
boojiibikan
ojiibikan –
dandelion roots
namepin ojiibikan
– wild ginger roots
Insect
Repellents
Giizhik
aniibiishan –
white cedar
leaves
mskwaabiimizh
waaboo – red
willow sap
Decorations
*trailing arbutus flowers
oziisigobimizh waabigwaniin – pussy
willow flowers
Tea
ode’imin aniibiishan – strawberry
leaves
apakwanagemag aniibiishan – red pine
leaves (new growth)
wiinissiibag aniibiishan – wintergreen
leaves
mashkigobag aniibiishan – swamp tea
leaves
kaakaagiwanzh aniibiishan – hemlock
leaves
zhingob aniibiishan – balsam fir leaves
giizhik aniibiishan – white cedar leaves
mishkomin mitigosan – raspberry
stems
Miscellaneous
Wiigwaas – paper (white) birch bark
lodges, baskets, containers, canoes,
caskets, scoops, cradle boards,
ornaments, firestarter
M AY
2 0 1 0
Culture
Bois Forte artists featured in study on Native American art
A fascinating new study highlights the cultural
and economic contributions of Minnesota’s
Ojibwe artists, including five talented Bois Forte
Band members: Carl Gawboy, Joe Geshick,
Linda LeGarde Grove, Keith Secola and Robert
Swanson.
The study, called Native Artists: Livelihoods,
Resources, Space, Gifts, was conducted by the
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Through
in-depth interviews, it probes how Native artists’
vision, training, location, and access to space and
resources affects their ability to make a living.
“Native artists find it difficult to make a living
from their artwork,” sums up Ann Markusen,
Humphrey Institute professor and co-author of
the report.
Indeed, the study finds that Ojibwe artists are
more likely to be self-employed than artists in
general. Some are successful entrepreneurs,
while many travel to sell work at Indian markets
(Bois Forte Veterans cont. from page 11)
Isham, Fred Jr.
Isham, Ira W.
Isham, Ira
Isham, Lee
Isham, Roberta
Isham, Felix
Isham, Wayne
Isham, William M.
Iversen, Alicia
Johnson, Nels
Johnson, William
Jordan, Fred
Jordan, Gene
King, Corey
King, Dale R.
King, Daniel
King, Donald Jr.
King, Donald Sr.
King, Kenneth
King, LaVerne
King, Duane M.
King, Melvin
King, Nathaniel
King, Roger
King, Ron
King, Troy
King, Walter Sr.
King, Walter Jr.
King, Warren
King, William
Kletschka, Ricardo
Kletschka, Roger
Kornezos, Micheal
Landgren, Ernest
Landgren, Greg Allen
LaPrairie, William Jr.
M AY
2 0 1 0
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Air Force
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Marine Corps.
and Powwows. Overwhelmingly, the artists
interviewed would like to concentrate more on
their art and make more income from it. Most of
the state’s Ojibwe artists pursue their artwork as
a second job, the study finds.
The Bois Forte Band members involved spoke
eloquently about the meaning of their art and the
background that led up to it. For instance, Sharon
Day recalled how her dad collected and used
salvaged materials from the dump to build her
younger sisters a playhouse with a screened-in
front porch. “Watching him create from found
objects,” the report said, “freed her to experiment
too.”
Band member Keith Secola shared his passion
for music. “People should dance to your music!”
he is quoted stating. “It’s like conducting a
modern ritual, getting people to dance,
participate. Dance is spontaneity. It allows us to
communicate with the past and the future.”
Larson, Darrell L.
Larson, James R.
LaRoque, Burdell
LaRoque, William
Leecy, Fredrick
Leecy, Kevin
Leecy, Merle
Leecy, Micheal
Lien, Garrett
Lien, Kenneth
Lien, Theodore
Light, William
Lightfeather, Elroy
Littlewolf, Donovan
Lumbar, Francis
Lumbar, Lyle Jr.
Lumbar, Lyle Sr.
Lumbar, Milton
Lumbar, Richard
Lumbar, Russel
Lumbar, Stanley
Mason, Anthony
McDougall, Allan
McNey, Shirley
Mertens, Jennie
Mihelich, George Jr.
Mihelich, George Sr.
Mihelich, Jack
Mihelich, John
Mihelich, Micheal
Mihelich, Steve
Miller, Leslie
Morrison, Daniel Jr.
Morrison, Floyd
Morrison, Joseph
Nevitt, Walter
O’Connell, Doris
O'Leary, Dave
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Air Force
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Army
US Air Force
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Army
US Army
O'Leary, Leonard
O'leary, Thomas
Pete, Alec
Pete, Howard Jr.
Pete, James
Pete, Jerry
Pete, Peter Jr.
Porter, Barry
Porter, Edwin B.
Porter, Jennie
Porter, Jimmy
Porter, Keith
Rabbit, Harvey
Rabbit, Daniel
Rainbird, Jimmy
Rich, Albert
Rich, Marvin
Robertson, Brett
Roy, Bennie
Roy, Francis
Roy, Robert
Sam, Eugene
Sam, Ike
Sam, James
Sam, Patrick
Sheehy, Gerald Franklin
Sheehy, Thomas
Shock, Clyde
Shuster, Bruce
Smith, Donald
Steel, Ernest Sr.
Strong, Albert
Strong, Dawn
Strong, Denise
Strong, Herbert Sr.
Strong, John
Strong, Kenneth
Strong, Kevin
Recommendations
Here’s an excerpt of the study’s recommendation:
A key insight from our research is that Nativeonly or Native-focused programs, convenings,
mentorships, curricula, and venues are often a
crucial stage for an Ojibwe artist’s development
of skills, networks, and determination to pursue
artwork as a livelihood. We encourage artists,
tribes, and gatekeeping institutions to nurture
such “gateway” innovations. To ensure that artists
move through these experiences and into
mainstream venues and opportunities,
resource and space providers and managers
should cultivate greater appreciation for the
unique and varied facets of Native economic and
cultural life.
Read more at www.hhh.umn.edu/projects/prie.
US Navy
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Navy
US Air Force
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Army
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Navy
Strong, Louis
Strong, Norman
Strong, Rodney
Strong, Wilbert
Strong, Wilbur
Tennent, William
Tibbetts, Nathaniel
Tibbetts, Nathaniel
Tibbetts, Wiley B.
Tibbetts, William B.
Tibbetts, William Jr.
Toivonen, George
Toivonen, Jim
Toutloff, Frank
Villebrun, David
Villebrun, Elmer
Villebrun, Frank
Villebrun, Micheal
Villebrun, Milo Sr.
Villebrun, Milo Jr.
Wakemup, Daniel
Wakemup, Ralph
Wein, Douglas
Wein, Gordon
Wein, William
Whiteman, Eugene
Whiteman, Janella
Whiteman, Jarrod
Whiteman, Jerome
Whiteman, John K.
Whiteman, John
Whiteman, Regina
Whitman, Roger Jr.
Whiteman, Ronald
Whiteman, William
Wilkie, Richard
Woodenfrog, John
Zapata, Adrienne
B O I S
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Air Force
US Army
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Air Force
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Army
US Air Force
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Navy
US Army
US Marine Corps.
US Marine Corps.
US Army
US Navy
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
US Navy
US Navy
US Air Force
US Navy
US Navy
US Army
US Army
US Navy
F O RT E
N E W S
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Fisher returns home, coordinates energy assistance program
Missy Fisher brings varied work and life
experience to her new position with Bois Forte’s
DNR. Last October she became the Energy
Assistance Program Coordinator and the
Registrar of license plates, a position that in
many ways brought her full circle, tapping
into her love of Bois Forte and her love of
northern Minnesota.
kids back here so they could know their family. I
wanted them to learn about their heritage.”
She was attracted to the DNR position for a
number of reasons. “More than anything,” she
said, “it was being able to help people in my
community.”
Eileen Barney trained-in Missy, who
embraced the learning curve. “It was a sinkor-swim situation [at first], which I really like
because I’m not going to sink.”
Missy grew up on the Nett Lake Reservation,
the daughter of Ann Whitecrow and Ron
Fisher. She graduated from Orr High School
and the continued her education at Rainy
River Community College and Mesabi
Community College. She also worked at
Fortune Bay, fulfilling a night shift as a cage
cashier.
In 1995 Missy made a big move, relocating to
Fairbanks, Alaska. Her mother was living
there, and Missy welcomed a new experience.
“There were such diverse people, and
everyone was so nice,” she said. “And I liked
the environment.”
She made new friends and began to raise a
family. She even served in the Alaska Air
National Guard for five years.
Fourteen years passed quickly and happily, but
Missy began to yearn for home. “I began to feel
lonesome,” she said. “And I wanted to bring my
one in Orr – and many relatives.
Her regular duties included processing
applications for energy assistance, dealing
with furnace issues and renewing tabs. “I’ve
learned something new every day, and I like a
good challenge,” she said.
She’s setting goals for herself and the DNR at
large. “There’s a definite need to education
people as to how the program works,” she
Missy greets Band members at the DNR booths during the
said. To do that, Missy is hoping to have a
January State of the Band.
community-wide forum. In it, she would
address misconceptions about who qualifies
So last April she uprooted her family – Kayla,
for energy assistance, explain the proper
17; Cameron, 14; and Korynn, 10 – and returned application processes and hit on important
to Nett Lake.
aspects of the weatherization program.
It’s been a big adjustment, she admitted, and it
took some time to re-orient here. But now she’s
settled in Orr and very glad to be back. She’s
enjoying being closer to family, including her
mom, who returned in 2008, three brothers –
These challenges have come with equal rewards
– professional and personally. Missy said it feels
good to be home. “I’m a lot happier at this stage
of my life.”
Health Commissioner Jeneal Goggleye and District I Representative
Cathy Chavers traveled to Minneapolis in March to meet with Indian
Health Services Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux. Jeneal and Cathy
wanted to meet in person with President Obama’s new IHS Director
to present Bois Forte’s health priorities and make recommendations
on how to improve Tribal consultation. Their discussion included the
need for better contract health services funding, retaining
healthcare providers and contract support costs.
B O I S
F O RTE
NEWS
M AY
2 0 1 0
Age to age intergenerational program
awarded $10,000 grant
Bois Forte’s ‘Anishanaabayoong: Past, Present,
Future’ program has received $10,000 through
the Northland Foundation’s AGE to age: bringing
generations together initiative to help fund
activities over the next 12 months. It is the first
year of a three-year commitment from the
Northland Foundation and its funding partners to
support the intergenerational projects coordinated
by Jeanine Whiteman at Bois Forte and at nine
other AGE to age community sites.
“AGE to age brings different groups together at
times when we wouldn't usually go out and enjoy
each others company,” said Elder Geraldine
Hanks of Vermilion.
Last year, Band members worked with the
Northland Foundation staff to form a leadership
team of youth and older adults, craft a
community vision, create an action plan, and
begin carrying out a wide range of multigenerational activities. Modest grants from
Northland enabled Bois Forte Reservation and
the other AGE to age sites in the region to start
with smaller projects and build momentum for
more ambitious projects to undertake over the
next three years.
The Northland Foundation is a part of national
initiative, the Community Experience
Partnership, is the primary funder for the ten
AGE to age sites in northeastern Minnesota.
Additionally, significant matching grants are
being provided by the Bush Foundation, Blandin
Foundation, Communities for All Ages–Temple
University, and the Northland Foundation. Most
recently, the Otto Bremer Foundation has also
joined in supporting AGE to age efforts in
McGregor and the Bois Forte Reservation.
‘Anishanaabayoong: Past, Present, Future’ is
connecting the generations through American
Indian traditions such as beading, arts and crafts,
gardening, dancing, drumming, ricing, and
cooking native foods. Among the goals is to help
all participants learn the Ojibwe language. A
unique part of this project is regular gatherings
which bring youth and elders together from both
the Nett Lake and Vermillion communities.
“It is very rewarding to join with the Otto
Bremer Foundation and all of our funding
partners to help bring new resources and vitality
into the region,” stated Lynn Haglin, Northland
Foundation’s Vice President and KIDS PLUS
Director. “Anishanaabayoong: Past, Present,
Future is making a positive impact in the Bois
Forte community, and we look forward to seeing
their projects continue to grow.”
“Despite being located almost 60 miles apart, the
AGE to age program has brought our Nett Lake
and Vermilion communities together as a single
community in a way that I have never before
seen,” said Jeanine Whiteman.
Flu vaccine update
With just one month
remaining in the typical
October – May flu season,
Bois Forte Health Staff are grateful that
this year, the H1N1 flu was not as
dangerous as many health officials had
feared. There was no widespread epidemic in our area thanks to a strong
education effort and Bois Forte Band
members stepping up efforts to keep
themselves healthy through vaccines,
extra hand washing, and responding
appropriately to early symptoms of the
colds and flu.
If you haven’t yet been vaccinated or
know you will be too busy this fall, it’s
not too late to get an H1N1 vaccination
this spring. Call the clinics and the staff
will be happy to welcome you in for a
free vaccination.
Beginning in the fall of this year, the
H1N1 virus will be included in the
seasonal flu vaccine. This vaccination
should keep you protected from both
the regular and H1N1 flu virus for
approximately 9 months. So please
continue to keep your vaccinations upto-date and maintain other healthy habits
such as getting enough rest, eating
healthy and regular exercise.
Building Healthy Families
Honor your graduate in the
Bois Forte News
The June issue of the Bois Forte News will be honoring
graduates at all levels. If you or a loved one are graduating
this year, send the information to the newspaper so we can
help you celebrate. (See pg 20 for information on where
Studies show families believe it’s very important to eat together. However,
between work schedules and kids’ activities, getting everyone to the table
and serving a nutritious meal takes planning ahead. In families that eat
together, both the children and parents benefit. Kids fare better physically,
emotionally and intellectually, having better vocabulary skills and great
self-confidence. Eating together TODAY can impact kids’ healthy food
patterns TOMORROW.
Every child deserves to be healthy and safe.
to send your news).
Graduates of all levels from Head Start through Graduate
School, including Vocational Training are invited to be part
of the Salute to Graduates issue.
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Another way to stay healthy is to get a (C&TC) Child & Teen Checkup.
C&TCs are preventive health care benefits for children ages birth through
20 who have Minnesota Care or Medical Assistance that provides
preventive health visits with the child’s doctor or primary clinic. Help
with finding a doctor or dentist, scheduling appoints, finding
transportation is available by calling a Bois Forte Clinic. In Vermilion call
218-753-2182. In Nett Lake 218-757-3650
B O I S
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N E W S
Bois Forte Development Corporation
Small Business Development Coordinator Gordy Adams, Jr.
talks about helping Band member entrepreneurs
Q: What is the role of Bois Forte’s Small
Business Development Program (SBDP)?
GA: We help Band member entrepreneurs
develop, plan, launch and nurture their own
businesses. The SBDP provides loans and
grants, and it includes a very important education
component through classes, workshops and oneon-one meetings. Starting a new business is a
huge undertaking and it requires a lot of work to
pull all the pieces together, so we want to make
sure that we help entrepreneurs get what they
need when they need it.
GA: A wide variety. Auto repair, construction,
food services, computer retail and repair, home
energy audit and inspection, arts and crafts, and
embroidery to name a few. I’m open to working
with any Band member who has an idea or
passion for running his or her own business.
bought from Band members this year – more
than 17,000 pounds. We want to fill our revolving account with sales revenue so that in the
future we can purchase more rice and possibly
raise the amount we pay Band members per
pound of green rice.
Q: What are the terms of the loans offered by the
SBDP?
Q: Do you have any special plans for 2010?
GA: They vary, but generally it’s 6.5% interest
on a loan of 1 to 7 years.
Gordy Adams, Jr.
Q: What’s the first step in helping someone start
or improve a business?
GA: First, you help the person decide if their
idea can really be a viable, sustainable business.
To answer that question requires a lot of
discussion and research into the costs of running
the business, an analysis of cash flow, study of
the competition, analysis of the demand for their
product or service, and other important questions.
You can’t just run with any idea – you need to
gather the facts, create a business plan, and make
an honest assessment of whether your idea can
grow into a business that will support your
family and help you achieve your goals.
Q: How many Band members received loans
from Bois Forte’s Small Business Development
Program (SBDP) last year?
GA: In 2009, we distributed 28 loans totaling
$146,000. That money assisted 8 Band members
who already had businesses and 20 folks who
were starting new businesses.
Q: What type of businesses are you talking
about?
GA: Yes. We want to organize the information on
our small business owners so we can quickly
access electronic files. And we want to get small
business owners’ information on Bois Forte website to give them more exposure to potential
customers.
Q: What are the benefits to the community of
having Band member-owned businesses?
GA: Businesses provide jobs, first and foremost.
Some of these small businesses may be solo
operations, while others may employ additional
people, including other Band members.
Q: Part of your job includes marketing Bois
Forte wild rice. What is happening in that area?
GA: We’re working on several fronts. For example, we distributed samples at the National
Indian Gaming Association’s annual trade show
and convention in San Diego during April. We
did that to try to get other tribes interested in
featuring our product at their places of
businesses.
Across the border, we are applying to the
Canadian First Nations Institute for a marketing
grant to promote our rice in more places. And of
course, we are selling the large inventory we
Second, having more businesses on the reservation and in the community helps us build a
strong local economy, one that has the diversity
to attract residents and visitors and to better survive hard times like the recession we are in now.
And then there’s the intangible benefit that is the
sense of pride people get from creating and
running something successful of their own.
Q: How can people contact you if they want to
talk about a business idea?
GA: Call me anytime on my cell phone at
218-780-7834. People can also email me at
gadams@fortunebay.com. My office is at the
Bay; we can meet there or at one of the many
places I travel to for presentations.
(MIGA cont. from page 3)
“Minnesota is a saturated gaming market in the midst of a deep recession,” McCarthy said. “Existing casinos already are down anywhere from 15 to 20
percent in revenues. Where is all this new revenue going to come from?”
Instead of new revenue, most expansion proposals will simply shift revenue from rural casinos to metro area facilities, McCarthy said, producing little net
gain for the state. He noted that even states like Las Vegas, which relies almost exclusively on gaming revenues, are facing large deficits because “there is
never enough money” to satisfy the spending needs of legislators.
Secretary-Treasurer David Morrison is urging Bois Forte Band members to visit the MIGA website www.mnindiangamingassoc.com and use the
Legislative Action Center to send a message to local legislators and newspapers.
B O I S
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NEWS
M AY
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Community News & Announcements
Happy Belated Birthday, Anissa!
(April 7)
n
o
i
0 mil
1
20e Ver
k
a
L
W
O
P
W
O
W
June 18th, 19th & 20th, 2010
Lake Vermilion Pow Wow Grounds
Love you, Mom, Grandma
and your whole family
Happy 6th Birthday, Drayvin!
Friday: Warm Ups
Saturday: Grand Entry 1 & 7pm. Feast 5pm
Sunday: Grand Entry 1pm
M.C.: Gilbert Smith
Host Drum: Vermilion Traditional & Lake Vermilion Singers
Arena Director: Jeff Boshey Jr.
Spiritual Advisors: Gilbert Smith & Calvin Ottertail
Head Dancers: Karlene & Don Chosa
Security Directors: Val Boness & Jimbo Boshey
Contact Information: Muriel Deegan 218-750-7772 or mdeegan@boisforte-nsn.gov
Geraldine Hanks 218-753-4905,
Vendor Contact: Roberta Chavez 218-753-4004.
ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED
24/7 SECURITY & CAMPING AVAILABLE.
The Lake Vermilion Pow Wow Committee & Bois Forte Tribal Government is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Ge-Waden Dunkley Medical Fund
Love,
Mom, Dad and
Dory.
Ge-Waden Dunkley, son of Kelly and Michael, was in a
serious car accident in St. Cloud. A passenger in the car, Ge-Waden
sustained several broken vertabre, ribs and burns.
A medical fund has been set up to help Ge-Waden and his family
with upcoming expenses.
Donations can be sent to:
Fredrick Elmer Jordan
Happy Birthday on May 9!
M AY
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Ge-Waden Dunkley Medical Fund
American Bank
4539 US Hwy 53
Orr, MN 55771-8322
B O I S
F O RT E
N E W S
Community News & Announcements
May-June Powwow Schedule
May 8
U of MN Spring Powwow
Osseo School
612-624-0243
May 28-30
Leech Lake Vets Memorial Traditional Powwow
Cass Lake, MN
218-335-3784 or 218-335-7000
May 8-9
2nd Annual Mothers Day Traditional Powwow
Mahnoman, MN
612-250-1663
danj@whiteearth.com
May 31
15th Annual Memorial Day Traditional Powwow
Onamia, MN
320-532-3632 or millelacs@mnhs.org
May 13
Leech Lake Head Start Powwow
Cass Lake, MN
218-335-8345
May 14-16
Veterans of the Menominee Nation Gathering of
Warriors
Keshena, WI
715-851-4548
westmartin@new.rr.com
May 20
Cass Lake-Bena High School Powwow
Cass Lake, MN
218-335-2203 Ext. 1206
May 21-23
1st Annual Grand Rapids Diversity Powwow
218-999-5538 or 218-322-2461
June 4-6
Nett Lake School Traditional Powwow
Nett Lake, MN
218-780-3903
dchosa@boisforte-nsn.gov
June 5-6
Great Dakota Gathering & Homecoming
Winona, MN
http://www.dakotahomecoming.org/
June 11-13
142nd Annual White Earth Traditional Powwow
White Earth, MN
800-950-3248 Ext. 1337
Hisgun2@msn.com
June 18-20
Hinckley Grand
Celebration
Hinckley, MN
320-384-4930
vkroschel@grcasinos.com
June 18-20
Lake Vermilion Traditional Powwow
Tower, MN
218-753-2843
mdeegan@boisforte-nsn.gov
June 18-20
13th Annual Noongam
Ottawa, ON
613-786-1552
June 25-27
Annual Eskasoni Powwow
902-379-2269 or 902-578-9190
Lee_jown@hotmail.com
June 26-28
6th Annual South Lake Traditional Powwow
South Lake, MN
218-760-7955
June 18-20
7th Annual S-Lake Traditional Powwow
218-760-7955
maang40@yahoo.com
Richard “Ricky” W. Johnson
Richard “Ricky”
Johnson, 39, of the
Orr and Cook
areas, passed away
unexpectedly on
Tuesday (March
30th) at the
Rochester
Methodist Hospital.
He was born on August 19, 1970, in Virginia; the
son of Robert and Doris Mae (Lenzen) Johnson.
He grew up in Angora and graduated from Cook
High School in 1988, then completed the millwright program at Eveleth Vocational Technical
Institute. Ricky worked at Hill Wood Products
for 3 years, then was employed as a machine
operator in construction. He was a past member
49ers and the Northwood Riders Motorcycle
Club. His passion was his Harley and working
B O I S
F O RTE
NEWS
on small engines of all kinds. Everyone will
remember his kindness and patience.
aunts, uncles, and many, many other special
relatives and friends.
Ricky was the recipient of a kidney and pancreas
transplant and through-out his health challenges
he was always still more concerned with the
welfare of others than his own. He avidly
followed his step children’s progress in sports.
SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial was
celebrated was celebrated at 1:00 PM Wednesday
(April 7th) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Cook. Fr. Joseph M. Thomas MCBS was the
celebrant. Visitation was from 7 to 9 PM
Tuesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook,
and continued for one hour prior to the service
at the church. St. Mary’s Choir sang and the
organist was Marjorie Miller. The casket bearers
were: Shane Johnson, Eric Lokken, Dennis
Johnson, Lee Warren, John Hetra and Jack
Luecken. The honorary bearers were: Tom
Debeltz, Ryan Bush, Curtis Warren, Lars
Gabrielson and David Wardas Jr. Interment was
in the Hillside Cemetery in Angora Township.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Doris
Mae Johnson of Angora; his soul mate, Cecile
Warren of Orr: his step-children, Curtis, Lee and
Melanie Warren, and step-grandson, John
Warren; a brother, Ronald “Sparky” Johnson of
Cook; one sister, Roberta (Richard “RB”) Bush
of Angora; special niece and nephew: Bobbi Jo
(Tom) Debeltz and Ryan (fiancé: Jackie) Bush;
special great nieces and great nephew: Morgan
Bush, Sadie Thiel and Tommy Debeltz,; his
maternal grandmother Genevieve Lenzen of
Cook; and with numerous nieces, nephews,
Funeral arrangements were with the Mlaker
Funeral Home, Cook, MN.
M AY
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!
!
!
!
!
“Tiny”
Happy 6th Birthday!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Lots of love and kisses,
Your sissy, brother and mama
!
!
!
!
We love you forever,
Grampi, Grammi, Mom and your Uncles
!
Lots of love and kisses from
Look at me I’m 3!
Your sissy, brother and mama
m
Miss Mya Ann - Happy
Birthday!
Learn Our Language
The Bois Forte Heritage Museum
Gift Shop has Karen Drift and
Keith Secola’s language CD
Anishinabemoin available for $12.
Love, Mom, Dad, Karl, Chandra,
Darnell and Cade
Stop in and purchase
your copy today!
You are invited to The Bois Forte Heritage Museum
For a ceremony honoring the gift of the Eagle’s Nest
Spiritual Advisor Gilbert Smith
Followed with a live eagle presentation by the
National Eagle Center
Date: June 1, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Proudly Owned and Operated by Anishinabeg of the Bois Forte Band
M AY
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B O I S
F O RT E
N E W S
I cried
by Chantel McG leno
I seen the poster of the Native man standing next to garbage on the ground and I cried,
I looked outside and I cried again.
Is that what we are doing?
Is this what we are doing with our own 2 hands?
Disgusting ourselves?
Disgracing nature?
Pleading for forgiveness when there is nothing to forgive.
We are a disgrace.
I cried again when there is nothing but cigarette butts and beer cans in the streets our
kids play in,
And when they swear more than the adults do at the age 5.
I cried when I heard someone blame the “white man” for their addiction,
And when our babies are having babies with the parents standing idly bye.
“there is nothing we can do.”
There is always something you can do and for the better!
I cried at the funerals,
I cried at the weddings,
I cried at the graduations, homecomings, prom, dances, retirements, first day of school.
Just looking out my window at the people.
I cried.
WELY seeks Native show host
WELY end of the road radio is seeking a Band member to host a weekly radio
show of Native American music. The station has significantly increased its
library of native American music and would like to train in someone to serve
as the on-air personality hosting the show.
Be part of our June issue
The radio show will run 30 to 60 minutes per week and the host, a paid position,
will be expected to play a wide range of Native music from traditional powwow to
contemporary rock.
The Bois Forte News
This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves
native music and/or has an interest in learning more about a career in radio.
For more information, contact Joanie Haag at 218-365-4444 or joanie@wely.com.
B O I S
F O RTE
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is published monthly by the Bois
Forte Band of Chippewa. The BFN news encourages
submission of articles, guest columns, community
announcements, photos and personal announcements.
Contributions are subject to editing for grammar, length and
malicious/libelous content. BFN will attempt to include all
material submitted by Band members and guests. Multiple
contributions from the same source may be excluded or
rotated to future issues to insure equal access to all. Paid ads
are accepted. Visit www.boisforte.com for rates
and insertion order.
NEWS
The BFN is distributed for free to Band members and is
available to others for $10 per year.
“Salute to Graduates”.
Send your graduate’s name,
school and photo to the Bois
Forte News by May 11.
Deadline for
June issue:
May 11
Tribal Council
Submit material to:
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Bois Forte News
1678 Lilac Lane
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-260-2420
651-365-1349 fax
Helenwilkie@
c comcast.net
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
Cathy Chavers
District I Representative
Ray Villebrun, Sr.
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
M AY
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May - Bois Forte

Transcription

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