The 2016 State of the Band

INSIDE
Page 3
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - February 2016
Page 8
Page 13
VOL. 39 NO. 2
www.boisforte.com
The 2016 State of the Band
More than 650 people attended the 2016 State
of the Band on January 28. For the first time, the
event was held in two locations simultaneously
– Fortune Bay Resort Casino and the Vermilion
Wellness Center – to accommodate the number of
guests, which has grown each year.
A realistic appraisal
Bois Forte Chairman Kevin Leecy briefly
reviewed improvements that have been made
to the reservation, such as the new Vermilion
Clinic, as well as programs and services for Band
members. He went on to say that Fortune Bay – the
Band’s primary source of funds for infrastructure,
programs and services – posted an overall revenue
increase due to expense cuts, and increases in
gaming revenue and non-gaming revenue through
golf, hotel stays, food and beverage.
“That shows us the continued value of investments
we made a while ago, such as the Wilderness
golf course, and the importance of more recent
developments, such as the hotel improvements, the
opening of the new steakhouse, and the addition
of Tim Hortons. These types of non-gaming
amenities are crucial for drawing guests to our
remote location.”
• The Nett River dam has been restored and will be
celebrated with a ceremony in the spring.
• New offices are planned for the Band’s Natural
Resources Department and Judicial offices.
Leecy also announced that the RTC has approved
a relationship with the Bii Gii Wiin Community
Development Loan Fund of Minneapolis.
“Bii Gii Wiin will help enrolled Band members
save for one of the biggest obstacles in home
ownership – the down payments on a new home,”
he said. “Urban Band members will also receive
financial counseling, and Bii Gii Wiin will guide
them through the home buying process.” Leecy
thanked Bii Gii Wiin’s Executive Director Monica
Flores and Director of Programs and Development
Rich Antell for attending this year’s State of the
Band. (For more information on the Bii Gii Wiin
Community Development Loan Fund, see story on
page 4.)
created. That means we need everyone’s help and
everyone working together to address the scourge A full day and evening
of drugs.”
As in past years, the 2016 State of the Band was an
Plans for 2016
opportunity to pay tribute to tribal leaders who have
passed on. As Emcee, Brandon Benner honored
Leecy provided an overview of the Band’s plans the late Tribal Chairman Donald Hackey, saying
for 2016. Among them:
that Hackey and his colleagues “were instrumental
Expanding on this year’s theme Vision: Past,
Present, Future, Leecy said it was important to • The first Bois Forte Band member physician, in shaping the successes that we enjoy today, and
balance a sense of achievement with recognition Dr. Shana Landgren, will join the staff of the Bois that will inspire us tomorrow.”
of problems the Bois Forte Band still faces.
Forte Clinics in February.
During the event, shuttles ran between Fortune Bay
and the Wellness Center, allowing Band members
• The Band has approved the budget to create an
to visit both locations if they chose to. Each site
urban office in Duluth and will begin looking for
had booths set up to provide information about
office space.
tribal government programs and services, as well
• The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has finally agreed as a special lounge reserved for Elders.
on language that would change its blood quantum
requirement and sent the language to the federal Band members were also able to get tribal and
1854 ID cards, receive flu shots, have blood sugar
government for review.
checked, and speak to staff from Fortune Bay’s
“Answers are not easy when a problem is this
• The Band will move 228 more acres of land into about job openings. A family photo booth, dinner,
complex,” he continued. “We need methods
all-ages bingo and live music capped off the event.
trust.
that haven’t been tried yet, or haven’t even been
(More coverage on pages 8 - 11)
“We can’t and shouldn’t dismiss the fact that we
face challenges,” he said. “We continue to face
attacks on our sovereignty and threats to our
gaming. The region is facing massive industry
layoffs. And perhaps the biggest challenge of all:
the devastating scourge of substance abuse and
chemical addiction.”
BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • FEBRUARY 2016
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Tribal, National & State News
Kevin Washburn
leaves Indian
Affairs
Assistant Secretary for Indian
Affairs Kevin Washburn to
conclude successful tenure at
Interior, return to teaching
Kevin K. Washburn, ended his
service as Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs at the U.S.
Department of the Interior
to return to the faculty of the
University of New Mexico
School of Law in January.
Principal Deputy Assistant
Kevin K. Washburn Secretary Lawrence “Larry”
Roberts will lead Indian
Affairs for the remainder of the Obama
Administration. Roberts is a member of the Oneida
Nation of Wisconsin and has served in leadership
at Interior since 2012. He previously served as
General Counsel of the National Indian Gaming
Commission.
Washburn is the longest serving Assistant
Secretary for Indian Affairs since Ada Deer, who
served from 1993 to 1997. Washburn succeeded
Larry Echohawk who served nearly three years
from May of 2009 through April of 2012.
New Duluth Mayor hopes to mend
relationship with Fond du Lac Band
Emily Larson, who won the
Mayoral election in Duluth
with a whopping 72% of the
vote, said in an interview
with MPR News that she
needs to mend the city’s
relationship with the nearby
Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa.
Before winning the November race to become
the first woman to hold the Duluth Mayor’s
seat, Larson most recently served on the Duluth
City Council. Earlier in her career she worked
with homeless families and as a consultant with
nonprofit groups.
Duluth has made significant progress on serious
economic and environmental problems of the past
decades, but some neighborhoods are still behind,
Duluth Mayor
Hard feelings developed with lower incomes, shorter lifespans and racial
Emily Larson
as Fond du Lac has won disparities. Larson acknowledged the issues and
repeated court battles with the city over revenue said she, “is focused on repairing relationships so
sharing contracts related to the Fond du Luth that all communities have equal opportunities for
prosperity and quality of life.”
casino.
Housing for
homeless breaks
ground
Jimmy Rowe of Leech Lake, Bryce
LaFontaine of Turtle Mountain, and
Emerson Hairychin of Pine River (right)
keep the ceremonial fire burning at the
groundbreaking for the new Bii Gii Wiin
housing project scheduled to be open
next fall in Minneapolis.
Fond du Lac land buy-back message
Boozhoo, My name is Lance Northbird. I am an
enrolled member of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa. I am the Outreach Coordinator
for the Cobell Land Buy-Back Program and I am
here to help Band members learn more about the
program and how fractionation affects our future.
The Department of the Interior has created the
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations to
implement the land consolidation component
of the Cobell Settlement. This program allows
landowners of fractional land to receive payments
for voluntarily selling their land. Consolidated
interests are immediately transferred to the tribal
government and remain in trust for uses benefiting
tribal members.
Program, and anticipates that purchase offers
will begin going out to landowners Spring 2016.
However, it is important that landowners gather
information before they receive the offers (which
are only valid for 45 days), so that you and your
family can make informed decisions about your
land.
We will be hosting several info sessions for
interested landowners to learn more about the
Buy-Back Program. Interested landowners can Lance Northbird answers questions at an information
contact me at lancenorthbird@fdlrez.com or by booth during the State of the Band.
phone at (218) 600-9952. You can also contact
Patti DuFault – Outreach Manager at (218) 878- information and register their interest in receiving
an offer, ask questions about their land or purchase
7361 or by email at cobellbuyback@fdlrez.com.
offers, and learn about financial planning resources.
Landowners can contact the Trust Beneficiary Call
(cont. on page 5)
Fond du Lac is working closely with the Buy-Back Center at 888-678-6836 to update their contact
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Ojibwe athlete made big splash in Minnesota swimming
Reprinted with permission. Reporter Curt Brown “If you were in the same pool, you always knew many challenges as Gawboy.
second place was the highest you could get.”
Copyright 2015, Star Tribune
Shortly after finishing high school, he began
Happenstance pushed Bob Gawboy into the Gawboy was among dozens of Iron Range to notice coordination problems. That didn’t
swimming pool, where he made quite a splash as swimmers, boys and girls, who dominated stop him from accepting a spot on the team at
the early years of Minnesota state-sponsored Purdue University in Indiana. He won a 150-yard
arguably the state’s best-ever male swimmer.
competition. Erickson said the wealthy iron-ore individual medley race at a meet pitting the best
The son of an Ojibwe father and Finnish mother mining companies, facing labor tension before college swimmers of the East and West. In 1952,
born during the Great Depression in 1932, 1920, began to realize they needed to funnel some he finished second in that IM event at the NCAA
Gawboy grew up on the Vermilion Lake Indian of their profits into taxes that benefited their Iron Championships.
Reservation near Tower in the far-northern reaches Range communities. That meant new schools with
big gymnasiums and swimming pools.
But a congenital blood condition in his left leg,
of Minnesota.
the return of coordination problems and
dwindling endurance forced him to quit
When he showed up as a freshman at Ely High
swimming.
School in the late 1940s, he considered all
the sports offered. Most held practices after
After surgery in late 1954, he was back in
school, a deal-breaker for a kid who needed
the pool — transferring to the University of
to hop a bus following classes for a 10-mile
Minnesota, which offered him a scholarship.
ride home.
At the 1955 AAU Championships at Yale,
Gawboy raced for the first time in two years.
“I knew nothing about swimming when I went
out for the Ely team as a ninth-grader,” he said
With only six weeks of training, he bested
in 1955.
the American record in the 220-yard breast
stroke. And that was just in the preliminary
Short in stature but loaded with determination,
heat. In the finals, he set a new world record,
Gawboy captured the state high school title in the
covering the 220 yards in 2 minutes, 38
100-yard breast stroke in 1949, set a state record
seconds.
in the 200-yard freestyle in 1950 and went on
to shatter other national high school records. In
“T’was unbelievable.…Remarkable,” Minnes1955, he eclipsed the world record in the 220ota Swimmer magazine said, “as he had not
yard breast-stroke event at a National Amateur
swam a race in over two years and had just had
Athletic Union Championships. Today, he’s the
surgery.”
only swimmer enshrined in the American Indian
Athletic Hall of Fame in Kansas.
Circulatory problems returned and prompted
more surgery. “Newly married and doing
All those achievements are even more dazzling
poorly in school, he decided to retire from
when you consider Gawboy could see out of
swimming,” according to the 2004 book,
only one eye, suffering from blood-vessel
“Native Americans in Sports” by C. Richard
issues and coordination problems that led to a
Bob Gawboy, seen during his time at Purdue University,
multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 1969. Despite dominated Minnesota swimming until a multiple sclerosis King.
his medical setbacks, Gawboy kept coming diagnosis derailed his career.
Again, Gawboy returned to the pool, playing
back to stun everyone in and out of the pool.
water polo in 1966 and competing in the
“If I had to pick a boy swimmer over 90 years of The Eveleth High School pool, built in 1917, is senior division of an AAU meet in 1967. After his
state high school competition that stood above all still in use. The first state tournaments in 1924, for multiple sclerosis diagnosis in ’69, his condition
others, it would be either Bob Gawboy or [three- boys and girls, were held in the 25-yard pool in worsened.
time Olympian] Tom Malchow,” said Bob Erickson, Biwabik. Only Florida, in 1920, held state meets
He worked for the Hennepin County Public Works
a longtime swim coach and Chanhassen author of before Minnesota.
Department for years until his condition prompted
a new book, “Minnesota Splash” — an exhaustive
Virginia, Minn., and Hibbing were powerhouses. a disability retirement. Gawboy died in 1987 in a
history of competitive swimming in the state.
From 1924-1942, Virginia girls earned 15 state New Hope care center. He was 55.
Erickson, 81, not only scoured record books, he championships while Hibbing boys rattled off 14
also talked to old-timers. (His book is available at titles and a dozen runner-up finishes from 1927-52. Family members, including two sons and two
daughters, spread his ashes on Ojibwe land near
www.ElsmoreSwim.com.)
And up in Ely, swim coach Leonard Klun Voyageurs National Park — a fitting place that
“Those who swam in the 1950s still talk about how eventually joined six of his swimmers in the includes more than 30 lakes, with water making
Bob Gawboy never lost a race,” Erickson said. sport’s state Hall of Fame. None would face as up one-third of the 55-mile-long park.
FEBRUARY 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
RTC News
Seven candidates file for
2016 election
New home loan opportunity
for urban Band members
Seven Band members have entered the 2016 race for two seats on the
Tribal Council. In District I, Nett Lake, Emergency Preparedness Director
Mike Connor, Public Works Maintenance Worker Travis Morrison, and
entrepreneur and inventor Stan Day will run against incumbent Karlene
Chosa who also filed for re-election.
The Bois Forte Tribal Government has joined with the Bii Gii Wiin
Community Development Loan Fund of Minneapolis to help urban Band
members realize the dream of home ownership.
In the race for Tribal Chair, Health and Human Services Patient Benefits
Representative Cathy Chavers and KBFT Radio employee Shane Drift filed
to run against incumbent Kevin Leecy who is running for re-election as well.
The Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 and the General
Election is Tuesday, June 14. To see the entire election schedule created
by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, visit the Bois Forte website homepage
www.boisforte.com. All candidates have been invited to submit an open
message to the voters that will run in the March Bois Forte News.
Election Board members needed
The Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council is seeking individuals
interested in serving as a member of the General Election Board, the
District I Election Board (Nett Lake), the District II Election Board
(Vermilion), and the Urban Office Election Board for the upcoming
Tribal Election.
The Primary will be held on April 5, 2016. The General Election
will be held on June 14, 2016.
Bii Gii Wiin, which means “coming home” in Ojibwe, provides products and
services to ensure that native buyers are knowledgeable and financially capable
of purchasing a home. These include financial education and coaching, and
homebuyer education and counseling. Through Homestretch Workshops that
are tailored to a native audience, Bii Gii Wiin’s certified homebuyer trainers
can explain:
• Steps to becoming a homeowner
• How to prepare financially for homeownership
• What you can afford to pay for a home
• Importance of credit and how it impacts homeownership
• How to choose the right mortgage loan and get approved
• Ways to shop for a home
• What to do when you are ready to make an offer on a home
• Responsibilities of homeownership
Bii Gii Wiin also offers credit enhancement loans to help potential buyers
improve their credit scores and prepare for home ownership. This will
provide urban Band members with a sound alternative to the predatory loans
that they are sometimes offered – for example, a car loan that starts at a low
interest rate but balloons to as high as 25% over time.
For more information on Bii Gii Wiin, email Rich Antell at rich@biigiiwiin.org
or Andrea Reese at andrea@biigiiwiin.org, or call 612-354-2249. You can
also visit biigiiwiin.org.
The rate of pay will be:
• $18.00 per hour: General Election Board Chair
• $14.00 per hour: General Election Board Members
• $12.00 per hour: District I Election Board Members
• $12.00 per hour: District II Election Board Members
• $12.00 per hour: Urban Office Election Board Members
If you are interested please contact Miranda Lilya at the Tribal
Office at 218-757-3261, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., January 19 –
February 17, 2016.
MCT Election Ordinance (As Amended to 11/09.2015), Chapter Section
7(E). No candidate for election, no members of Candidate’s immediate
family, not any member of the Band governing body will be appointed
to serve on any election board or as an Election Contest Judge or
Alternate Election Contest Judge. The term “immediate family” as used
herein will be determined by the Band governing body.
Bois Forte Tribal Government Personnel Policy Manual, Section 3(303).
“Immediate Family” as defined by the Tribal Council is as follows:
• Spouse – Husband/Wife/Significant Other
• Parent – Mother/Father (Biological/Adoptive/Step/Loco Parentis*/In-Laws)
• Child – Daughter/Son (Biological/Adoptive/Foster/Step/
Legal Ward)
• Grand/Great – (Parent/Child/Step)
*A person who is in the position or place of a parent.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Marissa Goodsky is a
“Shining Star” as a cement
mason
Bois Forte Band member Marissa Goodsky is making a name for herself in
the state’s capital city – and it’s capitol building. Goodsky, 25, is one of the
cement masons working on renovations to the capitol, which are scheduled
to continue through 2017.
After growing up on the Bois Forte Reservation and working on and off in
the Twin Cities, Goodsky decided to utilize the Band’s Tribal Employment
Rights (TERO) Office to find full-time work. “I was around other Native
Americans,” she told Minnesota Native News, explaining the benefit of
working with TERO. “I was around my culture.”
TERO connected Goodsky with a 12-week training program in cement
masonry, which was the collaborative efforts of TERO, MN DOT (MN
Department of Transportation) & the Union. “I was very impressed with her
work ethic, her skill level, [and] her attitude,” Tom Reeger, the apprenticeship
coordinator for Cement Masons Local 663, told Minnesota Native News.
“She has been a shining star for the program.”
In fact, Reeger was so impressed that he recommended Goodsky to JE
Dunn, the construction firm working on the capitol renovations. “JE Dunn is
extremely proud of her, the work she has brought,” the company’s diversity
manager Krista Seeberg told Minnesota Native News. “It is unmeasurable.”
Goodsky plans to work her way up through the cement masons’ union. “I
want to be known as a person who will get stuff done, as a person who is
able to learn and willing to take control,” she said. At the same time, she is
staying connected to native people, volunteering at Bois Forte’s urban office
and at the Ain Dah Yung homeless shelter.
Annual Report will be
mailed in March
Fortune Bay Resort Casino increased its total
revenue in 2015 by $1.1 million and cut expenses in
the same year by $1 million. Details about Fortune
Bay’s achievements, along with information about
the Band’s other businesses and tribal government
programs and services, is contained in the latest
annual report, which will be mailed to Band members
in early March 2016.
Workers Needed for
Highway 53 Relocation Project
Kiewit Infrastructure Co., and the Bois Forte TERO Program will be
hosting a job fair on March 10, 2016 at Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Ballroom for anyone interested in working on MN DOT’s Highway 53
Relocation Project.
Scheduled to run through 2017, the project will relocate the portion of
the highway between Eveleth and Virginia, resurface the highway and
improve accessibility in Duluth. The general contractor for the project is
Kiewit Infrastructure Co. Various subcontractors will also be involved.
For more information on the Highway 53 project, call Dawn Benner in
Bois Forte’s TERO Office at (218) 757-3261, ext. 196.
Want to become a Cement Mason?
The Bois Forte Band will hold two information sessions about cement
mason training on Thursday, February 25. The first will take place at
the Nett Lake Government Center from 9 am-noon, and the second
will be at Fortune Bay Resort Casino from 1:30-4:30 pm.
The training will be a 12-week program that starts April 25 and runs
through July 16 in New Brighton, Minnesota. Four participants will
be selected from each of the following tribes: Bois Forte, Fond du
Lac, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin.
Those selected for the program will receive a weekly stipend and
paid accommodations. Urban Band members and those living on the
reservation are encouraged to apply
If you are interested in learning more about cement mason
training, be sure to attend the information sessions on February
25. You can also call Dawn Benner in Bois Forte’s TERO Office at
(218) 757-3261, ext. 196, or Leanne Hoffman/Bois Forte WIA Program
at (218) 757-3124, ext. 1.
FEBRUARY 2016
(Fond du Lac land buy-back cont. from page 2)
Registration in no way commits you to sell your land – nor does it guarantee
that you will receive an offer – it is simply the best way to ensure that the
program is aware of your interest in receiving and considering an offer.
Individuals can also visit their local Office of the Special Trustee for
American Indians (OST) or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) office, or find
more information at http://www.doi.gov/buybackprogram/landowners.
Our upcoming information sessions provide an opportunity for you to learn
more about our new program, ask questions, meet our new staff and socialize
with other landowners. Please like us on Facebook at Fond du Lac Cobell
Land Buy Back Program and watch for event information. I look forward to
seeing you at one of our outreach events.
Sincerely,
Lance Northbird, Outreach Coordinator
Fond Du Lac Band’s Cobell Land Buy-Back Program
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Urban Office
Chi mii gwech to Frances Dentz and Arlene Chosa
for their volunteer service at the Urban Office.
Frances is pictured helping organize the storage
closet supplies and Arlene is sewing one of the 150+
medicine bags she has created for Band members
who use sage, sweet grass or tobacco.
Important Health Alert
Minnesota is seeing a significant increase of syphilis cases among
women of all racial and ethnic groups. Cases have increased 67% from
January through August 2015 compared to the same time frame in 2014.
Eighty percent of all female cases are concentrated in the Twin Cities
metropolitan area and 20% in Greater Minnesota. Native American
women have the largest increase of 750%. Native women cases are
concentrated in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. Cases of syphilis have
occurred in pregnant females. Two cases of congenital syphilis have
also been diagnosed in the last six months of 2015. These are the first
cases of congenital syphilis reported in Minnesota in four years.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious health
complications. If left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to the heart, blood
vessels, liver, bones and joints, dementia and even death. Untreated syphilis
in pregnant women can lead to a low birth weight baby, early delivery of a
baby or stillbirth.
Syphilis is treatable by the right antibiotic at all stages of the disease. It is
important to be tested by a medical professional to determine if one is infected
with syphilis so adequate treatment can be provided.
For more information about syphilis contact the MN Dept. of Health
at
651-201-5414 or visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/
diseases/syphilis/ or the Indigenous Peoples Task Force 612-870-1723 or
www.indigenouspeoplestf.org.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Elders
An early 20th century school story
from Vermilion
When our uncle Wilbur
was thirteen his father died.
Wilbur’s mother, our Aunt
Mary Susan, found a job
cooking at the Vermilion
Indian school. Two of the
children, Wilbur and one of
the girls, were able to live
with their mother and go to
school at Vermilion; the other
Dr. Linda Grover
three girls went to live at the
Sisters’ School (the Catholic
boarding school) for young children in Bayfield,
Wisconsin.
As an Elder, Wilbur wrote in his memoirs about
the winter of 1907, when four teenaged Vermilion
school students were allowed to walk across
frozen Lake Vermilion to Tower to take classes at
the Tower high school. This was a 2 1/2 mile trek
across the lake, and then another mile inland to
the high school. On very cold days the two girls
stayed at Vermilion and helped out in the kitchen,
laundry and classrooms, but the two boys, Wilbur
and his friend Peter, didn’t miss a day of school.
One afternoon a “blinding, freezing wind coming
off the ice with fine crystal-like flakes of snow”
made them cover their faces, and they became
separated about a half-mile from the boarding
school shoreline. People from the school searched
for them and found Peter first, who was able to
direct them eastward, towards where he had last
seen Wilbur.
Wilbur was found, “numb all over and barely able
to move,” as he remembered. Once warmed up, “I
came around alright and gradually picked up some
steam.”
In 1908 Wilbur traveled far from home to
Lawrence, Kansas, where he became a student
at the Haskell Indian School. In his memoirs he
didn’t mention the weather in Kansas; he probably
thought it was rather mild compared to up north!
A Minute with Millie
The house is silent, cold air seeps through the big window where I have blankets
hanging over the drapery rod. I have been waiting for spring with a singing heart.
Yes, another winter here in the house where my sons finished their high school
years. Much has happened here since 1998 or thereabouts. Can’t believe it’s been
20 years we’ve lived here. We lived across from the old school from 1968 to 1998
or so. Have a few memories of more places I’ve lived since I was born.
Been pondering on the numerous comments I’ve received on my articles. I started
writing on “Niiganab” back in 2003 or so. Sort of sticking my toe in the water.
“Niiganab,” a short form of my name, focuses on the sort of daily living type memories I’d like to know
about my ancestors. I’ve come across a few hints as others have.
Millie Holmes
Apparently, there are quite a few of us who sit in the predawn hours waiting for sunrise, pondering our
own ponderings, and sipping a cup of “java.” I giggle to myself once in a while, sometimes laugh out
loud and my son comes out of his room, gives me the “look” and waits. Depending on my memory, I
may or may not tell him.
Now, why so serious? Well, it’s the comments. I’d like to encourage people to start writing down some
of the things they remember, some of their day-to-day doings. Journal writing isn’t only for the young.
February’s moon reaches fullness at 12:20 p.m. on the 22nd, but
it won’t rise until shortly after sunset that evening. Algonquin
Indians called this the snow moon, and some tribes called it the
hunger moon because the heavy snows made hunting difficult.
FEBRUARY 2016
Happy February
Birthdays, Elders!
Cheryl Jensen2-3
Virgil Sohm2-4
Gail Leecy2-5
Isabelle Strong2-5
Eugene Goodsky
2-5
Karen Drift2-6
Mary Porter (Leech Lake)
2-6
Darla Flett2-11
Lucille Morrison2-11
Jim Anderson2-14
Norma Johnson2-14
Gloria Love2-14
Janet Thompson2-15
Beverly Miller2-17
Denis Drouillard2-20
Raymond Geshick
2-20
Daniel Connor2-21
William King2-22
Ray Villberun Sr. 2-24
Stanley Day
2-28
Because nicknames
e
e
are so popular in
Thnam
Indian
Country – and
k me
c
i
especially
at Bois
N Ga
Forte – we have come up
with a list of some Band members
and their nicknames.
The only thing is, you have to match up the
people with their nicknames.
(Answers are on page number 17.)
We’d love to keep the game going, so send
in the nicknames of people you know and
love, including those who have passed.
Tucky
Lucky
Tiny (Big Ton)
Ticko
Plum
Boyka
DeDa Man
Dolly
Sheinko
Bucky
Effie Drift
Raymond Villebrun
Cheryl Jensen
Jonathan Connor
Felix Isham
Les Connor Sr.
Cheryl Jensen
Karen Drift
Phillep Bouus
Norman King
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
State of the Band
Below: Karlene Chosa promotes language
revitalization.
Above: Emcee Brandon Benner hands out a door prize.
Above: Gilbert Smith led the invocation.
Below: Desire Keezer and Darlene Whitefeather
enjoy the information booths at the Vermilion Center.
Above: Fortune Bay staffer Maria Hall shares
a tender moment with Kalleigh Goodsky
Above: Rene Barto shows healthy buffalo snacks
to Anna Wirta Kosobuski.
Highlights from Chairman Leecy’s Speech
“In the past, alcoholism weakened Indian Country. Today there is another epidemic. Prescription
drugs, heroin and meth are new smallpox blankets, and – if left unchecked – they will destroy our
communities...”
“….But I want to be very clear to those that want to set up shop and do harm by distributing illegal
drugs to our people – we have something for you too. The Bois Forte Tribal Council recently passed
one of the toughest laws against the distribution and use of illegal drugs in the nation!”
“We can’t rely on grants, so we’ve got to look beyond them. That is why we are capitalizing on the
federal Affordable Care Act, which allows Medicaid patients to go anywhere, including our clinics.
Attracting more of these patients will allow us to increase what are called third-party billings, where we
receive reimbursement from insurance companies or the government for services we have provided. This
can create a substantial new stream of revenue to the Band for more health programs and services.”
Kevin Leecy makes a point about new projects.
“There is a disturbing trend we see far too many times in today’s society. We only need turn on the
TV or read the internet to see and hear people tearing others down in order to build themselves up.
We should know better. If we truly believe the teachings of our grandfathers, we would heed their words of wisdom and learn from this Anishinabe quote:
‘No tree has branches so foolish as to fight among themselves.’”
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Bois Forte PD team
Donna Hoffer,
Chief Jaime
Burdick,
Officer Carlos
Hernandez, and
Ernie Barto.
Cecelia Gonier and her daughter Mitz Steel enjoy evening bingo.
Jenna Lehti wants you to work
for a Band business.
Health staff Doris Isham and Crystal Lobe
tested blood sugar levels.
Friends from the Office of Special Trustee hosted
an information booth.
Willie King
promoted the
volunteer fire
department.
RTG staff registered and welcomed guests.
FEBRUARY 2016
WELY end of the road radio talked about their new music format.
Evening entertainment included live music provided by Bob
Villebrun and friends.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
State of the Band
Late Chairman Donald Hackey honored at State of the Band
Donald Hackey, the
Bois
Forte Tribal
Chairman who was a
leader in the creation
of the Band’s gaming
business, was honored
at the State of the Band
on January 28.
wife, Marge, in 1945 after wooing her with
tales of his “mansion on a lake” (really his
father’s home outside Tower) and his “yacht”
(a canoe).
“Don and his tribal
government colleagues
Former Tribal Chairman were instrumental in
Don Hackey
shaping the successes
that we enjoy today,
and that will inspire us tomorrow,” said Kevin
Leecy, the Band’s current Chairman.
After moving his family to Nett Lake in
1965, Hackey worked as the Community
Action Program Director. Through various
grants and funding, he helped start the
Band’s clinics as well as other services for
Band members, and he formed the “Banung”
beautification crew that maintained the
grounds around the village. He went on to
work for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe as Secretary-Treasurer Dave Morrison with Don’s daughters
its Health Director, moving to Bemidji in Vickie Hackey and Pam Sherman.
1974.
Hackey, the son of Annie McCloud and John Percy
Hackey, grew up in Nett Lake and Tower. He
played several sports and was captain of Tower’s
school basketball team, then served in the Coast
Guard during World War II. Hackey married his
In 1976, Hackey was diagnosed with cancer
and decided to come home, becoming the Band’s
Health Director. “I liked Don,” said Beverly Steel,
who worked with him at that time. “He was a nice
person to work for. He took care of business but
had a great sense of humor.”
Hackey’s enthusiasm for improving the lives of
Band members led him to run for tribal chairman
in 1984.
(cont. on page 11)
Message from Minnesota’s Elected Leaders
These state and federal elected leaders recorded personal messages for the Bois Forte Band, which were shown at the State of the Band.
building capacity for tribal courts, Indian school infrastructure and support, and
tribal self- governance through fully funded contract support costs. And I was
“One important issue for all our tribes is education. one of 24 democrats who voted to pass the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act in the
I worked with my friend, Senator Lisa Murkowski of House of Representatives… Your voices as tribal leaders and as members of
Alaska, to pass our bipartisan provision just recently to your nation are the driving forces behind these achievements.”
help improve teacher and principal retention in schools
serving native students. Our provision was included in
U.S. Representative Rick Nolan
the Every Student Succeeds Act, which updates the No
“The role that you play, the great traditions you
Child Left Behind federal education law. It was signed
uphold, and the contributions that you’ve made to our
into law in December…Our legislation adds mentoring and teacher support
employment, our economy, our way of life are simply
programs, including support from tribal elders and cultural experts. I’m also
unparalleled… From my perspective, the state of the
a cosponsor of Senator Heitkamp’s bill to create a commission on native
Band has never been better. Your progress is remarkable,
children to build on the strength of native communities. That passed the
your future is bright, and that is due in no small part to
Senate in June. And I’ve been a proud cosponsor of the Native American
your leadership…and the energy and the dedication that
Indian Education Act because it would help fulfill the federal mandate to
provide higher education for Native Americans. We need to ensure all students you all bring to this great community.”
are receiving the education they need to find good jobs.”
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton
U.S. Representative Betty McCollum
“Thank you for your stewardship and your leadership.
You’ve made excellent progress over this past year.
“I am the democratic co-chair of the bipartisan
I’m proud that the Legacy Funds could help support
Congressional Native American caucus, and I’m the lead
the KBFT radio station. Working together to reduce
democrat on the Interior Appropriations Committee. My
substance abuse I know is a priority for your chairman
commitment in these roles is to make sure that the U.S.
and your RTC members, as well as all of us here in
government does a better job of meeting its trust and
Minnesota. We have other challenges ahead, but we can
treaty obligations. Important progress has been made
this year: increased investments in the Bureau of Indian work together to solve them and make a better state for your tribal members
Affairs [and] Indian Health Service, social support programs for native families and for all of Minnesota.”
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Assistance with emergencies, energy, license plates in Vermilion
Every month of the year, Missy Fisher travels to Vermilion to provide a convenient opportunity for Band
members to get information or sign up for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Minnesota
Community Action Grant Programs (MCAG), and the Energy Assistance Programs or apply for vehicle
license plates.
Missy is Bois Forte’s Energy Assistance Coordinator and Registrar. As part of the Planning and Community
Development staff, you can usually find her in the Government and Community Services Center in Nett
Lake. To make applying for her programs convenient for more Band members, Missy will be in Vermilion
two days each month.
Missy Fisher, Energy Assistance Coordinator and
Registrar
So how can Missy assist you? The goal of her CSBG/MCAG Programs is to reduce poverty, revitalize lowincome communities and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient.
She has answers to your questions and applications for the Community Services Block Grant and the
Minnesota Community Action Grant Programs that assist Band members with emergency situations.
These include, but are not limited to rent deposit and eviction notices, car repairs, work related costs (such
as uniforms, clothing for interviews), youth activities, Elder activities and more.
Missy also can assist Band members applying for the state energy assistance program which
is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That program can help
with payment of energy bills; help with utility disconnections or necessary fuel deliveries;
provide education on efficient and safe use of home heating energy; and assist with the repair
or replacement of homeowners’ malfunctioning heating systems.
Missy will be in Vermilion the following dates: February 12 & 26; March 11 & 25; April 8 &
22; May 6 & 20; June 3 & 17; July 1, 15 & 29; August 12 & 26; September 9 & 23; October
7 & 21; November 4 & 18; and December 2, 16 & 30.
For information on vehicle license plates, the CSBG, MCAG or Energy Assistance program,
contact Missy Fisher at 218-757-3261 ext. 197 or energyregistrar@boisforte-nsn.gov.
(Donald Hackey cont. from page 10)
He won, defeating his good friend Gary Donald. The two men worked closely on the Band’s
first gaming compact. Hackey also worked with many community leaders to create what was
then called Fortune Bay Bingo Casino, and he spoke with great pride and hope at its grand
opening in 1986.
“The Fortune Bay Bingo Casino represents the best of what can be accomplished when we
work together to bring progress to the Iron Range,” he said. “We have created a unique and
exciting facility, and one which has already begun to attract attention from other parts of the
state and nation… In the months and years ahead, we will see our efforts bear fruit in dozens
of ways…by creating more jobs, by attracting visitors to our region, and by stimulating
additional
investment
and
development in the Tower-Lake
Vermilion area.”
Sadly, Hackey lost his battle
with cancer the following year,
passing away in May 1987.
“My dad believed that everyone
could work together for a better
future – positive, and with a
sense of direction,” said his
daughter Vickie.
FEBRUARY 2016
The RTC presents the Hackey family with blankets and
a plaque honoring their Dad and Grandfather.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Youth & Education
What’s been happening in
Virginia Indian Education this past
few months? A lot!
To help our
students plan for a
career and college,
we’ve had two
post-secondary
field trips.
Update from the ISD 707
Superintendent
Winter is finally here. This morning it was down
to -26 degrees. Remember that twenty-six degrees
below zero is also 58 degrees below freezing.
That’s cold! But we’re Minnesotans and we love
it! This is also the beginning of a new calendar
year, of course.
Superintendent and
Principal Steve Thomas
Students toured Lake
Superior College and
attended the Keith
Secola workshop at
Mesabi Range College.
For many, a new calendar year is a time for
resolutions… New Year’s Resolutions! As a
school, our resolutions are not all that different
from the resolutions people make for themselves.
We are resolving to accomplish some great things
during the new year as a school.
The staff is working very hard to teach students the new reading and writing
curriculum. We meet each Wednesday for 90-150 minutes to discuss how
we can improve our teaching, focusing on reading one week and math the
next. Our New Year’s Resolution is not only to do a great job of teaching
these subjects, but we are resolved to have the students learn the subject
matter so they will do well on this Spring’s MCA tests. If you remember,
we nearly doubled our MCA scores last year and we resolve to increase our
MCA Proficiencies even more this new year.
We also resolve to have our after school Academic Support program help
more students increase their understanding of each day’s lessons.
We resolve to infuse more native culture into our students’ day. We recently
received a grant, part of which is being used to purchase more books at
every reading level, so that our children will always have books that relate
to our native culture that the children will find easy and fun to read.
We resolve to have our culture teacher, Harvey Thompson, provide
Anishinabe language lessons over the radio waves of KBFT for our
community and to do the same over the school’s PA system to provide
elementary age Anishinabe for our students. We want to do our part to keep
our community’s native language vibrant.
We will be starting a new native drum class after school for our students,
taught by Curt Goodsky, to carry on that wonderful tradition.
Our weekly after school
Anishinabe Club made
Christmas tree ornaments
including mini-drums,
dreamcatchers, and birchbark
canoes. Athabascan speaker,
Adeleine Potts and husband
Mike, shared about their life
on the Alaskan trapline and
their visits to Mongolia.
(cont. on page 17)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
We resolve to contract with a regional organization to bring to Nett Lake
Elementary a full-time psychologist who will be able to help our students
who are in need of their assistance. We already have one part-time person
doing that now, but we desire to expand that help. This, too, comes to us with
the help of a grant designed specifically to aid our Native American culture.
We resolve to complete the Strategic Plan for Nett Lake School District
that we began in the Fall. I intend to describe that Plan in a future BFNews
column, once the School Board approves it. Our work on the Plan involved
members of the community and will guide Nett Lake School for many
years into the future.
These are some of our New Year’s Resolutions for Nett Lake School in
2016. Here’s to a productive year in our school and in our community!
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Virginia Indian Ed. has been very fortunate this year to collaborate
with the AEOA Senior Program and hire Margaret Benner as our
cultural specialist. Margaret assists in a variety of ways such as
helping in our Anishinabe Clubs, organizing our cultural trunks for
classroom use, and teaching Ojibwe through the use of animal
puppets. Weekly she visits the Head Start programs where she is
fondly known as the Jingle Lady.
Above: Margaret , the Jingle Lady, and granddaughter Aiesah.
January Students of the Month
The following Nett Lake School students were honored in January
for their active participation in the classroom.
Congratulations to the students for their hard work!
Mount Iron-Buhl Junior Chelsea Mason, daughter
of Billie and Tony Mason, scored her 2000 point
as a member of the Mount Iron-Buhl Rangers Girls
Basketball Team on January 14, 2016.
Anthony Drift, Jordanna Lambert, Adrian Jones, Migizi, Lela Swinson,
Felicity Hoagland, Kalvyn Graue, LaMar Drift, Jaden Whiteman,
Rhonda Hoagland
Congratulations Chelsea!
FEBRUARY 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Meet Physician Assistant Sigrid Casey
Sigrid Casey was born
in West Virginia, but
she grew up on the
Iron Range in Side
Lake. After graduating
from Chisholm High
School, she earned
a bachelor’s degree
from the University
of
Minnesota
in
kinesiology – the
Sigrid Casey, P.A.
study
of
human
movement. She went
on to earn a master’s degree from the University
of St. Catherine in physician assistant studies.
Casey joined the Bois Forte Clinics almost one
year ago. She works four days a week in Nett Lake
and one in Vermilion seeing patients for physicals
exams, childhood wellness checks, ongoing
treatments, and illnesses.
getting a regular Pap smear to look for early signs
of cervical cancer,” she said. “When the mobile
mammogram vehicle comes around, women turn
out because they understand the importance of
mammograms as an effective tool to detect breast
cancer. We haven’t educated women as well about
Pap smears and cervical cancer.” (see more on
cervical cancer on page 19)
bringing Casey to the Bois Forte Clinics. “Jennifer
was my mentor; I worked on rotation with her at
the Heart & Vascular center in Essentia Health’s
Virginia clinic. She encouraged me to apply for the
position with Bois Forte.”
“Getting diabetes under control is one of our
goals for the year,” she continued. “Many of our
providers – including Doris Isham, Ray Hawk,
and Jennifer Kober – are working with the fitness
centers, dental providers and others to ensure a
thorough diabetes education program.”
“An instructor once told me the best medication
to affect all disease is exercise,” said Casey, an
avid runner who has been in eight marathons. “My
message to everyone is to get as much exercise as
you can. And women: get your Pap smears!”
Seeing patients each day and hearing about their
lives while helping them is the job’s biggest reward,
Casey said. What’s challenging is when there is no
Casey is enthusiastic about the clinics’ plans for clear diagnoisis. “The patient is frustrated, and I
2016. “We are very excited to welcome the new am too – I want to know what’s going on and how
doctor starting this month: Dr. Shana Landgren to help.”
is the first Bois Forte Band member to work as a
physician at the clinics.”
Some advice, however, works for all her patients.
See page 19 for more on Pap tests and cervical
“A priority for me is educating women about Kober, a family nurse practitioner, played a role in cancer.
Tribes, EPA meet at Fortune Bay on water quality, lead abatement
Band’s Environmental Services receives authorization on abatement education programs
Bois Forte hosted the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region 5 Tribal Operations
meeting at Fortune Bay in early winter. Vermilion
Representative, Ray Toutloff, who serves on the
National Tribal Operations Committee, delivered
the welcome address.
Toutloff’ s message was clear and concise – water
quality and the protection of wild rice is the common
concern of all Ojibwe people because it directly ties
to our Treaty Rights to hunt, fish, harvest traditional
food, and gather medicinal plants.
The potential threat to the water is manure runoff
from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
known as CAFOs. Reicks View Farms, an Iowa
business, wants to build a 26,000-head hog CAFO
feedlot in the Lake Superior watershed.
education programs.
Safely removing lead paint from homes, built
before 1978 when it was commonly used, is
essential because of serious health risks. Lead
can affect almost every organ and system in your
For Native American Bands in Michigan, the major body. Children six years old and younger are
issue is aging pipelines. Specifically, the 63-year- most susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low
old “Line 5” pipelines owned by Enbridge, Inc. of levels of lead in the blood of children can result
Canada that carries 23 million gallons of oil daily in behavior and learning problems; lower IQ and
across the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in the hyperactivity; slowed growth; hearing problems;
heart of the Great Lakes.
and anemia.
The Bois Forte authorization to move forward
on lead paint abatement programs in homes will
contribute to making the community healthier and
safer. “It’s been a long time coming, we’ve been
working on this for at least seven years,” said DNR
Commissioner Tara Geshick who began working
on the initiative when she worked with former
Environmental Services Manager Darin Steen.
Bois Forte DNR’s Environmental Services
“Hats off to several people that worked on this in
honored
the early years, including Darin Steen, Marshal
In northern Wisconsin, a major issue for the Bad During the Region 5 meeting, the EPA honored Villebrun, Jane Villebrun, Troy King, and more
River Band is protecting the wild rice beds in Bois Forte for becoming the first tribe in the nation recently - Gabby Holman and Linda TibbettsChequamegon Bay, a 12 x 2.5 mile-wide inlet of to receive authorization to administer lead-based Barto.”
Lake Superior in Ashland and Bayfield counties. paint abatement, renovation and pre-renovation
The EPA Region 5 includes Minnesota, Wisconsin
and Michigan, so Toutloff described the major
concerns Bands in all three states face with potential
threats to water quality. In Minnesota, the debate is
over safe mining and how to utilize solid science
to ensure a good balance between the economic
opportunities of mining and the commitment to
protect ground water from both immediate and
long-term pollution.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Toutloff said these are complicated issues, but the
message he shared with EPA top administrator
Gina McCarthy in Washington and the Region 5
team gathered at Fortune Bay is simple – water
quality and protecting wild rice is essential to the
treaty rights of Native Americans.
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
UPCOMING JOB NOTICE
Bois Forte Forestry intends to hire
the following positions prior to the
2016 fire season:
Forest Technician (1 each)
Fire Aide (1 each)
Additional local and national employment opportunities exist as
Federal AD / Casual firefighters. Both positions require that the
applicants be pre-qualified as wildland firefighters. Details on
the pre-qualification process are listed below.
If you are interested in becoming pre-qualified for either of
these positions, please contact Forestry at 218-757-3177x1
as soon as possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to Become a Wildland Firefighter?
Start the Process Now.
If you’re interested in becoming a wildland firefighter, you
must first complete a couple of months of training and
preparation. Introductory wildland firefighter training courses
are approximately 40-50 hours, and it also takes a minimum of
several weeks to obtain the necessary training certificates and
medical clearance prior to being hired.
Bois Forte Forestry intends to hire one Forest Technician and
one Fire Aide prior to the 2016 fire season, which will begin
soon. If you are interested in becoming pre-qualified for either
of these positions so that you can apply when they are posted,
please contact Forestry now at 218-757-3177 ext. 1.
The Forest Technician is responsible for carrying out forest
management assignments on 43,000 acres of trust land on
the reservation under the direction of the Reservation Forester.
Most work is performed outdoors, although some office work
will be required. The position
involves forest management,
forest development, wildland
fire preparedness and
suppression, wildland fire
prevention, and hazard
fuel reduction. A two-year
degree or certificate from a
college or vocational school
specializing in forestry is
preferred. Applicants may
substitute schooling with
two years of related practical
experience. A high school
diploma or G.E.D. is required.
FEBRUARY 2016
Tribes Partner with State,
Counties to tackle chemical
and mental health challenges
Opiate abuse among most challenging issue
The Indian Child Welfare, Chemical Health, and Mental Health Advisory
Councils met in Mille Lacs on January 7. Staff and officials from several
tribes attended, along with state and county officials, including Emily Johnson
Piper, the new head of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Bois
Forte was represented by District I Representative Karlene Chosa and her
husband, Donald Chosa; Pam Hughes from Chemical Dependency; Mental
Health’s Virgil Sohm; and Indian Child Welfare’s Angela Wright.
The main topic was the crisis of opiate use on reservations, which has been
growing since 2000. Participants discussed how the progression of opiate
use and consequences of addiction are much more complex and far-reaching
than alcohol or marijuana use.
The severity of the effects on families of users was also addressed. Babies
are being born addicted, and schools are seeing young children who are
homeless, fearful of violence, and sleep deprived.
Several ideas were put forth to address the problem, including:
• Cross-training among the people who work with users and their families, including chemical dependency staff, mental health workers, and tenant advocates
• Effective plans and models of services
• Media campaign on the dangers of opiate abuse
• Greater outreach to adolescents
• Education of doctors and dentists on the problem of over prescription
• Inclusion of housing as part of the discussion for opiate abuse
• More native foster care parents
• Wrap-around care for all members of users’ families
• Spirituality programs
Commissioner Johnson Piper said she wants to move forward in partnership
with tribes to address the opiate crisis in Indian Country. “I look to you all
to advise me on better outcomes and services…to find solutions that work
for your people.”
Opiate Abuse Facts
• The amount of opioid pain relievers prescribed in the United States has skyrocketed from around 76 million in 1991 to nearly 207
million in 2013.
• The number of unintentional overdose deaths from prescription pain relievers has more than quadrupled since 1999.
• The United States is the world’s biggest consumer of opiates, accounting for almost 100% of hydrocodone, such as Vicodin, and more than 80% of oxycodone, such as Percocet.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Bois Forte Development Corp.
Barrett leads in Food and Beverage
Some people are born
natural leaders and that
description
certainly
fits Conor Barrett, who
at any given time can
be seen checking food
quality, coaching his staff
or asking guests how
their dining experience is
going.
Conor Barrett
Those attributes are a big
reason why the St. Paul native has found much
success early on in his tenure as Fortune Bay Resort
Casinos’ Food and Beverage (F/B) Director.
“We are always looking to improve on the guests’
experience,” said Barrett, who most recently
worked at Cara Irish Pubs in Minneapolis. “We
want to give every guest an experience so they
cannot wait to come back!”
Barrett’s knowledge and enthusiasm for his craft
is something Fortune Bay Resort Casino’s CEO
Norm Adam admires.
“He has really stepped in and taken control for us,”
said Adams. “He has brought a lot of new ideas
to the table that both our staff and guests have includes offering a blend of classic dishes and
embraced. His expertise in the food and beverage cocktails, while sprinkling in some newer, more
modern twists that perhaps some of the guests
industry is quite impressive to say the least.”
have not experienced before.
Barrett got his start in the food and beverage
industry at Green Mill Restaurants in St. Paul “If we are not always evaluating our offerings and
and eventually became the F/B manager at The keeping things fresh, we are going to get passed
Wilderness at Fortune Bay in 2009. He then began by and I’m not interested in getting passed by
his career with Cara Irish Pubs, which includes anyone,” said Barrett.
such establishments as The Local, The Liffey,
Cooper Pub and Kieran’s Irish Pub.
Barrett received his BA in Organization
Management from Concordia University in St.
Although he enjoyed the fast pace of the Twin Paul.
Cities, he also missed the laid back atmosphere
that he found so appealing while working at The Barrett is also responsible for overseeing the Gold
Wilderness. “The Iron Range is special to me,” Mine Grill, which specializes in home-cooked
said Barrett, an avid sports and outdoorsman. “I meals, and the North Star Bar. While some people
have a lot of family history here. We have a family may feel overwhelmed by such responsibilities,
cabin on Pelican Lake in Orr and I like to spend as Barrett welcomes the challenge.
much of my free time as possible there.”
“I love working with multiple outlets under the
However, Barrett’s strong work ethic keeps those same roof,” said Barrett, who enjoys taking in
visits somewhat to a minimum as he has plenty concerts, spending time with family and friends and
of goals for himself and his staff to ensure guests’ experiencing new restaurants. “There’s something
dining experiences at the Sunset Steakhouse and special about working at a destination resort and
Tamarack Buffet are always improving. He said casino. I really enjoy the tight-knit community, as
he and his staff are always evolving drink and well as the rich culture that surrounds Bois Forte.”
food menus to match what season they are in. This
Wilderness continues to garner
national recognition
Award-winning golf course ranks among the best casino
courses in the country
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay has been recognized as No. 9 on Golfweek Magazine’s
annual list of the top casino courses in the country. This recognition comes on the heels of
moving up two spots to number 57 on prestigious biennial list of Golf Digest’s Top 100
Public courses in the U.S. list that debuted in September, 2015.
“These national rankings serve to validate the hard work that has gone into making
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay one of the top golf destinations in the country,” said
Norm Adams, CEO of the Bois Forte Development Corporation. “We are proud of
what has been accomplished at the golf course and look forward to a bright future for
years to come.”
Tom Beaudry, Manager and PGA Pro at the Wilderness said, “This national recognition
adds to the momentum already launching us into another great year of northwoods golf.
Despite the cold temperatures, golfers know the course will be open in less than four
months and are already booking tee times in the Pro Shop and on our website.”
For tee times or more information on The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, call 218-753-8917;
800-992-4680 or golfthewilderness.com.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 17 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Culture
Native artists sought to
illustrate children’s books
The Minnesota Historical Society Press seeks Native artists
with connections to the Upper Midwest to illustrate picture
books for ages 4-8. Books are 32 pages, requiring 20 to
35 pieces (including cover) to help tell stories written by
Native writers. Deadlines are for publication in fall 2018 and
beyond. Assignments are contracted, with royalty payments
based on book sales. Please contact Shannon Pennefeather at
shannon.pennefeather@mnhs.org to express interest and to
share samples of your work.
Answers to game from page 7.
The e
m
a
n
k
c
Ni
Game
Tucky – Karen Drift
Lucky – Felix Isham
Tiny (Big Ton) – Les Connor Sr.
Ticko – Cheryl Jensen
Plum – Raymond Goggleye
Boyka – Jonathan Connor
DeDa Man – Phillep Bouus
Dolly – Effie Drift
Sheinko – Norman King
Bucky – Raymond Villebrun
Volunteers needed for new
Ojibwe Gallery
St. Louis County Historical Society is seeking volunteer
docents for its new Ojibwe Gallery. Training will be
provided. The Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
every day of the week.
The Ojibwe Gallery features the work of nationally
recognized 19th century painter Eastman Johnson. The
Society’s collection of his work includes all the art work
created by Johnson during his two-year stay at the “Head of
the Lakes”, now known as Duluth and Superior, and at Grand
Portage. All 37 paintings and drawings are Ojibwe-themed
and are notable for their realism.
An equally important component of the Gallery is a
selection of American Indian, and primarily Ojibwe, artifacts
from the Society’s collection. These artifacts help visitors to
gain some awareness of Ojibwe life – past and future. The
training provided will orient volunteers to this component
of the exhibit, as well as to the Society’s partnerships with
the tribal entities of the region: Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and
Grand Portage Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Please call Director of Museum Operations Mary Parks at
218-733-7583 or email her at mary@thehistorypeople.org
for more information or to request a volunteer application.
(Virginia Indian Education cont. from page 12)
Left and below: “Red Carpet”
was the theme for our quarterly
GPA Party which recognizes
students with a 2.0 or above to
an exclusive party in the Indian
Ed. room. Below are some of
the students. Over 55% of
our high school students were
eligible; 31% of our students
made Honor Roll.
Above: Students with
the Mr. and Mrs. Potts.
Right: Student with
Athabascan moccasin.
FEBRUARY 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 18 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Community News & Events
Chaz Wagner new Legacy
Project Manager at KBFT
Bois Forte Band member Chaz Wagner has
joined KBFT tribal community radio as
its Legacy Project Manager. The station,
which broadcasts at 89.9 FM, receives part
of its funding from the Minnesota Legacy
Amendment to preserve arts, cultural heritage,
and natural resources.
Chaz Wagner behind the mic
at KBFT.
“I work on developing the programing we
create as part of the legacy fund,” Wagner
said. “I promote artists’ shows, authors’ events,
concerts, comedians, traditional story telling –
all kinds of things.” Many of the events are free
and open to the public.
Recent events included a concert in January by the Christopher David
Hanson Band, a folk rock group, coupled with a release party to premier
the new CD recorded by Bois Forte Band member Maurice Champagne.
The same month, painter and digital artist Jonathan Thunder showed a short
film about how the bear got his small tail, and Native comedian Tonia Jo
Hall shared her humorous take on powwows, traditional culture, and more.
February brought Ojibwe singer/songwriter Annie Humphrey, of whom
Rhythm Magazine wrote, “Lie down with that voice and you’ll feel it for a
long time.”
Wagner also interviews community members to gather material for radio
programs. He is currently interviewing Band member veterans for a program
called Nett Vet, which has begun airing.
Born in Saint Paul, he said his parents Leonard and Sharon (Columbus)
Wagner kept moving the family further north. He attended Mesabi Range
College, then worked at Fortune Bay Resort Casino in “nearly every
department: slots, surveillance, blackjack dealer, and supervisor.” After that,
he spent about eight years working as a technician for Bois Forte Forestry.
“Forestry is physically tough, and I’m getting older,” Wagner said about his
new career. “Plus I’ve had a passion for music and arts my entire life.” He
began playing guitar when he was 12 years old, and added drumming to the
mix about a decade ago. A former member of local bands Sweet Freedom
and The Kindred Experience, Wagner is putting together a new band. He
also draws in pencils and paints with watercolors and oils.
Wagner is creating his own KBFT show, tentatively titled The Deep End.
“I’m learning through being on the air with ‘Linkus Jackson’ Marcus
Knifechief from 4:30 until 6 p.m. It’s dance pop music get you motivated for
the drive home, with a bit of comedy and current events.”
Wagner said his show will include an Ojibwe phrase of the week, which will
be played every hour. “I’m using music and Ojibwe language phrases I’m
learning in my studies with Karen Drift and my grandma, Cecilia Gonier.”
“My goals are to entertain people as best as I can, get people involved in
events, and get people across the country listening,” he said.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Northern Eagle Federal
Credit Union celebrates
second year in business
In January, Northern Eagle
Federal Credit Union will
celebrate its second year serving
the Bois Forte community.
Consistent with its original
mission, financial education
has been the hallmark of the
credit union’s services. Over
300 people have received oneon-one financial counseling via
credit union staff and its partner,
LSS Financial Choice. Just last NEFCU staff (standing): Char Jordan,
month, Northern Eagle hosted a Nikki Pieratos, Lori Astleford ; (kneeling):
workshop with LSS on “Credit Julia Antikainen, Lori Littlewolf.
Basics.” With LSS, Northern
Eagle plans to add regular workshops once again at Vermilion, Nett Lake,
Virginia, Duluth, and Minneapolis.
You don’t have to join the credit union to access these classes and oneon-one counseling services; they are for all tribal members, RTG/casino/
business/school employees, and those within their households. The CEO,
Nikki Pieratos, is especially excited about reviving efforts centered around
youth—like last year’s Spending Frenzy and Planning for Per-Cap events.
The Credit Builder and Emergency loans are the most popular among the
credit union’s 500 members—allowing access to credit that most other
financial institutions could not provide. In fact, the Emergency Loan is a
direct response to combating the abuse of payday lenders, which often charge
between 300-1,000% in interest! While most proud of these two products, in
2016 management would like to increase the number of auto loans.
Whatever your financial goals are, Northern Eagle is dedicated to helping
you meet them. And, its board and staff are constantly working on ways to
expand its capacity to better serve the needs of its community (which include
off-reservation Band members and their families). In April 2015, they hired
Lori Astleford as the Assistant Manager to assist in daily operations and
lending. Lori comes from a strong banking background and has significantly
increased the number of loans and requests the credit union is able to make.
The credit union is also still awaiting approval on checking accounts and
online banking for all of its members and will make sure to widely advertise
these services once they are available. However, even with these present
limitations, there’s so much that Northern Eagle can do for you now. Call
one of their offices to learn more about how they can serve you! It’s easy to
join, even if you don’t live near one of its offices.
HOURS
Vermilion
Monday, Wednesday & Friday:
12 - 6 p.m.
Payday Fridays: 2 - 6 p.m.
218-753-7878
Nett Lake
Tuesday & Thursday:
12 - 6 p.m.
Payday Friday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
218-757-0299
FEBRUARY 2016
Page 19 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
The family of Myra
Thompson would like
to say mii gwech to the
community for your
kindness and support
after Myra’s passing.
We are grateful.
Native Report begins 11th year
The popular public television
program Native Report began
their 11th year of broadcasting
on January 7. Each week’s
original broadcast airs Thursday
evenings at 8:30 p.m. on WDSE
Channel 8. The weekly show is then rerun the following Sunday at 4 p.m.
This year’s lineup includes two new hosts. Bois Forte Band member Tadd
Johnson has stepped away from the role of emcee that he held for ten years
with cohost Stacey Thunder. The new hosts are Oneida Nation’s Ernie
Stevens III and Rita Aspinwall of Fond du Lac.
The crew of Native Report traveled to Nett Lake this past summer to record
a program about Bois Forte’s popular community radio station KBFT 89.5
FM. That show will air on Thursday, February 18. Be sure and tune in and
enjoy learning more about our local community radio program as told by
Nett Lake community listeners, station manager George Strong and the
radio crew.
Why screening for cervical cancer is critical
Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death among
American women. But over the last 30 years, the cervical cancer
death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The reason? Increased
use of screening tests like the Pap smear.
Here’s why you should schedule a Pap smear in 2016
• Screening can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops.
• Cervical cancer is most curable when caught early.
• Cervical cancer usually occurs in women younger than 50.
• Most cases of cervical cancer occur in women who have never had a Pap smear, or who have not had one recently.
• Screenings are not needed annually, but instead every 3 to 5 years depending on your age and risk factors.
(Source: American Cancer Society)
On February 23, be sure and say,
“Happy 17th Birthday!”
to JonMarie Farr
We love you, JonMarie!
Your family
FEBRUARY 2016
New Moon Housing Applications
Now Being Accepted
The New Moon Housing community has openings and continues
to accept applications. To download a copy of the application log
onto the DW Jones website. The link is http://dwjonesmanagement.
com/cities/tower.htm. You can also download an application from
the Bois Forte site, www.boisforte.com.
The New Moon program is designed to provide permanent,
supportive and affordable housing to families experiencing
homelessness. Income restrictions do apply.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 20 • Bois Forte News • February 2016
Bois Forte regularly sends out important
information in the mail. 1854 Treaty Info.,
community meeting notices and RTC
announcements are examples of items that are
regularly mailed. It is essential that we have
your correct mailing address so that you can
receive this information.
1854 Ice Fishing Clinic
at Fortune Bay Landing
If you have moved recently, or are not re-ceiving
regular mailings, please fill out the change of
address form below and mail to:
Angie King
Bois Forte Enrollment Coordinator
5344 Lake Shore Dr
Nett Lake MN 55772.
Friday February 26th, 2016 on Lake Vermilion
Enforcement officers, educators and volunteers will staff activity stations and
discuss cold weather safety, off-reservation treaty rights and harvest techniques
at this all day event. 6th and 7th grade students are welcome to join us.
Please note, you must check the box below
your signature if you want us to give your new
address to the Bois Forte News.
Name:
Address:
City/ State/ Zip:
Date of Birth:
Signature:___________________________
Date: __________
_____Yes, I would like this new address
shared with the Bois Forte News
Please send us your email address if you’d like
to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in your
email box:
Boots, jackets, hats and gloves are REQUIRED to participate!
Enjoy a hot dog and hot chocolate at our warming fire.
We are still in need of help from community members. If you are interested
in sharing your skills, give us a call. Teachers and school administrators,
contact Marne with questions about the event. 218-722-8907.
mkaeske@1854treatyauthority.org
The Bois Forte News
___________________________________
BOIS FORTE NEWS
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is published monthly by
the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The BFN encourages
submission of articles, community announcements and
photos. There is a $10 charge for 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.
The BFN is distributed for free to Band members and is
available to others for $10 per year.
Deadline for
March issue:
February 12
Submit material to:
Bois Forte News
1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507
Lilydale, MN 55118
651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 fax
Helenwilkie@comcast.net
Tribal Council
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Karlene Chosa
District I Representative
Brandon Benner
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
FEBRUARY 2016