November - Bois Forte

Inside
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
MPLS, MN
PERMIT NO. 4656
Page 4
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 2007
Representative Drift publicly
censured by RTC
The Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council
(RTC) officially censured District I
Representative Mark Drift at a meeting on
October 9, 2007. The RTC actions were the
result of a substantiated complaint filed last
month by a Tribal Government employee.
Page 10
Page 5
VOL. 23 NO. 2
Ellen Adams Recognized as
Outstanding Teacher of the Year
in her classroom. She was nominated
for the award by Sonia Lightfeather, a
10th grader at Leech Lake’s Bug O Nay
Ge Shig High School. Sonia was taught
by Ellen as a kindergartner. The
nomination was submitted by Sonia’s
mother Debra Beaulieu, Secretary/
Treasurer of Bug O Nay Ge Shig
School, is on the Indian Education
Parent Advisory Committee.
Upon receiving the complaint, the RTC
had requested a formal investigation by the
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT). The MCT
report was delivered to the RTC on October 8
and the Council convened the next day to
address the matter.
The RTC found that Representative Drift
violated provisions of the Band’s Code of
Ethics and he failed to exhibit the standards of
ethical behavior required of all elected
officials.
The Bois Forte RTC considered the
allegations against Representative Drift at a
meeting attended by the entire Council,
including Mr. Drift. Tribal Chairman Kevin
Leecy stated that Representative Drift was
advised of the purpose of the meeting, that
Representative Drift had received notice of the
charges on September 21, and that
Representative Drift was given an opportunity
to respond in his own defense.
cont. on pg. 3
Ellen Adams offers words of gratitude for the blanket and plaque she
received from Bois Forte Band members. Chairman Kevin Leecy and
Secretary Treasurer David Morrison made the presentation on behalf of the
Band at the MIEA Conference October 11.
For her wonderful contributions as
an educator, Bois Forte Band member,
Ellen Adams was recently honored by
the Minnesota Indian Education
Association (MIEA) with the
Outstanding American Indian Teacher
of the Year Award. The ceremony, held
October 11 at the Shooting Star Casino
Convention Center on the White Earth
Reservation, was attended by Ellen’s
family, friends, former students
Chairman Kevin Leecy and Secretary/
Treasurer David Morrison; who
wouldn’t have missed the opportunity
to recognize Ellen for her years of
caring service educating children.
Called “a mother and grandmother
to all,” Ellen is known for her kindhearted love for children, even those not
"I'm so happy she won,” shares
Sonia. “My mom told Ellen the news
and I got to make the announcement to
the school at our opening ceremony this
fall. The kids and teachers cheered and
applauded and then everyone did an
honor song for her. It was quite
touching and well deserved,” she added.
Ellen began her career in
education at the Head Start in Nett
Lake where she served for 11 years.
From there, she moved onto Leech
Lake, came to Bug O Nay Ge Shig
School in 1980 and has taught there for
the past 28 years. She currently works
as a Kindergarten teacher.
cont. on page 11
Bois Forte Receives National Honor for
Protection of Lake Islands
An innovative collaboration among the Bois
Forte Band of Chippewa, the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), and the 1854 Treaty Office
to protect Minnesota lake islands was honored
October 4 by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation.
The Band and its partners were among 21
award winners recognized during the 2007
National Preservation Conference in the Twin
Cities. Each year, the National Trust presents the
awards to individuals and organizations whose
efforts help safeguard America’s architectural
and cultural heritage. Rose Berens, director of
the Bois Forte Heritage Center, accepted the
award on behalf of the Band during a ceremony
in Saint Paul.
Heritage Center Manager Rose Berens, Jack and George Mihelich pose
outside of the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on October 4. Rose, in her
role as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, accepted the National Trust
for Historic Preservation Award on behalf of Bois Forte.
B O IS
FO RT E
NEWS
P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772
Last year, the three partners began a five-
•
bfnews@boisfor te-nsn.gov
•
year cooperative stewardship program to
evaluate, stabilize, manage and protect the
islands, which suffer from damage caused by
recreational use, erosion, litter, and vandalism.
Inventories of 86 islands in the Lake Vermilion
Recreation Area have already been completed,
and 28 archaeological sites – some at least two
thousand years old – have been identified.
The Bois Forte Band assumed the lead role in
coordinating tribal program involvement through
its Heritage Center and Tribal Historic Preservation
Office, contributing more than $11,000 in
matching services. Those included donating staff
time and expertise, housing BLM collections from
Lake Vermilion at no cost, and, twice leading
volunteers in monitoring and assessing 25 BLM
islands containing heritage sites.
cont. on page 7
Visit us! www.boisforte.com
NOVEMBER
2007
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
National and State News
Indigenous Peoples Task Force Celebrates 20th Anniversary
culturally specific smoking cessation
model for Native women. Our efforts to
increase traditional tobacco use and
decrease the use of commercial tobacco
has led us down many roads. We are
pleased to have gifted traditional tobacco
seeds to many people. We have our natural
tobacco plants growing in Utah,
California, Oklahoma, Michigan,and
many reservations and communities in
Minnesota. We have worked with
environmental activists to encourage
recycling and we have worked with
women and men to save the water.
Sharon Day had the crowd laughing as she shared family stories at the IPTF celebration at Mystic Lake. From left to right
Beverly Steel, Cecilia Gonier, Doris Isham, Stan Day, Sharon Day and Kevin Leecy.
On October 11. family and friends of
Sharon Day and the Indigenous Peoples
Task Force gathered at Mystic Lake to
celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Task
Force that Sharon founded and continues
to lead. Her aunt Cecilia Gonier, brother
Stan Day, cousins Beverly “Mitz” Steel
and Doris Isham, and Tribal Chair Kevin
Leecy traveled to the cities to honor Sharon
During the celebration, Sharon
acknowledged the support of her family
and the people of Bois Forte. Chairman
Leecy called her family to the front of the
auditorium as he honored Sharon on behalf
of the Band and the family presented her
with a blanket from Bois Forte.
Here is a description, in Sharon’s own
words of the work of the Indigenous
Peoples Task Force:
Twenty years ago, a small group of
people became concerned about
HIV/AIDS and how this illness might
affect our community. We knew that
already there were Native people infected
with this virus and there were no services
for them. And so it began. Twenty years
later, the Task Force is still growing and
reacting to the latest health threats that
we are facing today. We continue to
provide prevention, counseling and
testing for HIV, case management services
and housing to prevent the spread of HIV
among our people.
Today, we are also providing a
number of research activities including a
AIM Leader Vernon Bellecourt passes
Vernon Bellecourt, who fought against the use of
Indian nicknames for sports teams as a longtime leader
of the American Indian Movement, has died at age 75.
Bellecourt died Saturday at Abbott Northwestern
Hospital of complications from pneumonia, said his
brother, Clyde Bellecourt, a founding member of the
militant American Indian rights group.
Just before he was put on a respirator, Vernon
Bellecourt joked that the CIA had finally gotten him,
his brother said.
"He was willing to put his butt on the line to draw
attention to racism in sports," his brother said.
Vernon Bellecourt _ whose Objibwe name WaBunInini means Man of Dawn _ was a member of
Minnesota's White Earth band and was an international
spokesman for the AIM Grand Governing Council
based in Minneapolis.
Clyde Bellecourt helped found AIM as a militant
group in 1968 and Vernon Bellecourt soon became
involved, taking part in the 1973 occupation of the town
of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation in
South Dakota. He was present only briefly during the
71-day standoff with federal agents, serving mostly as a
spokesman and fundraiser, Clyde Bellecourt said.
He was active in the campaign to free AIM activist
Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI
agents during a shootout in 1975 on the Pine Ridge
reservation.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
He was also involved as a negotiator in AIM's 1972
occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters
in Washington as part of the Trail of Broken Treaties
caravan.
In recent years, Bellecourt had been active in the
fight against American Indian nicknames for sports
teams as president of the National Coalition on Racism
in Sports and Media.
He was arrested in Cleveland during the 1997
World Series and again in 1998 during protests against
the Cleveland Indians' mascot, Chief Wahoo. Charges
were dropped the first time and he was never charged in
the second case.
After Wounded Knee, Vernon Bellecourt became a
leader of AIM's work abroad, meeting with presidents
such as Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, Palestinian leader
Yasser Arafat and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, his
brother said. He said they plan to list them as honorary
pallbearers.
Clyde Bellecourt said his brother had been in
Venezuela about four weeks ago to meet with President
Hugo Chavez to discuss Chavez' program for providing
heating assistance to American Indian tribes. He fell ill
around the time of his return, Clyde Bellecourt said.
Reprinted from Minneapolis Tribune – Associated
Press story
I am also proud to say the Ogitchidag
Gikinewamagaad
Peer
Education
Program continues today. We began this
theater program for adolescents in 1990
with a small grant of $15,000 from the
Otto Bremer Foundation. Seventeen years
later, this program continues today having
served over 1,500 adolescents. These
youth actors have brought their theatrical
messages regarding HIV prevention,
alcohol and drug prevention, and smoking
prevention, to over 100 tribes in the
United States and Canada.
Mii gwetch.
Canada, US, two others votes
'no' as UN Native Rights
declaration passes
The international community has adopted the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples, despite high-profile opposition from Canada
and three other countries.
The non-binding declaration, which sets out global
human rights standards for indigenous populations, was
easily approved Thursday by the UN General Assembly
in New York — with only Canada, New Zealand, the
United States and Australia dissenting. Eleven countries
abstained.
In his address to the General Assembly before the
vote, Canada's UN ambassador, John McNee, said
Canada had "significant concerns" over the declaration's
wording on provisions addressing lands and resources,
as well as another article calling on states to obtain prior
informed consent with indigenous groups before
enacting new laws or administrative measures.
Article 26 of the UN declaration states:
"Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands,
territories and resources which they have traditionally
owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired."
McNee said the provision is "overly broad, unclear
and capable of a wide variety of interpretations" that
could lead to the reopening of previously settled land
claims and existing treaties.
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 3
RTCNews
Minutes of Meeting 8- 24, 2007 at Vermilion
All members present
Unanimous approval given to:
Non-Solicitation Policy for Fortune Bay Resort
Casino.
Terri Hill to attend the NIGA Conference in
Connecticut.
Minutes of 8- 15, 2007 meeting at Vermilion.
from the contest for the “Name the Store”
contest and asks the Council to select the new
name. There was a committee that reviewed
the entries and recommended a couple names.
The Council wants to let the Band members
decide the new name. Steve Peterson will poll
the committee members again and also poll as
many Band members as he can to see which
one is the most popular and bring back.
All members present except Ray Toutloff who
was excused.
The Council grants unanimous approval to
the following:
The agenda for the day and minutes of the
regular meeting held July 18, 2007 were
unanimously approved.
Lease agreement with St. Louis County
for the use of the Fortune Bay water tower
for fire/EMS and police repeaters.
Elders Committee report from Marge Holmes.
Terri Hill gives an update on the elders’ trip to
Nashville. It is scheduled for Nahsville,
October 18-24. Terri has a breakdown of the
budget and the estimated cost is $87,000.
There are 120 participants. Terri will have a
follow-up meeting with the Elders.
Resolution #23-2008, submission of a
grant application to the Office of Rural
Health and Primary Care of the Minnesota
Department of Health for funding of
project focused on diabetes treatment,
prevention, and education for American
Indians residing off reservation.
Barb Brodeen introduces Kevin Strong who is
the new Maintenance Supervisor at Vermilion.
Amending the contract with JCO
Contracting, Inc. to include account
payables outstanding back to August 2006,
MSTAR state ambulance reporting back
to November 2006, USDA grant resolution
back to June 2003, and monthly scheduling
ofambulance personnel.
Cory King informs the Council he is leasing lot
11 at Vermilion and he talked to Nikki Irving
and she said lot 12 will become available in
September and he needed permission from the
Council to get that lot. He is planning to move
to Vermilion and he wants lot 12 too because lot
11 is small. There is a trailer on lot 12 that is
owned by an individual from Eveleth. Cory is
asked if he has a purchase agreement for the
trailer. Corey said no, and that the trailer is not
worth anything. Cory is informed if he gets a
purchase agreement for the trailer then the lot
could be transferred to him, and if it was
declared condemned, then the lot would go back
in inventory and would then all Band members
would have the opportunity to request it.
Darin Steen introduces Daryl Sager who
provides information in regard to the Fresh
Energy’s Energy Justice Program. They are
building a coalition to approach the legislature
to request funding to make sure tribal homes
are energy efficient. He is approaching the
other Band’s with the information. He has a
draft resolution for support of the program
that he would like the Council to consider
approving. Daryl is informed Darin Steen will
be the contact person for this and Darin is to
bring the resolution back to the next Council
meeting in our format along with language in
regard to legislation.
Shane Drift presents the Office of Justice
Program grant for signature. It was submitted
online but now needs signatures. Chairman
Leecy signs.
Steve Peterson presents the list of store names
Contract with Stephen Roberts to provide
dentist services (sedation, endodontic,
pediatric, oral surgery and orthodontic
program). Discussion was held on the
issue of COLA. Cathy Chavers said in
the past the professionals were under
contract and did not receive COLA’s,
but Dr. Roberts will be a contrac employee.
Mark Anderson said the contract states
“will provide other benefits as stated in
the Personnel Manual”, and COLA is not
a benefit in the manual.
Resolution #24-2008, FY 2008-2010
Indian Health Service Annual Funding
Agreement.
Resolution #25-2008, contract with Will
Marvel, Rph, FASCP, to oversee the pharmacy.
Contract with Instrument Control Systems,
Inc. for the installation of control panels at
the Vermilion pump house
Out of state travel for Ernie Steel to attend
the Quarterly CVSO/TVSO Meeting held
August 15, 2007 in Fargo, North Dakota.
Approve travel for Lisa Anderson to Out
of state travel for Janelle Burton to attend
the 2007 Olmstead Conference “Living
with Dignity as Part of a Community” to
be held September 9-11, 2007 in
Washington, D.C.
Out of state travel for Leanne Barto to
attend the Annual Eastern & MidWestern Multi-Regional Employment
& Training Conference to be held
September 11-13, 2007 in Orlando, FL.
RTC November
Calendar
of Meetings
Out of state travel for Chris Holm to attend
the UEPA Certification Officers Training
Course – Microbiology to be held September
17-21, 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Out of state travel for Mike Connor to
attend the Wildland Fire Origin and Cause
Determination Training to be held
September 27, 2007 in Ft. Totten, ND
Out of state travel for Kevin Koski, Tara
Geshick, and Ellen King to travel to Battle
Creek, Michigan to assist the Huron
Potawatomi tribe host an Indoor Air
Quality workshop for Michigan tribes,
from August 26-31, 2007.
∑ Out of state travel for Robbie Goggleye,
David Villebrun, Brian Whiteman, and Ed
Isham to attend the Locksmithing
Training to be held August 26-30, 2007 in
Phoenix, AZ.
The Council votes 2-0-1 to approve the following:
Travel for Corey Strong to attend the
biomass meeting to be held July 26-27,
2007 in Denver, Colorado. Mark Drift,
Sr. silent because there is no information
in the packet on this request.
Out of state travel for Pete Drift, Sr. from
Aug. 5-18, 2007 to attend the graduation
ceremony for the two Bois Forte Band
member youths who are graduating from
the National Indian Youth Police Academy
which will be held in San Bernadino, CA.
Mark Drift, Sr. silent.
Contract with Wendy Long for Family
Nurse Practitioner services.
Table the 2007-2010 heating bids for the
Nett Lake and Vermilion offices/
businesses. Rae Edstrom is to 1) check
with Fond du Lac, they have a propane
business, to see if they would provide
service up here, 2) see about purchasing
our own tanks, and 3) look at one or two
year contracts because three years is too
long. Rae is also to inquire about a
rate for repairs and after hour repairs.
Approve travel for Teri Morrison to attend
the I H S National Biennial Professional
Nutrition Seminar to be held August 2123, 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Council votes 2-1-0 to approve the following:
Sun., November 11- National Congress of American
Indians @ Denver, Colorado
Moved by David Morrison, Sr.; seconded
by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve out of
state travel for Lela Correa and Lori Hawk
to attend the 3rd Annual Pathways to Our
Future 2007 Early Childhood Education
Conference held August 13- 14, 2007 in
Mayetta, Kansas. Mark Drift, Sr. against.
Representative Drift cont. from pg. 1
After deliberating nearly two
hours, the five person Council
reconvened to vote on the charges.
Representative Drift was allowed to
vote, but by a vote of three to one, the
Council found that the violations were
grounds for Drift’s censure. Leecy also
cast a ballot, but under Band Bylaws,
the Chairman’s vote is not counted
unless it is necessary to break a tie.
Representative Drift objected to not
receiving a copy of the investigative
report. Chairman Leecy said that because
Drift
had
previously
disclosed
confidential information about the case,
the Council chose not to release the report
to him. Leecy explained that it was the
Council’s policy not to publicly release
investigative reports in such cases. Leecy
said that even though Drift did not have a
copy of the report, portions of it were read
to him at the meeting to ensure that Drift
understood the charges.
Leecy stressed that all proper
procedures were followed under tribal law.
“Mark Drift knew what the charges
against him were, he met with
investigators, he took the opportunity to
present his defense before the Council,
and he even voted,” said Leecy. “He had
every chance to clear himself, but the facts
were clearly not in his favor.”
Leecy went on to say, “For the good
of the Band, we need to close the book
on this matter. The Council did not start
this, but we did what we had to do under
Tribal law. We now want to move on to
more productive efforts for our
members. For the best interests of the
Band, we hope that Representative Drift
does the same.”
Wed., November 21
Mon., November 12 HOLIDAY – offices closed
Planning Meeting for Nett Lake
School Project, 2 p.m. @ NL School
Elders Meeting @ Vermilion
Tues., November 6
Commissioner Meeting, 1 p.m. @ RTC
Conference Room
Tues., November 13 Construction Meeting for Nett Lake CStore, 11 a.m. – noon @ Public Work
Wed., November 7
Special RTC Meeting, 9 a.m. @ Nett Lake
Wed., November 14
Minnesota American Indian Chamber
of Commerce 20th Annual Dinner &
Awards Banquet @ Mystic Lake
Thurs., November 15- Indian Legal Assistance, 10-11:30 @
Fri., November 16 Nett Lake & 12:45-2 @ Vermilion
Planning Meeting for Nett Lake School
Project, 2 p.m. @ NL School
NOVEMBER
2007
Tribal Court
Tues., November 20 Commissioner Meeting, 1 p.m. @ RTC
Conference Room
Special RTC Meeting, 9 a.m. @
Fortune Bay
Thurs., November 22- HOLIDAY – offices closed
Fri., November 23
Tues., November 27 Construction Meeting for Nett Lake CStore, 11 a.m. – noon @ Public Works
Wed., November 28
Bois Forte Development
Corporation Management Meeting,
9 a.m. @ Fortune Bay
Tribal Court
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Nett Lake
Band Honors Pastor Wally Olson
With heavy hearts and fond memories, members
of the Bois Forte Band stood by Wally Olson as he
prepared to pass. They paid tribute to a dedicated
leader and a dear friend.
Band members visited Wally’s home Sept. 26 and
performed a ceremony making him an honorary Band
member. It combined Christian and Indian rituals,
including the gift of a Nativity ornament, two
feathers, tobacco and a plaque signed by Tribal
Chairman Kevin Leecy and Treasurer/Secretary Dave
Morrison. Dave’s wife Theresa read the plaque aloud,
inducing many tears.
Wally served as pastor of Nett Lake Baptist
Church for more than 25 years.
He was a faithful servant of the people, lending a
listening ear, a helping hand and a gentle
companionship during difficult times.
Wally always coincided with the Natives.
Spiritual Advisor Hank Goodsky said, “Together, we
brought comfort to grieving people by sharing tears
and laughter – like the Lone Ranger and Tonto.”
Through his words and actions, Wally
demonstrated how Native beliefs and Jesus co-exist
harmoniously. Spiritual Advisor Gene Goodsky said.
“We really walk hand in hand.”
Wally has always been there for the Band, Stan
Day said. “Differences in backgrounds and faith
traditions faded in the presence of our shared
commitment to strengthening the Nett Lake
community. Wally knew how to build bridges – and
he did.”
Wally’s friendship with the Band traces back to
the 1940s, when he struck up a childhood friendship
with former Tribal Chairman Gary Donald. The boys
NETT LAKE
FOOD SHELF
Long time friends and spiritual companions
Gene and Hank Goodsky hold hands with
Pastor Wally Olson during a ceremony with
family and friends at Wally’s home on
September 26.
grew up in Duluth and attended Sunday school
together.
being good neighbors and, together, good stewards of
the earth.
The men renewed their friendship when Gary
returned from military service in the 1950s. They
spent hours together duck and deer hunting. They had
common ground, and they met their often. At the
same time, they were stimulated by their differences.
They enjoyed the process of coming to understand
each other.
Cancer has worn down Wally’s body, but his spirit
remains brilliant. The Band will always remember
and carry it along. The ceremony at his home
formally signifies what many Band members have
long known: Wally is one of their own.
Wally’s friendship with various Band members
over the decades symbolizes the fruits born when
unlike people offer their unique gifts toward a shared
goal. That’s a concept near and dear to the Band:
New Nett Lake store to open
November 19th
Located in the Food
Distribution Building in
Nett Lake, across from the
Community Center
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday 8-4 pm,
Closed from 12-1 for lunch.
Available Monday and
Friday by appointment.
For further information or
to make a donation,
please contact Theresa Drift,
Bois Forte Community
Nutrition Educator,
218-757-3504.
bois
for te
news
Wally’s daughter Karen, called it, “One of the best days of
Dad’s whole life” when (back row) Hank Goodsky, Beverly
Steel, Doris Isham, Teresa Morrison and Stan Day (middle
row) Gene Goodsky, Wally Olson and David Morrison (front
row) Shirley Olson gathered at the Olson home to make Wally
an honorary member of Bois Forte.
At right are the names of the Band Members who worked to
build the beautiful new store
After the touching ceremony, Wally looked down
at his stomach and playfully asked, “Which side of
me is native?”
“The inside,” his daughter Karen answered. “It
has been for years!”
Alden Connor
Chris Connor
Michael ‘Lito’ Connor
Vernon Connor
Damon Day
Ernie Drift, Jr.
Lester Drift, Jr.
Craig Gilbert
Mark Isham
Steven Isham
Willie LaRoque
Tim ‘Woody’ O’Leary
Dennis Schuster
Eric Strong
Corey Two Crow
Milo Villebrun
Joe Whiteman
Matt Whiteman
Mushkowaysee Equay
“Strong Women”
Gathering
Every Tuesday at the
Nett Lake
Community Center
at 6 p.m.
More info: 218-757-0111
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 5
Mii Gwetch Manoomin
Traditional PowWow
NOVEMBER
2007
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Vermilion
Huge Turnout For Third Annual Indian Summer Classic
Pushes Scholarship Fundraiser Over $13,000 Mark
Businesses, Individuals ‘Answered the Call,’ Doubling Last Year’s Total
More Native American students
will have access to college
scholarships thanks to the
overwhelming success of the
Third Annual Indian Summer
Classic golf fundraiser held
Wednesday, Sept. 26, at The
Wilderness at Fortune Bay golf
course.
Jamie Quesnel of PFA Charities
supported the event and generated
donations through the silent auction.
“Businesses, organizations and
individuals from throughout the region
really answered the call,” said Kevin
Leecy, Chairman of the Bois Forte Band
of Chippewa, during a presentation
ceremony where he accepted a check for
more than $13,000 to the Bois Forte
Scholarship Fund. “Normally we help
approximately 120 Bois Forte students per
year through this fund. We can nearly
double that number of scholarships next
year, thanks to this generosity,” he said.
This year’s classic more than doubled
the $6,000 that was raised in 2006,
according to Billie Mason, the fund
administrator and Commissioner for the
Bois Forte Department of Education and
Training. Students in the program attend
accredited
institutions
throughout
Minnesota and across the nation, Mason
added.
Several past scholarship recipients
attended the event, many of whom
returned to the area following their
education for prominent positions with
Bois Forte tribal services, Fortune Bay, or
other area businesses.
“The Bois Forte Scholarship helped
me tremendously,” said Brianne Peterson,
who earned her Bachelor’s degree from
the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth
and is now the Training Manager at
Fortune Bay. “I still have some student
loans out, but it’s not anywhere near what
it would be if I didn’t have the
scholarship.” She now plans to return to
St. Scholastica and finish her Masters
with assistance from the fund.
Scholarship awards are based on
scholastic accomplishment, financial need,
and membership in the Bois Forte Band.
Title sponsors, Fortune Bay Resort
Casino and Native American Business
Solutions, provided significant support
for the event along with several other
businesses and organizations from
throughout the state. A portion of the
entry fee paid by each golfer was
dedicated to the fund. Plus, additional
money was raised throughout the day with
special contests, raffles and a silent
auction.
A big day for the Bois Forte Scholarship Fund
The Bois Forte
Police Department is
sponsoring a 10 team
basketball tournament
at the Vermilion
Wellness Center on
Saturday and Sunday,
November 3 and 4.
Tribal representatives accept a check for part of the $13,000 raised at this year’s Indian Summer
Classic held on Sept. 26 at the Wilderness at Fortune Bay golf course. Dist I Representatives Mark
Drift and Ray Villebrun, Secretary/Treasurer David Morrison, District II Rep. Ray Toutloff, Tribal
Chair Kevin Leecy, Wilderness GM Tom Beaudry and Marketing Director Michelle Perpich.
Call now to register you team with Pete or
Lori Drift at the Nett Lake Police
Department 218-757-3237. If the Police
Officers are busy, be sure and leave a
message and your call will be returned.
Are you the next Biggest Loser Winner?
The Vermilion Wellness Center will be starting a new Weight Watchers Program in January and
a Biggest Loser Contest. The Center is currently interviewing for a new person to join their
staff. The new hire will work with Christopher Running Bear and Corrina Wettlin on the fun new
programs. Watch for more details in the next issue of the Bois Forte News.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 7
protection of lake islands continued from page 1
Bois Forte Band member George
Mihelich, and his son Michael spent
several days during the spring, summer
and
fall
photographing
and
documenting their findings on the
islands. “We are spending the majority
of our time on the 20 islands identified
as having cultural resources,” said
Mike Mihelich. “We are especially
aware of the loss we’d all experience
from disturbances there.”
Lance Kingbird and Derek Laroque
are two of the volunteers working on
the Lake Island Preservation
Band Chairman Kevin Leecy said
the collaboration’s success is due in
part to the Band’s vigorous exercise of
its sovereignty. “Part of the strength of
our sovereignty is our ability to
develop partnerships on a governmentto-government level. By sharing our
resources and our skills, all the parties
involved have benefited.”
“This remarkable partnership
between federal and tribal agencies has
yielded valuable data and helped
protect significant sites,” agreed
Richard Moe, president of the National
Trust for Historic Preservation, in a
prepared statement.
“Equally
important though, it has fostered
stewardship on the local level,
empowering residents to participate in
preserving the evidence of their own
history.”
Heritage Center Curator Bill Latady and Mike Mihelich (behind tree) survey and
photograph on an island on Black Duck Lake.
Y Store
Expansion
in the Works
Plans are in the works to add new customer
services at the Vermilion Y Store. Construction
Manager Dave Anderson is supervising the bidding
process for expansion on the west end of the
building. The new area will include a Powerain
touch-free car wash system, a self-serve RV wash
stall, a two bay oil change center, and a self-serve
pet wash stall.
Construction of the new amenities may begin
this year if the bids come in on budget and the
weather cooperates. The Bois Forte Development
Corporation is also working on plans to develop the
east end of the Y Store property to add retail space
for Band members who operate their own
businesses.
Bois Forte purchased the Y-Store in January
2006 with plans for building up the existing store
sales and adding new opportunities for Band
members to utilize the key location, on the
intersection of Highways 169 and 77, as a good site
to locate new businesses.
Chris Buckley of Range 11 Northland News videotapes Alec Pete, Hank Goodsky and Gene Boshey
playing the Moccasin Game at the Heritage Center.
The news story included a description of historical Native American games as part of the coverage of
Fortune Bay’s 21st Anniversary Celebration.
Bev Miller, Bo Day and Martha Anderson are on the sides watching the game.
Y-Store changes
to BP fuel
Customers filling their gas tanks at the Y-Store are
now pumping gasoline supplied by BP (British
Petroleum) rather than ConocoPhillips.
ConocoPhillips announced earlier in the year that
they were pulling out of the region that includes
Minnesota. The Bois Forte Development Corporation
researched alternative providers and determined that
BP was a nationally know company with reliable fuel
and good credit card programs for the customers.
Vehicles traveling on Highway 169 or 77 can now see the new BP sign advertising the YStore.
NOVEMBER
2007
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Elders
Elders Depart for Nashville
on October 18
Elder Committee Chair Mavis Drift displays the items the Elders
donated to the PowWow Committee raffle for the Mii Gwetch
Manoomin Traditional PowWow.
Gloria Love, Warner Wirta and Helen Woods were excited as they boarded the bus.
The raffle items included:
1st place
Women's Jingle Dress
2nd place
Handmade Quilt
3rd place
Woven/Knitted Lawn Chair
4th place
Small Beaded Dreamcatcher
(3 - 4 inches diameter)
5th place
Two sofa pillows
Josh Villebrun was asked to travel with the Elders to provided assistance…and keep an eye
on his Grandmother Lorraine!
Bosco Isham and Cecilia Gonier display the Jingle Dress donated by
the Heritage Center for the October 12-14 Mii Gwetch Manoomin
Traditional PowWow raffle.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Charity Boney waves goodbye to her dad Arnold Boney and her aunt Jenny Woodenfrog who
were among the 75 Elders on two buses headed to Nashville.
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 9
Culture
ANISHINAABEMOWIN
Figure
facts
Gashkadino Giizis
Frozen Over Moon
November
Vocabulary
Zhiishiib
Giiyose
Waawaashkeshii
Baashkizigan
Zoogipon
Mandaamin
Kaadaak (oog)
Pin (iig)
Ogin (iig)
Zhigaagomish (ag)
Mashkodesimin (ag)
Mandaaminaboo
Naboob
Gitige
Gitigaan
Gitigewinini (wag)
Bakiteshka'ige
Awakaanigamig
Duck
He/she hunts
Deer
Gun
Snows/snowing
Corn
Carrot (s)
Potato (s)
Tomato (s)
Onion (s)
Bean (s)
Corn soup
Soup
He/She gardens
Farm
Farmer (s)
He/She harvests crops
Barn
Gashkadino Giizis Word Scramble
Mishgogaazhi
Dakakaa
Yisigoe
Anigakamigawa
1. Giga-gitigemin gitigaaning mandaamin, okaadaakoog, opiniig,
bikwaakoombensag, zhigaagomishag, kosimaanag geya. We are going to grow
on our farm, corn, carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pumpkins.
2. Ninbakiteshka'igeyaan, gigawiikongemin. When I harvest the crops, we shall feast.
3. Nibaashkiziyaan nibaashkizigan, waawaashkeshiiyag dash zhiishiibag ningiigiiyose. When I shoot my gun, I will be hunting deer and ducks.
4. Nimama atoon mandaamin akiking mii dash jibaakwe mandaaminaboo. My mom
put corn in the kettle and cooked corn soup.
NOVEMBER
2007
#1
percent of the polar
ice cap that is melting
per decade. Artic ice
thickness has
diminished 40 percent
since the 1960s (source:
NASA).
9
39
Oonbab
Taigagin
Minadabomanao
Gaziaghohmis
Sentences
by
CultureCreated
page created
by
Donald
Chosa
&
Karen
Drift
Donald Chosa & Karen Drift
the award announced by
the Native Music
Association for Karen
Drift and Keith Secola’s
language CD,
“Anishinabemoin.” The
Awards Show will be broadcast the first
week in November on MHZ Networks from
the Seneca Niagarar Casino & Hotel in
Niagara Falls, NY. The CD, which was given
as a gift to all Band members at last
year’s State of the Band, won the Nammy
award for Best Spoken Word/Linguistic
Recording.
Elders boarded buses
on October 18 for the
RTC sponsored trip to
Nashville, Tennessee.
75
150
3337
number of year Ellen
Adams, 2007 Minnesota
Indian Education
Association Teacher of
the Year has taught at
Nett Lake Head Start and
Leech Lake Bug O Nay
Ge Shig School.
hours of community
service donated this
year by the Orr High
School SORA group,
beginning with 15
students volunteering to
help at the October Nett
Lake PowWow.
number of rooms Fortune
Bay had sold this year
through September 2007.
During the same period
last year, the Bay had
sold 2331.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Youth News
Donald Chosa and Parker Drift
Graduate from Youth Police Academy
Donald Chosa Jr. and Parker Drift
represented Bois Forte at this year’s National
Indian Youth Police Academy (NIYPA) in San
Bernardino, California. NIYPA is in its fifth
year of providing training for Indian teens
who are considering a career in law
enforcement.
The two young Bois Forte men were
chosen from hundreds of applicants to fill two
of the 60 open slots in the annual Academy.
They flew to California and began their
intensive training program on August 5. They
spent two weeks there studying under both
Native and non-Native law enforcement
instructors from a variety of police
departments and law enforcement agencies.
Parker and Donald were taught the core
values of community policing with focus on
the importance of community involvement in
policing. They received training in firearms,
vehicle stops and also covered policing issues
related to the fight against drugs and gangs.
Graduation Day was August 18. Police
Chief Pete Drift, along with his wife and
coworker, Lori, were on hand to cheer on
Donald and Parker and congratulate them on
behalf of Bois Forte.
Parker Drift, Police Chief Pete Drift and Donald Chosa proudly display
their graduation certificates.
Orr High School
held their 2007
Homecoming on
September 21.
Enjoy the photos of
many of the Royalty
Candidates plus
Crown Bearers
Kent Villebrun and
Hannah Connor of
Orr and Jaime
Villebrun and
Jerald Goggleye of
Nett Lake.
Drake Dill & Alanna Drift
Jimmy Holman, Alanna Drift, Hannah Connor and
Kent Villebrun
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Jimmy Holman & Alyssa Christiansen
Jerald Goggleye & Jamie Villebrun
Robert Astlford & Buda Wilkerson
Kent Villebrun & Hannah Connor
Jerald Goggleye & Jamie
Villebrun
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 11
Schools and Education
Teacher of the year cont. from page 1
undeterred in going after what’s needed
for her pupils, even her purchasing clothes
for kids in crisis.
Parents recognize her as being among
the most nurturing, patient teachers at the
school. Her pupils love and respect her,
and she’s the most requested instructor by
parents hoping to place their child in her
class.
Ellen is the
daughter
of
Helen Burntside
Goodsky Strong
and
Henry
Goodsky,
Sr.
She is a sister to
siblings Alma,
Gene and Hank.
Ellen’s children
are Fran King of
St. Paul, Donna
Smith of NW
Bay
Ontario,
Diane Morrison of Red Gut Bay Ontario,
and Sharon Adams of Cass Lake. Ellen’s
grandson and his wife, Nate and Chrissy
King, have worked with her at the Bug
School as Drum, Dance and Cultural
instructors.Ellen’s daughter Sharon said,
“Whenever mom goes to a Powwow
Ellen has also taught grades 1-3 as
well as the Ojibwe language. She is fluent
in Ojibwe and a sought-after presenter
among Annishinabe educators. Initially
this award winning teacher didn’t finish
high school. But after a few years, Ellen
went back to earn her GED, and then
immediately went on to earn a Bachelor of
Science degree from Bemidji State
University in three years! She also
continued with her formal education,
earning a Masters in Early Childhood
Elementary Education. She has continued
her training by taking summer and
evening classes, and is known for being
dozens of people come up to her and
introduce their kids and grandkids telling
the young people that mom was their
teacher when they
were
little.
Sometimes she'll
sit and tell us
stories about past
students and you
can see how much
she still loves
them.”
Parents recognize
Ellen as being among
the most nurturing,
patient teachers at
Ellen accepted
her award adorned
in traditional dress
lovingly made by
her daughter Fran,
who said, “My mom has been a super role
model for us, a one-of-a-kind-person in
our lives. She has always been an anchor
for her children and grandkids, as well as
her students.” Fran added, ”Mom has
combined how she was raised with what
she’s learned in school to become a great
mentor and educator of young people.”
the school.
Among Sonia’s accolades, in Ellen’s
nomination letter, was this telling line,
"Ellen's family are all beautiful examples
of her life, work, and how children can
become contributing members of their
communities.” Ellen has this same goal
for each of her students too.
Always the teacher and inspiration to
young people, Ellen would humbly shine
the spotlight on the young student who
nominated her.
Tenth grader Sonia Lightfeather
enjoys “Knowledge Bowl” and fishing
near her home in Bena. After graduation,
she hopes to attend the University of
Minnesota in Minneapolis pursuing
Theater Arts. Sonia is thrilled that her
nomination for Teacher of the Year was
selected so that Ellen Adams would be
publicly recognized for her contributions.
"She’s earned it for helping kids for so
many years. She was one of my favorite
teachers and she worked hard to make
learning fun,” Sonia smiles with pride.
2007 Rice Camp
Vermilion
Boys and Girls Club
New membership drive started Sept 1
All kids are required to register and obtain your parents
signature to join.
Dues are only $5 and include lots of fun activities including
programs in art, a new photography Club, basketball and
pool tournaments and volleyball twice a week.
Call Talicia at 218- 753-8934 to learn more.
NOVEMBER
2007
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Tribal Government Reports and News
ABC’s
and 123’s
By Billie Mason,
Education Commissioner
Early Childhood Education
This year, Bois Forte’s Early Childhood Program is not only singing the ABC’s
for the youngest Band members: we’re also attending to some grown-up ABCs of
our own.
• “A” stands for additional training – Most of our staff took extra training
courses over the summer in programs designed for Head Start. Staff also took
standard safety courses, such as first aid and CPR. Many of our staff also attended
a workshop developed specifically for native Head Start programs, which was
offered in August at White Earth.
• The “B” is for being flexible – Our hardworking staff members have been
very willing to accept other job duties as needed, and they’re finding ways to work
effectively during construction to make sure the children have a really good year.
• And “C” refers to constructing new classrooms – The construction I just
mentioned is the expansion and renovation of the Nett Lake School building that
will create new classrooms, a health clinic, and more community meeting spaces.
Once the K-6 students move into their new space next spring, the construction crew
will begin remodeling the vacated classrooms for Head Start. My office will move
to the new school building, almost doubling the existing workspace, as will the
Workforce Investment Act/Direct Employment office.
Higher Education
Now that we’ve done the ABC’s, it’s time to talk about numbers…except they’re
bigger than 1, 2 and 3. Thanks to the huge turnout at the Third Annual Indian
Summer Classic golf fundraiser at the Wilderness in September, the Bois Forte
Scholarship Fund received a check for $13,000. That’s more than double the
$6,000 that was raised last year! As a result, twice the number of Native American
students who received scholarships last year, will receive financial assistance to
attend college in the future. Many, many thanks to Michelle Perpich and Tom
Beaudry and their staff at the Wilderness, and to Tammy Strong and Bob Villebrun
and the Marketing Department at Fortune Bay for their help in making the
fundraiser such a tremendous success.
Additional funding for higher education scholarships is coming from Morgan
Stanley, a worldwide financial services firm that has done business with the Band.
We are grateful that Gloria Love of Fortune Bay and our attorney Mark Anderson
suggested to Morgan Stanley Vice President Mark Miller the idea that the firm
consider a donation to our scholarship program. We received a generous
contribution this year. And I am working with Mr. Miller to try and establish an ongoing source of scholarship funding from Morgan Stanley’s Foundation for Bois
Forte students.
That ends my “lesson plan” for this column. I look forward to updating you
again soon
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Police Department Update
Greetings from the Nett Lake Police Department. Our department was not able
to submit an article for the last issue of the paper, but I would like to update the
community on a few items that our department has been involved with since we last
wrote to the readers of the Bois Forte News.
On August 18, 2007, Donald Chosa Jr., and Parker Drift graduated from the
National Native Youth Police Academy. We encourage you to see their story and
photos on page 10 of this issue. Congratulations to Parker and Donald!
On September 5, 2007, our department received notification that we had received
the 2007 COPS Fast Grant Funding in the amount of $200,000. These funds will be
utilized to replace vehicles and much needed equipment.
Our department also wrapped up the Neighborhood Watch Program after the first
weekend in September 2007. The program was once again a huge success. As I write
this report, we are scheduled to have our annual Neighborhood Watch Appreciation
Luncheon on October 25. Our department would like to thank all participants that
made this event successful this year.
If you have information of individuals that are selling illegal drugs or any
information regarding any unsolved crimes, pertaining to vandalism and theft, please
call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. This hotline is anonymous.
Until next time, remember to buckle up and drive safe!
If you have any questions, regarding the Law Enforcement Program, please feel
free to contact Chief Peter R. Drift Sr., at (218) 757-3237, ext. 15.
Hello! My name is Kim Dahl. I have been recently hired as the
Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Advocate for Bois Forte. Three
years ago, my fiancé, grandson and I returned to live in Nett Lake.
Our family consists of seven children, most grown up and starting
their own families. We also have five grandchildren.
I would like to thank the Bois Forte Tribal Government for
ratifying my position as Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Advocate. I
would like to thank the Bois Forte Human Services Department for
welcoming me into my new job and Shane Drift, Supervisor, for
teaching me all the information that will be beneficial in my job with
Victim Services.
I am excited to receive the position as an advocate for domestic
abuse and sexual assault because I believe that every person has the
right to be happy, express their own opinion, and to follow their
dreams without feeling afraid of what others may say or do to them.
When you see one of our information booths, I hope that you
will stop and look at one of our brochures, say hello, and ask any
questions that you may have about abuse. I believe that if everyone
has some knowledge of the different types of abuse, everyone will
have a better understanding of what the victim is feeling.
Please remember that you are always welcome to stop in at
Human Services to ask question or talk. We are here to help you
because we care about you. Always remember, whatever is said at
Human Services, is confidential.
Thank you,
Kim Dahl
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 13
Bois Forte Housing
Tips and Helpful Hints:
• If you are considering applying for a
Home with the Bois Forte Housing
Department, please fill out an
application immediately so we can add
you to our Waiting List. You must be
on our waiting list to be considered for
a home.
Carol Burr, Housing Commissioner
Boo-Zhoo! This is a little update for
everyone from the Bois Forte Housing
Department. The Department has been
busy doing maintenance and rehab to
various homes on the reservation. We
have been trying to keep up with the
volume of calls we get for repairs. We are
currently short staffed in the Maintenance
Department, but hope to resolve this soon.
There has been a posting for a
Maintenance Worker – not to exceed one
year, so if you are interested please apply
soon. The department has also been busy
getting our tax credit homes ready for a
site visit from our investors in late
September. Hopefully all will go well.
• If you are currently a tenant and
would like to move to a different
home or different type of home
(low rent/Tax Credit/SALC/etc), your
arrears in rent and utilities need to be
paid in full, or current, to be considered.
• If you are considering buying/
purchasing your own home, please
contact housing and we can provide
you with applications for the Minnesota
Chippewa Tribe Housing Corporation
or for the Bremer Bank of
International Falls for a Section 184
home loan. We can also assist you in
filling out the application.
• For those tenants with arrears and
who are working for the Bois Forte
Reservation Tribal Government, the
Bois Forte RTG has passed a resolution to collect 10% of your aggregate
pay, every pay period. This is to
assist you in getting caught up with
your arrears. This resolution also
includes any other arrears for other
Departments of the Tribe, like water
and sanitation, court, leasing, etc, not
just housing arrears.
Here’s an FYI to Everyone:
• If everyone who is in any of the
homes managed by the Bois Forte
Housing Department paid their rent
every month for one year, the income
generated from this would be
approximately $200, 941.32. This
income could be used to put up one
home a year. That home would be
available to people on our waiting
list. They may be your relatives or it
could be a new home for you. So all
you renters out there….please pay
your rent and let’s see what we can do
for our fellow band members.
Just a Few Maintenance Tips:
• It’s that time of year again to change
your furnace filters; housing has
some that may fit into your furnace,
or if not, they cost less than a dollar
in any hardware, or department store.
Filters should be changed more often
in the winter months, to help keep
the running parts in your furnace
from burning out and causing high
maintenance repairs.
• Also; tips on throwing grease into
your sink drain: run hot water before
grease, during and after to get the
grease completely through the pipes.
Putting large amounts of grease in
your sink is not a good idea. Use an
empty can to put it in. Another idea is
run hot water, before, during and
after putting used coffee grounds in
the drain to help the drain from clog
build up. Windows: if anyone needs
plastic on their windows for the
winter months, please call the office
and let the staff know.
Bois Forte Housing • P.O. Box 12 • 13074 Nett Lake Road, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • 218-7573253
1-888-833-7337 • 218-757-3254 (fax) • Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
and Curt are in the process of reclaiming
aggregate lost from past grading
practices. They are also brainstorming
ideas to remove the vegetation that has
taken over the drainage ditches. Other
duties
include,
maintaining
our
corrugated pipes (culverts), tree removal,
and keeping our roads graded, just to
name a few of their job duties.
Marty Connor, Public Works Commissioner
I hope everyone is enjoying this
beautiful fall season we are having. I
always enjoy watching the seasons as they
change, from a thick blanket of white in
the winter, to a kaleidoscope of colors in
the springtime, lush green foliage in the
summer, vibrant oranges, reds, and
yellows in the fall, and back to a new
blanket of snow to complete this cycle.
The Public Works Department is also
looking to make some changes. We are
currently working on a few projects that
have been dormant or not completed.
These projects include construction of a
new bridge on the O’Leary trail, finishing
the Farm Point Extension Project, and
NOVEMBER
2007
keeping our road inventory updated and
submitted on time.
Our roads and bridges are an
important part of our department. They
keep Federal monies coming so we can
keep our roads maintained. Our roads are
currently in a poor state. Years of neglect,
poor beaver control, and not enough
employees to keep them maintained are
only a few factors which explain their
condition.
John Whiteman & Curt Sheehy are
our current Road Maintenance Workers.
These two individuals are committed to
restoring our roads; they are currently
working on the Wood Duck Trail. John
These two individuals are stretched
thin most of the time, moving from
project to project. They are trying to
maintain over 100 miles of road in our
inventory, constantly repairing twenty
year old equipment, preparing for the
changes in the seasons, planning future
maintenance projects, and helping with
Water & Sanitation projects. Our long
term goals are to restore our roads to
conditions where many generations will
be able to utilize them for hunting and
gathering, access their allotments, and for
other purposes.
Right now the process will be slow. It
took time for the roads to deteriorate, and
it will also take time to restore them. We
also plan to do more road maintenance in
Vermilion. Making these roads more
driver friendly. We are also planning to
hire more maintenance workers in the next
5 - 10 years, to take some of the work load,
and avoid burning out John and Curt.
Water & Sanitation have been busy
with new projects also. By the time this
article is printed, the new Palmquist Pump
house should be in operation. Also a new
Pump house in Vermilion should be under
construction. Future projects include
Indian Point Community Sewer System
construction, a possible Vermilion Sewer
Project with an expansion of Sanitary
Collection Ponds. More details on these
projects will be in my next report to you.
If you have any questions about the
Public Works Department, please feel free
to stop by our building, call, or e-mail. I
will be more than willing to answer any
questions you may have, address any
concerns, or listen to any positive ideas
that will benefit our community. Please
do not be afraid to come and ask what is
going on; I have heard too many rumors
floating around about our department.
Please ask us, and we will keep you
informed with the truth.
On the lighter side I will close with a
quote from comedian Red Green.
“Remember, if they don’t find you
handsome, may they at least find you
handy.”Until next time, keep warm and safe.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Tribal Government Reports and News
Let’s unite to honor our vets
The Iraq war has sparked a host of controversies, from its expense to its execution. Yet
there is one issue Americans agree on: the importance of honoring our veterans.
In Indian country, this has never been a question. Respect for our Elders and
appreciation for our warriors are intertwined in our cultural DNA. Those impulses are
reflected in the Heritage Center’s elegant photo display of Bois Forte veterans.
We all know many of the women and men who appear in those photographs. They
have served the nation during World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam and in the Middle
East. I’ve had an opportunity to speak with several of our veterans this year about their
service. The conversations always remind me of how much they are asked to sacrifice – and
how much they deserve our support. I’m proud of all of them, and proud that they have a
grateful community in the Bois Forte Band.
What’s encouraging is that the broader community has caught up with us. The Iraqi
conflict has induced a change in public perception about treatment of war veterans. From the
countless care packages people mail abroad to the ubiquitous ribbon magnets adorning our
cars, Americans truly do “Support Our Troops.” And when they return home, we agree that
they’re entitled to hearty thanks and ample assistance. That is, they deserve a warmer
reception and brighter future than many Vietnam vets experienced.
This Veteran’s Day, let’s cast aside the issues that divide us and unite in supporting
our valiant veterans. Write a note, pat a back, donate some cash or lend a helping hand. They
already served us; now it’s our turn to serve them.
Terri Hill, Communications Director
Nett Lake
Salute to our Veterans
Friday, November 9th
11:00 am at Nett Lake
School
The Bois Fort News is
now being printed by:
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 15
BFDC and Small Business
Economic Development
is Alive and Working
at Bois Forte
Stephen C. Peterson Sr.,
Business Development Coordinator
Bois Forte is laying the groundwork for small businesses to develop and grow.
Each week, through meetings and conversations, we are examining many aspects of
job creation and retention, including finance, marketing, neighborhood
development, technology, and real estate development.
What does this mean for the individual business owner? Here is a list of
promising businesses that could fit well into Bois Forte’s current economic
development:
Tara Wagner spent a decade greeting guests at Fortune Bay’s front desk. Now
she helps keep things running smoothly from the Management front office.
Wagner helps Fortune Bay guests
feel at home
Being the face of Fortune Bay is a
job Tara Wagner takes seriously – and
enjoys immensely. She’s worked at the
front desk for nearly a decade.
The daughter of Band member
Sharon Strong, Tara said she’s proud to
serve her people. “I really like working
for my tribe and for the betterment of
the community.” Hospitality is in her
nature. “I know how to make people
happy,” Tara said. “I put myself in their
shoes and think of what I would want as
a customer.” That begins with a smile.
“Right off the bat, when they see a
friendly smile, that automatically
relaxes a customer.” Her interaction
with guests matters, Tara realizes. “First
impressions,” she said, “are lasting
impressions.”
Many guests leave lasting marks on
Tara’s memory. “I know quite a few
customers by name and it makes them
feel good when we can greet them by
name. I think that’s why many of them
come back.” In many cases, the
knowledge doesn’t end with names.
Tara inquires about guests’ jobs and
grandchildren. “Many of them feel very
comfortable talking to us as the front
desk.”
In addition to positive interactions
with guests, Tara said she genuinely
likes her co-workers and looks forward
to seeing them every day.
She also appreciates the social
N OV E MB E R
2 007
nature of her job. The front desk is the
hub of action, and she enjoys feeling so
connected.
Tara plans to continue working for
the Band and anticipates future growth
for Fortune Bay. She consistently hears
from first-time guests who just learned
about the resort and vow to return.
Word-of-mouth publicity, she said, is
extremely effective. When Tara’s day
shift at the front desk ends, her work
does not. As the single mother of two
daughters, Kiara, 9, and Angelina, 2,
Tara is always serving someone.
Yet she manages to keep grounded,
meditating and burning sage to relax.
Tara also dances in PowWows wearing a
jingle dress. Five years ago, her aunt
Deb Crowdog gave her an Indian name,
inspired by a dream. It means “Shining
Thunder Cloud Woman.”
Shortly after this story was written,
Tara applied for a new position at
Fortune Bay. Her talents, hard work,
and upbeat personality earned her a
new job as Administrative Assistant to
the CEOs of Fortune Bay and the Bois
Forte Development Corporation. Tara
now works in the Administration wing of
the casino, replacing Tammy Strong who
has moved to the Human Resource
Department.
Congratulations to Tara and Tammy
on their new positions working for the
Band at Fortune Bay and the
Development Corporation.
Bead work
Tree farm
Supplies to the hotel
Leech farm
Worm farm
(toiletries, paper goods)
Clothing
Native art
Landscaping
Beauty Salon
Fishing guide
Greenhouse or nursery
Bookkeeping
Home remodeling
Snow plowing
Fire wood sales
Gourmet sugar
Minnow trapping
Fast food franchise
Office supplies
Maple syrup manufacturing
Consider this: if Bois Forte is creating an attraction to draw visitors to the area,
which of the above businesses could you start to serve either the resort casino campus
or its customers? Could you sell items through a retail location, or a web site?
The best way to launch your business is to start small, work into the existing
market, and grow it from there. Sometimes a business can be started as part-time
venture until both the entrepreneur and the business are ready to grow.
The Small Business Development Program is here to help you, the
entrepreneur, get your idea off the ground. Give us a call today at 218-753-7805.
Looking for Work?
To view current job openings with the Bois Forte
Reservation Tribal Government visit
www.boisforte.com.
Click on “Job Openings” to view job
announcements, check opening and closing dates,
and print an application.
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Sports
Orr Boys Basketball
Saturday
December 8
December 11
December 13
December 18
December 21
December
December
December
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Friday
Orr Girls Basketball
Hibbing Jamboree
Bigfork A/B, 7/8 (5:45/7:15)
Floodwood A/B, 7/8
N-K A/B, 7/8
AlBrook, 4:45/6:30
Cook Holiday Tournament
Cook Holiday Tournament
Cook Holiday Tournament
Away
Away c/s
Home c/s
Home c/s
Away c/s
Away
Away
Away
Tuesday
Saturday
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Monday
November 27
December 3
December 6
December 7
December 10
December 17
LF/BF A/B
Chisholm A/B
B/E A/B
Virginia A/B
Bigfork A/B
T-S
Away c/s
Away c/s
Away c/s
Home c/s
Home c/s
Home c/s
2007-2008 Tower-Soudan Boys Basketball Schedule
Tower-Soudan Girls Basketball Schedule
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Monday
December 12
December 14
December 18
December 20
December 27
December 28
December 29
Cook
Bigfork
Ely
Chisholm
Cook Holiday Tourney
Cook Holiday Tourney
Cook Holiday Tourney
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Away
Away
November 27
November 29
December 3
December 4
December 14
December 17
N-K
Bigfork
B-E
E-G
Chisholm
Orr
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
B-E/T-S Girls Swimming Schedule
Saturday
Thursday
Saturday
(Mon-Wed)
November 3
November 8
November 10
November 19-21
Little Giant (JH)
Sections Prelims
Sections Finals
State Meet
Away S-11:00
Grand Rapids (TBD)
Grand Rapids (TBD)
U of M 12:00
Vermilion Family Wellness Center
to host Women and Co-ed Volleyball
Vermilion
Offers Speed Training
Have fun, get fit and meet new people by joining the Vermilion Family
Wellness Centers new Volleyball Leagues for Women and Co-ed Teams.
Here’s what you need to know to join the fun:
• Women’s League plays Wednesday evening from 6 pm-10pm
• Co-ed League plays Saturday’s from noon – 4 pm
Attention young Bois Forte athletes:
• Both leagues run for 15 weeks beginning November 21, 2007, through
March 1, 2008
If you’re a Band member between 10-17 years old and
play in any organized sports program, the Vermilion
Wellness Center has a plan for you to improve your
athletic speed.
• Leagues will have up to 12 teams, teams will play once a week, game
schedule will be determined by number of teams that register
Christopher Running Bear will be introducing Linear
Acceleration and Plyometrics.
These are practical drills and techniques to incorporate
into your training program that will improve acceleration
and first step explosiveness as well as prepare you for
more intense athletic competition.
If you want to learn how to increase your athletic
power and speed, call Christopher at 218-753-2843
to learn more.
• Each team must have a name, captain and 6-8 players (6 players and 2
alternates) Maximum of 8 players per team, minimum of 4 players (if
necessary).
• Teams pay $25 per player and each player must sign a waiver to participate.
• At the end of the season, top four teams advance to championship round.
Champions will receive 30% of registration fees; Second place takes 24% of
fees; Third place wins 20% of fees.
• Top four teams receive trophies. All participants receive medals. A league
MVP Trophy will also be awarded.
REGISTRATION ENDS NOVEMBER 14, 2007
Call Christopher Running Bear at 218-753-2843 if you have questions
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • Novemberr 2007 • Page 17
Entertainment
BEST COMPILATION RECORDING
"Heart of the Navajo Land" Various
BEST RAP/HIP HOP RECORDING
"The Total Package" Night Shield
DEBUT ARTIST
Shelley Morningsong "Out Of The Ashes"
RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Good Ol' Fashioned NDN Lovin'" Pipestone
DEBUT DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Women of Wabano "Voices"
SONG/SINGLE OF THE YEAR
'Have Hope' Jennifer Kreisberg
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Susan Aglukark "Blood Red Earth"
BEST LINGUISTIC RECORDING
"Anishinabemoin" Keith Secola & Karen Drift
BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
"A Tribute To Johnny Cash" Floyd Red Crow Westerman
BEST TRADITIONAL RECORDING
"Dancers of Mother Earth" Todi Neesh Zhee Singers
BEST FOLK RECORDING
"Welcome To Your Rainy Day" Tonemah
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Arigon Starr "The Red Road"
FLUTIST OF THE YEAR
Robert Tree Cody "Heart of the Wind"
BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO/DVD
Inchelium - Jim Boyd
BEST GOSPEL OR INSPIRATIONAL RECORDING
"Comfort & Joy" Cherokee National Youth Choir
BEST LONG FORM VIDEO/DVD
"The Trail of Tears Cherokee Legacy" Rich Heape Films
Band members Karen Drift and Keith Secola won a
Nanny at the Ninth Annual Native Music Awards for
the best new Linguistic Recording. Congratulations to
Keith and Karen on their award winning CD
"Anishinabemoin". Other winners at the Native
Music Awards were:
DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Brule' & AIRO "Silent Star Night"
BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING
"Cultural Legacy: Traditional Music from Equador & Bolivia"
BEST HISTORICAL RECORDING
"Remember Me Grandfather: Lakota Pipe & Ceremonial
Songs" Wahancanka
NATIVE HEART
Peter Buffett "Spirit - The Seventh Fire"
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Arvel Bird "Animal Totems 2"
BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING
"Alluvia" Evren Ozan
Sudoku
BEST BLUES RECORDING
Corn-Bred "Corn-Bred"
BEST MALE ARTIST
Robert Mirabal "Pueblo Christmas"
BEST NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH RECORDING
"Voice of a Dakota" Gerald Primeaux, Sr
BEST NEW AGE RECORDING
"Kinship" Brule'
BEST POP RECORDING
"American Indian Story" Jana
BEST ROCK RECORDING
"Crazy Woman Mountain" Gary Small & The Coyote Bros
BEST POW WOW RECORDING
"Long Winter Nights" Northern Cree & Friends
BEST PRODUCER
Tom Bee "Voice of the Drum"
answers on page 18
Viking Schedule 2007/2008
Day
Date
Opponent
Time (CT) TV
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Sunday
Sunday
November 4
November 11
November 18
November 25
December 2
December 9
December 17
December 23
December 30
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
@ Green Bay Packers
OAKLAND RAIDERS
@ New York Giants
DETROIT LIONS
@ San Francisco 49ers
CHICAGO BEARS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
@ Denver Broncos
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
3:05 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Noon
Noon
CBS
FOX
*CBS
*FOX
*FOX
* FOX
ESPN
*FOX
*FOX
*Game time subject to change/flexible scheduling
NOVEMBER
2007
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 18 • Bois Forte News • Nonember 2007
Community Events
Don’t forget
Diabetes Conference
Thursday, Nov 29
Woodlands Ballroom at Fortune Bay
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Conference runs from
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
to send me your photos of anniversarys, births, birthdays and
weddings. E-mail them to: thill@boisforte-nsn.gov
Great speakers and helpful presentations
on care and prevention tools and
techniques for treatment of Diabetes.
Lunch and doorprizes and a great
opportunity to enjoy a fun group of
people gathered to promote good health.
Questions - contact Diabetes Program
Coordinator Doris Isham 218-757-3295.
Mark Your calendar:
Upcoming Community Meetings:
Duluth
Minneapolis
November 6 at the Holiday Inn
November 27 at the All Nations
Indian Church
December 4 location to be
determined
Bemidji
Tribal Government Employee Holiday Party
Dec 7 10 am to 3 pm at Fortune Bay
Bring a non-perishable food item
Celebration of our Veterans November 9
at the Nett Lake School 11:00 AM
Angelo Kingbird
Happy 4th Birthday
Love, Mom and Dad
Sudoku answers
BOIS FORTE NEWS: SUBSCRIPTION
game on page 17
P.O. Box 16 • Nett Lake, MN • 55772
(218) 780-4388
thill@boisforte-nsn.gov • www.boisforte.com
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Subscription Rate:
$10.00 per (1) Year
Make Check or Money
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N o t e * S u b s c r i p t i o n i s Fr e e f o r A l l B o i s Fo r t e B a n d M e m b e r s .
I f y o u a r e a B F B M a n d y o u ’ r e n o t r e c e i v i n g t h e p a p e r, p l e a s e l e t u s k n o w .
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
NOVEMBER
2007
Bois Forte News • November 2007 • Page 19
Rutar’s honor Son JosH
and thank community
Aaron E. Mason
Een Anderson’s Team Wins 1st Annual
JosH Rutar Golf Tournament
Refsdal and Greg Gustafson. Anderson’s team had
a score of 56. The second place went to Bonnie
Beitz’s team and third place to Tom Anderson’s team
(also a Bois Forte Band Member). The consolation
prize went to Brad Sertich’s team. There were 19
teams that entered the tournament.
This was a great memorial to remember JosH
and to raise money for a scholarship fund. The
funds raised will be awarded to a graduating student
from the Orr High School. Brock Olson has been
awarded the first JosH Rutar Scholarship.
Matt Zupancich, Darin Refsdal,
Steve “Eens” Anderson & Greg Gustafson
at the golf tournament
Kelly, Rob and Scott Rutar would like to thank all
those that participated in the tournament, and, in
addition, for those who donated and helped to make
this a very successful event. What a great way to bring
friends and family together to help heal our loss.
Eens Anderson’s team wins the 1st Annual JosH
Rutar Golf Tournament held on June 16, 2007, at
Vermilion River Greens Golf Course in Buyck, MN.
JosH, who spells his name with a capital H,
loved and enjoyed playing golf. JosH was an Orr
High School student who had been very athletic in
basketball, football, baseball and golf. The 1st
Annual JosH Rutar Golf Tournament was held in
honor of JosH (a Bois Forte Band member) who was
killed in a tragic snowmobile accident on January 1,
2007 at the age of 15.
Steve “Eens” Anderson’s (a Bois Forte Band
member) team consisted of Matt Zupancich, Darin
“Thanks to all that participated and
donated to make the tournament a
very successful event. What a great
way to bring friends and family
together to help heal our loss.”
Kelly, Rob and Scott Rutar
Aaron E. Mason, 31, of Hibbing, died unexpected at
his mother’s residence in Togo on September 20,
2007.
A gathering of family and friends took place at 1:00
PM Friday (September 28th) at the Pete and Doris
Isham residence at 5206 St. John Drive, at Nett
Lake.
Aaron was born on July 19, 1976, at Virginia. He
grew up in the Cook-Orr area and attended high
school in Orr and Virginia. He was an avid
fisherman and also enjoyed hunting. He loved his
two boys. Aaron worked for Atlas Moving
Company for several years, and most recently
worked at a roofing business in Hibbing.
He is survived by 2 sons, Christian and Collin
Warmuth of Eveleth,; his mother and step-father,
Dana Mason and Bill Steib of Togo; his father,
Randy (Maureen Critt) Parson of Keewatin; a
brother, Tony (Billie) Mason of Nett Lake; maternal
grandparents, Helen (Desi) Stafslien of Portland,
OR. and Hugh (Bev) Blair of Linclon City, OR.;
paternal grandmother, Dorothy Parson of Virginia;
his special friend, Pam Kallio of Hibbing,; along
with nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many
friends.
RED CROSS ADVISES CAUTION WITH LIT CANDLES
The Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross
wants to remind Northland residents to use candles with
care and take action to prevent home fires. Nationally,
between 2000 and 2004 an estimated 20,900 home fires
were caused by candles, claiming 200 lives, injuring 1,790
people, and resulting in $459 million in property damage
according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“Thirty-eight percent of candle fires start in
bedrooms, and 25 percent of candle related deaths and
injuries happen when people have fallen asleep,” said
Tony Guerra, Emergency Services Director of the
Northland Chapter “To prevent this from happening to
your family, always blow out candles before leaving the
NOVEMBER
2007
room or falling asleep. And, if you feel sleepy, extinguish
lit candles immediately.”
“Many candle fires and their devastating results can
be prevented, and that’s why it’s so critical to use caution
with candles,” explained Guerra. “And since more than
half of all candle fires start because a lit candle was too
close to a combustible material, it’s absolutely essential to
keep items like mattresses, bedding, curtains, books, and
clothing at least 12 inches from candles. And always
remember that lit candles are fire.”
of each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If
you sleep with closed doors, install alarms inside each
bedroom. Use the test button to test each smoke alarm
once a month. All smoke alarm batteries need to be
replaced twice a year. A good time to do that is when you
are switching your clocks for day light savings time. Fire
escape plans should include at least two escape routes
from every room in the home. Also chose a convenient
meeting place at a safe distance from your home. Practice
your escape plan at least twice a year with all family
members.
To prepare your home for a potential candle fire, the
Red Cross recommends installing smoke alarms outside
BOIS
FORTE
NEWS
Page 20 • Bois Forte News • November 2007
Who will win the Viking-Packer Border Battle on Nov. 11?
Wick-o Holmes
Alec Pete
Brian Anderson
Pack will win 27-7 because of Favre!
Packers over Vikes 30-14. Green Bay’s
quarterback is better than Minnesota’s.
Vikings will triumph 21-17 because of
Adrian Peterson.
Patty Wilkie
I think the Packers will win 36-12.
Minnesota has a good team, but the Packers
are stronger this year.
I’m cheering for a Vikings win. It will be
close, 27-20, but purple will triumph
because they are MY TEAM!
The Bois Forte News
Gene Boshey
BOIS
FORTE
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is
published monthly by the Bois Forte
Band of Chippewa. The BFN encourages
submission of articles, poetry, artwork,
ads and photos. Contributions are
subject to editing for grammar, length,
malicious and/or libelous content. BFN
will not assume responsibility for
unsolicited material, but will attempt to
include material submitted by Band
members and guests.
The BFN is distributed for free to
Band members and is available to others
for $10 a year.
NEWS
November 11 is Veterans Day.
Be sure and thank a Veteran
this month.
Submit material to:
Tribal Council
Editor, Bois Forte News
P.O. Box 16
Nett Lake, MN 55772
1-800-221-8129
218-757-3206 fax
thill@boisforte-nsn.gov
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
Deadlines:
December – November 5
January – December 3
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Ray Villebrun, Sr.
District I Representative
Mark E. Drift, Sr.
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
NOVEMBER
2007