Miisaninawiind :: Odemiini-giizis :: June 15 - 21, 2020
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Boozhoo and welcome to the Miisaninawiind weekly newsletter!
The Miisaniinawind brings you important news, announcements and updates, designed specifically for the Red Cliff community. But that's not all. The weekly eNewsletter will also provide news about neighboring tribes, communities and broader issues across Indian Country that matter to you.
If you have photos, news or information you'd like to share, please email submissions to communications@redcliff-nsn.gov.
Check our Facebook page
HERE
and our website
HERE
. We are working on a new website and can't wait to share it with you!
Want to receive the newsletter each week? Sign up
HERE
.
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COVID-19 Community Updates
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Various Tribal programs, services, and events have been canceled or temporarily suspended in our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
An up-to-date list can be found on the Tribal Facebook page, and is updated continuously throughout each day.
You can also find a series of video updates from the Red Cliff Health Division on the Tribal Facebook page.
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Stay Home Resolution ends, no motion to extend
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council’s Stay at Home Resolution ended on June 12, 2020. There was
no motion to extend the resolution at Tribal Council’s most recent meeting.
While the resolution has expired, Tribal Council and Red Cliff Health officials encourage community members to continue practicing safe personal hygiene and social distancing measures.
For information related to health guidelines, contact the Red Cliff Community Health Center at 715-779-3707.
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Area Residents Test for COVID-19
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Red Cliff Tribal Members and surrounding area residents took advantage of a free drive up testing event on June 11 at the Legendary Waters parking lot. The testing event was coordinated by Red Cliff Health officials and the Wisconsin National Guard.
Over 350 people got tested at the event. The number of positive and negative tests is expected to be shared by the health department this week. No personal identifying information will be given about anyone who has tested positive or negative.
Event coordinators also gave away over 500 cloth masks.
Last week, Tribal Council Member and Red Cliff elder Marvin Defoe encouraged Red Cliff residents to get tested.
"If you find out you are carrying COVID-19, you will be able to help protect our elders and community members," said Defoe. "This is about helping and protecting the community."
The Red Cliff Health Department urges community members to continue practicing proper personal hygiene and appropriate social distancing.
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Red Cliff Campgrounds Opened to Tribal Members
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Red Cliff's Buffalo Bay and Point Detour Campgrounds are now open to Tribal members and their families. There is currently no camping fee associated with these sites.
General amenities will not be available to campers, however portable restroom facilities will be provided. Families are encouraged to continue to follow safe social distancing guidelines as the Tribe begins Phase I of reopening. While no date is set for the beginning of Phase II, it is scheduled to include the reopening of the Marina and Legendary Waters Snack Bar (takeout only).
All reopening phases will be at the advisement of our health professionals and Red Cliff Emergency Response Team.
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Camping and Gathering Permits
Available to Tribal Members
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On Friday, June 12, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest opened additional recreation sites. For a full list of open areas and other up-to-date information, visit the
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
website.
Click
HERE
to read the full news release.
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Council Statement on George Floyd, Protests
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June 10, 2020
The Red Cliff Tribal Council stands in solidarity with the black community in the wake of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. For far too long, black and native people have been disproportionately subjected to unwarranted violence at the hands of police. Many of our tribal members have experienced this firsthand.
While recent events have now given this issue center stage in the national conversation, many of our tribal members realize the only thing that has truly changed is that the curtain has been lifted because of our digital age and the ability of everyday citizens to record such reprehensible conduct by those sworn to protect and serve.
We encourage and support lawful protest and demonstration designed to shed a light on police brutality, and we support the demilitarization of the police and a return to community policing. We stand in support of all lawful protests and demonstrations designed to end police brutality against people of color. As a nation we cannot say that “All Lives Matter” until native and black lives matter.
Miigwech,
Red Cliff Tribal Council
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Family Human Services Advisory Board Openings
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking two (2) individuals interested in serving on the Family and Human Services Advisory Board.
For further information please contact Rebecca Benton at 715-779-3706.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please pick up an application at the front desk of the administration building.
Please return your application to the receptionist at the administration building.
The deadline to return your application is July 15, 2020 at 4:00 PM.
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Red Cliff Police Chief Kyle Cadotte would like to send a Chi Miigwech to the community and to his fellow officers for the efforts put in during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RCPD, like all other tribal entities, has been forced to adapt to stringent sanitary and safety precautions. Cadotte said he is extremely impressed with the officers' dedication to the community and the job.
"It's been a new level of seeing the officers step up, and not one time has any officer missed a shift since the pandemic began," said Cadotte. "They are always impressing me with their endurance and resilience, and the fact that not a single shift was left open while we are all facing and fighting the pandemic is admirable."
Community members are encouraged to continue to reach out to RCPD in times of need at 715-779-3733.
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Peterson's Foods New Hours
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Peterson's Foods will begin operating with new hours beginning Monday June 15. The store can be reached at 715-779-5
MONDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
TUESDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
WEDNESDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
THURSDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
FRIDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
SATURDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
SUNDAY: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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Red Cliff Court Policy Updated
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The Red Cliff Tribal Court has issued updated guidelines in the interest of public health and safety to provide procedures and directions for proceedings and essential court functions during the next several weeks. These guidelines are emergency and temporary measures and are effective until further notice as of June 12, 2020.
Click
HERE
to view the updated court policy.
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We're All In Grant Now Open
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GLITC Job Opening
Aging and Disability Services Director
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Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council is a non-profit organization formed by the Native American Tribes of Wisconsin. We serve all WI tribes by providing administration of grant-funded programs either directly or with sub grants. Programs serve a range of functions from Children to Elders. Our Mission is: To Enhance the quality of life for all Native People.
Aging and Disability Services Director
The Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Director will manage and direct the Tribal Aging and Disability Benefits Program and associated staff. This position will work in partnership with tribal health and human services agencies and Aging and Disability Resources Centers (ADRCs) in the tribes’ service area to ensure that tribal members receive culturally appropriate information about ADRC services and are able to comfortably and effectively access long term care services.
This position assists tribes in researching and developing tribal capacity to provide multiple aging and disability programming. The ADS Director oversees, directs and supports assigned staff in individual and organizational advocacy, planning for new services, promotion of existing services and assurance of service quality. Daily attendance is an essential function of this position. Frequent travel is required to fulfill the duties of this job.
Compensation is set between $60K - $70K annually. Applications are due by July 10, 2020.
Click
HERE
to learn more about the position and to apply.
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The Behavioral Health Department has released its June newsletter.
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Click
HERE
to visit the Red Cliff Community Health Center website
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Elder Abuse Awareness Month
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By Nora Cadotte, Family Violence Prevention Advocate
Boozhoo Red Cliff Community,
June is Elder Abuse Awareness month. The Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program would like to share some important information with all of you. Abuse is not a comfortable topic to speak about especially when it affects our children, women, men, and our Sacred Elders. Our Elders guide us, teach us, pray for us, and carry on our culture and traditions.
When I was researching this topic, I came across many terrifying stories and articles. You never think that this goes on in our community but, I would like to share a personal story that happened right here in our community. To one of our elders.
My Grandma was over 80 years old, lived alone and was a widow. She was strong willed, opinionated and very independent. She also had a big heart and would help anyone in need. One summer day, a knock came to her door. It was summer time and she always needed help with outdoor yard work. She hadn’t called anyone, but this young adult just appeared at her doorstep. She took pride in keeping her lawn neat and tidy. This person said he was looking for work and offered to mow her lawn for twenty bucks. He didn’t have any equipment, a lawn mower or fuel but if she had one he could do it. Grandma being the kindhearted woman she was, agreed to this arrangement. She gave the garage key to him and told him to go to the garage and make sure she had gas. He did what she requested and came back and told her, there was no gas. She gave him twenty bucks and sent him up the road to purchase gas. He returned a couple hours later and told her some story about helping someone out who was in distress. Well, the lawn eventually got mowed that day and Grandma never got any change from her twenty. She paid him twenty more and he said he would check in a week to see if she needed her lawn cut again. She thanked him and off he went, in the direction of the casino.
A few days later he stopped by her house again. Just said he was checking up on her, to make sure she was okay. She visited with him for a few minutes and thought what a wonderful young man, so caring. After their visit he asked Grandma if she had a few bucks he could get because he needed some smokes. Grandma didn’t care to support bad habits but, he seemed so nice, she gave him some cash.
This goes on for about a month before she realizes she is missing large amounts of cash. Her pocketbook was always next to her recliner. She finally confides in me and I am suspicious. We talk about who has been in her house and she tells me about this fine young man.
To make a long story short, I confronted this person and told him to never come around here again. This didn’t deter him so, my husband and her son also told him to get lost. Finally, after we threatened to call the authorities he left her alone. About a week later, I saw him down the road at another widow’s house. Predator, targeting our vulnerable elders.
So, it can happen here. We need to watch out for our Elders.
From the Department of Justice Elder Abuse Statistics:
Rural Elder Abuse Research
Elder abuse in rural and tribal communities within the United States is an under-studied and complex issue. A multidisciplinary perspective is necessary to successfully grapple with issues of rural and tribal elder abuse which have both public health and legal implications. The following research is pulled from many overlapping disciplines, published in the United States that pertain to issues related to elder abuse among rural or tribal older adults.
Click
HERE
for statistics on elder abuse.
More often than not the abuser is someone we know. Sad. The abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and/or financial.
In these changing times we all need to be aware. We need to look after ourselves, our families, friends, co-workers, our community and especially our Elders.
Check on that elderly neighbor, give them a call just to say hi. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will be appreciated.
Here are some important numbers:
Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-833-586-1017
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Ashland County Department of Health & Human Services: 715-682-7004 ask for Adult Services
Bayfield County: 715-373-6100 Adult Services
Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention: 715-779-3706
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Elderly Feeding Program: New Staff
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Hi! My name is Hannah Tutor. I graduated from Bayfield School in 2018. I enjoy spending time with my family and playing card games with them.
I have started working at the Elderly feeding program as the LTE kitchen helper/aide.
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Various Family and Human Services offerings have unique guidelines and hours in response to COVID-19.
See the Notices section toward the top of this newsletter for more information. You can also call the Family Human Services Division
at 715-779-3706.
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Indigenous Arts & Sciences
Summer Youth Program
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Indigenous Arts & Sciences Summer Youth Program: A four-day experience with youth from Bad River, Red Cliff, Ho-Chunk and LDF. In the morning, we will have online workshops with Tribal & UW-Madison instructors.
In the afternoons, youth will be on their own doing environmental and cultural activities. There will be incentives for each youth that joins and completes each day.
Any youth interested can sign up via email: alex.breslav@redcliff-nsn.gov
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Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami
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Native Learning Center Art Contest
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The Native Learning Center is hosting a poster contest for Tribal Youth and is offering prizes for three different age group winners.
Theme: WHAT HOME MEANS TO ME
ENTER TO WIN A PRIZE!
Accepting Submissions from
April 1- June 30, 2020
All Tribal Communities are Welcomed to Submit! All Posters Must Be Original Art Work.
You May Use: Markers, Paints, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Beads and Fabric! Get as Creative as you'd like! Create a poster that shows what home means to you!
All forms of art are welcome; however your submission does need to be poster friendly.
Once you've finished your poster or if you have any questions, submit to: WilmaNoah@semtribe.com or KrystalCedeno@semtribe.com
3 AGE GROUP WINNERS!
5-10; 11-13; 14-18
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The Boys and Girls Club has created Virtual Daily Lessons for school-age children!
There is a schedule of activities for both 3rd-5th graders and middle to high schoolers.
Want to access the activity links? Simply click on the Closures & Notices post that is pinned to the top of the Tribal Facebook page. Then click on "Boys & Girls Club Virtual Daily Lesson"
Enjoy!
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Video Webinar: Red Cliff Venison Workshop
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This community workshop was provided by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission's Chippewa Ceded Territory Traditional Food Regulatory System Project.
Topics include information on the Food Regulatory System Project and food systems, eating venison, harvesting venison, as well as licensing and food safety.
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Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority
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News Across Indian Country
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Sports Teams Condemn Racism,
Continue Using Racist Names
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By Mary Emily O'Hara
from Adweek
Several major league sports teams have posted on social media to condemn racism and show support for Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the globe.
In support of
#BlackoutTuesday
, when many brands and organizations posted support for the Black community in response to police killings, the Washington Redskins football team tweeted a black square captioned with the hashtag. The Atlanta Braves baseball team tweeted a lengthy statement opposing “any and all discriminatory acts, racism and injustice.” The Cleveland Indians baseball team said they were “committed to making a difference.” The Chicago Blackhawks hockey team—who use the disembodied head of a Native American man wearing feathers in his hair as a logo—said they were “taking this time to listen and learn.”
“The tweet by the Washington Redskins rings hollow to me,” said Roberto Borrero (Guainía Taíno), president of the United Confederation of Taíno People.
“If the team was really interested in standing in solidarity for racial justice, they would change their name from the dictionary-defined racial slur they continue to use,” Borrero said. “As an indigenous person, I feel their tweet comes off as tone deaf, not woke. Violence comes in many forms, some more subtle than others. Indigenous Peoples are not your mascots.”
The Redskins, Braves, Indians and Blackhawks are among several American sports teams that still use Native American slurs or imagery (the Kansas City Chiefs are another). All of the teams have been criticized, or even sued, by Native American groups asking that the names and traditions be changed.
The Atlanta Braves retired their longtime mascot Chief Noc-A-Homa in 1986. But controversy remains over the franchise’s signature “tomahawk chop” and foam tomahawks handed out to fans at games. Last October, the Braves said they would engage in
offseason talks with Native American groups
after public criticism from St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley, a Cherokee Nation member.
The Redskins have been mired in heated battles for decades over the team’s name, which is widely considered an anti-Native American slur. The team has been sued by Native American leaders, including Suzan Shown Harjo and Amanda Blackhorse, in trademark court, who tried and failed to convince courts that a racial slur cannot legally be trademarked.
On Wednesday morning, Blackhorse suggested in a
Facebook
post that the Redskins should “sit down.” She did not respond to an Adweek request for comment sent Tuesday.
In 2013, a letter signed by
51 faith leaders
asked the NFL to change the Redskins’ name, saying “words can cause great pain.” More than once, President Barack Obama asked the team to change the name. In 2015, Obama said it was time for sports teams to “break stereotypes” and praised Adidas for working with schools to rebrand Native American mascots and logos.
The National Congress of American Indians has repeatedly opposed the use of the Redskins name. In a lengthy resolution adopted by the National Congress of American Indians in 2018, the group explained the roots of the term and why it is deeply offensive to indigenous Americans.
“The Washington team’s R-word name derives from policies of colonization in which bounties were paid for the bloody skins of American Indian and Alaska Native men, women and children as proof of their killings,” the
resolution
reads.
On Wednesday morning, the NCAI took a more hopeful tone in a statement emailed to Adweek questioning whether the teams’ support for the Black community might indicate more changes to come.
“We can only hope that today’s #BlackoutTuesday gestures of solidarity by these professional sports teams are indications of their commitment to racial equity and respect for the lives and humanity of
all
people of color,” said Kevin J. Allis, CEO of the National Congress of American Indians. “But these teams have a civic and moral responsibility to demonstrate that this commitment is genuine by taking real action to make our society an equitable, respectful, and just society for all Americans.”
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Record Water Levels Could Continue On Great Lakes Over Next 6 Months
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From WPR
By Danielle Kaeding
Water levels are expected to be near or above record highs on most of the Great Lakes over the next six months, with several lakes already at record levels.
Deanna Apps, physical scientist for the Detroit District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie set
new records for May water levels
, with above-normal rainfall recorded last month.
She said levels on Lakes Michigan and Huron, which the Corps of Engineers measures together, dropped about half as much as they usually do between late fall and early winter — and as a result, the lakes have set water level records every month since January.
"We continue to see high waters, especially on some of the upper lakes — Lake Superior through Lake Erie. Very close to or above record highs on some of those lakes," said Apps. "It's shown in our forecast to continue over the next six months."
Lakes Michigan and Huron rose 3 inches in May to 581.96 feet, surpassing the previous record for the month set in 1986.
Both Lakes Erie and St. Clair, the latter of which lies between Ontario and Michigan, surpassed a record set last year. Lake Erie has records each month since February, with a 574.41 foot water level in May. Lake St. Clair rose to 577.36 feet in May.
Lakes Superior and Ontario were both down in May compared to the same time last year. Lake Superior fell 5 inches to 602.49 feet, while Lake Ontario fell 13 inches to 247.24 ft.
Apps noted water levels on Lake Ontario are still expected to be above average for the next six months, although levels on the lake are not expected to be as close to the record highs seen on the other lakes.
High water levels on Lake Ontario caused severe flooding and millions of dollars in damage along shoreline communities last year, sparking outrage among residents and with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He
announced last fall
that the state was suing the International Joint Commission, which oversees outflows established by the
International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board
. He argued the commission failed to manage water levels there.
Apps said officials have been trying to maximize outflows from the lake as much as possible while balancing other water uses, including safe commercial navigation. She noted drier conditions in May likely prevented the lake from rising more this spring, adding that regulating outflows can only do so much to manage water levels.
"They're not able to help control lake levels or prevent extreme high or low water levels, and we know that because we've seen record high water levels over the last couple of years," said Apps.
Apps said shoreline flooding and erosion will continue on the upper lakes this summer as Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron enter their seasonal rise.
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Follow the link below to see announcements for upcoming events!
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Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, Wi. 54814
715-779-3700
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