Miisaninawiind :: June 21-27, 2021
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.

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Red Cliff News & Updates
Child Care Center Update - Teachers Needed!
Boozhoo! We are so excited to announce that our Director for the new child care center will be starting June 21, and the parking lot has now been paved. We'll introduce our new Child Care Center Director soon.

We are still looking for teaching staff! We would like to invite anyone who is interested in working with children to apply. We will work with anyone who is interested in taking some classes.

We have also received furniture and some supplies. We are waiting for carpets and basic kitchen equipment to arrive.

Anyone interested in applying, please visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov. Again, we will help and pay for any necessary training!

Miigwech,
Child Care Center Staff
Boys & Girls Club Starts New Programming
The Red Cliff Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami is starting new programming as the Tribe begins to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Some new programming includes basketball training, T-ball, and a guidance program called Path to the Third Hill.

All updates and program details can be found on the Boys and Girls Club webpage.

Contact the Boys & Girls Club at 715-779-3722.
New Class Teaches Skills
for Making Ribbon Skirts and Shirts
A four=day Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Teachings and Construction class is set for June 21-24 from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM at the Town of Russell Community Center. LCO Community College is providing a one credit course for attending this workshop.

The workshop will be led by Heather Hoaglund, Gretchen Morris, Sharon LaPointe, Carolyn Gouge, and Clarissa Bressette.

Rides can be provided for those in need! Please contact 715-779-3747.
Grants to Benefit Local Indigenous Communities
Red Cliff, Bad River members invited to attend Big Top's 'Anishinaabe'
The Apostle Islands / Chequamegon Bay Community Funds announced sixteen grants totaling $58,700 to area programs - including grants that will benefit area Indigenous communities.

Akiing 8th Fire will collaborate with the Madeline Island Community Garden and St. John's UCC Food Shelf, to expand its production capacity by growing, harvesting, and distributing its farm products on Madeline Island using traditional indigenous and regenerative agricultural practices.
 
The Madeline Island Gardening Project’s “Growing Forward: Building Island Food Sovereignty” will build on last year’s success by continuing to expand member education and school outreach programs, and further improve growing spaces accomplished by manager Janet Moore and countless volunteers.

After missing a summer of outdoor shows at the tent, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua will be providing free transportation and tickets inviting tribal members from the Bad River and Red Cliff tribes to attend their new show, "Anishinaabe" about the history of the Ojibwa people in northern Wisconsin.
Council At Large Candidates To Be Announced
Chairman Candidates Set for Community Forum
The deadline to submit candidacy for a Member At-Large seat on the Red Cliff Tribal Council is 6:00 PM on June 21. Those candidates who meet the qualifications to serve will be announced by June 25.

The two candidates for Red Cliff Tribal Chairman will participate in a candidate forum on Tuesday June 29 at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino. The forum is scheduled to begin at 6 PM.

The candidate forum is being organized by the League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield County to help provide voting=eligible Red Cliff Tribal Members an opportunity to ask candidates Chris Boyd and Ray DePerry questions before the General Election takes place on July 6.

Voting-eligible tribal members can email questions ahead of time to redcliffcandidateforum@abcleaguevoters.org or text 715-979-1723.

Tribal members can also join the forum virtually via Zoom. Click HERE to access the virtual link and details.

Voting for the 2021 General Election will take place on July 6 at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino.

Red Cliff Tribal Members interested in declaring candidacy for a Member At-Large seat on the Tribal Council should submit your intentions in writing no later than 6:00 PM on June 21 to the Tribal Council Secretary.

Tribal Members will have the opportunity to vote for a Tribal Chairperson, Treasurer, and three At-Large seats.

View all election information at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/election.

Please direct any questions to Secretary Laura Gordon at secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3700.
Gikinoo'amaage Indigenous
Educator Coalition Fundraiser
Gikinoo'amaage Indigenous Educators Coalition is an all-volunteer coalition created by Chequamegon Bay community members who are passionate about assisting aspiring Indigenous educators.

Through this scholarship fund and mentorship program, the coalition hopes to increase the representation of Indigenous teachers in our schools and community education programs.

The coalition is having a fundraiser/concert event on June 26th at Howl Adventure in Bayfield, WI.

Click HERE for details or contact gikinooamaage@gmail.com.
Motorcycle Group Rides For MMIW Awareness
Set to visit Red Cliff June 25-26
The motorcycle group Wisconsin Indigenous Riders is touring in support of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Missing Murdered Indigenous People on June 25-26 throughout Indigenous nations in Wisconsin.

The group will stop in Red Cliff at the end of their ride on June 25, then will start their second day in Red Cliff on June 26.

Chi Miigwech to Wisconsin Indigenous Riders for continuing to raise awareness four our missing and murdered relatives.

Contact Bruce LaMere or Kelly LaMere for more information on the group's ride.
715-490-5848 / 715-889-0298
lamereb54@gmail.com / haga.daybreak@yahoo.com
Healing Garden Enjoying Honey Bee Addition
The Noojimo'iwewin Center operates a Healing Garden as part of its recovery offerings for those on the path to wellness. Noojimo'iwewin Center Peer Specialist Justin Hansen coordinates the Healing Garden activities and is now managing a honey bee hive!

Stay tuned for bee hive updates throughout the summer.

Contact Justin with any question at 715-779-3707 ext 2397.
Community Submission: Jim Peacock
"Return of the Summer Stars"
Council Meeting June 22
The Red Cliff Tribal Council will meet on Tuesday June 22 at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

The Regular Session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM.

Click HERE to access the meeting agenda.
Utilities Commission Meeting June 25
The Utilities Commission is set to meet on June 25 at the Public Works department.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.

Click HERE for the meeting agenda.
Language Camp Back in Person, Set for July 6-9
The Red Cliff Language Camp is back in person this year from July 6-9, 2021 at Raspberry Campgrounds.

Join us in Miskwaabekong (Red Cliff) for moccasin making, traditional games, traditional cooking, Ojibwemowin, and much more!

Stay tuned for specific times and event details.

COVID-19 safety guidelines will be in place. If you are fully vaccinated, stop by the Red Cliff Community Health Center and provide proof of vaccination. You will receive a wristband. The wristband is required to attend camp!

Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to test daily at the health center. See flyer for details.

Please contact Richard LaFernier or Red Cliff Tribal Historic Preservation at 715-779-3761 ext 4803 with any questions.
Environmental Dept FONSI open for comment
The Red Cliff Environmental Department is publishing a Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Based on the Environmental Assessment conducted by the Red Cliff Environmental Department for the Tribal Courthouse Renovation and Expansion Project managed by the Red Cliff Planning Department, it has been determined the proposed action will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The Draft FONSI and Environmental Assessment are available for a 30-day public comment period regarding the proposed project.

The RC Environmental Department invites written comments on the Draft FONSI of the proposed project. You can view the Draft FONSI and the Environmental Assessment online. Paper copies can also be found at the RC Environmental Office, Tribal Administration Building, Tribal Courthouse, RC Elderly Center, RC Transfer Station, and Peterson's Food and Smoke Shop. Written comments will be accepted until July 10, 2021 at 4:30 PM.

Please direct comments to Linda Nguyen, Environmental Director.


Via Mailing Address:
Red Cliff Environmental Department
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, WI 54814
Aho! Pow Wow Set for July 3-4
The 43rd Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow is back this year after being cancelled in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Pow Wow is set for July 3-4 at the Red Cliff Pow Wow Grounds located on Hwy 13 and Aiken Road in Red Cliff.

Grand Entries will happen at 1 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, and 12 PM on Sunday.

There is a $5 entrance fee. However, admission is FREE for those who show an official COVID-19 vaccination card.

There will be judged special performances and contests.

There will be a 15 drum limit - please preregister to participate!

The Red Cliff Pow Wow is open to all.

Click HERE for more information and details, or contact:

Pow Wow Coordinator: Demetri Morris 715-779-9463
Drum Pre-Registration: Marvin Defoe 715-209-0374
Vendor Information: Julie Gordon 715-779-3700
Elderly Dining Center Set to Reopen July 12
The Red Cliff Elderly Dining Center is scheduled to reopen for Congregate Dining beginning July 12. Food will be served from 12 PM - 1 PM.

Elders wishing to stay with Home Delivered Meals must provide a doctor's note. If you have already provided a doctor's note, you do not need to provide another one.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Please call Elderly Director Anna Hanson with any questions at 715-779-3706.
Proposed Burial Ordinance
Open for Community Comment
The Red Cliff Ad Hoc Cemetery Committee and the Tribal Historic Preservation Department have proposed adding a Burial Ordinance to the Red Cliff Code of Laws.

Public comment on the proposal is encouraged. Please submit any comments on this proposal to the Tribal Administration Building. The Tribal Council will vote on this proposal at the June 22, 2021 Tribal Council Meeting.

The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to establish rules governing burial plots within the Red Cliff reservation. If approved, the policy states that burial lots are only permitted within tribally designated cemeteries. Burial on private lots outside of tribally designated cemeteries is specifically prohibited. Burials in designated cemeteries regulated under the proposed ordinance would be available to Red Cliff Tribal Members, their spouses, their children, and other individuals approved by the Cemetery Committee.

View the entire proposal and a presentation HERE.
Proposed Code Change: Speed Limits
A change pertaining to Chapter 14 of the Red Cliff Code of Laws has been proposed to the Tribal Council. The change proposes lowering the speed limit to 15 MPH on portions of Butterfield Road, Old Housing Road, Pikes Road, Buffalo Road or any other road within 300 feet of any housing development.

Click HERE to view the entire proposal notice.

Public comment on this proposal is encouraged. Please drop your comments at the Tribal Administration Building. This proposal will be voted upon at the June 22 Tribal Council Meeting.
Emergency Rental Assistance Still Available
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is still offering help and is accepting applications.

Do you have friends or family who are Red Cliff tribal members renting anywhere in Bayfield County? Red Cliff still has Emergency Rental Assistance available to pay up to 12 months of rent and utilities for qualifying households. It is NOT required that applicants live in tribal housing or have past due bills.

Click HERE to learn more and apply.
Health & Wellness
Noojimo'iwewin Center AA Campfire Meetings
The Noojimo'iwewin Center is now offering campfire AA meetings every Friday at 6:00 PM. The meetings will take place at 37450 Watertower Rd in Red Cliff.

Chairs, coffee, and lemonade will be provided.

Please contact the Noojimo'iwewin Center at 715-779-3508 with any questions.
Click the image to access the entire Behavioral Health June Newsletter
Virtual Sharing Circle - Every Wednesday
The virtual Sharing Circle hosted by the Noojimo'iwewin Center is back on Wednesdays at 6 PM! The Sharing Circle is scheduled weekly for each Wednesday.

This Sharing Circle provides an opportunity to share and receive support on your Recovery Journey from a Community of People who have been there. Weekly themes will be determined by the group.

Click HERE to access the meeting.
Meeting ID: 745 466 870
Password: nicetry

To join by Phone:
Dial +1 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 745 466 870
Password: 456125

For more information, please call 715-779-3508 or 715-779-3707 Ext. 2450
Virtual Recovery Meetings
There are various AA / NA / Alanon group meetings offered around the Chequamegon Bay area.

Click HERE to access the different meeting links and information.
For other Health Center information or general questions call: 715-779-3707 or Email  RCHealthCenter@redcliffhealth.org

Click HERE to visit the Red Cliff Community Health Center website.

Click HERE for COVID-19 Updates and Resources.
Family & Human Services
FoodWIse Newsletter - June 2021
FoodWIse Nutrition has released its June 2021 newsletter!

FoodWIse is federally funded statewide by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). FoodWIse advances healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and healthy community environments for Wisconsin residents with limited incomes through nutrition education at the individual, community and systems levels.

Click HERE to view the full June 2021 FoodWIse newsletter.
Education
Bayfield School District Updates
You can view the school's news and updates on their website:

You can also find updates on the
Bayfield School District Facebook page.
Access Scholarship Opportunities
Red Cliff Community Members have access to a variety of scholarships.
Click HERE to visit the Education Department's Scholarships page.
Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami
Treaty Natural Resources
Jacobson Joins TNR, Water Resources Program
Jessica Jacobson has joined the Red Cliff Environmental Department as an Environmental Technician. Jacobson will be assisting the Water Resources Program and other projects in the Treaty Natural Resources Division.

Prior to joining Red Cliff TNR, Jacobson worked at a consulting firm in Minneapolis with a focus in water resources education. She earned her degree in Environmental Science - Policy and Management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Aaniin Jessica!
Housing Authority
Housing Needs Assessment Results Published
The Housing Needs Assessment Survey results and presentation are now available HERE.

The survey collected homeownership and housing needs data from Red Cliff Tribal Members living in Red Cliff and in nearby states.
Housing Authority is hiring!
The Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for multiple positions.

View RCCHA job openings HERE.

Please contact the Housing Authority with any questions at 715-779-3744.
Eviction Moratorium Extended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extended the Order banning evictions for certain renters until June 30, 2021. The CDC Order is a temporary eviction moratorium to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Click HERE to view details and further information.
Red Cliff Fish Company
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Moe Topping Earns Team Member of the Quarter
On behalf of everyone at LWRC, we would like to congratulate Maurice (Moe) Topping for being nominated and earning Team Member of the second Quarter.

We know that our growth and success is dependent on having devoted team members such as Maurice. We want to recognize the contributions they have made in helping achieve our goals. It is a great honor to LWRC and the community to have you as a dedicated team member, we hope that this award will always remind you of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.

Thank you for all you have done for LWRC during your years of service and for your ongoing commitment to our success. Congratulations!
 
Sincerely,
LWRC Management 
News Across Indian Country
FEMA Offers Funeral Reimbursements
for COVID-19 Deaths
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now offering financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

How to Apply
Call 844-684-6333

Eligibility
  • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
  • There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
  • An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

Click HERE for details and information on the FEMA website.
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office 
88455 Pike Road 
Bayfield, Wi. 54814 
715-779-3700