Miisaninawiind :: Onaabani-Giizis :: March 2-8 2020
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
42nd Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow
Red Cliff's 42nd Annual Pow Wow is scheduled for July 3-5, 2020 at the Red Cliff Anishinaabe Pow Wow Grounds.

A detailed schedule will be released in the coming weeks!
TNR Releases Comprehensive Plan
Seeks Community Comment
The Treaty Natural Resources Division has released it's Comprehensive Plan for community comment. The comment period for this draft is February 28 - April 8.

There will be a community outreach event and feast scheduled for the evening of April 1 at Legendary Waters.

There is specific information in the Executive Summary (pg. 3) on how to submit comment and the timeline to finalize this Plan over the coming months.

Click HERE to view the drafted TNR Comprehensive Plan.
ECC Employee Earns National Scholarship
Early Childhood Center Nutrition Manager Lori Duffy has earned the National Child Nutrition Conference Scholarship from the National CACFP Sponsors Association.

Duffy has shown a strong dedication to continual improvement, and she will join over 1,800 members of the child nutrition community in April for several days of training, networking, and learning opportunities in Atlanta, GA.

"I am honored to receive the scholarship and am always trying to improve healthy choices for our children here at ECC and in the community," said Duffy. "With obesity and diabetes in Indian country I am hoping we, [co-worker Sarah Deragon] along with Pat Kenote-DePerry and Mikayla Defoe-Topping in the Health office, can help reduce those numbers and install healthy choices for our children."

The NCA recognizes the Child and Adult Care Food program professionals who have dedicated their career to ensuring that our nation's most vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food.

Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association has been the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. NCA provides education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and to sponsors of all sizes from across the country.
Tribal Members Play Key Role in
Climate Adaptation Menu, Workshop
Red Cliff Tribal Members have played a key role in developing Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu -- a collection of climate adaptation actions for natural resource management.

The Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu provides a framework to integrate indigenous and traditional knowledge, culture, language and history into the climate adaptation planning process.

Red Cliff Tribal Member Ziigwanikwe (Katy Bresette) created the cover art for the Menu and is also a contributing author. Nisogaabo Ikwe (Melonee Montano) is also a Tribal Member and provided environmental and cultural knowledge as a contributing author.

According to the Tribal Adaptation Menu Team, while this first version of the Menu was created based on Ojibwe and Menominee perspectives, languages, concepts and values, it was intentionally designed to be adaptable to other indigenous communities, allowing for the incorporation of their language, knowledge and culture. Primarily developed for the use of indigenous communities, tribal natural resource agencies and their non-indigenous partners, this Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu may be useful in bridging communication barriers for non-tribal persons or organizations interested in indigenous approaches to climate adaptation and the needs and values of tribal communities.

Red Cliff Environmental Justice Specialist Noah Saperstein and other Red Cliff TNR staff have worked with the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission to host a Tribal Adaptation Menu workshop at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center on March 9-11, 2020. Red Cliff Tribal Member Chris Basina is serving as the event's Caterer.

The goal of the workshop is to help tribal entities and their partners use the Tribal Adaptation Menu to develop climate change adaptation strategies and plans that stem from a culturally responsible framework. This might include: identifying priorities and setting goals for tribal natural resources management, evaluating challenges and opportunities to meeting goals under climate change, developing actions to help adapt natural resources to changing conditions, and developing plans to engage tribal community members in adaptation decisions.

Click HERE to view the entire Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu.

Tribal Adaptation Menu Team. 2019. Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad: A Tribal Climate
Adaptation Menu. Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin. 54 p.
Native Grammy Recording Artist Star Nayea Speaks to Red Cliff Youth on Teen Violence
Last week, Native GRAMMY Recording Artist Star Nayea spoke to Bayfield and Red Cliff youth about the importance of healthy relationships as part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

The Red Cliff Family Violence Prevention Program collaborated with Nayea, who is an Ojibway National Native Youth/Teen Prevention Advocate. She shared her own experiences growing up as a child and teen, and even sang for the groups. Nayea focused not only on partner and relationship violence, but expressed the importance of loving yourself and refusing to self-harm for thinking you're not worthy of love.

"I want you to hear me when I tell you that it will get better, and you are worthy of love," said Nayea.

Nayea talked about having the strength to speak up against partner violence and abuse. Her final presentation was at the Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami in Red Cliff, where she also worked with youth to create videos that spread violence prevention and healthy relationship awareness.
Council Meeting March 2
The Red Cliff Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for March 2 at Legendary Waters. The Regular Session will begin at 4:30 PM and is open for community members to attend.

Click HERE for the meeting agenda.
Red Cliff Begins Comprehensive Planning Process
Tribal Leaders and Division Administrators met with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission last week to begin the process of creating a Tribal Comprehensive Plan.

The Tribal Comprehensive Plan will give Red Cliff a framework and guide for making future decisions that impact the Tribe. The Comprehensive Plan will be developed throughout the next nine months, and includes several different phases in which community members will have the chance to offer input and feedback.

"Throughout this process we are committed to ensuring the community's voice is clearly heard, represented and understood," said Red Cliff Planning Administrator Nicole Boyd. "Concerted effort will also be made to provide a variety of opportunities in person, online and via public events. I encourage the community to engage in the manner that best fits them."

First, existing plans will be reviewed and visioning will take place. Goals, strategies, and recommendations will then be developed over the course of roughly three months, followed by the implementation of policies, programs, and actions this coming summer. Finally, an official plan will be drafted and finalized with the goal of distributing the final plan in October of 2020.

"A comprehensive plan will provide a technical piece of wisdom that support our sovereignty. It will help guide Red Cliff into the future we desire," Boyd said. "Tribal programs currently have many plans and are continually trying to meet the community need. A comprehensive plan will support our efforts to be proactive."

In the coming weeks, the Tribe will provide an update on this Tribal Comprehensive Planning process, as well as information on how community members can submit input and feedback.
Webinige-giizis :: The Throw-away Moon
Submitted by Mark Gokee Jr.
Native Connections Grant Manager
Mishomis Wellness Center

Boozhoo gakina awiya (Hello everybody).

I thought I would share something that I came across while trying to learn more of our Ojibwe language and stories. While watching a language video, I was directed to a story from an Oshkaabewis Native Journal from around 30 years ago. Maude Kegg, who was 87 at the time, was from Mille Lacs and shared some stories her grandmother had told her. One of them was about how during one of the mid-winter moons, long ago Anishinaabeg would do something to heal themselves. Webinige-giizis, the Throw-away Moon, it is called.

Around this time of January or February if someone was burdened by something—Perhaps they were hurt, having anger issues, depressed, or something else was afflicting them—If they wanted to get relief from these things, they would break off a stick and tie tobacco to the end of that stick. They would hold that tobacco first and address that they had those feelings or illnesses. After they tied the tobacco to that stick, they would go out at night and look to the moon. They would call out to the moon, in Ojibwe, “Niwebinaan indaakoziwin!” (I throw away my sickness!) or “Niwebinaan nishkaadiziwin!” (I throw away my anger!). They would then throw that stick towards grandmother moon.

This can serve as a release and an unburdening of one’s self. It is also a way to empower one’s self by rejecting the identified difficulty’s power by throwing it away and declaring so to our helpers and vocalizing it to ourselves and the world around us. This is one of many ways that we as Anishinaabeg have used to treat various difficulties that happen throughout life. It also displays how Anishinaabeg have been quite aware of and practiced in mental and behavioral health treatment pre-dating western conceptions of the field.

Along with any professional assistance you might need, I would encourage those who may be having any mental or emotional difficulties to ask about some of the traditional practices that can be used to find perspective and relief. It’s truly a wonderful thing that we have been handed these gifts to help us. Give some tobacco to an elder and ask if they know of anything that might be able to help. Mii iwe (that’s it). Miigwech!    
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Workshop
The UW Madison Extension in Bayfield County is partnering with the Red Cliff TREE program to present a workshop for grandparents raising grandchildren.

The workshop is scheduled for May 7, 2020 at the Red Cliff Community Health Center. The workshop will run from 9 AM to 2:30 PM and lunch will be provided. Multiple presenters will be delivering information to attendees throughout the day.

Please contact Patsy Gordon with any questions at 715-779-3741.
Community Teachings:
Why Fry/Fried Bread Has a Hole in the Middle
Submitted by Jim Pete

Long after the Anishinaabe settled into their permanent communities, Wenaboozhoo was visiting the various villages.

He wanted to see how his people were adjusting to the changes that were going on in their lives. His ancestors were nomadic and followed the seasons, in order to survive with hunting, gathering, and fishing.

In each village he visited, he could see changes in the manner in which they lived. Sometimes the Anishinaabe would still hunt, gather, and fish. However, many times they would rely on foods that were provided to them and not about of their traditional ways of life. These foods were not good for his people, as he knew they would lead to some very unhealthy lifestyles, diseases, and deaths.

One day, Wenaboozhoo offered the sacred asema to Kitchi Munidoo and Nokomis to ask for assistance in helping his people adjust to these great changes. He set up his camp, next to Gitchi Gumee, overlooking the Island that was once the central point for the Anishinaabe. The central point where spiritual and historical events once took place.

As Wenaboozhoo began to fall asleep, he started to dream. In this dream, many of his relatives and ancestors who traveled to the Spirit World were there. They were laughing, singing, dancing, and preparing for a great feast. In the center of all the activity was Nokomis. She was talking and providing advice to all the ones in attendance.

He was able to hear Nokomis so clearly, that he thought she was right there in his camp! But, there was a strange food Nokomis was cooking. Nokomis was telling all the ones in attendance about how the Anishinaabe have always went through change and adapted their life styles. She said the Anishinaabe will be living in one place, sometimes they will still hunt, gather, and fish. However, many Anishinaabe will become accustomed to their basic needs to survive provided to them.

Nokomis encouraged all the ones in attendance, when you visit your relatives in their dreams, help them to understand how the changes will affect them and our future generations. She said, I am showing you how to use these items given to us for our people. I am showing you how to prepare them, so our people will remember our past traditions and help future generations.

Wenaboozhoo was mesmerized by Nokomis’ teachings. As she continued to talk, she was showing all those in attendance a way in which to prepare an item that will become a major part of the culture. She mixed together flour and other ingredients. In a large pan, she heated oil for cooking. As the mixture rested, she told how this will be called Fry or Fried Bread. As she shaped the dough into small round pieces she said, “tell our people to always make these round, as it will represent the circle of life.”

“And tell our people, to always put a hole in the middle, for it represents all the negatives with this food, and will escape through the hole.”

Nokomis talked about the changes that were happening to the Anishinaabe, but she also mentioned how making wise decisions with these foods, they can continue to live good lives, be healthy, and continue to learn our traditions.

Early in the morning, Wenaboozhoo woke up and was excited to share the teachings of Nokomis that came to him in his dreams.

He traveled from village to village hoping to share these teachings. Upon entering each village, the Anishinaabe were preparing the foods exactly the way Nokomis prepared the food. Wenaboozhoo was happy that all the relatives of the Anishinaabe who went to the Spirit world, also shared the teachings with their relatives in their dreams!

Wenaboozhoo stood on the shores of Gitchi Gumee, overlooking the Island that was once the central point for the Anishinaabe. The central point where spiritual and historical events once took place. He offered asema to Gitchi Munidoo and Nokomis, prayed and thanked them for their teachings.

Mi iw!

GUYAUSHK (SEAGULL)
JIM PETE
Community Members Needed for Election Board
The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking seven community members to serve on the 2020 Election Board. The Election Board will serve both the Primary and General Elections.

The Red Cliff Primary Election is set for May 8.
The Red Cliff General Election is scheduled for July 7.

If you are interested in serving on the Election Board, please pick up an application at the Tribal Administration Building.

Applications need to be submitted to the front desk of the Administration Office by April 2, 2020 at Noon.

You must be at least 18 years of age, a Red Cliff Tribal Member, and eligible to vote at the Tribal Elections.

For further information, please contact Laura J. Gordon, Tribal Council Secretary at 715-779-3741 ext 2406 or at 715-779-5518.
RCCHA Offers Free Tax Preparation
Need help filing your income taxes?

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority provides free income tax preparation and filing through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

RCCHA Staff Jean Defoe and Tanya Wachsmuth are IRS-certified and provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Their services are offered by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the tax season.

Call 715-779-3744 to make an appointment. Slots are filling fast!

If you've made an appointment and can't attend, please call to let them know.

There are other locations that offer the VITA service in the area. Click HERE to learn more!
Draft a Will, Power of Attorney
Attorneys and law students will be at Legendary Waters on March 19 to assist any Tribal Member who wants to draft a will, power of attorney, and/or other basic estate planning services for free.

To set up an appointment, please contact Wisconsin Judicare at 715-842-1681 and ask to speak with Kendra about the "Wills Caravan."
Free Small Business Training Opportunity
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute is offering a free training event for small businesses on April 14, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Harbor View Event Center in Washburn.
 
Speakers will be Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, US SBA, and Mark Dennis, Wisconsin Procurement Institute.
 
The training will cover the HUBZone program, the benefits such as set-aside contract opportunities, how a business determines if it is qualified, and the certification process. Mahaffy and Dennis will be available after the program as well for individual guidance. In addition, Dennis will be available for remote office hours in Washburn, Ashland, and other as-needed areas, on April 14 and 15 for business guidance as well.

Invited are all all small businesses in the HUBZone areas of Bayfield, Sawyer, Rusk, Iron, Vilas and those portions of Ashland County that are currently in a HUBZone.

Questions? Contact mark Dennis at markd@wispro.org or 608-633-3605
Red Cliff THPO Offers Video Workshop
Get Paid to Interview or be Interviewed!
Health & Wellness
LAUNCH Presents at National Conference
Project Provides Avenue for Traditional Birthing Practices
By Johanna Wilson
Project LAUNCH Director

Red Cliff has been an honored recipient of SAMHSA Project LAUNCH funding twice; once in 2008 and again in 2019. Red Cliff was invited to share with other Tribal communities our experience in revitalizing Indigenous Home Birthing practices and ceremonies.

Ideas and outcomes from the first LAUNCH grant Red Cliff obtained in 2008 were shared with staff currently working under Project LAUNCH. It was decided to share our approach with Native communities about our community’s idea of wanting to revitalize our cultural ways in birthing practices.

The First Hill of Life: Culturally grounded perinatal care options:
  1. Planning - The vision emerges.
  2. In 2016, another funding source was able to sustain this idea and move forward with consultation, training and implementation.
  3. Strong support from Tribal Council enhanced the passion to bring back traditional birthing ceremonies.
  4. Now in 2020, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior was awarded the LAUNCH grant through SAMHSA in 2019; allowing the community to continue providing traditional birthing practices via our Doula services. Culturally grounded perinatal care options provide a focus on social-emotional support for expecting moms, children and families. Thus, leading to the opportunity to co-present at a national conference!

The co-presentation invite came directly from our current Government Project Officer, Ekaterina Zoubak, Public Health Advisor, Center for Mental Health Services. The focus was to share experiences and implementation of cultural practices: Culturally Grounded Approaches to Promote Family and Early Childhood Mental Health in Native Communities: Lessons Learned from Project LAUNCH.  

Amaris Andrews, Doula and I presented with a power point explaining the beginning steps for Red Cliff Band in revitalizing the birthing practices and ceremonies. We were given permission from a mom to use her photos of her traditional home birth; this was produced into a video slide show with a background recording of the mom telling her story. We ended with a strong emphasis on educating surrounding area hospitals and staff of the traditional birthing practices that can be incorporated in a hospital and/or western medicine setting.

Miigwech for reading!
Johanna Wilson
Project LAUNCH Director
jwilson@redcliffhealth.org
Women's Salves & Full Moon Ceremony
March 9, 4-8 PM
All women are welcome to join the Women's Salves & Full Moon Ceremony at the Mishomis Wellness Center.

Come and make women's medicine for healing followed by Full Moon Ceremony.

Please bring Asemaa, yellow cloth, gift, and food.

Iskigamiige Giizis (Maple Sugar Moon)
During this moon, the maple sap begins to run, one of the main medicines given to the Anishinaabe. This medicine balances our blood and heals us. During this moon, we take time to find balance in our lives.

Onaabidin Giizis (Hard Crust Moon)
This moon is also called Hard Crust moon, this is the last attempt at keeping winter before we experience the awakening of Mother Earth.

Contact Linda Dunbar - Red Cliff AODA Services at 715-779-3741 ext 2403
Prenatal Gathering March 19
Zaagichigaazowin Home Visiting Program will host a Prenatal Gathering on March 19 at the Red Cliff Community Health Center, from 2-4 PM.

Activities will focus on strength and relaxation during labor. Food, refreshments, and support will be provided.

Please contact Amaris at 715-779-3707 ext 2307 or Amanda at 715-779-3707 ext 2235
Cancer Support Group
The Red Cliff Community Health Center is offering a monthly Cancer Support Group. The group will typically meet on the third Thursday of every month from 5-7 PM.

Have you been treated for cancer?
Do you or a loved one have cancer?
Are you a survivor?
Do you want someone to listen, share, learn , or support?

You are welcome to join us at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

Click HERE for the 2020 meeting dates and more information.
Nooji Center March Calendar
The Noojimo'iwewin Center has released its March calendar of events.
Click HERE to view!
Mishomis Wellness Center March Calendar
The Mishomis Wellness Center has released its March calendar of events.
Click HERE to view!
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
Human & Family Services
Free School Supplies
The Red Cliff Division of Family and Human Services is offering free school supplies to all Red Cliff families.

Families can pick up school supplies Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM at the Family Human Services building at 88385 Pike Road in Red Cliff.

Available supplies include notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, erasers, 3x5 note cards, and USB drives.

Call 715-779-3706 for more information.
Gardening Club Meeting
Join Mercie Gordon for some light refreshments to discuss the future of food sovereignty for the community.

March 13 at the Red Cliff Elder Nutrition Center, from 2-4:30 PM.

For more information please contact Mercie Gordon.
715-779-3740
mercie.gordon@redcliff-nsn.gov
SNAP-ED MyPlate Recipes
Red Cliff's GLITC SNAP-ED Nutrition Educator Mercie Gordon has some fun, easy, delicious recipes for you to try! She also shares some easy health tips when making meal choices.

Hidden Vegetable Tomato Sauce

Frozen Fruit Cups

Whole Grain Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Lean and Spicy Taco Meat

Apple Pie Low Fat Shake

Click HERE to view these recipes!
Education
Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Scholarship
Open to Youth and Adults
The spring 2020 round of applications for the Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship is now open.

This scholarship is designed to help youth (and adults!) of the Chequamegon Bay area participate in outdoor educational programs through programs like Outward Bound, Wilderness Inquiry or Northland College.
 
Apply by April 1st!

This scholarship pays up to $1000 to Chequamegon Bay area residents.

Follow the link above to find out more or contact the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation at 218-726-0232.

Click HERE for the flyer!
Bayfield School College Preparation
Click HERE to visit the School District of Bayfield website.

Click HERE for the Bayfield School Bulletin.
Library Temporary Closure Notice
Ginanda Gikendaasomin "We Seek to Learn" Library located at the Red Cliff Tribal Administration building will be temporarily closed from February 23 - March 6.

However, students are still welcomed to use the computers and printer during regular Tribal Administration business hours (Monday to Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm).

We apologize for any inconveniences. Please contact Library Assistant Kathy Barri at 715-779-3766 or kathy.barri@redcliff-nsn.gov.
Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami
B&G March Calendar
The Boys & Girls Club have announced their calendar of events for March! Click HERE to see what activities they have going on this month.

Contact Youth Director Paige Moilanen at 715-779-3722 with any questions.
Member Survey - Win A Grand Prize Giveaway
The Boys & Girls Club of Gitchigami is looking for Club members' thoughts and opinions of the Club, and is asking all Club members aged 9-18 to participate in a brief survey. Club members that take the survey will get a chance to enter their name into a grand prize giveaway!

Club members can take the survey on March 17 or March 18 at the Boys & Girls Club during open club hours.

There will be two giveaways: one for ages 9-12 and another for ages 13-18.

If parents/guardians do not want youth to take part in the survey, then they must sign an Opt-Out Form.

If you have any questions, please call Paige Moilanen or Don Gordon III at 715-779-3722.
Gichiayaa'aag - Elderly Services
G.L.N.A.E.A. Keshena WI
March 4-5, Leave at 9 AM
If interested in attending, please feel free to call Elderly Program a few days before scheduled event at 715-209-6892 or 715-779-3746

Click HERE for the entire Elderly Activity Menu for March
Elderly March Meal Menu
Click HERE for the Elderly Food Menu for March
Contact Elderly Services for more information:
Elderly Dining Site: 715-779-3746 ext. 3511
Office Phone: 715-779-3706 ext. 5018

Click HERE for the Elderly Nutrition Program Information.

Click HERE for the Gichiayaa'aag website.
Treaty Natural Resources
Sign-up Open For Summer Programs!
Click HERE to view the Treaty Natural
Resources Division Winter Newsletter!
Events
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Deals and Promotions
Click HERE to visit the Legendary Waters Resort and Casino website.
New Employee
My name is Paula Christiansen and I am the new Receptionist/Secretary for the Red Cliff Tribal Courthouse. I am a Red Cliff Tribal member and very proud to be!
 
I have over 17 years of experience in the Receptionist/Customer Service field. I have worked for employers such as Bad River Tribe, Midland Services Inc., and Anich, Wickman & Lindsey, S.C. I love working with people and I am extremely excited to be working for Red Cliff. I look forward to meeting new people and reestablishing myself in the community. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything I do, professionally and personally.
 
I enjoy spending my free time with my children and my family. I have 4 children that are my life. They are also my greatest accomplishments.
 
My other passions include riding my motorcycle, swimming, camping and fishing with my family.

Paula Christiansen
Red Cliff Legal Department-Receptionist
37290 Community Road
Bayfield, WI 54814
Phone: 715-779-3725
News Across Indian Country
AIANTA Offers Free Webinar Series
Grant Programs and Fellowships at the
National Endowment for the Arts:
Tips for Submitting a Competitive Application

Program staff from the Arts Endowment (NEA) will introduce a range of grant opportunities and the National Heritage Fellowship program, including an overview of the programs, examples of successful projects, and things to consider when submitting an application or nomination. There will be time for open questions at the end of the webinar.


Tuesday, March 3, 2020
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time

For more information, contact:
Glenda Toledo, Education Manager | 505.433.2120 |  gtoledo@aianta.org
Sherrie L. Bowman, Education Event Specialist  | 505.209.2479 |  sbowman@aianta.org  
Zunker Back to Work After Winning Primary
By Aaliya Chavez
Indian County Today

There are 82 days until May 12. That means Tricia Zunker has 82 more days to convince Wisconsin voters that she is the right fit to represent them in Washington . If Zunker wins May’s general election, she will officially be elected as the third Native woman to serve in this session of Congress. She would also be the second Ho Chunk citizen to serve. But the first step to get there was to win the primary election.

Zunker, Ho-Chunk , was officially nominated as the Democrat's candidate to represent Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district . In a special election Tuesday, she defeated her opponent Lawrence Dale with 88 percent of the vote. “This is a historic night for a Ho-Chunk woman to win this primary,” she told Indian Country Today after winning the Democratic nomination. 

Zunker spent her evening surrounded by family and friends at a campaign party in Wausau, Wisconsin. Her party was held at a locally owned bowling alley called Day's Bowl-A-Dome. Shortly after her race was called, she thanked her supporters. 

And now it is back to work for Zunker, who is an associate justice of the Ho-Chunk Supreme Court and Wausau School Board member. “I’ve been focusing on May 12 from the beginning,” Zunker said. “So I’m very excited for the next step.” Zunker will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the May special election. Tiffany served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly— and is currently serving his second term as a state senator. Tiffany is also a small business owner and ‘a proven conservative for Wisconsin.’ 

The seat is open because Republican Rep. Sean Duffy resigned from his position in September to spend more time with his family. Duffy has endorsed Tiffany as the candidate to replace him in Congress. Zunker says she is ready to take on the challenge of defeating Tiffany by staying true to her message of working hard for families, running a grass-roots campaign and working across the aisle.

Zunker said she has been campaigning “non-stop” throughout Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district. The district is home to 26 counties. It accounts for roughly one-third of the state of Wisconsin. There are also nine reservations in this district. “All of this is so deeply meaningful to me,” Zunker said. “And we are one step closer to having more Indigenous representation in Washington.” 
Wisconsin Tribes Strive For Independence From Outside Energy Companies
From WPR
By Miranda Suarez

Native American tribes in Wisconsin are working to generate more of their energy from renewable sources — and become independent of outside energy companies in the process.

Panelists representing three tribes spoke Tuesday night at the Wisconsin Energy Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to highlight their sustainability efforts.

Dylan Jennings, who also goes by Bizhikiins, is a tribal council member for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. He said his tribe  is working on a solar project  to power its health and wellness center and its wastewater treatment facility.

But bigger environmental fights are taking up tribes' time and energy, Jennings said. The Bad River Band  is suing to shut down Enbridge's Line 5 , an oil and natural gas pipeline that runs through tribal land.  Enbridge now wants to reroute Line 5  to go around the reservation.

"A lot of the environmental battles that another entity might not have the strength or the resources to pick up, many of our tribal communities are picking up those fights, and doing that on behalf of the area that we live in. And the state, quite frankly," Jennings said.
Still, the Bad River Band is working to honor its obligation to protect the environment — in part by leaving swathes of land undeveloped, Jennings said.

The perennial challenge is funding, said Michael Troge, environmental project manager for the Oneida Nation. There's not enough money to go around, and some tribes don't have the resources to apply for the funding that does exist.

"We're stuck. There’s a lot of tribes that ... don't have the grant writers, don’t have the folks in place to be able to put that kind of material together," Troge said.

Tribal leaders listed environmental issues as a priority in at least the last two State of the Tribes addresses before the state Legislature. This year’s speaker, Forest County Potawatomi Community Chairman Ned Daniels Jr., thanked Gov. Tony Evers  for establishing a task force on climate change , but said the state's work to protect the environment isn't done.

"There is more, always more, to be done to ensure there is clean air, water and soil for future generations," Daniels said.

Charlie Opferman, who works on the Forest County Potawatomi Community's sustainability efforts, said environmental issues have been a priority because they impact tribes directly.
He asked the audience of about 40 people if they liked to eat walleye. Several raised their hands. Opferman pointed out that, due to mercury in fish,  the state has recommended limits on how many walleye people should eat : one serving per week for men, and one serving per month for children and women of childbearing age.

"That's how Potawatomi tribal members got involved in this thing," Opferman said. "You couldn't take your grandchildren out, go fishing, and eat a mess of fish."

Opferman said in an interview after the panel that the tribe's goal is to generate all of its own energy.

"It's part of the struggle that the Potawatomi and the rest of tribes continue to have, in terms of being able to manage their own destinies," he said.
Native Report
With Rita Aspinwall & Ernie Stevens
Season 15 Episode 8

Travel to the Lac du Flambeau Nation in Wisconsin and attend their Wild rice Festival and Powwow.

We then meet master birchbark canoe builder Wayne Valliere.

We interview author Sharon Shuck about a speculative biography of her grandfather and why she wrote about him.
The Native Report is an entertaining, informative magazine style series that celebrates Native American culture and heritage, listens to tribal elders, and talks to some of the most powerful and influential leaders of Indian Country today.

Click HERE to visit the Native Report website.
Community Updates
Follow the link below to see announcements for upcoming events!

Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office 
88455 Pike Road 
Bayfield, Wi. 54814 
715-779-3700