Red Cliff Tribe Signs Joint Resolution With Bayfield County Opposing Parks Bill

The Red Cliff Tribal Council has signed a joint resolution with the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors in opposition to H.R. 5497, a bill that would redesignate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to a National Park.

In 2024, H.R. 9111 was proposed which would redesignate the Wenabozho Ominisan as the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve. Despite heavy local opposition to the bill, it has again been reintroduced as H.R. 5497.

The bill claims it would increase tourism to create economic growth by creating more jobs, private investment in hospitality facilities and services, and public infrastructure investments.

However, there were no local public informational meetings held to inform the public, the tourism industry, and park users about the proposal which would have allowed the public to ask questions, receive answers, and to offer their suggestions and input about H.R. 9111 or H.R.5497.

Despite multiple requests, no feasibility, environmental impact, or economic impact studies have been proposed or completed to establish what private and public facilities, accommodations, and infrastructure would be required to accommodate more tourists, and what nearby communities' current capacities are, and what would be required for accommodating more tourists, especially in regard to public safety.

There was no coordination with local tribal, county, city, or town governments or officials for meaningful information, communications, formal consultation, or questions answered prior to H.R. 9111 and H.R. 5497 being introduced in Congress.

Since there was no meaningful communication and coordination with the people and governments that would be most affected by the proposal, the Gaa-Miskwaabikaang Tribal Council and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors passed a joint resolution opposing H.R. 9111 on September 18, 2024. Several other local units of government also passed resolutions opposing H.R. 9111 in 2024.

The current National Lakeshore designation adequately and appropriately protects the natural, cultural, and historic resources while allowing for public use and enjoyment.

Since H.R. 9111’s introduction in 2024 and now the introduction of H.R. 5497 in 2026 there still has not been any meaningful communication with the Tribe or other local units of government, public informational meetings or response addressing or answering the questions and concerns regarding the proposal.

The Red Cliff Tribe's responsibility is to ensure the protection of the natural resources and way of life that our future generations will rely on. We will continue to uphold this responsibility until we have evidence to change our position.

Accepting Pow Wow Vendor Applications

The Red Cliff Pow Wow Committee is now accepting vendor applications for the 48th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow (July 3-5, 2026).

Those interested in being a vendor can access the RC Pow Wow Vendor Application and instructions at the button below.

Please be sure to follow all application instructions to ensure your valid application submission for consideration.

Application and payment must be received by May 15, 2026.

Contact the Pow Wow Committee with any questions via email rcpowwow@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Nominate An Elder To Be Honored At The 48th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow

Deadline this Wednesday April 1

The Red Cliff Pow Wow Committee is asking for the community’s help in nominating two elders—one female and one male—to be honored at this year’s 48th Annual Pow Wow (July 3-5, 2026). This is an opportunity to recognize elders who have shared their time, wisdom, and care with Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the Red Cliff community.

Tap the button below to nominate an elder online! Paper forms are also available at the Tribal Administration Building.

• Nominees must be Red Cliff Tribal Members and must be 55 years of age or older as of July 3, 2026.
• Nominations must be received by April 1, 2026. Late nominations will not be considered.

Please contact the Pow Wow Committee with any questions by emailing rcpowwow@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Pow Wow Button Design Contest

Deadline this Wednesday April 1

The Pow Wow Committee is now accepting design entries for the 2026 Pow Wow button! Submissions must be received by April 1, 2026. Late nominations will not be considered.

🔗 See flyer below and tap the button to see all submission requirements and entry form.

Please contact the Pow Wow Committee with any questions by emailing rcpowwow@redcliff-nsn.gov.

Serve On The Tribal Council Election Board

Deadline this Friday April 3

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking seven community members to serve on the 2026 Election Board. The Election Board is responsible for conducting both the Primary and General Elections.

Election Board Eligibility

Must be 18 years of age, a Red Cliff Tribal Member, and eligible to vote in the Tribal Council Elections.

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

Applications must be submitted by April 3, 2026 at noon.

For more information, please contact Butch Bresette via email at secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3740 // 715-292-7711.

Call for Vice Chair and Secretary Candidates

Candidate paperwork due April 8

The 2026 Tribal Council Primary Election is set for Friday May 8, 2026.

If you would like to declare your candidacy for Tribal Council Vice Chairperson or Tribal Council Secretary, please submit your intentions in writing no later than April 8, 2026 by 6:00 PM. Submit your candidacy via email to secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or drop off your intentions at the Tribal Administration Building.

For more information, please contact Butch Bresette via email at secretary@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3740 // 715-292-7711.

RCCHA To Manage New Tribal Housing Stock

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority (RCCHA) will act as the leasing agent and property manager of all the new housing stock being built.

Each property has unique features and requirements. Tenant selection for rental units and any interest in pursuing homeowner sites within the development will flow through RCCHA.

Apply

If you are currently NOT in an RCCHA unit, you may apply by submitting a Housing application to RCCHA.

Current RCCHA tenants who would like to apply for the new units must update their preferences and complete a transfer request with RCCHA.

Please contact Mary Kay Defoe for an RCCHA application and/or transfer requests. Email MaryKayDefoe@redcliffhousing.org or call 715-779-3744.

Stay tuned for specific property listings and more information.

Tap the button below to see RCCHA's April update, including important dates, maintenance information, Occupany/Resident FAQs, and meet RCCHA's new Assistant Director.

Ishkode - Prescribed Burns Planned Near Raspberry Campground & Raspberry River

The Tribal Council has approved the Environmental Department to develop and implement a prescribed fire (ishkode) plan near Raspberry Campground and Raspberry River.

This project will reintroduce ishkode to the pine stands on the north, northeast, and southeast sides of Camp St near the Raspberry Campground, as well as select cattail stands within the Raspberry River wetland system.

The main goals of this ishkode project include promoting ecosystem and cultural services of the pine stands, reducing non-local/hybrid cattail abundance, and enhancing manoomin habitat.

Raspberry Campground Pine Stands

The Raspberry Campground pine stands have been chosen as an area to reintroduce ishkode due to ecosystem indices, cultural needs, and historical evidence of ishkode. Many of the large red and white pine on the edge of the campground bear fire scars suggesting burning within their life span. A section of this area was also burned by the BIA in 2017 and it would be beneficial to return ishkode once again.  

Raspberry River Wetland System

The Raspberry River wetland system supports several manoomin beds that are ecologically and cultural important resources. Currently, there are three large stands of non-local/hybrid cattail dominating portions of the wetland and some are encroaching on these manoomin beds. Prescribed fire can help burn away the excessive thatch produced by cattail allowing for more sun exposure for native wetland plants during the growing season. This should promote native plant species diversity and growth. While fire will not completely remove cattails from the site, it may help reduce the spread and competition from cattail. Preliminary research also suggests that biochar from cattails may stimulate production in manoomin.

This proposal has been brought before the Parks and Recreation Committee and was unanimously supported. Since this project has now been approved by the Tribal Council, it will be brought to the BIA Fire Program by Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources staff and will be implemented by the BIA Fire program.

Red Cliff TNR staff will partner with the BIA Fire program to guide the development of the prescribed fire plan and, with the proper certifications, may be involved in the implementation of prescribed burn. Due to the cultural significance of ishkode, a Red Cliff tribal elder or other member with ishkode knowledge will be respectfully asked to conduct a ceremony prior to any burn.

Dates have not been set for this ishkode plan. Updates will be provided when any dates are set.

Please contact the Environmental Department with any questions at 715-779-3650 Ext. 4313.

Council Approves Water Testing Program For Tribal Schools & Child Care Programs

In 2025, the Red Cliff Tribe participated in GLITEC’s Drinking Water Testing Program for Tribal Schools and Child Care Centers. This testing focused on the Red Cliff Boys and Girls Club, Early Childhood Center, and Zhawenimikaang Child Care Center.

GLITEC has expanded their program this year to include free lead remediation for any detectable levels of lead. Depending on the level of lead detected, they can offer full financial assistance for lead filters, replacing faucets, replacing water fountains, and in extreme cases, replace pipes.

The Tribal Council has approved the Environmental Department to continue participating in GLITEC's free Drinking Water Testing Program.

Please contact the Environmental Department with any questions at 715-779-3650 Ext. 4313.

Environmental Department To Apply For Wetland Program Development Grant

The Tribal Council has approved the Environmental Department to apply for the USEPA Region 5 Wetland Program Development Grant.

If awarded, the grant will fund annual monitoring of tribal wetlands, an update to Red Cliff’s wetland program plan, an analysis of the effects of the updated Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule on tribal wetlands, and an increase in professional and community knowledge of and participation in wetlands protection.

Please contact the Environmental Department and Wetlands Specialist with any questions at 715-779-3650 Ext. 4313.

Farm Applies For Native Food Sovereignty Grant

Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm has applied for the Native Food Sovereignty Grant opportunity offered by First Nations Development Institute.

If awarded, funds would be used to support the equipment needs of the newly constructed multi-purpose Food Sovereignty Building and Community Commercial Kitchen, along with partial funding for the Farm Specialist position to support equipment procurement and project implementation.

Utilizing the funds in this way will support the full operation of the new kitchen space for the Red Cliff community, and will strengthen the intertribal food infrastructure network.

Please contact the Farm with any questions at 715-779-3782.

FVPP To Host Suicide Intervention Training

Red Cliff's Family Violence Prevention Program will host two opportunities to attend an ASIST Safe Talk (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) on April 6 and April 7.

This is an interactive training for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Open to all community members, healthcare workers, educators, and advocates.

These are two independent sessions - attend one or both! Light refreshments will be provided.


Monday April 6

12:30 - 4:30 PM

Tuesday April 7

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

📍 Leo LaFernier, Sr. Bezhigogaabaw Cultural Center - 88989 Nuzzo Road in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang.

📞 Contact Red Cliff's Family Violence Prevention Program to register or for more information: email fvpp@redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-1706.

Health Center Announces Open House

The Red Cliff Community Health Center will host an open house on Wednesday May 13, 2026.

All are welcome to stop by the Health Center between 4:00 - 6:00 PM to learn about the services available to you, tour the building, meet the staff, and chat with the Red Cliff Health Board.

Call 715-779-3707 with any questions.

Vote for the Wisconsin Supreme Court on April 7

Vote for our future

By Anne Egan-Waukau, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Voting in the April 7 Supreme Court race is crucial for Wisconsin’s Indigenous people because we can help elect a candidate who will make decisions that protect our family, community, culture, and environment.

“This election is critical for the future of our people because the Supreme Court may decide critical matters including reproductive care, water protection, voting rights and whether our vote will count in the future,” said Philomena Kebec, of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is also important because it provides an important check on other branches of government, helping to protect your voice in our democracy and community.

For Andrew Ynnocencio and Guy Reiter, both members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, voting from your heart is a way to protect Indigenous people’s way of life and future.

“Every time I go out and vote, I think of the future. Mainly my daughter, my everything,” Ynnocencio said. “I also think about my grandmother, my mom, my community. Vote for your people, your rights, and the people you love.”

Reiter agreed.

“We must vote from our hearts, our compassion, and our understanding,” he said, adding, “There isn’t anyone in this country who understands this land better than we do because of our participation here and our stories.”

As Native people, it’s important to vote in our elections – Tribal, state, and federal elections – to protect our culture, languages, and ways of life. The people elected have the power to make decisions that impact our Tribal nations and daily lives. When we vote, we choose our leaders and we have a say in our future.

The next election is Tuesday, April 7, and we will have the opportunity to vote for a new justice to sit on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the next 10 years. Depending on where you live, there may also be races for circuit court judges, county boards, city councils, school boards, and more.

Our votes have a long-lasting effect on our future generations. When we go to our polling places to cast our ballots, we think of those who came before us and remember that it is a way of protecting our future and our sovereignty. It’s important, now more than ever, to uplift one another’s voices and encourage one another to vote.

In the same way that we work to maintain traditions within our family, we encourage people to vote as one of those traditions. In our communities, traditions survive because we practice them repeatedly. Casting your ballot is the same way. When we show up collectively, and repeatedly, our voices and communities are stronger. 

Find voting information you need, such as where to vote and what to bring to the polls at www.conservationvoices.org/vote. To see nonpartisan candidate information, visit www.vote411.org hosted by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. You can also reach out to the team at Wisconsin Native Vote with any questions at info@conservationvoices.org. 

Every single vote is important for our people. Make your voice heard and vote on Tuesday, April 7.

Naadoobiidaa! Sugarbush Supplies Available

Sugarbush tapping and harvest supplies are now available through our Iskigamizigan (sugarbush) Equipment Lending Program!

Items are available for loan on a first come first served basis to Red Cliff community members during the 2026 iskigamizigan season.

Get everything you need for iskigamizigan, including taps, buckets or bags, drill bits, thermometers, buckets, filters, educational materials, and how-to guides!

Supplies are available at Red Cliff's Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm (36735 Aiken Road).

Contact Manzanita at the Farm, or Marvin at THPO to get started:

manzanita.peterson@redcliff-nsn.gov // 715-779-3700 ext 4319

marvin.defoe@redcliff-nsn.gov // 715-209-0374

🔗 Find more iskigamizigan resources, including vocabulary videos, tips, and more here on our website.

Board & Committee Openings

The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking community members to serve on various boards and committees. Our community becomes better when we have members dedicated to serving in our Tribal government.

You do not have to live in Red Cliff to serve on a board or committee!

Tap the button below to see all openings and apply.

Indigenous Cancer Conference Set For June

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council's Share the Care Indigenous Cancer Conference is set for June 23-25, 2026 at the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino in Lac du Flambeau.

This conference is free to attend and open to all. Tap the button below to register online. Paper registration forms are also available at the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

Please contact GLITC with any questions -- see flyer below for info.

Mending Broken Hearts Workshop Set For April

A Mending Broken Hearts Men's Workshop will be held at the Leo LaFernier Sr Bezhigogaabaw Cultural Center April 8-10, 2026.

This workshop provides culturally-based healing from grief, loss, and Intergenerational Trauma.

Please call Craig Bell for more information and to sign up for this workshop: 715-779-3707 ext 2453. Participation is limited to 20 attendees.

Farm Set To Host Tractor Safety and Chainsaw Safety Trainings

Tractor Safety Training at Mino Bimaadiziiwin

April 17, 2026 from 8:30 AM - 4 PM

The Red Cliff Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm, UW-Madison Rural Partnerships Institute Indigenous Food Systems Project, and Northcentral Technical College are collaborating to host a one-day tractor safety training. The hands-on training will cover the basics of safely operating a tractor. The training will include a morning classroom session and an afternoon hands-on session learning to safely operate a tractor, skidsteer, and BCS walk behind tractor.

Register Here

Chainsaw Safety Training – Level 1 & 2 

April 15 & 16 (attendance required both days) 18+ only

Join the Red Cliff Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm for a two‑day, hands‑on chainsaw safety training. Learn safe operation, basic maintenance, and cutting techniques. This course is SAWW‑certified to boost safety and efficiency.

Register Here

VIM Work Group Accepting Work Orders

The Volunteers in Mission Ministry Group offers free labor for a variety of projects. The group is accepting work orders until June 12, with work scheduled to be done between June 21 - June 27, 2026.

If you are interested in getting some assistance at your home or perhaps on a community venture, please pick up a form at the Administration Building.

If you know of anyone who could make use of these services, please feel free to make a referral or assist the individual with the form. Please call the Administration Building at 715-779-3700 with any questions.

Parents: Looking For Childcare?

New Shares Rates Help Families Pay For Child Care

Aaniin Parents! Did you know you are able to apply for WI Shares if you find a certified or licensed family / group that provides your child care?

Wisconsin Shares helps eligible families by paying for a portion of child care costs while parents or caregivers go to work, school, and more. Check out the WI Share Child Care Estimator tool HERE. Knowing your potential subsidy amount can help you determine your out-of-pocket costs. Find licensed / certified providers HERE.

New WI Shares Rates

There are new WI Shares rates you can receive if you find certified / licensed child care. See the new rates and examples of your Shares amounts HERE.

Contact Red Cliff's Childcare Task Force by calling 715-779-3706 or email childcare@redcliff-nsn.gov for more information.