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May 19-25, 2025
Zaagibagaa-giizis (Budding Moon)
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Boozhoo and welcome to the Miisaninawiind weekly newsletter!
The Miisaninawiind brings you important news, announcements, and updates designed specifically for the Red Cliff community.
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| | Office Closures Next Monday | | |
Tribal Government programs and offices will be closed next Monday May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
Some programs or businesses may remain open or may have altered hours. Please call ahead.
Stay tuned for details on Memorial Day services in Red Cliff.
| | Tribal Council Declares State of Emergency Regarding Early Childhood Center | |
The Red Cliff Tribal Council has passed a resolution declaring a State of Emergency with respect to the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center (ECC) as proposed threats come from the federal government to eliminate or reduce funding that would have adverse and detrimental effects on the ECC’s ability to provide care for the area’s children and families.
The mission of the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center (ECC) is that Traditional Ojibwe values will guide our efforts to promote the spiritual, emotional, physical, and cognitive wellness of the children, families, and community served. The ECC serves Tribal and non-Tribal families in its service area and has experienced an extremely challenging past two school years due to teacher shortages and substantial school closures, all of which are negatively impacting children’s school readiness and the community’s broader service system. The proposed federal funding cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families’ Head Start and Early Head Start programs will further exacerbate these adverse effects on the children and families of the Tribe and surrounding communities.
“The United States has trust and treaty obligations to provide quality education and healthcare for our Tribal nation,” said Red Cliff Chairwoman Nicole Boyd. “Head Start is not merely an early childhood education program, but rather a holistic program that provides comprehensive services promoting every aspect of early childhood development and wellbeing of young families. Eliminating the Head Start program will leave thousands of families across Indian Country without access to childhood development services, vital health and nutrition services, and cultural knowledge and experiences.”
“We must consider the vast economic impact that the closing of the ECC would have on families and staff,” said ECC Director Jamie Goodlet-King, who has worked in early childhood for the last 23 years. “The Head Start Program was created to address and work toward breaking the cycle of poverty. Without the ECC, there are limited options for licensed and reputable care services for children aged newborn to five years old in our rural area. Many parents will be forced to stop working so they can care for their children, further impacting area businesses and services with the loss of reliable employees.”
What is the Tribe Doing?
The Tribe is dedicating all its agencies and departmental resources to develop solutions for this emergency, including organizational restructure of the ECC through the P.L. 102-477 program model, and establishing an Action Team to develop a comprehensive strategy to respond to this emergency.
The Tribal Council, Tribal Administration, and Action Team will call upon Federal, State, Tribal and community action agencies, and elected officials with formal requests for assistance in combating this complex state of emergency, because the proper care and education of our children and staff at the ECC is of the utmost importance.
Please direct any questions to the Tribal Administration building at 715-779-3700 or email communications@redcliff-nsn.gov.
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The Red Cliff Tribal Council is set to meet this Tuesday May 20 at Legendary Waters Grand Ballroom.
The Regular Session and Community Comments are scheduled to begin ~4:30 PM. Community members are encouraged to attend.
| | New program will provide funding for repairs, rehabilitation, and replacement of manufactured or mobile homes in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang | |
ICYMI -- In January 2025, the Red Cliff Tribe was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish an assistance program for tribal members who own manufactured homes in Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff Reservation).
This program will provide funding for needed repairs, significant rehabilitation, or full replacement of mobile homes.
The Tribe is in Phase 1 of the project, which includes assembling the project team, finalizing an action plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and assembling a community advisory group. Please note, applications are not yet being accepted. Stay tuned!
All project details and updates can be found online at www.redcliff-nsn.gov/pricegrant.
| | Chi-Miigwech to Red Cliff EMS | |
Tribal Administration would like to recognize the courage, commitment, and compassion of our Red Cliff EMS staff and volunteers. These community members dedicate themselves to protect and care for our communities.
From the EMTs and paramedics in the field, to dispatchers, drivers, and support staff—you are the heartbeat of emergency care. Chi-Miigwech!
Red Cliff EMS serves ~2,000 full-time residents, with a significant increase in the summertime, across Gaa-Miskwaabikaang and the town of Russell.
If you're interested in joining the ranks of our Red Cliff EMS, please contact Michael Lang at the Red Cliff Community Health Center to learn more about upcoming training opportunities. Let's continue to build a strong and supportive community by investing in our emergency response capabilities. Please call 715-779-3707.
| | Sign Up: CSA Farm Share Boxes | |
Registration for Red Cliff's Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm 2025 CSA Program is now open! Program participants receive a weekly CSA Farm Share box every Tuesday for 18 weeks (June 17 - October 14).
Over 35 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs are included in the boxes throughout the season, plus eggs, maple syrup, apple cider, and more! Participants also have the option of including frozen or smoked fish from the Red Cliff Fish Company.
The program offers a sliding scale payment option, allowing participants to choose their own contribution.
Space is limited to 35 participants. The deadline to sign up is May 30. See buttons below for more details and the sign up link!
Please contact the Farm with any questions: call 715-779-3782 or email farm@redcliff-nsn.gov.
| | Changes to Hazardous Waste and Propane Tank Collection at the Transfer Station | |
The Red Cliff Transfer Station no longer accepts hazardous waste materials, aside from oil, at this time. The Transfer Station is not a licensed hazardous waste facility and does not have adequate storage for this type of material.
Due to the cost to dispose, the Transfer Station is also changing the rates of propane tank disposal to a “to be determined” priced based on size, contents, and condition of the tank.
Hazardous waste includes paints, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, household and industrial cleaners, aerosol paints and lubricants, antifreeze, contaminated soil and other materials. Please see the button below for a schedule of dates, times and locations of upcoming Hazardous Waste Collection events in the area.
If you have any questions regarding hazardous waste or hazardous waste disposal, please contact the Environmental Department at 715-779-3650.
| | Red Cliff To Host GONA Workshop | |
Join us for our Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) Workshop May 28 through May 30 at Legendary Waters. This is a special event centered on healing, connection, and empowerment for adults in our community.
Through cultural activities, shared storytelling, and meaningful dialogue, we’ll focus on building resilience, strengthening identity, and supporting one another on our journeys. Come be part of a safe, supportive space where growth, tradition, and hope come together.
We'll start at noon on May 28, and 10 AM on May 29 & 30. Closing discussions are scheduled for 4 PM.
Please call 715-779-3707 for more information.
| | Public Hearing Notice: Draft 477 Plan | |
Hearing Date: Tuesday June 24, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Zhawenimikaang Child Care Center, 37495 Watertower Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814
The Red Cliff Tribe will host a public hearing to discuss the draft 2025-2028 Public Law 102-477 Plan for Employment, Training, and Related Services. This plan proposes to consolidate up to eighteen (18) federal grant programs to enhance employability, expand employment opportunities, and improve training outcomes for the Red Cliff Community.
The Red Cliff Community is strongly encouraged to participate and provide feedback and input on the draft plan, either in person or virtually. Your valuable insights will be carefully considered in the development of the final plan. We are particularly interested in your comments regarding how the proposed consolidation will impact access to and the effectiveness of programs such as CCDF, TANF, and Head Start.
A meal and refreshments will be provided.
| | Rabies & Vaccination Clinic Set for June | |
Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources and Willow Animal Hospital will host a rabies and vaccination clinic at the Red Cliff EMS Hall on Wednesday June 25 from 9 AM - 1 PM.
Free vaccinations for dogs and cats will be available. The Red Cliff Tribal Animal Control Ordinance (RCCL Chapter 15) requires dogs to be licensed and vaccinated for rabies.
See flyer for all details and additional vaccines available. Please contact Natasha Trush with any questions at 715-209-3863 or email natasha.trush@redcliff-nsn.gov.
The EMS Hall is located at 37100 Hwy 13 in Red Cliff.
| | Tribal Elder Food Box Giveaway Schedule | |
Dates for the 2025 Tribal Elder Food Box giveaways are now set! These giveaways are open to Tribal Members aged 55 and older.
Each box will contain proteins, produce, and shelf-stable items, sourced from Indigenous and non-Indigenous local producers and will be representative of traditional foods whenever possible. The average box will be 20 pounds. The contents of the boxes will change for each distribution based on what is available seasonally for the given distribution week.
Boxes can be picked up at the Red Cliff Food Distribution Building (88430 Pike Road) beginning at 10 AM on the listed dates below. Please contact the Red Cliff Food Distribution Program with any questions at 715-779-3740.
Giveaway Dates (each date is a Friday)
May 30
June 13 & June 27
July 11 and July 25
August 8 and August 22
September 5 and September 26
October 10 and October 24
November 7 and November 21
December 5 and December 19
| | Auction Items Available on Wisconsin Surplus | |
Several trucks, machinery, and equipment are now available for bidding on Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction.
Items include dump trucks, pickup trucks, 9-passenger buses, excavator, tractor, forklift, and an aircraft fuselage.
The auction closes on Thursday May 29 at 10 AM.
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Sewer Main Maintenance
Temporary Lane Closures begin May 19
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The Public Works Utility will be conducting sewer main maintenance starting May 19, 2025. There will be temporary single-lane closures throughout the week between 7:00 am - 7:00 pm on the roads listed below. Please drive carefully and obey any instructions from road crews.
Blueberry Road from Daley to the north end of our system before Red Cliff Creek.
Daley Road from Blueberry Road approximately 400’ west on Daley Road.
Watertower Road from Blueberry Road approximately 300’ west on Watertower Road.
North Bradum approximately 300’ west past Bear Paw intersection.
Bear Paw Road and Hillside Drive.
Bineshii Road
Bishop Lane approximately 100’ west of Youth Center Drive heading east on Bishop Lane to Cul-de-sac.
Bishop Loop including the dead end north of the ball field.
Please call 715-779-3700 ext. 4404 with any questions.
| | Red Cliff Celebrates BHS Class of 2025 | |
The Red Cliff Education Department and Bayfield School hosted its annual Honor Banquet last week to celebrate Bayfield High School's Class of 2025!
Congratulations to our seniors for all of your hard work and dedication!
| | Annual Plant and Seed Giveaway | |
The Red Cliff Farm's Annual Plant & Seed Giveaway is set for May 29 and May 30, 2025!
They will also be giving away 20 garden beds -- be sure to enter at the link below for a chance to win one of the beds! See both flyers for all details.
| | Lunch and Learn Open House: Foster Care & Kinship Care | |
The Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare Department (ICW) is inviting current, former, and interested foster care or kinship caregivers to its monthly Lunch and Learn open house dates.
Please join us from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Red Cliff ICW office on the following Wednesdays:
Enjoy a light lunch, engage with guest speakers, network with current caregivers, learn how you can become a caregiver, develop knowledge of resources and new skills, benefit from take-away resources, and more.
The Red Cliff ICW is located at 37250 Water Tower Road in Red Cliff. Please call 715-779-3747 with any questions.
| | Wisconsin Wetlands Assoc Releases New Video | |
Wisconsin Wetlands Association has released its latest video on the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians’ work to restore their wetlands!
This latest video is part of a larger ongoing series to highlight stories from Tribes in Wisconsin. So far, there are six other videos that feature the stories of the Oneida Nation, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
| | Lease Site Inspections Scheduled Through May | |
The Red Cliff Land Specialist will be performing annual lease site inspections throughout April and May in accordance with Chapter 18 of the Red Cliff Code of Laws.
The Land Specialist will be taking photographs of the dwelling and the fire number address sign on each lease site.
The Land Specialist will be as non-invasive as possible and will make every effort to respect privacy. The Land Specialist will be with the Environmental Director and a Red Cliff Warden.
If you’d like to confirm with the Land Specialist, you are welcome to call or email: 715-292-9511 // amorin.mello@redcliff-nsn.gov.
| | Board & Committee Openings | | The Red Cliff Tribal Council is seeking community members to serve on various boards and committees. These entities provide a communication channel between elected officials and the community. Issues, ideas, and expertise are brought to the public decision-making process. You do not have to live in Red Cliff to serve on a board or committee -- all Red Cliff Tribal Members are welcome to apply. | | Upcoming Events & Gatherings | | Red Cliff Storage Rummage Sale | |
Red Cliff Storage will hold its first rummage sale on June 6 and June 7 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
The RC Storage units are located at 36950 Hwy 13 in Red Cliff. Please contact RC Storage 715-779-0569 with any questions.
| | Community Resources & Trainings | | Parents: Looking For Childcare? | |
Aaniin Parents! Did you know you are able to apply for WI Shares if you find a certified or licensed family/group to work with?
Check out the WI Share Child Care Estimator tool HERE and find licensed / certified providers HERE.
Contact Red Cliff's Childcare Task Force by calling 715-779-3706 or email childcare@redcliff-nsn.gov for more information.
| | VIM Work Group Taking Requests | |
“Volunteers in Mission” Ministry Group is coming to Red Cliff in June 2025 and is now accepting work orders. The group offers free labor for a variety of home-related projects and community ventures.
The group will be performing work June 15 through June 21. Work orders should be returned to the Tribal Administration Building front desk at 88455 Pike Road by Monday June 9, 2025.
| | Red Cliff Tribal Job Openings & Application | | All open positions with the Red Cliff Tribal Government are listed online and are available at the Tribal Administration Building. Click the button below to see all openings and apply online. | | |
Buffalo Bay Store is looking for some talented people to work at the C-store. There are openings for three part-time employees to work from 2:30 PM - 8:15 PM, including weekends.
Please stop by the store to pick up an application. Please contact Roger Cadotte or Janine Deragon at the Buffalo Bay Store with any questions: 715-779-5309.
| | Legendary Waters Resort & Casino | | News Across Indian Country | |
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Office
88455 Pike Road
Bayfield, Wi. 54814
715-779-3700
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