Boozhoo, Zhaangodebwaanikwe indizhinikaaz. Waswaaganing indoonjibaa. Migizi nindoodem.

Hello, my name is Strong-Hearted Lakota Woman, but you may call me Celeste Hockings (Swiftbird).

As my name indicates, I am from the Oglala Lakota Nation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. I am also Anishinaabe from Waswaaganing. I grew up in Waswaaganing with my grandparents, Nick and Charlotte Hockings, down on Longs Point Lane. I was taught at an early age about Anishinaabe culture and the importance of our natural resources from my grandfather.

I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) with a bachelor’s of science degree in wildlife ecology in 2014. During my time at UWSP, I participated in the LDF Tribal Water Resource Program’s internship for four summers. I applied and was accepted for the Aquatic Ecologist/Data Manager in June 2014. At the end of 2015, I was the co-manager of the Program then the Manager of the Program at the end of 2016 until December 14, 2022.

On December 15, 2022, I had my “first day” as the Tribal Natural Resource Director. Our department’s priority is to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources in order for Tribal Members to practice their inherent treaty rights. Our department has very knowledgeable and capable staff to advocate for our natural resources and sometimes that will come with difficult decisions that we all have to be understanding of.

As it has been and always will be, our doors at the Natural Resource Department are open for questions or comments.

We have multiple ways to be reached:

Our main line is 715-588-4213. You can also reach the Tribal Natural Resource Hotline at that same number in order to report violations or general concerns.

We also have a Facebook page: Lac du Flambeau Tribal Natural Resource Department. You are able to send messages that way as well.

If you need emails, please get in contact with myself at the following:

[email protected] or 715-588-4160.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about the Tribal Natural Resource Department.

Miigwech,

Celeste Hockings

Tribal Natural Resource Director

A virtual public hearing will occur on February 10, 2023, at 10 am, regarding the Child Care and Development Fund for Little Dreams Tribal Daycare. A copy of the proposed plan and a link to the virtual meeting can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 715-588-4223. Also, all comments and/or concerns can be emailed to Stefanie or people can leave a voice message by phone.

In observance of January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, StrongHearts Native Helpline encourages all Americans to reflect on the impact colonization had on slavery and human trafficking in America.  

“It would be remiss to ignore the impact of colonization when Indigenous people were historically stalked, kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Americas and across the globe” said Lori Jump, chief executive officer, StrongHearts Native Helpline. “Our women and children were targeted as sex slaves and we were seen as a commodity to be trafficked for profit.”

Today, slavery and human trafficking is an epidemic rooted in poverty and homelessness where marginalized people are often in need of food and shelter. The signs are hidden in plain sight and can be found in poor neighborhoods, on city streets, in homeless encampments and even under the guise of legitimate business.

Types of Trafficking and Abuse Tactics

Sex trafficking types include: prostitution, escort services, illicit massage, health and beauty, and pornography. Perpetrators use recruitment tactics that trick the victim into believing a proposition of marriage, a job offer, other false promises and fraud. To maintain control over their victims, perpetrators use abuse tactics such as:

●     Induce and exploit substance abuse

●     Physical and sexual abuse

●     Intimidation: weapon display or threat

●     Intimacy related emotional abuse

The Garden of Truth

In a Minnesota based study, “The Garden of Truth,” Native women, children and Two-spirit people were victimized more frequently because they are perceived to be easier targets and in many cases have already been exposed to abuse. In worse case scenarios, victims are born into a life of sex trafficking where rape and sex trafficking were normalized as a mode of survival. 

“We see the contemporary ramifications of our history and the carrying forward the kinds of attitudes where Native women, youth and Two-spirit people are often targeted, particularly by white men and viewed as this is what you exist for,” said Christine Stark co-author of the Garden of Truth.

Statistically, victims of human trafficking are often plagued by homelessness, poverty and abuse which can also be identified as risk factors. In the Garden of Truth, victims revealed common experiences to include:

●     99 percent were currently or previously homeless.

●     92 percent had been raped and wanted to escape prostitution

●     79 percent had been sexually abused as children by an average of 4 perpetrators.

●     72 percent suffered traumatic brain injuries in prostitution.

●     71 percent had symptoms of dissociation.

●     52 percent had post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a rate equal to combat veterans.

“Post traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating and has the impact of freezing a moment in time for perpetuity,” Jump concluded. “In America, we need to acknowledge the truth about colonization and the impact it had on slavery and human trafficking. As Native people, we must speak our truth and resolve that we are so much more than what happened to us.”

Help Is Available

StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is an anonymous and confidential helpline for Native Americans impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Advocates offering peer support, crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals to Native-centered service providers, assistance locating healthcare facilities and crisis centers for survivors of sexual assault.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline supports victims and survivors by connecting them with services and supports to get help and stay safe. To contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline - call 1-888-373-7888. Text HELP or INFO to 233733.

SOURCE

1. StrongHearts Native Helpline, “The High Risk of Human Trafficking,” https://strongheartshelpline.org/stories/high-risk-of-human-trafficking. Accessed December 23, 2022
2. StrongHearts Native Helpline, “Human Trafficking” https://strongheartshelpline.org/abuse/human-trafficking. Accessed December 23, 2022.
3. https://www.worldwithoutexploitation.org/bios/christine-stark. Accessed January 1, 2023. 

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, League of Women Voters Northwoods, in tandem with the AAUW Northwoods branch, and WXPR Public Radio will host “An Introduction to Treaty Rights, Tribal Sovereignty and Ceded Territories." 

Jenny Van Sickle of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission will speak February 23, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Lake of the Torches Convention Center in Lac du Flambeau. 

If you’re unable to attend in-person to learn about the importance of honoring and acknowledging tribal sovereignty, a professional recording of the presentation will be available shortly after its occurrence.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released a draft of the updated Wolf Management Plan for public review and comment. This management plan, according to the DNR, lays out a holistic approach to ensuring the state's wolf population remains healthy and secure while balancing the public's diverse interests.

The public can offer feedback on the draft plan through Feb. 28, 2023. The draft plan and instructions for giving feedback can be found on the DNR’s Wolf Management Plan webpage.

“The proposed draft Wolf Management Plan reflects the detailed and significant work done by DNR staff to ensure the health and stability of Wisconsin’s wolf population. Input from diverse and varied stakeholders was critical to the development of this proposal," said Wisconsin DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. "I encourage the public to review and provide robust, meaningful feedback on the plan to the DNR."

The proposed plan was developed in consideration of many factors, including public input, consultations with Wisconsin's tribal nations, scientific literature reviews, a study on current public attitudes towards wolves and potential outcomes of various management decisions.

Tribal Council Calendar

Tribal Member Request Form and Rules for Zoom Meetings 

Tribal Payroll Calendar 2023

Tribal Holiday Calendar 2023

Tribal Council Meeting Dates & Agenda Request Deadline Dates

Tribal Election Board Meeting Schedule

Tribal Alcohol, Tobacco & Fireworks Committee Meeting Schedule

Enterprise Meeting Dates and Deadlines

CCB Meeting Dates and Deadlines

LDF Youth Funds Committee Meeting Schedule

Agenda Request Form

Tribal Council Resolution Template

Authorization for Release of Personal Information

Kindergarteners got to take on a a very fun obstacle course in gym recently. Images by LDF Public School.

Some 6th graders were busy learning how to make meatballs with Ms. Hernandez. Others completed their step stools made in Tech Ed. Images by LDF Public School.

Some 8th grade helpers came down to help Ms. Maulson's class with their sculptures recently. It was a good experience for both age groups.

Images by LDF Public School.

Some 5th graders were working on flexibility in Phy-Ed recently.

Images by LDF Public School.

Many job opportunities are listed at the end of this E-newsletter weekly. To improve awareness about the wide variety of jobs available, a featured employment opening will appear here every week. For all job openings, click this link to visit the Tribal Employment website page.

Wonder what it's like to live with glaucoma? This video shows you why it's important to get an eye exam for this disease, which shows no signs until vision loss happens. Contact Dr. Brahm at PCHC for a simple eye exam.

Registration is now open and seating is limited for a two-day combined Snowmobile/ ATV safety course on Friday, February 10 from 4pm-8pm and on Saturday, February 11 from 9am-2pm at the LDF Youth Center.  

Students must be present both days. Students must register for both classes (snowmobile & ATV) separately on their WI DNR GoWild account. If a student wants to certify in one of the classes (snowmobile or ATV) they should only register for that respective class. 

Here is what students need to do to take the class:

1. Students must log into their WI DNR Go Wild account (if they do not have an account, they must create one): https://gowild.wi.gov/
2. Once logged in students will click on the “manage safety education” tab then click the “search for class” tab.
3. For the “course type” drop box, click “snowmobile” or “ATV”. 
4. For the “county” drop box, click “Vilas” then hit “search”. The class should now be displayed.
5. Students should click the “enroll tab”. They should see a message at the top of the screen saying “Success! you have successfully enrolled in the class”. They are now enrolled for the respective class they chose. (They must do this process for both ATV and snowmobile safety if wanting to certify in both classes otherwise they will only be registered for one)
6. Each course the student is certifying in costs $10. So, if students are certifying in both Snowmobile and ATV safety, the total for the student would be $20. This should be brought to class either the first or second day.

Students should be 12 years old or very close to the age of 12 when taking the class. Seating is limited.

If anyone is having trouble or has questions, please contact Riley Brooks by email [email protected].

Thank you for the Volunteers who reached out. We have reached our desired number of Volunteers for this year's Family Fun Camp. One major change this year is the lunch location. We will not eat lunch in the main hall. Lunch will be provided in a larger hall approximately one mile into the camp. Lakeland bus service will provide shuttling back and fourth during the event. Any questions, please contact the numbers on the flyer below.

To learn more about LDF Children's Trust, please review the flyer below, scan the QR code with the camera on your mobile phone, or click this video link.

Full descriptions of the following LDF Business Development Corporation employment openings can be found on the LDF Business Development Corporation website. Current openings include the following positions:

LDF BDC: CEO, CFO, HR Generalist, Senior Accountant

LDF Holdings: Complaints Handling Specialist, Call Center Supervisor

Click here to apply on the LDF BDC website.

Please Note: there are three openings for GLIFWC Conservation Wardens described above. Closing date for applications is January 31, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Miller: [email protected]