News From the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

July 2, 2021

Aabita-Niibino-Giizis (July)

Half Way Through the Summer Moon

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Wisconsin Indigenous Riders Roll Through Northwoods for the 1st Annual MMIW/MMIP Awareness Ride

Photos courtesy of Bruce LaMere

Bruce LaMere, a Ho-Chunk tribal member who lives in Tomahawk, has spent many years participating in motorcycle rides with a purpose, and also happens to be a skilled event organizer.

In February 2021, the Wisconsin Indigenous Riders officially formed. After months of planning, a MMIW/MMIP Awareness ride throughout several Wisconsin tribal communities recently took place.

The MMIW/MMIP Awareness Ride included Lakota, Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee, Mole Lake, Potawatomi, Oneida, Ho-Chunk, Bad River, Red Cliff, Lac du Flambeau, and Eastern Michigan riders. Their route covered about 250 miles in two days.

One of their stops included Lac du Flambeau, where the group visited the Indian Bowl for a search and rescue public demonstration by the Lac du Flambeau Police Department and the Newbold Fire Department's Search and Rescue Team dogs. Bruce explained the dogs are trained to assist in search efforts for a missing human and the audience was able to see it in action.

The ride brings visibility and awareness to the ongoing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, Children, and Two Spirit. Going forward, Bruce has plans to build an Inter-Tribal Search and Rescue Team. He envisions individuals from each tribal community in Wisconsin being trained in the specifics of searching for a missing person.

During each stop the riders felt the love in every community. Connections were formed at each stop by sharing food and water, speaking with leaders about what needs to happen next, and participating in water ceremonies and tobacco offerings.

The riders adorned their bikes with ribbons carrying the names of those missing or murdered, and whenever possible they connected with missing or murdered individuals families.

"We're here to listen, give hugs, and console," Bruce said.

Bruce also shared this public statement.

"I hope you got to see some great people coming together for this first time Wisconsin Indigenous Riders MMIW/ MMIP Awareness Ride. This event has come together since March through an inter-tribal riding group with many talents willing to join together and put a ride together."

"It peaked so much interest from every direction. New York, East Michigan, Northern Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Wisconsin Tribes, such as Oneida, Stockbridge -Munsee, Menominee, Mole Lake Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Lac Du Flambeau Chippewa, Red Cliff Chippewa, Bad River Chippewa, and Ho-Chunk Nation Riders."

Planning and logistics involved many. These include law enforcement agencies, Wisconsin MMIW Task Force, Native Women groups, Tribal Lodging hotels, ribbon name makers, various Tribal Councils, Newbold Search And Rescue Team, Rapid Search and Rescue Team, Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy, Inc., Waking Women’s Healing Institute, Wisconsin MMIW Task Force, Ho-Chunk Casino and Hotel, all staff in Wittenberg, Menominee People’s at Keshena Falls, Tribal Police, Potawatomi Cultural Center, Lac Du Flambeau Indian Bowl staff, LDF Tribal Police, Veterans groups, Bad River Casino Lodge staff, Redcliff Tribal Council, Red Cliff Family Violence Department, Legendary Waters Casino Hotel and Campground - and Our Prayers to our Creator.

"Proceeds go to update and improve billboards to create Awareness in Wisconsin. Along the way, we saw deer, skunks, a bear crossed in front of us, and eagles. Just before ending, a Bald Eagle flew by carrying a large fish in its talons. Thanks again, everyone. We shall continue carrying the message. We all are Feeling some Happiness."

Several Tribal Departments Complete

HAZWOPER Training

Story submitted by Kristen Hanson

Staff from Lac du Flambeau Land Management, Emergency Management, Public Health, Police and Conservation Law Departments, Tribal Natural Resources, LDF Fire Department representatives, and Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission staff, participated in a Hazardous Materials Training June 7-11 here in Lac du Flambeau.

The OSHA Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification is a health and safety training that applies to workers that encounter hazardous substances, work on sites with hazardous substances, respond to hazardous substance spills, or manage the cleanup of hazardous substances. The HAZWOPER certification is also a requirement to participate in any federal hazardous materials response effort, both on reservation and within ceded territory.

Usually this is an expensive week-long training that requires a staff member to travel to a training location. By bringing this training here to Lac du Flambeau, we were able to train together without training fees and travel costs.

The Training was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services and coordinated through a partnership with Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. The instructors traveled to Lac du Flambeau from the Alabama Fire College and the Center for Domestic Preparedness.

Miigwech to the programs that allowed their staff to participate and the Peter Christensen Dental Clinic for sharing their exceptional Training Room Facility. Congratulations to the 15 certified graduates!

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Safety During a Violent Encounter

Be aware that in an abusive relationship, violence is used as a tactic for the abuser to maintain power and control over the victim-survivor. The violence will continue and may escalate in intensity and frequency.

Safety planning is an individualized process where a practical plan is created that includes ways to remain safe while in an abusive relationship. An advocate can help you produce a plan and discuss your options with you.

If a violent encounter seems imminent and unavoidable, there are a few options to consider to keep you safe. These tips cannot guarantee your safety, but by using your experience and intuition, along with these tips, you may be safer. You are the best person to judge your safety.

● Try to control your breathing: in through your nose and out through your mouth, so you can continue to think clearly.

● Say or do whatever you can to de-escalate the situation.

● Avoid rooms or areas without an easy escape.

○ Stay on the ground floor if possible.

○ For example, a basement with stairs and one point of entry will be difficult to escape from during a violent attack.

● Mentally plan how you might escape from each room in advance.

● Be aware of your surroundings. Think about what you could use to shield yourself when your partner becomes abusive.

● Avoid getting into a vehicle.

● Avoid areas where weapons are easily accessible.

○ Kitchens are dangerous because of the access to knives. Bathrooms are dangerous because of slipping and the many hard surfaces in a small area. Garages or sheds can also be dangerous because of access to tools and other heavy equipment.

○ Avoid any areas where firearms are stored or kept, even if they are locked securely.

● Remove necklaces and scarves if possible as these could be used to strangle you. Remove earrings.

● Move away from any children in the area.

● Consider safe places to go after escaping.

● Choose a code word or signal that would let children, relatives or neighbors know they should call for help.

● Hide spare keys and money in a safe place or ask a safe person to hold onto them for you in case you need to flee unexpectedly.

● If you are unable to get away from the abuser and are being assaulted, try to make yourself as small as possible to minimize any injuries. Get into a corner or put your back to a wall, bring your knees to your chest and use your arms to cover your neck.

● You have the right to protect yourself and that includes calling the police.

After the Violence

After a violent encounter, it can be difficult to process what has happened. Take time for yourself to recover and reconnect with yourself. Seek medical attention if needed and is safe to do so. Consider documenting the violence and abuse. Take pictures and write descriptions of the abuse in a journal or open an email account and email them to yourself. If there are any medical or police reports documenting the abuse, keep the records. Make sure your information is kept in a safe place. Keeping documentation will allow you to have an option to pursue legal action in the future.

Participating in self-care activities like exercise, eating healthy, counseling, journaling, knowing when and how to emotionally check out during times of duress could be helpful. Be gentle with yourself mentally and physically. Practice your spirituality by smudging, praying or sitting with your traditional medicines if this helps heal your spirit.

“Immediate safety is important and long-term safety planning should be considered when you are in or exiting an abusive relationship,” said StrongHearts Services Manager Joy Samuelson (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe). “Our advocates can help you plan for your safety, no matter what your current situation is.”

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential and free service dedicated to serving Native survivors, concerned family members and friends affected by domestic, dating and sexual violence. Call or text 1-844-762-8483 or click on the chat icon at strongheartshelpline.org to connect with an advocate. StrongHearts Native Helpline is a project of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

*Tips adapted from The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Staying Connected: Strength

Good Journey. Take Care and Be Well.

Cynthia Lei-Nako

Email [email protected] or call 715-588-4688

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Golden Eagle Strawberry Farm

The Strawberry season is currently ongoing. Hours and days open are dependent on the weather, the number of pickers, and the rate at which the berries ripen. We generally are open at 7:00 AM and then a day or two later open at 12:30 PM.

Because of high demand and changing field conditions, it is best to call the Berry Hotline before heading out to the farm. That number is 715-588-3485.

Blueberries in late July!

Pumpkins in October……

See you out at the farm!