New Look For Our Newsletter |
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Welcome to the 'new look' Tribal Newsletter. We hope you like it. The email provider we use for designing and distributing the Tribal Newsletter upgraded its online platform.
This update required us to use one of their new design formats. The result is the new format you see before you.
We are always open to suggestions on how to improve your Tribal Newsletter experience. If you have suggestions, please share those with us at communications@ldftribe.com
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COVID-19 Community Updates
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We want to assure you that the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is working diligently to provide our Tribal Members, employees and surrounding communities with the most up to date COVID-19 information on a regular basis.
Daily updates will be posted to our Facebook page and sent to Tribal e-mails, as well as appear on LDFTribe.com. We realize not everyone is on digital platforms, however.
Please help share this information with those in the community who may not be on social media or e-mail.
To protect our community, we may need to make difficult decisions in the coming days. We ask for your patience and understanding. We will make the most informed decisions possible to protect our Members, Employees and Visitors. This is a situation that changes daily, if not hourly.
As new developments happen, we will continue to communicate to ensure Tribal Members and Tribal Staff are informed. Please know we are making decisions based on recommendations of health officials while balancing our responsibility to both serve our community and protect our community, including those most vulnerable to this virus.
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LAC DU FLAMBEAU TRIBAL COUNCIL |
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Tribe Statement: Tribal Member Passes at Vilas Co. Jail |
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LDF Country Market Launches 'Hunger Hurts' Nov. 1 |
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LDF Country Market announced its “Hunger Hurts” food drive that will run through Dec.23. Donations of non-perishable food items and dry-goods will benefit the LDF Tribal Economic Support Program and be delivered before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
LDF Country Market Launches 'Hunger Hurts' Campaign to Combat Hunger Starting November 1
The annual campaign launches Nov. 1 to support people struggling to provide food for their families through the end of the year. LDF Country Market shoppers can place non-perishable food and dry-good items into “Hunger Hurts” bins found inside the store.
“Hunger pain is real and, sadly, even more common during the pandemic,” LDF Country Market General Manager George Carufel says. “We’ve witnessed many heroic efforts by our teammates and shoppers during the pandemic. We’re looking forward to pulling together during the holidays to do what we can to eliminate hunger from the many stressful situations we all face during the pandemic.”
The pandemic makes hunger more prevalent this holiday season. Elderly sheltering at home unable to shop for themselves. Families with newborns unable to afford basic necessities. Children with parents out of work, struggling to make ends meet. All experience stress unlike any time in recent memory.
“The ‘Hunger Hurts’ initiative allows us to live our values by feeding the hungry,” George says. “One of our Tribal Teachings says when people are weak that’s when they need our love the most. This year, more than ever, requires we all do our part to fill the hollow feeling of hunger within our community.”
“Hunger Hurts” collection bins can be found at the LDF Country Market through year-end. Every donation helps. Canned fruits, vegetables, soups and mac-and-cheese all help. Baby formula, diapers and other dry goods also help families with newborns.
“No one feels good when hungry, and nobody should feel hungry during the holidays,” George says. “If the ‘Hunger Hurts’ bins are empty, it means a human is hungry, a baby is crying, an Elder is struggling.”
Non-perishable food and other dry-goods collected during the “Hunger Hurts” campaign go directly to the Tribal Economic Support Program in November and December to help families throughout the holidays.
“We’re hopeful our efforts in November and December will help make the holidays happier and a less stressful time for those who need our help,” George says.
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Help for Families Impacted by Suicide |
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Halloween Safety During COVID-19 |
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There's something more frightening than ghosts and witches going around this Halloween!
Make plans for celebrating with care and caution to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19. The holiday can still be fun while you stay safe.
Lac du Flambeau Tribal President John D. Johnson shares a message to our Tribal Membership and community regarding the upcoming Halloween weekend activities, and keeping our community safe during this pandemic. Click here to watch.
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Raymond Allen Awarded Fellowship at Duke University |
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Lac du Flambeau Tribal Member Raymond Allen, was recently awarded one of the inaugural 2020-21 Race and the Professions Fellowships at Duke University. This is a new fellowship created to “explore the challenges of racial inequities and the work of anti-racism in the professions.”
More than 200 graduate and professional students applied to the fellowship. The 28 fellows represent eight schools, eight Trinity departments, and three interdisciplinary programs. Read more here.
"My Tribal community has taught me to always bring my Native perspective to everything I do, and to be proud of it," Ray shared. "I’ve been talking about race inequities in science and academia for a long time now, and it’s refreshing to have the work I’ve been doing for it be recognized! I’m also delighted to bring a Queer Indigenous perspective to the cohort!"
Please share some background information about yourself.
My name is Raymond Allen (LaBarge), I’m 27, and my mom is Monica Allen and my dad is Raymond LaBarge Sr, and I grew up and went to school on the reservation! I did my undergraduate bachelor’s degree at Ripon College where I majored in Chemistry-Biology, and I’m currently a senior Ph.D student at Duke University.
Tell us about the Purpose Project at Duke and the Race and the Professions Fellowship.
The murder of George Floyd in the Spring of 2020 sparked a global recognition of police brutality, especially in the United States, against Black people. Many institutions, like Duke, finally started speak up about these issues, and move towards publicly recognizing that racism is built into their history and that we are not in a “post-racism” era. From my understanding, the Race and the Professions Fellowship was created as one of the ways Duke wanted to address racism in academia, especially in the fields students work in. As student who’s been aware of and is actively addressing racism in the field of science, I thought this fellowship would be a perfect match to the work I already do.
What led you on the path to study at Duke University? Why there?
In my senior year at Ripon College, I decided that I wanted to continue doing research in biology. With a lot help from Dr. Sisson, the professor who I did research under while at Ripon, I was able to narrow down graduate schools that had well known programs in Developmental Biology. Duke had a really great one and had faculty doing research I was very interested in. Long story short, I applied, interviewed, was accepted, did rotations in labs, and joined my current research lab in Spring 2016!
What is your major and what do you plan to do after college?
My major is Biology, and my minor is in Science & Society. In other words, I’m interested in how societies impact the field of biology, and vice versa. After I finish up at Duke, I actually hope to come back to LdF for a bit to recharge before doing post-doctoral work in Science Policy Post-doctoral work is kind of like stepping stone into a future career, so I still have some learning to still do!
Any shout outs to family, friends, teachers or community?
I think I’d take up the whole newsletter if I thanked every person that has helped me get to where I am today! A special thanks to my family in Flambeau for raising, guiding, and supporting me through graduate school, and huge thank you to the LdF community and other Natives I’ve met on my journey for giving me the foundation to survive and critique academic institutions that weren’t built to support Natives. For full list of thank yous, please be on the lookout for my PhD defense seminar in the future where I’m going to give everyone the full credit they deserve!
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Working Together to Bring Youth Safe Halloween Fun |
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LDF Country Market employees spent several hours on Wednesday filling up candy bags for the Lac du Flambeau Public School students. Simpson Electric donated a truck for the staff to use in order to deliver all the treats so students can enjoy a safe, and festive Halloween activity. Chi miigwech to everyone for their help! |
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GLITC Elder Benefit Specialist Grace Livingston |
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Staying Connected: Loving Our Families |
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Each family, like each person, has their own personality. Some families are quiet and thoughtful. Some are loud and strong. Some are silly and uplifting. Families also have strengths and challenges. We, like each member of our family, have strengths and challenges. Our strengths support us and can support our families by giving them strength. If not addressed and cared for, however, our challenges affect us and can also affect the ones we love.
Chronic illness is one of the challenges that we need to look at (seeking understanding and recruiting help). Chronic disease (illness like diabetes, dementia, mental health, trauma, and use disorder) can affect us, our life, and our whole family. It can take a toll on our friendships and our community.
For those of us who have family members with chronic illness, we carry responsibility too. We need to pursue reliable information on our family member’s condition. We need to understand how it is affecting them, our relationship, and us.
Here we once again can apply the values of Love, Wisdom, Truth, Honesty, Bravery, Respect, and Humility. We can use these values to guide us when seeking understanding, looking for ways to interact, and offering support. When biological family is not available, we can build a family of support, understanding, and wisdom with those individuals in our community. We, as a community, need to reach out to those we know who need family and support.
We all need to use Wisdom, Respect, and Love to help identify the True challenges and our Honest reaction to those challenges, seeking together to address concerns and needs. Join together in becoming educated about the challenges, treatments, and ongoing supports for chronic illness. Humbly reach out, gently question, offer understanding and love our family.
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Good Journey. Take Care and Be Well.
Cynthia Lei-Nako
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Education Project
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Important Voting Information |
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Do NOT mail your ballot!! It is now too late for voters to return absentee ballots by mail. You must now deliver your ballot by hand or vote in person.
Absentee ballots must be received on Election Day in more than two dozen states, including a handful of key swing states such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Yes. You need to show a photo ID to vote
Approved forms of ID:
- Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended (can be expired, so long as it was valid November 6, 2018)
- Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card (can be expired, so long as it was valid November 6, 2018)
- U.S Military ID card (can be expired, so long as it was valid November 6, 2018)
- U.S. passport book or card (can be expired, so long as it was valid November 6, 2018)
- Certificate of naturalization (can be expired, so long as it was valid November 6, 2018)
- Identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin (can be expired or unexpired)
- Driver license receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days from date issued)
- Identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days from date issued)
- Wisconsin DMV ID Petition Process Photo Receipt (valid for 180 days from date issued)
- Veteran Affairs ID card (must be unexpired or have no expiration date)
- Photo identification card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college, or technical college that contains (1) the date the card was issued; (2) the signature of the student; (3) and the expiration date no later than two years after date of issuance
Go to iwillvote.com and find answers for all your voting questions.
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Voting Rights for Persons with Criminal Convictions and Lac du Flambeau Town Election Information |
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Am I allowed to vote in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you can register and vote if:
- You’re a U.S. citizen;
- You’ll be 18 or older on Election Day;
- You will have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days on Election Day (you may vote in the presidential election after 10 days of residency;
- A court hasn’t taken away your right to vote because you are incompetent; and.
- You’re not currently in jail or prison, or on probation, parole, or extended supervision, for a felony (or for any treason or bribery conviction).
2) I was convicted of a misdemeanor. Can I vote?
- If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor (except for misdemeanor treason or bribery), you do not lose your right to vote.
- This means you can vote even if you are in jail or prison, or “on paper” (on probation, parole or extended supervision) for a misdemeanor.
3) I was convicted of a felony. Can I vote?
- If you have been convicted of a felony (or any treason or bribery crime), you can vote after you have finished your sentence and are “off paper” (off probation, parole or extended supervision).
- If you’re not sure if you are “off paper,” ask your parole/probation officer.
4) Do I have to get a pardon or permission from the government to vote, once I’m “off paper” for my felony?
- You do NOT have to get a pardon to get your voting rights back. Your voting rights are automatically restored as soon as you complete your felony sentence and are “off paper.”
5) I’ve been charged with a felony, but I haven’t been convicted yet. Can I vote?
- If you have been charged with a felony but not yet convicted, you can vote.
- If you’ve been convicted of a felony but haven’t been sentenced, you cannot vote.
6) I am in jail. Can I vote?
- Maybe. If you’re in jail for a misdemeanor, or if you’re in jail because you’re waiting for your trial but haven’t been convicted yet, you can vote. (If you’re in jail and you’ve been convicted of a felony, you cannot vote.)
- Persons who are in jail and are eligible to vote can apply to vote absentee by mail.
7) Is there anything else I have to do to vote in Wisconsin?
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You have to register to vote. Even if you were registered before you were convicted of a felony, you have to register again. Click here for more information.
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Most voters need to get “photo ID” to vote, for more information click here.
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If you have other questions or concerns about your voting rights, “Like” Wisconsin Election Protection on Facebook or follow @EPWisco on Twitter and post your questions or concerns there.
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If you do not have access to Facebook or Twitter, you can email questions or concerns to vote @aclu-wi.org and we will respond as soon as we can.
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You can also call the Wisconsin Elections Commission at 1-866-VOTE-WIS (1-866-868-3947) or check out their voter information center, https://elections.wi.gov/voters
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Tips for Voters to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 |
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There are steps you can take to help you vote and minimize your risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more prepared you are; the less time you may have to spend at the voting site.
- avoid close contact: try to stay at least 6 feet apart of other people, especially those not wearing a mask
- wear a mask around others
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take care when touching surfaces and wash your hands often or, if not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Plan how you can get to your place to vote in the safest way possible
- Protect Yourself When Using Transportation
- Some public and private transport services offer free or cheaper rides for voting
- Older people or people with disabilities may be able to get help with getting to their voting place
- Check if in your area private carpool companies, volunteer organizations or your city public transportation offer these services
- If you drive and if you are able to check the voter line, join when the line is shorter
Plan for someone to take care of your loved ones
- Taking children with you to vote can increase their risk of getting COVID-19
- If you are the main caregiver at home, ask someone to watch your loved ones
- Ask this person to wear a mask if they don’t live with you
Be prepared so you can limit the time you are in your voting place
- This will help reduce risk for COVID-19 by avoiding delays when you vote
- If you can, fill in any registration forms before going to vote
- The more prepared you are, the less time you may have to spend at the voting site
- Check to see if your state has sample ballots
- To speed up voting, you can make a list or fill in a sample ballot to take with you
Bring your own supplies
- Use this checklist to remember things to bring with you when you go to vote:
- Necessary documentation such as your identification (check with your voting site)
- A mask
- An extra mask
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Water
- Black ink pen
- Bring prepared items with you (e.g., registration forms, sample ballots)
You should wear a mask consistently and correctly in public and around people who don’t live with you.
- If you must take your mask off, use hand sanitizer before and after
- Have an extra mask in case yours gets wet or dirty
Clean your hands often
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Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before entering and after leaving your place of voting
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Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before and after touching items that many others may have touched, such as door handles
- Do not wipe down voting equipment unless you are told to do so
Keep your distance from others
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) from other people as much as you can
- Stay apart even if you are wearing masks
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Committees, Commissions & Boards Vacancies |
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Click on images for larger version |
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LDF Tribal Member Youth Virtual Costume Contest |
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Zaasijiwan Head Start Temporary Closure Notice |
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LDF Tribal Member FY 2021 Per Cap Notice |
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Grocery Worker's Relief Fund |
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Celebrating Namaanakwad's 28th Birthday
- Virtual Facebook Contest
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This is a virtual celebration to honor the life of Wayne Namaanakwad Valliere, Jr.
You can upload your video entry to Facebook with the (hashtag) #HBDCloudsUnderneath.
Contact Iris Jane with any questions. Donations are not necessary but if you would like to donate you can do so by sending an email to waabigoniin@gmail.com.
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Lakeland Union High School Meal Distribution Information |
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The Lakeland Union High School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch to any child between the ages of 0-18 through December 31, 2020.*
This opportunity was made possible through the USDA. When a student is at school, they can get one free breakfast and one free lunch at the normal time meals are served. If students want to purchase additional items or additional meals, they are still able to do that as well but must have funds in their account.
If your student is on Virtual Learning or Remote Option, or if you have a student who does not attend school in-person, they may still participate and receive meals.
Parents of students not attending school in-person will need to fill out this weekly meal request form:
The form needs to be filled out by 10:00 am Friday for meal pickup for the following Monday or Wednesday between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. First Meal Distribution will take place on Wednesday, September 9th.
If a student wants only milk, they will have to pay 50 cents. Students can purchase additional milk for 50 cents each at any time with their meal as well.
If you have any questions, please call Lakeland Union High School Food Service Director, Randy Weitz, at (715) 356-5252 extension 3402.
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Congratulations and welcome to our newest community members!
Ryan Joseph Hunter Bauman, born October 22nd, to Alden Bauman and Margarita LeSieur of Lac du Flambeau.
Derin Wayne Belland, Jr , born October 25th, to Derin Belland, Sr. and Nancy Edwards of Lac du Flambeau.
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Our office will be closed effective the close of business today. Our closure is due to close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. We will reopen on 11/05/2020.
NEW clients for Food Share or Medical Assistance will be referred to Vilas County 715-479-3668 until we are able to transfer the case back to our agency upon our return to work. All other case management can contact their worker via their direct line.
Mary Chapman
588-4315
INCOME MAINTENANCE
Sarah Pyawasit
588-4320
Raelle Allen
588-4319
Lisa LeSieur
588-4266
GA, Kinship
Jared Poupart
588-4292
TANF
Anthony Negani
588-4228
WIOA
Gloria Cobb
588-4281
COVID, Energy Assistance and all other questions
The es@ldftribe.com will be monitored daily for COVID applications. They are also available for pick up at the front receptionist until our return to work.
The main number 4235 will be forwarded to my cell, I will contact the appropriate staff to follow up with the clients requests or needs.
Stay safe,
Gloria Cobb
Economic Support Director
715-588-4281
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ForwardHealth Community Partners
Updates for local agencies, community-based organizations, and providers who provide assistance to members of Wisconsin's health and nutrition public assistance programs.
Temporary Adjustments to Certain FoodShare Program Rules
Effective immediately, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is temporarily adjusting certain FoodShare program rules as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjustments include postponing renewals, eliminating Six-Month Report submissions, and suspending interviews. DHS is able to make these adjustments due to provisions in the federal Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act.
October and November Renewals Postponed Six Months
FoodShare members with renewals due in October and November 2020 will not need to complete their renewals until April and May 2021, respectively.
Members with renewals due in October may have already received their renewal letters. If they have already started or submitted their renewals, they will still need to complete the renewal process. Their renewals are being processed as normal to allow them to continue with their regular enrollment period. If members have not yet started their renewal, they do not need to take any action at this time.
Members with renewals due in November will not receive a renewal letter.
Members will receive renewal letters prior to having to complete their renewals in April and May.
October and November Six-Month Reports Eliminated
FoodShare members with Six-Month Reports due in October and November 2020 will not need to submit their report.
Although members with Six-Month Reports that were due in October may have already received their report forms, they do not need to take any action. Members with reports due in November will not receive report forms.
Most FoodShare Interviews Suspended Until December 31
FoodShare applicants and members may not need to complete an interview with their income maintenance or tribal agency if they provide all the information necessary to process their application or renewal, once renewals resume.
This includes providing enough information to confirm their identity and meet verification requirements. Information will be confirmed through data exchanges to the extent possible. However, agencies may still contact applicants and members to clarify information, if needed.
Applicants who only provide a name, address, and signature when they apply will still need to complete an interview.
The interview suspension will continue through December 31, 2020, with the possibility of an extension.
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Peter Christensen Health Center News |
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NEWS FROM LDF PUBLIC SCHOOL |
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Boozhoo Families,
We invite you to complete the 2020-2021 Impact Aid Questionnaire. The purpose of the Impact Aid Program Indian Policies and Procedures is to ensure equal participation of Indian Children in the Lac du Flambeau School District education program and activities.
The Lac du Flambeau School District not only supports this purpose, but the District’s goal is to better serve all students and families.
In an effort to hear the voices of our parents, community members and Lac du Flambeau Tribal leaders in the planning and development of our educational programs and activities, the following questionnaire was created. Your input is very important to us. Please fill out the questionnaire below and use the space provided for an opportunity to make additional educational comments.
If you prefer a paper copy of the questionnaire mailed to you please call the front office at 715-588-3838. Completed questionnaires can then be dropped off at our 24/7 secured drop box located outside of the front entrance.
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NEWS FROM LCO OJIBWE COLLEGE |
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LDF Business Development Corporation
Love Where You Work!
Other Employment Opportunities:
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Share your good news with the community!
If you have something you wish to share in the weekly
Please forward your information by Wednesday afternoon.
Miigwech!
Carri Chapman with Karl James & Company
Cell: (715) 437-0061
Cell: (262) 470-9849
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