News from the Mashkiiziibii Community

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

October 10, 2018

Boozhoo,

Dagwaagin is upon us, and the leaves are showing bright and varied colors. We hope you are staying warm and dry as we wait for the sun to shine.

There are many good things happening in the Mashkiiziibii community. Scroll down to see news, community information and upcoming events.

NEWS

LCO College Returns to Mashkiiziibii

Chairman Mike Wiggins and Dee Gokee-Rindal, Tribal Operations Manager, met with Dr. Russell Swagger, President, Karen Breit, Dean of Students & Community Relations, and Jessica Wagner-Schultz, Director of Institutional Advancement, last Thursday to sign an agreement to bring Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College course offerings back to Bad River.

"Today is a very important day for the Bad River people and the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College," said Dr. Russell Swagger. "We are taking the initial steps in making an official move from Washburn back into the Bad River community. Soon, we will be able to offer our full programs to the Bad River people as we did in the past. We believe wholeheartedly that moving back to Bad River will eliminate many barriers your people have had in accessing a college education, training, and professional development opportunities."

Classes will begin here on Thursday, October 18th, and offerings include:

General Mathematics
Basic English
Introduction to Higher Education
College Writing, Research and Critical Reading
Fundamentals of Speech

Classes will be held in the Library and Conference Room C in the Blackbird Center.

LCO College hopes to be in the Mashkiiziibii community regularly by spring of next year. "I must officially proclaim that we cannot offer more than 50% of any one of our programs at Bad River until such time that the Higher Learning Commission authorizes our request to move back to Bad River from Washburn. Therefore, our team has designed limited introductory courses for your people who want to begin their education as we await approval," President Swagger said.

"It's going to be really positive to have the satellite return to the community. The logistical and time challenges for young families and single parents is real, and this opens access to higher education," Chairman Wiggins said. "With that personal growth, there is healing, there is community spirit, and it's uplifting as we start to have educational role models emerge again. There was a reality to how big the hurdle was for our people when the College moved to Washburn. We're turning back the clock and removing some of those obstacles for our folks and helping people move themselves forward."

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College's mission is to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwa. For more information on the College, visit their website or call 715-634-4790.

The College is offering free one-stop services and class registration on Friday, October 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Blackbird Center. For more information, email David Langham or call 715-637-4790, extension 148.

FREE One-Stop Services and Class Registration on Friday

Tribe Awarded Three Grants

The Bad River Tribe was recently awarded three federal grants totaling over $1.6 million to assist with Tribal Opioid Response, the Office for Victims of Crimes and for Coordinated Tribal Assistance.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding award is from the Tribal Opioid Response Grants (TOR) solicitation, submitted in August. The Tribe will receive $222,062.00 over two years for culturally appropriate prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare services for the Community.

Prevention - Designate drug free zones and promoting drug-free lifestyle campaigns through advertisements and billboards.

Intervention - Surveys indicate that addicts begin using at middle school age; expanding anti-drug cultural activities with youth programs.

Treatment/Healing - Support cultural activities throughout the organization with the goal of sustainability and expanding Community Peer Specialists.

Aftercare - Develop a sober house or drug free zone for addicts in recovery that ensures safety from drug dealers and support harm reduction efforts.

Another grant came from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). Funding awarded is from the OVC FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program grant solicitation, submitted in August and totaling $699,925.00 over three years.

The funding will be used for the expansion of services provided to victims, specifically, services to children and Elders within the Community. These programs will include services to help victims of financial crimes, abuse and neglect, including physical and sexual abuse and exploitation of children and Elders.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) funding is from the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) solicitation submitted in March. The total awarded amount the Tribe will receive is $710,599.00 over three years.

The funds will develop, implement and enhance substance abuse prevention and treatment programs within the Tribe. The overall goal will be to provide a halfway/treatment house for community members returning to from residential treatment centers, jail or prison who are assessed as needing relapse prevention education. The halfway house is designed for individuals returning to the community who are seeking primary treatment for substance use disorders.

"Our Program Managers know what they needed, and they were instrumental in completing our grant applications," said Doug Jennings, Tribal Planner. The grants will create approximately eight new jobs.

It's Just Dinner: A Community Conversation

The Indigenizing Crisis Intervention Team is launching "It's Just Dinner" and "Lunch Buddies" innovation teams with a dinner in the Gathering Room at the Bad River Housing Authority on Wednesday, October 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

"The 'It's Just Dinner' event is one of the ways the past event participants decided we could unite as one. I feel this was a good beginning to rebuilding, repairing and healing the relationships within Ashland County that have been disconnected over the years. There is still a lot of work to be done, but baby steps are still steps forward," said Tracy Bigboy, Team Leader and Crime Victim Coordinator for the Victim Assistance Program.

The team has completed all four phases of our Community Conversation series: Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny. Participants emerged with a strong, personal sense of what they can contribute to the future of their community. The first conversation, "Discovery" was held in May. The second conversation, "Dream" was held in July; the third conversation, "Design" was held in August. The last conversation, "Destiny" was held last month.

The Discovery conversation challenged stakeholders to uncover the rich accounts and peak experiences of when their community is at its best. The Dream conversation invited participants to imagine, without critique or judgement, life-giving forces that could contribute to its success and vision for a positive future. The Design conversation participants entered the crucial stage of bridging the community's positive core (Discovery) to its shared vision of an ideal community and its people (Dream). The Destiny conversation ensured that the dream becomes reality.

"The community conversations were good. We averaged about 20 to 30 participants throughout the Bad River and City of Ashland community. I wish we had more people in attendance, but our facilitators reminded it us it was about quantity as much as quality. And, there were a lot of quality conversations and input. It was nice to see some of our state senate representatives also in attendance," said Tracy.

The "It's Just Dinner" and "Lunch Buddies" teams will be introduced at the "It's Just Dinner: A Community Conversation" in Bad River on Wednesday, October 24th.

Tickets to the dinner are free but here's what they need from you:

Reserve Your Spot!! Please fill out this form and don't forget to let us know how many people (including yourself) will be joining us for dinner.

Food!! Please bring raw ingredients (veggies, fruit, meat, you name it!). We'll be in the kitchen putting it all together in the afternoon before the event.

Tablecloths!! Please bring a tablecloth (or a couple, if you have them). We want to cover the tables with a patchwork of tablecloths to represent the power of the table and a shared meal to transform the individual into the collective.

Kitchen Help!! If you want to join us in the kitchen, please let us know when you fill out the form.

Additional Details:

You can drop off your meal contribution at the Bad River Housing Authority Gathering Room between Noon and 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 24th.

Kids are welcome!!

Learn more about the group's work and upcoming events by liking the Bad River Community Conversations Facebook page.

For more information about the Indigenizing Crisis Intervention Teams, visit the website.

Treaty Day and the Jingle Dress Dancer

By Barbara With

The journey to create the Jingle Dress Dancer began in November 2017, after Jason Pero was tragically shot in his grandparents' front yard in Bad River. Community members came together to talk about how to address the issues we face together. After attending several conversations, I realized we have two cultures inhabited with good people who want to know how to promote peace and understanding between us.

The La Pointe Center for the Arts gave the go-ahead to approach Katherine Morrisseau about doing a project to promote unity, healing and to build a bridge back to Madeline Island for the Anishinabe. She envisioned a large-scale jingle dress dancer, dancing on Treaty Day, to heal our communities.

Thanks to our many sponsors, we received the funding to travel to various powwows and other events this summer to collect hand prints of community members to sew on her dress, and to let people know about our project.

At the end of August, we assembled for two weeks on Madeline Island, where more than 65 people came to lend a hand in her creation. Bad River generously allowed us to use the north end of the reservation, and the Town of La Pointe liberally let us work downtown at the Rec Center. Chris Lutter directed the construction; Annie Humphrey designed and sewed the dress herself, and the rest of us helped with the many details of creating her entire body and clothing.

The Dancer debuted on Treaty Day, September 30th, dancing with jingle dress dancers from all across the region and our own local community. Lacrosse, a feast, and music by Long Hairz Collective rounded out the project.

Photo by Alex Petterson

Even though the weather forecast was for overcast skies, the sun was with us all day, blessing us and smiling on our efforts.

The Madeline Island Jingle Dress Dancer will travel the state promoting Wisconsin Act 31, the Wisconsin state law that requires all schools teach an accurate history of Native American culture. After an appearance at the Bayfield Apple Fest this weekend, she will make her home at the Great Lakes Northern Visitor Center. Be sure to stop in and see her when you are next in the area.

Thank you to all to helped, all who danced and sang and drummed, and all who pray for peace. May we find Unity. May we make this a regular gathering every year to celebrate and honor the Treaties.

Chi-miigwech!

Meet the Staff

This week we introduce you to Julianne "Annie" Houle and Doug Jennings.

"Hello, my name is Julianne Houle, but I go by Annie, and I'm the new Legal Litigations Support Specialist in the Legal Department. I am 30 years old, and I have two beautiful daughters named Payton (age 9) and Karly (age 2). I live with my two daughters and my boyfriend of six years, Kyle Gervais.

I have been going to Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College part-time for the past three years, working on my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, I worked at Bad River Headstart for three years as an Assistant Teacher. I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as I can. I'm very excited with my new job in the Legal Department."

Doug Jennings, Bad River Tribal Planner, grew up in Minocqua, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After finishing college, he worked in food sales for 20 years, then moved into education and taught for six years and was the Dean of Public Safety at Northcentral Technical College. He has been in public safety for 25 years.

His wife, Marcene, is from the Mashkiiziibii community and wanted to come home. Doug became the Tribal Planner in March, and says, "My job is to create economic opportunities and plan a sustainable sovereign nation for the future."

Doug and Marcene have two sons, Dylan and Bryton. Doug enjoys ricing, being the woods, and especially enjoys spending time with his first grandchild.

Birch Hill Community House News

Boozhoo! It's Lisa and Zach from the Birch Hill Community House.

There has been a lot of cooking, and our place feels like a safe place to call home. We love to try and get the kids off the hill and involved in community events!

We had a great time participating in Treaty Days at the end of September on Madeline Island with 16 Bad River youth, Joy and Finn. It was a beautiful day on the island and we were able to play lacrosse with the youth.

Lisa played lacrosse for the first time and we had a great surprise when Joseph and his family showed up for the game. Joseph gave a quick history of this beautiful medicine game to the youth. Lisa was proud to play alongside these kids and will continue to keep the game going for them.

Miigwech to everyone who helped, and to Dylan for getting us traditional lacrosse sticks and to Youth Service for the food.

We're looking for your help! We're interested in hearing your ideas, having you help alongside us with our work and travels. BHCH is open Mondays through Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and for weekend outings. If you have any questions, give us a call at 715-682-7117.

Head Start News

Head Start and high school students enjoyed a day together through the Youth Services program. High school students went ricing, and invited little ones to be a part of the scorching process.

Miigwech to our high school friends for letting us share in the process with you.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Tribal Council Meetings

All Regular Tribal Council Meetings are held at

the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.

November 7, 2018

December 5, 2018

All Special Tribal Council Meetings are held at

the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.

October 16, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 18, 2018

It's Extension Week

The UW-Extension in Ashland and Bayfield counties are celebrating Extension Week.

Join any of the Extension Week Programs now through October 13, 2018! There is something of interest for everyone!

For more details on these educational programs and events, visit the website.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

If you have any questions, please contact the friendly staff at the Bad River Dental Clinic at 715-685-7887.

Flu Immunization Clinics

Benefits Fair - October 16th

Donations Accepted Until October 20th

People in Need is a local non-profit which attempts to serve all people in need. Fire victims, elderly, homeless, crisis victims, jobless families - people in need!

People in Need is located at 209 East Main Street in Ashland. For more information, call 715-685-4375

Tribal Enterprise Workshop - Begins October 22nd

Recycling Information

View the On-Site Waste Disposal

Roll-Off Container Service Agreement

Ferrellgas Propane Offer

Bad River Family Foundations Program

Vehicle Registration and Titling

Bad River Veterans Memorial Fundraiser

There has been an effort under way to develop a Bad River Veterans Memorial at the cemetery near the Veterans Pavilion.

Community members can help fund this effort by buying a brick to be included in the paving of the memorial.

The idea for this for fundraiser began when the Repatriation Committee was on the grounds one day and thought something was lacking. They discussed doing something that would make it look better for the Veterans and the community, and eventually came up with the idea of installing black granite slabs to add each of the wars or conflicts Tribal Members have been involved in as way to honor them.

"One day I just Googled fundraising and the Buy-a-Brick campaign popped up," Edith Leoso said. "We had to go through a whole slew of things to determine what kind of bricks we wanted. Essentially, we are trying to raise money through the sale of these bricks and the buyer has the opportunity to put what they want on their brick, such as the name a family member who served or whatever the purchaser would like that is allowable according the text limits."

The goal is to raise enough money through this campaign to follow through with the developments to enhance the Veterans Pavilion area. Click here to learn more.

"It becomes a community effort to make this happen," Edith shared. "It will become aesthetically pleasing for our Veterans and community members to come enjoy and reflect and will also be handicap accessible."

Initially they had an end date set for September 1st; however, Edith explained that they are leaving the end date open, so they can get more people involved in the fundraising effort. Click here to buy a brick.

Honoring Our Elders DVD Available

Two copies of "Honoring Our Elders," a DVD featuring interviews with beloved elders from Bad River, are available at the Bad River Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

Interviews include Viola Neveaum, Mildred "Beanie" Lemieux and Flavia Neveaux, and were recorded in 2006.

Any interested family and friends who would like to view the DVD may visit the Tribal Historic Preservation Office.