"In 2017, our Tribal Council declared a State of Emergency and sent a statement across all realms that directly related to the serious impact of drug use in the community and its devastating effects."

"The Drug Task Force was established as a formal mechanism to bring different departments and Tribal leaders together to think of how to handle this situation. We saw that we already had some things in our favor to help us - a rich cultural history and our traditions and spiritual teachings that represent pathways to the good life our ancestors envisioned. Our first discussion centered around on how to organize ourselves in a way that captures all of the different complexities and how to use them to reach people, and how to prevent drug use and help those already affected."

According to Chairman Wiggins, this response is a complex, grass-roots community effort. "When the draft is released, we will be asking for feedback from the community. It is very important that we hear from as many people as possible about how to combat this problem because it affects everyone."

"In the TAP, people will see the initiatives being developed to help our folks. One big project is the development of a sober living house on property the Tribe recently reacquired, known as the Nye house, a five-bedroom home. We plan to renovate the house to serve some of our women, and will eventually expand it to include men. One statistic I remember hearing is that in the Ashland Drug Court, 90% of Drug Court participants were from Bad River. Of those, 70% were homeless because of their addictions. That's a call to action to our Drug Task Force. If our people are dealing with homelessness because of addiction, we need to find them a safe, sober living arrangement. Ultimately, we are hoping to have 24 beds available. We are searching for a sober living house manager, and the position is now posted."

Chairman Wiggins continued, "We received grant funds to do different activities that are listed in the TAP. We received state money to be used to launch an educational campaign, and purchase billboard space and communication materials about addiction. We received funds to promote and facilitate sweat lodges. One example is the monies available and plans to build a sweat lodge on the North Shore property on Madeline Island, to provide a place for people to get away and reconnect to their culture. It will be an alcohol and drug-free zone."

All Tribal programs are involved in the TAP draft. "We prioritized language and cultural revitalization, but it ties in with other things. We will be building a new Head Start building, and there will be an early immersion program for Ojibwe language attached. That's an example of building support systems to help people find their way back from addiction."

When asked if there has been an interest in cultural activities on the reservation since the State of Emergency went into effect, Chairman Wiggins replied, "I've seen ceremonies, events and educational activities offered. Most recently, we held a Ziigwan pipe ceremony and feast to acknowledge to the spirits that we appreciate the change of the seasons. It was heartening to see all the pipes there, and people doing the fish and swan dances. Factor in the Winter Camp and the Language Camp. We believe offering traditional activities is very important. We also have the Food Sovereignty Program that promotes hunting, fishing, gathering and growing. We had a dozen youth go spearing on Lake Namakagon with youth from Red Cliff. We would like to see more people participate in cultural revitalization and language."

The creation of the Youth Director position and a Youth Council is a part of the TAP goal "to enable the community to regain cultural strength to heal again". The Youth Leadership Initiative targets 10 to 17-year-olds to help children get in touch with their leadership qualities and uniqueness. "This is very important because they are the future of our Tribe," Chairman Wiggins said.

He added, "In the TAP, we recognize addiction as a disease and the importance of welcoming and supporting our people who struggle as they journey to wellness and recovery."

Please attend the Community Listening Session 

on June 25th, or the Health Fair on June 26th, and share your comments on the draft of the Tribal Action Plan.

Miigwech!

Hayley Nye was recently hired as the new Bad River Juvenile Justice Coordinator. She is a Bad River Tribal Member, and has more than 10 years of law enforcement experience.

Hayley obtained an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. She previously served as a patrol officer for Bad River Police Department, and most recently served as the Sergeant of Investigations for the Red Cliff Police Department, where she specialized in sex crimes and crimes against children. She has worked closely with child victims and their families, participating and testifying in court hearings.

Hayley's new job responsibilities will have her working to provide services to youth. Her main priority is to get the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court up and running. The Healing to Wellness Court is designed to incorporate cultural aspects into the court process. It is an alternative court, with an Elder resource panel and advisory team of community members with cultural knowledge, designed to help guide youth who may have been charged with delinquency, drug, or alcohol issues.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to come back and work in my own community and do something that can make a difference," said Hayley.

Welcome Hayley!

The Chippewa Fresh Start YouthBuild provides education, employment skills and career direction for at-risk young adults by involving them in the construction of a new house. When completed, the house is sold to an income-eligible family in the community. During the course of the program, the young adults gain valuable skills, perform community service, and prepare for post-secondary education and careers. The most important goals of the project are to build self-esteem and help young adults become self-sufficient.

The young adults who participate in the Chippewa Fresh Start YouthBuild program are ages 17 to 24 and may have a variety of barriers to self-sufficiency. A majority of program participants have dropped out of high school or are struggling to finish high school. As stated in the program name, they're looking for a fresh start.

How To Enroll
Start by completing and submitting this online application.

The Program
Participants work together for 28 hours each week (Monday thru Thursday) and over the course of one year, they will be involved in every phase of new home construction. In addition to this hands-on learning experience, part of each day is devoted to education. Participants will complete classes leading to a high school diploma, GED or HSED. Fresh Start also provides the resources and support needed to stay on the road to success including leadership development, substance abuse education, motivation, health and nutrition training, independent living skills, career planning and job search assistance.

The Outcome
These young adults, their families and the entire community benefit from the program. Upon successful completion of a 900 hour AmeriCorps term, each participant will receive a Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate from the Home Builders Institute (HBI), and an AmeriCorps educational award. The goal is for each young adult to be fully employed or enrolled in post-secondary education when they leave the program.

View the brochure. For more information, visit the website.

The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) presents another film in the series of short videos called "Ogichidaa Storytellers".

This short film centers on the Healing Circle Run. In 1989, the Anishinaabe Solidarity Relay began as a response to the resounding racism and hatred directed towards Ojibwe people throughout the region at boat landings and other communal spaces. The animosity that spilled into communities, schools, and even churches created great hardship for Ojibwe communities and their harvesters.

Today, The Healing Circle Run continues to connect Ojibwe communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and through collective running, walking and prayer, provides healing and relief. The annual event also serves as a reminder to both participants and observers of the commitment, efforts and resiliency of the Tribal Nations that have survived decades of trauma.

View the Application

Click on an image to view a larger version

Healthy Living with Chronic Pain Workshop Series Tuesdays from June 11th  thru July 16th 12:30 to 3:00 pm at the Red Cliff Elderly Site. Transportation available - van leaves at 11:00 am	Language Table 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Head Start
Picnic in the Park Play Group Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Head Start

Visit these sites for current employment opportunities:

Bad River Lodge and Casino

Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College

Job Center of Wisconsin

Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program (CEP)

2020 Census Jobs