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Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
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August 29, 2018
The 2018 Bad River Manomin Celebration was one for the books! The powwow was well attended, and host drum Blackstone from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, had the arena jamming all weekend.
Labor Day weekend is almost here, signaling the unofficial end to summer and the time when our children return to school. We wish everyone a safe and fun-filled holiday with family and friends!
Ashland School District - Important Dates:
- September 10th - Orientation Day 4K, 5, 6th and 9th grades
- September 11th - First Day of School 1-12, 4K Orientation
- September 12th - First Day of School 4K & Kindergarten
- September 26th - Early Dismissal for all students
The next regular Tribal Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 5th at the Bad River Convention Center starting at 4:30 pm.
Please scroll down for more news and upcoming events in Mashkiiziibii.
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Beach Clean-Up Event Today
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Bad River Hosts 39th Annual Manomin Celebration
The 39th Annual Bad River Manomin Celebration was a great success this past weekend. Although the weather on Friday had some folks a little worried, the rain moved out just in time for grand entry and host drum Blackstone, coming from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, set the tone for an exciting weekend. Leading up to the powwow, many events set the stage for the celebration, including meetings with the security volunteers, royalty contestants, and the lighting of the sacred fire.
Dancers, singers and spectators from all over Indian Country and beyond spent the weekend enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the most beloved powwows of the summer season, celebrating the time of year when we harvest the "good berry" known as manomin, or wild rice. This food that grows on the water provides Anishinaabe with mino-bimaadiziwin - the good life - so we celebrate that gift and give thanks.
The annual canoe race down the Bad River took place on Saturday morning with the participants competing in four different categories. Congratulations to the first place winners in each category and to all the competitors.
- Men's Division - Jerome LaBarge and Stan Kmieck
- Women's Division - Melanie Connors and Krisann Neveaux
- Mixed Couples - Ashley Leoso-Stone and Tino Redhouse
- Century - Gary Kmiecik and Neil Kmiecik
The annual Color Run began at 9:00 am on Sunday morning with over 75 participants, followed by a Frybread Eating Contest, ending shortly before the Grand Entry. Sunday's session hosted a variety of specials including a Feather Dance for all youth, the Men's Woodland Special, and an Honor Song for Jason "Ike" Pero.
Congratulations to the newly crowned Bad River Manomin Powwow 2018 Royalty and
Miigwech to the outgoing representatives!
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Photo courtesy of Gina Nelis Secord
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Bad River Warrior - Vinny Bender, Miss Bad River - Rayonah Whitebird, Jr., Miss Bad River - Ayeisha Deragon, Little Miss Bad River - Kaylin Secord, Tiny Tot Miss Bad River - Karli Lemieux, Bad River Brave - Wyatt Nelis, and Tiny Tot Brave - Hiram Bender Standstraight.
Chi Miigwech to the Powwow Committee, the volunteers, veterans, dancers, singers, vendors and everyone that contributed to this amazing weekend.
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Ceremonial Elk Hunt Drawing Tonight
Four hunters will be chosen along with two alternates in a random drawing on August 29th at the Bad River Convention Center for the 2018 Ceremonial Elk Hunt.
Elk Hunter Requirements:
- Must have had Hunter Safety Training, or have been born before 1977.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa with a Tribal I.D.
- Must be in good standing with no Bad River Tribal Court ordered restrictions on hunting and/or off-reservation treaty rights.
There are two ways to be eligible for the drawing. One ticket per hunter:
1) Apply in person at the Blackbird Center by filling out a short application. Applications will be available until today, August 29th from 8:00 am to 4: 30 pm. Please see the receptionists at the front window.
- Or -
2) Attend the Elk Hunt Drawing at the Bad River Convention Center tonight. Applications will be available on site starting at 7:00 pm, with the drawing to take place at 7:30 pm.
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Wild Rice Harvest and Restoration Information
Wild Rice Harvest and Restoration:
- The wild rice harvest was opened for a portion of the Kakagon Sloughs on Monday, August 20th. Our Wild Rice Committee, consisting of seven Tribal Members, determine when and where to open the wild rice harvest in the sloughs. The current members of our Wild Rice Committee are: Myron Burns Sr., Hilary (Junie) Butler, Dale Corbine, Charles (Chaz) Connors Sr., Ken (Basher) Couture, Mike (Woody) Denomie, and Megan Powless.
- The Bad River Natural Resources Department is buying back green rice from harvesters at $3.00 per pound. This rice is then reseeded by Department staff in areas where cattail management has occurred, and in other areas where wild rice may be sparse. Over the last 10 years, the amount of green rice purchased and reseeded ranged from 79 pounds in 2016 to 617 pounds in 2009. In 2017, we purchased and reseeded 511 pounds.
Public Comments are Wanted on the Tribe's Draft Water Quality Certification and Water Quality Review Code:
- In 2009, the Bad River Band received Treatment-in-a-manner-similar-to-A-State (TAS) authority from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Clean Water Act Sections 303(c) and 401 for a water quality standards program. The Bad River Tribe is the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 certification authority within the Reservation boundaries.
- The purpose of Clean Water Act Section 401 certifications is to ensure federal permits issued are in compliance with relevant water quality considerations, including the Tribe's Water Quality Standards and Tribal ordinances. The Tribe reviews permits proposed by Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, or other federal agencies and determines if additional conditions need to be included in a permit or if a certification needs to be denied in order to protect the water resources.
- If the Tribe denies certification, the federal permit is not valid for the proposed activity. The first CWA Section 401 certification issued by the Tribe was at the beginning of 2011.
- The Tribe is proposing to adopt an ordinance describing the process for water quality certifications. This draft code is currently out of public comment and can be viewed by clicking here.
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Boys and Girls Club Visits Washington, D.C.
Submitted by Kristi Broeniman, Mashkisibi Boys and Girls Club Director
Recently, the Mashkisibi Boys and Girls Club took an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. This trip was made possible through a grant from the Herb Kohl Foundation, which this year donated $700,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs across Wisconsin to make trips like this happen.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies is committed to supporting organizations that provide access for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience and learn about civics and democracy through the power of travel.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies funds Learning Journeys, which is run by separate sponsoring organizations to give youth the opportunity to visit Washington and gain the invaluable experience of travel, personal responsibility and leadership development. Students learn information that can be applied in the classroom and skills that help them develop individually.
The trip was a collaborative effort between the Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami, the Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles, Mashkisibi Boys and Girls Club and Menominee Woodland Boys and Girls Club.
We were able to bring six youth and myself on the bus that Red Cliff scheduled and graciously made room for us.
Reese Wiggins was our youth that participated in the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She did a wonderful job representing the Club and the Tribe. Youth participating in the ceremony wore traditional Tribal regalia with permission from the U.S. Army for the first time ever. It was a great honor.
This trip was so amazing and truly a once in a lifetime experience. During our three full days there, we visited so many places and saw so many things.
On day one, we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Day two started with a photo stop outside the White House, then onto the Library of Congress, a tour of the U.S. Capitol, a water taxi ride down the Potomac, exploring Old Town Alexandria, VA, ending with a ghost in the graveyard tour there.
Our final day included visits to the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial, National Museum of the American Indian, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural History, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.
Our hope is to be able to bring 40 Bad River youth on this amazing trip in the summer of 2019!
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Unique Funding Plan for Youth Services Program
While the new Youth Services department diligently seeks grant funding, the Tribal Council is focusing on creating sustainable funding for the vital program.
Tribal Member Mitch Crowe, Jr., is the new Youth Services Program Director and will be working to coordinate all of the entities, providing youth services throughout the Tribe and the school to ensure services are maximized and that there is collaboration and communication.
Mitch recently returned to the Mashkiiziibii community after working in the St. Croix Community for the last two years. He is extremely happy to be back home with his family and to be sharing his passion working with our youth.
"One of the reasons I think this initiative is so important is because our Youth Services Department isn't contingent on grant programs," Mitch said. "A lot of what we do for the Tribe kind of depends on the federal government, state government, and other agencies that we're working with. That's all fine, but in the end we want to make sure that we are funding what's important to us, out of our own resources."
Tribal programs and departments frequently rely on grant funding, which can be unstable and available only on a short-term basis.
However, the Tribal Council is channeling the 1.5% hotel room tax currently collected to the new Youth Services department, and is seeking support from the community.
Two options for sustainable funding for the Youth Services department will become available on October 1st, at all Tribal enterprises.
The first option is to "Chip Up." When you make a purchase, round up to the next dollar (or more) and your donation will be given to the Youth Services Department. This will be available to all Tribal Members and Non-Members.
The second option is a 1.5% surcharge on all purchases at all Tribal enterprises. This 1.5 cent per dollar sales surcharge is a voluntary donation for Tribal Members and will be added to all Non-Tribal Member purchases. Funds collected will be given to the Youth Services department.
This is an opportunity to invest in our youth and maintain the vital services our children need.
"I think our Tribal Council is making a statement with this effort, showing that our youth are important," said Mitch.
Beginning on October 1st, Tribal Members will be asked at the time of check-out if they wish to Chip Up and donate 1.5% of their purchase to the Youth Services department.
Your donations will help to create sustainable funding for our youth and will meet their needs as they grow and become the next generation of families and leaders in our community.
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Housing Authority Forced Labor Project
The Bad River Housing Authority (BRHA) recently implemented the "Forced Labor Project" which employs local Bad River Tribal Members with some construction skills and can dedicate time, efforts and talents on projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
These projects would have previously been put up for bid to local and regional contractors, however, under the Forced Labor Account, these dollars will remain within our community and thereby help our local economy.
These skilled and semi-skilled individuals are hired by the BRHA as Limited Term Employees. Credit to Chairman Mike Wiggins, Jr. and the Bad River Housing Board of Commissioners for identifying and embracing this concept.
Thank you and good work everyone!
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Ken "Basher" Couture Retires After 40 Years
Story by Natural Resources Department
Ken "Basher" Couture was originally hired in April of 1980 as a Hatchery Crew Member. For approximately 40 years, Basher has helped the Tribe with operations and sustaining our Hatchery, restoring fish habitat in Graveyard Creek, reseeding wild rice, assessing fish populations, controlling invasive species and common carp, and so many more projects!
Basher's work has always been exceptional. He was always keeping himself busy, offering a helping hand without being asked and got along with everybody!
We sincerely appreciate Basher's hard work and dedication over the decades. Although we miss him, we hope he is enjoying his well-deserved retirement!
Congratulations on your retirement Basher!
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Educational and Training Needs Survey
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College continually seeks to improve the programs and services offered to the residents of this area.
The College's mission is to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture and history of the Ojibwa. These offerings include programs (certificates and degrees) to meet your specific employment needs.
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is turning to you for your input. You are a vital part of our mission to be sure we offer what is needed in your area. Employer feedback provides the most valuable data for determining specific offerings.
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of LCOOCC, thank you in advance for helping us make education and training programs a valuable experience in your area.
If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to contact our Director of Institutional Research, Dr. Annette Nelson, at 715-634-4790, ext 112, or
send an email
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New Ad Hoc Election Committee
Dawn O'Conner, Sue Houle and Joyce Lemieux were sworn in as the Bad River Ad Hoc Election Committee by Tribal Chairman Michael Wiggins, Jr.
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Natural Resource Project Review Process
The Bad River Natural Resources Department (NRD) recently went to the Tribal Council for approval to begin implementing a new process that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of project reviews completed by NRD.
The goal of this new Project Review Process (PRP) is it to provide community members and other applicants within the Reservation a straight-forward and efficient way to get feedback from NRD on their projects and to protect the natural resources on the Reservation.
Through the PRP, the NRD will provide insight and comments on how to reduce impacts to natural resources and identify any conditions or permits an applicant may need to move forward towards starting their project.
Once the application is received by NRD, staff will compile comments from each program on the project proposed. These comments will then be provided to the applicant so they can see if any additional steps are needed prior to starting the proposed work. If any additional steps are needed, the NRD review comments will clearly identify what these steps are and the NRD staff member who is the contact person.
Since the Bad River Tribal Council has supported the Poject Review Process through a motion to allow the NRD to begin implementation at the August 1, 2018 regular Tribal Council meeting, the NRD has now started to require that all new projects start using the PRP. If you are planning a project, please begin your PRP form today.
Miigwech!
Please contact Florence Powless or Jessica Strand with any questions at 715-682-7123.
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Annual Traditional Ways Gathering
The annual Traditional Ways Gathering, held at Bad River Elder Joe Rose's property along the Lake Superior shoreline, was packed full of workshops for registered participants to learn the traditional arts.
These skills included preparing black ash for basket making, pipestone work, flint knapping, stake and strand basket making, and gourd water container making.
Guests also learned how to make a birch box and a cherry wood Shaker box, and learned the story of tobacco ties told by Joe Rose.
A group of individuals paddled around Lake Superior and stopped by to visit the Traditional Ways Gathering before heading off on their way once again. Everyone is already looking forward to next year's gathering.
All photos courtesy of Peter Halfaday
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Food Sovereignty Shares Plentiful Harvest
The Food Sovereignty crew recently hosted an appreciation meal for the amazing maintenance crew, lead by Don Neveaux and the invasive plant crew headed by Darrell Burns, along with several Tribal Council Members using foods from the gardens.
The Boys and Girls Club kids harvested 82 pounds of potatoes last week!
Loretta and Joy encourage everyone to come over and help. If you help for a short time, you can take home vegetables. There are green beans, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, basil and teas ready for harvest.
Contact Loretta Livingston at 715-685-7840, ext.1611, for more information.
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Natural Resources Holds Ricing Workshop
Josie Wiggins, Ladele LaGrew and Aaliyah Petras recently participated in the Natural Resources Department ricing workshop.
Miigwech to our three ricing teachers, Hilary (Junie) Butler, Ed Wiggins and Peter Houle, and the Natural Resources Department, Education and Youth Services staff who helped make this event a success!
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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.
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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 can visit the Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
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Bad River Housing Expands Board and Seeks Volunteers
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The Bad River Housing Authority Board recently updated their Bylaws, and the suggested revisions were passed on June 12, 2018.
"The current Housing Authority Board consists of Tribal Council Members. The Board felt that it would better serve the Housing Authority and the community to have a Board that includes two current Council Members and five members who are Tribal Members and reside in the area to represent the community at large," Robert Houle, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, said.
"We now have a new set of Bylaws for the administration of the Tribal Housing Authority and under the federal government's HUD funding. We are soliciting to the Tribal Member community to fill the newly opened seats on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners," Robert continued.
These five new board positions are voluntary. The Housing Authority Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm at the Housing Authority. Meetings usually last two to three hours. A stipend is paid for Board Members who attend the meetings.
Board positions are staggered, and initial appointments are one, two and three-year commitments. Thereafter, appointments are for three-year terms. Training will be provided.
The Board is primarily responsible for policies and procedures of the Housing Authority and reviews housing applications and determines approvals. It is also responsible for making recommendations to the Tribal Council regarding the budget. The day-to-day responsibilities of the Housing Authority Board resides with the Executive Director.
"We have more than 170 housing units in the community. When a home becomes available, we bring applications to the Board for their review and the Board makes the determination," Robert explained.
"The new Franks Field II subdivision, just west of our offices, is a project that we hope to move forward with soon. We are exploring renewable energy options to continue our commitment to the land and lower our utility costs," Robert continued.
"Income is a variable, but there are other variables as well. Our goal is to provide low-income, safe and affordable housing for the people in our community, starting with our Elders. We are also exploring options for the homeless. We encourage everyone and anyone seeking housing to apply."
For more information on the newly opened seats with the Housing Authority Board, or for information on housing options, please
visit the Housing Authority's website
or call 715-292-8847.
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Summer Feeding Happening Until September 6th
Free meals are available for children from birth to 18 years of age at these locations:
- Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Community Center in Odanah.
- Lunch will be served from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Community Center and at the Birch Hill Community House.
- Snacks will be served from 2:30 to 3:00 pm at the Mashkiiziibii Boys & Girls Club and at the Community House.
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Tribal Council Meetings
All Regular Tribal Council Meetings are held at
the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.
September 5, 2018
October 3, 2018
November 7, 2018
December 5, 2018
All Special Tribal Council Meetings are held at
the Bad River Convention Center at 4:30 pm.
September 18, 2018
October 16, 2018
November 20, 2018
December 18, 2018
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Food Sovereignty "Dine and Learn" - September 5th
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Back to School Backpack Event - September 6th
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Bad River Family Foundations Program
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Head Start Registration Information
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Vehicle Registration and Titling at Chief Blackbird Center
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Refer a Friend Internet Promotion
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Practice Your Ojibwemowin - Today!
Boozhoo Niijii!
Are you interested in practicing your Ojibwemowin?
Come join us for a variety of language learning opportunities at the Language Tables at Head Start, tonight, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Please bring a dish to share.
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Breastfeeding Counselor Training Begins September 17th
Registration is due September 1st.
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Peer Specialist Training - Register by September 24th
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Trapping Education Course Begins October 10th
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Native Nations Nursing Summit - November 16th
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Share Your News
Share your good news with the community! The e-newsletter will be sent every other Wednesday.
Email us your information and story ideas, and please include your contact information so that we can follow up with you.
Please include a photo if possible.
Chi Miigwech!
Carri Chapman & Kim Swisher
Communications Team
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