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Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
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January 16, 2019
Boozhoo,
As you'll see in the News section, January has been an exciting month full of new opportunities for our community!
News this week includes three new programs that have become available through the Bad River Health and Wellness Center; the
dates for the upcoming Winter Camp and the quickly approaching Wellbriety Round Dance; and
Bad River Wrestling is back on! You'll find this and other events as you read through this week's e-newsletter.
This Monday, January 21st, Tribal offices will be closed as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Today we know Dr. King as a leader in the Civil Rights movement, but he was also an advocate of Native American rights, including water rights and Tribal sovereignty.
In his book Why We Can't Wait, Dr. King wrote about the gross mistreatment of indigenous people.
"Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society.....We are perhaps the only nation which tried, as a matter of national policy, to wipe out its Indigenous population. Moreover, we elevated that tragic experience into a noble crusade. Indeed, even today we have not permitted ourselves to reject or feel remorse for this shameful episode. Our literature, our films, our drama, our folklore all exalt it."
Scroll down to see the news and other activities happening in the Mashkiiziibii community.
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Bad River Youth Introduces Governor at Inauguration
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Photo provided by Liz Arbuckle Wabindato |
Bella Wabindato, Bad River Tribal Member and Ashland High School student, introduced Wisconsin State Governor Tony Evers at his inauguration ceremony at the capitol building in Madison on Monday, January 7th.
Bella began her speech by saying how proud she is to be from the Bad River Community and explained the cultural value of natural resources, water and wild rice. In her statement, Bella also addressed overcoming racial and social boundaries, some of which she encounters at her own high school.
"In Bad River, our people know our worth. But yet, we cannot always convince others of it," Bella said. "To me, racial equity in Wisconsin would mean that other people see my people the way I do - as people."
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Photo provided by Liz Arbuckle Wabindato
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Despite the issues she has experienced, Bella talked about her hopes for the future. "I am hopeful because I see opportunities to topple these walls and heal the relationships between communities, and move together as a state."
Bella concluded her speech by voicing her belief in the new governor. "Governor-elect Evers has worked hard to address the racial disparities and inequities in our schools. He is committed to protecting our waters. He will build on these successes and keep doing what's best for kids and move Wisconsin forward together."
When asked how the experience has influenced her, Bella said, "
I'm only 17 and I'm sitting next to all of these powerful Wisconsin leaders. I don't think I'll ever have that opportunity again.
I knew to remember that feeling forever."
Great job Bella! We look forward to seeing many more of your accomplishments in the future!
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Chairman Wiggins Elected as GLITC Vice-Chairman
The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) began 2019 with new leadership, as
Mike Wiggins, Jr., Chairman of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, was elected as GLITC Vice-Chairman.
Photo by the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin
Outgoing Sokaogon Chippewa Community Chairman Chris McGeshick turned over the reigns as Chairman of GLITC to newly elected Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.
Chairman McGeshick thanked the group and reminisced on how the group had brought together Wisconsin's Native American Tribes in many ways, including passing on traditions.
Tehassi Hill, Chairman of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, was elected to the position of Secretary/Treasurer.
Congratulations Chairman Wiggins and the other members of the GLITC Board of Directors.
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A New Lake Superior Fishing Agreement
Fishery management in Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior has been dictated by a three party agreement with the Wisconsin DNR, Red Cliff and Bad River Ojibwe since 1981. The parties set to the task of negotiating a new rendition of the 2005 - 2015 Lake Superior Fishing Agreement in 2014. Though it took over four years to complete, the three parties successfully finalized the negotiation and drafting of the new, 2018 - 2028 Lake Superior Fishing Agreement last month.
Substantial revisions to Lake Superior management in Wisconsin waters will occur under the new agreement. The mechanisms that determine lake trout quota allocations are meaningfully retooled, and commercial fishing areas on the lake are similarly overhauled. Methods for harvest reporting are more rigorous, procedures for joint monitoring and cooperative management are better defined, and the role of the Biological Committee has been enhanced under the new agreement. Revised changes to the seasonality of harvest are in effect, and more lake trout sport harvest is now available in WI-2.
Much in the new agreement also remains the same. No change was made to fishing refuge boundaries or to core sport fishing areas in Chequamegon Bay and the Superior Port. The procedure for joint conservation patrols, inspections and searches are unchanged.
Subsistence fishing (home use), a foundation to the lifeway of the Tribes for centuries, is recognized as an inalienable treaty right. Management of a diverse, sustainable fishery for all user groups continues to be the guiding principle by the state and Tribes alike. Tribal Chairman Rick Peterson said, "Protecting our treaty rights and the long term sustainability of this shared resource is of the utmost priority for Red Cliff and I feel this new agreement achieves those objectives for today's and future generations. I'd also like to say thank you to members of all negotiating teams, both former and current, who helped make this agreement possible."
This photo was taken in 2018 as the details of the new fishing agreement were ongoing. There were many other dedicated professionals that participated in negotiations over the last four years who helped craft this new agreement, including former Chairwoman Rose Gurnoe-Soulier, former Chairman Bryan Bainbridge and Shelly Gurnoe from Red Cliff. Pictured are the representatives from the Bad River and Red Cliff Nations and the State of Wisconsin.
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New Services Available at Health and Wellness Center
The Bad River Health and Wellness Center has been expanding rapidly and is increasing the number of services provided to members of the community. Three new programs - the Reach Out and Read Program, Social Security Video Service, and an exercise facility - have become available for members of the community in the past month.
Reach Out and Read
The Reach Out and Read Program is a nationwide initiative focusing on helping families get more well-child visits and fostering a child's desire to read. For each well-child visit, children from birth to five years old will receive a free book. A well-child visit allows a health care provider to perform a physical evaluation to monitor a child's growth and development.
All health care providers have training to demonstrate the importance of literacy to parents and children. The program helps support parent and child interactions and assists families in creating and achieving goals.
For more information, scroll down to Community Information to see the flyer, visit the Reach Out and Read program website or contact Suzette Rembert at (715) 682-7133, extension 4349
Social Security Video Service
The Bad River Health and Wellness Center now offers a Social Security Video Service. The service first became available on December 12th. The new service can save community members precious time and money, as the nearest Social Security office is in Superior, 90 miles away.
The Video Service Delivery Terminal is connected to the Wausau Social Security Administration Office, and offers an opportunity to speak one-on-one with an agent through a monitor in a private room. The terminal provides most in-person services offered at Social Security offices. Clients must be verified using a driver license or Tribal ID.
Currently, the service is available for walk-ins on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. As the need grows, more times and days may become available.
For more information about the Social Security Video Service please contact Karri Bigboy at (715) 682-7133, extension 4812
Exercise Facility
The new exercise facility located in the Moccasin Trail Center had a successful opening as members of the Mashkiiziibii Community have begun their New Year with a resolution of fitness. The gym officially opened on Thursday, January 3rd, and more than 100 community members have already signed up for a membership.
The annual exercise facility membership fee is $10. Each membership gives a key to access the facility during open hours. The facility includes a variety of exercise equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and more.
The gym is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
To request a membership for the exercise facility, contact Pamela Feustel at (715) 682-7133, extension 4344.
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Bad River Lodge & Casino Employees Donate Generously
The Bad River Lodge & Casino is pleased to announce their employees raised $875.88. in donations to Bad River Head Start and the Birch Hill Community House.
The money was raised during the Bad River Lodge & Casino's annual Christmas Party that was held December 20th.
Bad River Head Start and the Birch Hill Community House provide outstanding services to help shape and impact the lives of children in Bad River.
The generous support from Bad River Lodge & Casino employees shows how very fortunate we are to have employees who are dedicated to enriching the lives of our local children and families and the importance of giving back to our community.
Bad River Lodge & Casino would like to thank all employees that donated to these great community programs.
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An Invitation for Nominations -
Culture-Keeper/Elder-in-Residence Program
Nominations are being accepted for the Culture-Keeper/Elder-in-Residence Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The new initiative seeks to improve the experience of American Indian and Alaskan Native students by hosting Native Elders on campus for extended visits (five day) and educational exchanges.
Its goals include:
- Strengthening partnerships between Tribal Nations and the university;
- Providing all students with access to crucial cultural resources;
- Collaboration on curricula, coursework, and possibly research;
- Improving the campus experience and retention for Native students.
The nomination process will create a group of individuals who will be available to participate in the Culture-Keeper/Elder-in-Residence program in the spring and future semesters. 2019 dates: Spring: April 1st thru April 5th UW-Madison's American Indian Student Organization, Wunk Sheek, will host the 50th On Wisconsin Annual Spring Powwow (OWASP) on April 6th and April 7th.
Fall: November 11th thru November 15th (Tentative)
Participation will include:
- Brief orientation on UW-Madison
- Meals with faculty and students in the American Indian Student and Cultural Center
- Support of cultural events on campus
- Serve as guest lecturer
- Hold office hours to visit with students, faculty, and staff
- Meet with faculty who work with Native students and Nations
- Other activities based on nominee's interests
Compensation: Housing, meals, transportation support, and a monetary stipend.
You are invited to nominate yourself or someone else. A background check will be conducted for each nominee.
Nomination deadline: February 8, 2019
Nominations will be reviewed and individuals notified in late February. To submit a nomination, choose one of the options below.
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January is National Stalking Awareness Month
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Though millions of men and women are stalked every year in the United States, the crime of stalking is often misunderstood, minimized or ignored.
Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear. Many stalking victims experience being followed, approached and/or threatened - including through technology. Stalking is a terrifying and psychologically harmful crime in its own right as well as a predictor of serious violence. In 85% of cases where an intimate partner (i.e., boyfriend or husband) attempted to murder his partner, stalking preceded the attack.
We all have a role to play in identifying stalking and supporting victims and survivors. Learn more about stalking and how you can help stop it!
Have you or someone you know been a victim to stalking? For assistance contact Tracy Bigboy or Mary Kaulaity at the Victim Assistance Program at (715) 682-7127.
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Start Your Construction Career
Applications and interviews will be held on-site during the open houses for participants to attend this WisDOT funded Transportation Alliance for New Solutions (TrANS) road construction training program.
More information on the program can be found on the website, including a short recruitment video.
To be eligible for the program participants must: be 18 years old with a GED, HSED, or high school diploma, pass a 6th grade math/reading exam, have a valid driver's license, pass a urine drug screen, and be in good physical condition
The program is 160 hours or 12 academic credits - there is NO cost to the student. Components of the program include: construction math, certifications in flagging, OSHA 30, CPR/1st Aid, personal success, tool id and safety, and more!
The course starts mid-February through the end of April, and most courses will be onsite in Bad River at the LCO College Outreach Site in the Chief Blackbird Center.
Please contact me for more information. Please feel free to forward and share with anyone who may be interested.
Miigwech,
Amber Marlow
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College
715-634-4790, extension 156
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Here are upcoming Pow Wows in our neighboring communities. Click on the image to view a larger version of the flyer.
Red Cliff - January 26th and January 27th
LCO - February 8th
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Bad River Student Scholarship Opportunity
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Public Notice - Site Remediation - Enbridge's Helicopter Crash
Comment Deadline is January 22, 2019
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Public Notice - Northern Natural Gas Digs
Comment Deadline is February 13, 2019
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Notice to FoodShare Recipients
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WIEA Call for Artists - Deadline February 15th
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Tribal Natural Resources Newsletter
The mission statement of the Bad River Natural Resources Department is:
To uphold the tribal constitution and to implement the policies and regulations duly adopted and enacted by the Bad River Tribe as they relate to management and protection of the Tribal natural resources; to provide technical assistance to the Bad River Tribe in the protection, conservation, development and management of the natural resources throughout the Bad River Reservation and its treaty fishing waters in Lake Superior, thereby insuring access to traditional pursuits by present and future members of the Tribe; to facilitate the development of institutions of Tribal self-governance to insure the continued sovereignty of the Bad River Tribe in the regulation and management of its natural resources; to extend the mission to maintain ecosystem integrity, recognizing that all forms of life cannot be sustained long-term in an environment that has been degraded; to use the best available science and affordable technology in efforts to protect the ecosystem and the broader environment; to infuse traditional Tribal values into the daily activities of the department and manage the natural resources with the respect traditionally given them.
View the latest edition of Common Ground, the department's newsletter.
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Social Security Video Service
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LCO College Scholarship - Deadline January 22nd
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for full-time students of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, the Gay I. & Harry C. Leslie III Fund, presented by Gay I. and Harry C. Leslie III.
"Gay Leslie is the daughter of a Wisconsin dairy farmer and the first in her family to attend college, thanks in part to a scholarship. Her great-grandmother was a member of an upper Midwest Native American Tribe. To honor her great-grandmother and pay forward her scholarship benefits, we hope to provide need-based financial support to Native American undergraduate students so they can obtain a quality education." Harry Leslie shared.
The Leslies have committed to building a self-sustaining endowed scholarship fund over the next few years. The fund, at its maturity, will cover the tuition costs for one full time student each semester in perpetuity.
"We are grateful that the Leslies have chosen Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College and our students as the way in which they honor Gay's great-grandmother," said Dr. Russell Swagger, President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College.
One $2,500 merit-based scholarship will be awarded each semester based on the student's academic achievements and essay. The application process for the spring semester is now open through January 22, 2019. The required essay will encourage students to explore what this scholarship means to them.
For full scholarship details and an application, contact the Director of Financial Aid at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College at 715-634-4790 or
visit the website.
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Deadline to Register for Spring Classes is Friday
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NEW - Tribal Court Lay Advocate Certificate
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Beading Circle - Every Wednesday
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Bad River Wrestling - Every Wednesday and Friday
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Online Parenting Classes - Begin January 22nd
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Diabetes Clinic - January 22nd
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Quarterly Baby Shower - January 24th
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Free Community Cross Country Ski Clinic - January 26th
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Community Gathering - January 29th
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Bibooni-Gabeshiwin Winter Camp - February 9th
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Wellbriety Round Dance - February 9th
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
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Wellbriety Round Dance T-Shirt Sale
Wellbriety Round Dance T-shirts are now available for purchase. T-shirts are $20 each. For more information, contact Martin Powless at 715-292-0599 or Nate Ante at 715-292-9952.
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Valentine's Craft Party - February 11th
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Bringing Protective Factors - March 2nd & March 9th
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Natural Resources Department Open House - March 27th
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Tribal Employment Opportunities
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LCO College Employment Opportunities
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Refer a Friend Internet Promotion
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Share Your News
Share your good news with the community!
The e-newsletter is sent every other Wednesday.
Email 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!
Kim Swisher, Adam VanZile and Daleth Mountjoy
Tribal Communications
Office: 715-437-0090
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