Menominee Tribal Legislature 2024/25

The newly elected Menominee Tribal Legislators, Joey Awonohopay, Randy Chevalier, Joan Delabreau and Michael Fish Jr. were sworn into office On February 9, 2024 at a ceremony held at the Menominee Casino Resort.

The annual re-organization of the body took place after the swearing in ceremony. Gena Kakkak will serve as Chairman, Joey Awonohopay will serve as Vice-Chair and Spencer Gauthier will serve as Secretary. The Chairman's salary was set at $100,000 with no meeting payments before the new executive officers were elected.

We congratulate the newly appointed officials and wish them all the best in their new roles.

Five Menominee elders chosen as first participants in renewable energy program

The Menominee Community Development Renewable Energy Department (RE) has recently announced the selection of five Menominee elders for the solar energy pilot program in the Middle Village area.

Tribal elders, Francis Fernandez, Jean Hesse, Richard Moses, Mary Beth Pecore and Bernice Shawano will have their residence outfitted with solar energy panels through the Honoring the Elderly Residential Solar Project. On January 25, 2024, they made history by officially signing on for the first-of-its-kind residential renewable energy program on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

MTL honors outgoing legislators

The Menominee Tribal Legislature bid a warm farewell to three outgoing legislators who have dedicated their time and efforts to serving our Tribe.

On Thursday, February 1, the MTL honored Douglas Cox, Rachel Fernandez, and Myrna Warrington for their invaluable contributions during their tenure as Menominee tribal legislators.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Updates on proposed Kenosha Casino shared with tribal members at special meeting

On Wednesday, January 31, the Menominee Tribe’s Kenosha Gaming Authority fulfilled a General Council motion to meet with tribal members to offer an update on status of the gaming complex proposed to be built in Kenosha.

The overview included some of the key points and recent developments in the proposed gaming project.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

New generation of veterans stepping up to revitalize the VMN organization

After a period of uncertainty that left the Veterans of Menominee Nation nearly folding as an organization, new members have reinvested themselves to continue the group’s mission of public service.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Menominee tribal members are eager to make some changes when it comes to the overall economy on the reservation.

We hear you! Our latest strategic plan outlines three crucial goals and several objectives related to the Tribe’s future economic development efforts.

#StrategicPlanVision

#RoadmapForTheFuture

On February 7-8 personnel from Menominee Tribal Police Department, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee Tribal Conservation, Menominee Tribal Emergency Management, Menominee County Emergency Management, some guests from the Oneida tribe and some more people were at College of Menominee Nation (CMN) Culture Building for a two-day training of practical application of Incident Command System (ICS).

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Corn now licensed paramedic for EMS

After four years with the Menominee Emergency Medical Services, Bryce Corn recently passed his exams and is now recognized as a licensed paramedic.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Menominee Tribal members get tested for prevalence of GA-1

On January 22 a couple of workshops were held (one at noon at the College of Menominee Nation Commons Building and one in the evening at Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Family Center by the Medial College of Wisconsin and some partners about efforts to address Glutaric Acidemia Type 1, or GA-1.

GA-1 is a disorder in which the body is unable to properly break food down and convert it into energy; notably children born with GA-1 are unable to process protein fully.

If left untreated children with GA-1 are at risk of early strokes, which in turn can lead to permanent brain damage and the physical and mental health challenges that come with them, and in some cases death.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Menominees use their feet to recognize Shaking Hands Moon

On the evening of January 30, a total of 61 Menominees of all ages made their way to the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Family Center and its elevated track for the first family/community walk of 2024, this one called the Shaking Hands Moon (or Anamaehkwatwan-Kesoq) Walk, sponsored by Menominee Tribal Clinic Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Wellness departments.

In the past people might remember this as the “Frostbite Walk”, but this year the name was changed to Shaking Hands Moon as that is what the full moon around this time of year is called in Menominee tradition.

Winter Farmers’ Markets underway

On the morning of January 26, the indoor Winter Farmers’ Markets got underway at the College of Menominee Nation Cultural Building where there are scheduled to be held every other Friday or so until April 19.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

General Welfare Assistance Payment 2023 Update

The Menominee Indian Tribe has authorized a $100 (one hundred) General Welfare Assistance payment to all enrolled Menominee Tribal members as of November 16, 2023. This payment will be made in the form of a check for those 18 years and older as of November 16th, while minors under the age of 18 will have their funds deposited into trust accounts.

To receive the assistance, all enrolled tribal members, will need to apply through the members portal on the Tribe’s official website at www.menominee-nsn.gov which is now open.

MINORS:

Parents or guardians of minors must fill out a form on the portal for their minors.

INMATES:

Forms will be provided for tribal members who are incarcerated at the Menominee Tribal Jail. All other inmates will need to call Member Services and request a form be mailed to them if they do not have access to the portal. The form must then be mailed back to the Member Services Department.

Please note that this payment is not automatic and requires the form to be filled out. Use of the portal is highly encouraged.

For those without computer access, printed forms will be available and collected at the following locations:

• Menominee Tribal Office Switchboard
• Members Services Department in the Gordon Dickie (FIC) Building in Keshena

Forms are also available for download here or on the Tribal Website, News and Announcements section.

Tribal members living off reservation/out of state, who cannot download to the form, access the portal or pick up a form, may call Member Services to request a form be mailed to them. The form must then be mailed back to the Member Services Department.

The deadline to apply for assistance is June 14, 2024. 

Checks will be mailed to the address on file at the Member Services Department. All applications received by 3:30pm on Wednesday’s, will be mailed on Thursday’s. Applications received after that time, will be processed the following week. Please note THERE IS NO PICK-UP OPTION, so please make sure your address is up to date with Member Services.

Please allow 5-10 business days for your check to be delivered. Any returned checks will be posted on the MITW App, MITW website, Menominee Nation News Facebook and the Menominee Community Announcements newsletter. Those individuals will be able to either have their check sent to an updated address (please contact Member Services at (715) 799-5121 for options on updating your information) or pick up at the Member Services Department with a valid ID or POA paperwork.

For more information contact Member Services at (715) 799-5121.

Notice: This Program is designed to comply with Section 139E of the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act, which excludes general welfare benefits provided to tribal members from being considered gross income by the IRS. Although the Tribe intends the most favorable income tax treatment available under federal laws, the Tribe will not provide or pay for professional assistance to complete tax returns, or pay for professional assistance if benefit recipients are audited or reviewed by federal or state taxing authorities. The Tribe will not be responsible for, or pay, any tax penalties or interest incurred by benefit recipients in connection with their receipt of Tribal benefits. It is the responsibility of each recipient of Tribal benefits to consult with his or her own tax advisor regarding the taxability or reporting obligations they have.

ARPA Tribal Elder Heating Assistance

Returned Applications List February 8, 2024

The Menominee Tribal Legislature has authorized a Heating Assistance payment for Menominee tribal elders who reside on and off reservation, age 65 and older as of November 2, 2023.

The assistance is being provided through the American Recovery Act funding, therefore it is required that an application be completed.

Paper applications were mailed to all eligible elders. If your name is on this list, your application for Elder Heating Assistance has been returned. Please contact the Member Services Department for options on updating your address at (715) 799-5121 or (715) 799-5142. Once the information has been updated, then contact Tribal Administration at (715) 799-5154 to resend the application. Applications are also available for download here or on the Tribal website at www.menominee-nsn.gov

Applications must be returned to The Department of Administration, P.O. Box 910, Keshena, WI 54135 or dropped off at their office located in the Tribal Office Building in Keshena. Checks will be processed as applications are received.

The deadline to apply for the heating assistance is June 14, 2024. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.

In some cases, more than one enrolled elder may live in the same home. In those instances, only one payment per household will be made and the benefit cannot be transferred. Those who currently live in an assisted facility center do not qualify.

Returned Applications:

Maehnowesekiyah partnership with UW Health to bring much needed services to community

The Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center took additional steps to improve access to much needed drug addiction treatment services.

On Friday, February 2, Maehnowesekiyah and representatives from the University of Wisconsin -- Madison Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP) and UW Health met at the Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center to sign an affiliation agreement.

The agreement will have residents-in-training from the UW Department of Psychiatry come to the Menominee community to administer counseling services at Maehnowesekiyah under the supervision of UW Health Residency Training Director, Dr. Michael J. Peterson.

Drug crisis topic of discussion at general council meeting

On Saturday, January 20, the Menominee Tribe hosted the Annual General Council meeting at the Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena.

Although the Menominee Tribe had number of issues to discuss, it was the ongoing drug crisis that dominated the meeting’s conversations.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Tribe researching body scanner machines to assist with intake procedures at detention center

In response to the December, 2023, drug overdose incidents in the Menominee Tribal Detention Center that resulted in three people suffering drug overdoses with one fatality, Tribal officials are exploring a piece of technology that may enhance the intake processing of jail inmates.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Joint drug court program being explored to assist those struggling with addiction

In an effort to provide further drug addiction services, members of the Drug Intervention Team are exploring a joint Shawano-Menominee County drug court program.

Used syringes, filth and flotsam, damaged property, even death and decay.

These are some of the things the maintenance personnel at the Menominee Tribal Housing Department encounters when they are tasked with the expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous work of cleaning and rehabilitating Housing units that have been contaminated with dangerous drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Episode 12: Seeking Help

The decision to seek recovery for substance abuse is an individual one. Listen to how one of our Menominee Tribal Members found their reason to seek help.

Guest: Lydi

Click here to listen to Episode 12.

Click here to find previous episodes.

You can also find the podcast on Spotify or Apple podcast.

Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek hosting hand-and-social drum events

Recently, Youth Services has taken up the mantle of hosting hand-and-social drum events.

Youth Services will be putting together a hand-and-drum social every other week and the first one took place on the evening of January 31. More are scheduled to be held February 14, February 28 and March 13.

No Menominee County Primaries

The Menominee County primary election for school board and Menominee-Shawano County Circuit Court Judge Branch 2, which was originally scheduled for February 2024, will not be taking place due to the limited number of candidates running for open seats. As a result, the election will be dispensed with and voting will now take place during the spring general election on April 2, 2024. This date will also serve as the presidential preference vote.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

Knocking out wild ricing sticks

A workshop was held on February 2, teaching students how to make wild ricing sticks. Providing instruction were David “Jonesy” Miller and Dale Kakkak as they have been involved with wild rice harvest before, and they were also joined by CMN Sustainable Agriculture Director Frank Kutka who also helped supervise.

Beans, bread and baskets at second 13 moons event

The latest 13 Moons event promoted Maskucikask and Enaenapun, or dried beans and Menominee bread with Richard Oshkeshequoam and Lucy Grignon.

New Adulting 101 class offered at request of students

Menominee Indian High School (MIHS) has recently introduced a new class called "Adulting 101" to help high school students prepare for managing their own finances as they enter adulthood.

The class was initiated by the students themselves, who recognized the need for financial literacy education.

The course will bring in guest speakers who will cover a range of topics including budgeting, saving, investing, and managing credit. Organizers hope that this class will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the financial challenges of adulthood.

Kickoff events lay the foundation for Building Menominee Teen Resilience

Recently, the College of Menominee Nation Department of Continuing Education announced a new project titled “Building Menominee Teen Resilience” (BMTR).

The five year project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk with the objective that teens involved will demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and behavior necessary for fulfilling and contributing lives.

Read more in the February 12, 2024 issue of Menominee Nation News.

MTS Manages to break through with its Ice Fishing Derby even with warmer weather

Despite unpredictable winter weather that has caused the cancellation of several ice fishing derbies, Menominee Tribal School was able to hold their derby on February 2, thanks to favorable ice conditions.

The weather has been unseasonably warm, which has made it difficult for organizers to plan and hold events such as these. However, the Menominee Tribal School was fortunate enough to have good ice conditions for their derby, allowing participants to enjoy a successful day of fishing.

Nixle - Emergency Notifications

Employees, Residents and Business Owners

Menominee County and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin utilize the Nixle service to provide emergency notifications and community advisories.

All alerts are targeted geographically, allowing individuals to receive localized, relevant alerts from Menominee Public Safety agencies (Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Health).

Messages may include any information that is considered essential for the safety of the community, such as law enforcement activity as well as other relevant safety and community information. Weather warnings from the National Weather Service will also be rebroadcast.

PRIVACY: Your contact information remains private and will only be used for critical communications.

JOIN THE NIXLE DATABASE: If you reside or own property, business owner or an employee within the County/Reservation you are urged to sign up for Nixle emergency messages. We also ask you to let neighbors, friends, and family know and encourage them to register.

Click on the link below to register now or update information:

Nixle Registration

OR

Text the relevant ZIP CODE to 888777 from your mobile phone

(Zip code for employees will be the location of your employer address)

Keshena – 54135, Neopit - 54150

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation text. Residents may also customize their alert settings by going to www.nixle.com and creating a User Profile. You can also access the Frequently Asked Questions at FAQs

THIS SYSTEM WILL ONLY BE USED FOR EMERGENCY AND LIFE SAFETY PURPOSES. Examples of times when the Nixle system could be utilized: Drinking water contamination, extended utility outages, evacuation notice and route, missing person, fires, floods, bomb threat, hostage situation, chemical spill or gas leak, and other incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety.

To insure that the call reach residents and utility users, accurate and up-to-date information is essential. IMPORTANT USE YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS. DO NOT USE POST OFFICE OR ADDRESS OUTSIDE OF THE MENOMINEE COUNTY/RESERVATION.

To add or change a phone number, including cell phones, or opt for the text message and/or alerts, please revisit the Nixle registration page and enter your information. If you have any difficulty in submitting your information, or at any time wish to be removed from the Nixle database, please call the Menominee County Sheriff's Department at 715-799-3357.