Kevin Leecy reelected Tribal Chair, Karlene Chosa elected District I

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TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
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Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - July 2012
VOL. 35 NO. 7
www.boisforte.com
Kevin Leecy reelected Tribal Chair,
Karlene Chosa elected District I Representative
On June 12, Bois Forte Band members went to
the polls and reelected Kevin Leecy to a third
consecutive term as Tribal Chair. Leecy drew 54%
of the vote in his race against former Chairman
Gary Donald.
Leecy, who was reelected Vice President of the
National Indian Gaming Association in April, also
plans to continue fighting tenaciously to protect
Fortune Bay Resort Casino and tribal casinos
across the country.
the people,” Chosa said.
Among Chosa’s goals for her term in office
are: changes in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
Constitution to allow for an off-reservation
representative for urban Band Members;
In the contest for the increasing urban office services in the Twin Cities
“I want to thank the voters
District I Representative and expanding urban offices to Virginia, Duluth
for placing their trust in
seat, Karlene Chosa and Bemidji; ensuring transparency in gaming
me,” Leecy said. “I look
forward to serving all of
narrowly beat Travis revenues and wild rice sales profits; increasing
Morrison:
just two housing and support for homeless Band members;
our people as we work
votes separated the and creating mentoring programs and internships
together to achieve our
candidates, who were in the Tribal Government for college students.
goals.” His plans for his
both running for the first
coming term as Tribal
time. Morrison filed for a Band members are invited to the swearing-in
Chair include creating an
Karlene
Chosa
recount which occurred ceremony for Chosa and Leecy on July 16 at
Anishinnabe
Language
Kevin Leecy
on June 19. The vote Fortune Bay Resort Casino from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
and Cultural Village,
opening an urban office in totals did not change and Chosa was confirmed
Duluth, and returning more than $5,000 in overdue the winner. “I’m very grateful for the support I
received, and I’m looking forward to working with
payments to each Band member.
Bois Forte part of Nez Perce - U.S. Trust Lands Settlement
The U.S. Department of the Interior has settled
lawsuits filed by 41 federally recognized tribes,
including Bois Forte, for mismanagement of trust
lands and assets. The $1.023 billion settlement
in Nez Perce v. Salazar comes on the heels of the
historic Cobell v. Salazar decision, which awarded
$3.4 billion to tribes.
historical grievances over the accounting and
management of tribal trust funds, trust lands, and
other nonmonetary trust resources that, for far
too long, have been a source of conflict between
Indian tribes and the United States,” said Attorney
General Eric Holder in a prepared statement. “Our
commitment to tribes is the cornerstone of the
Department of Justice’s policies and initiatives
in Indian Country, and these settlements will
enable the tribal community to pursue the goals
and objectives they deem to be appropriate while
marking another step in our shared future built upon
mutual respect and strong bonds of trust between
tribal governments and the United States.”
This latest settlement, which followed nearly two
years of negotiations, resolves claims dating back
more than 100 years. The money will come from
the congressionally appropriated Judgment Fund,
which is used to pay settlements or final judgments
against the government. The amount Bois Forte will
receive has not been determined but is expected to
exceed $1.4 million.
The 41 tribes included in the settlement are spread
across the country. Besides Bois Forte, other
“These settlements fairly and honorably resolve area tribes covered by the settlement include the
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, the Leech Lake Band
of Ojibwe, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Indians and the Lac du Flambeau Band
of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
A settlement is still pending in the Nelson Act claims
case, which the Bois Forte Band has doggedly
pursued for years. Band officials continue to work
with lawmakers to resolve this issue, and in March
Chairman Kevin Leecy testified before the House
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
in support of a proposed agreement.
The bill passed the House Natural Resources
Committee on April 25th and the full House on June
18. Bois Forte and the MCT leadership continue to
press for action in the Senate.
BOIS FORTE NEWS • P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • JULY 2012
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
State & National News
2012 Legislative Summary
Reid LeBeau, Bois Forte
Lobbyist
The
2012
Minnesota
Legislative Session has
concluded and the 2012
election is underway. This
report summarizes the final
resolution of the issues we
have watched this session,
and provides additional details on how the session
ended.
Gambling
Vikings
No doubt what will be seen by many as the
single biggest accomplishment of the session
was the passage of a Vikings stadium bill.
Early speculation was that this would involve
a significant change in legalized gambling in
Minnesota.
Proposed changes ranged from
charitable e-pull tabs and bingo to Racino or
slots-in-bars. Changing charitable gambling was
a priority for many members and unlikely to die
based on our objection.
Language was drafted to ensure that if e-pull
tabs and e-bingo were to pass, they were to be as
The issue that occupied the largest portion of limited as possible. The language accomplished
our time was proposed changes to the state of three key things:
gambling in Minnesota. During the 2011-2012
biennial session, 41 bills to expand gambling in • It limited the rate of play of e-pull tab machines.
Minnesota were proposed. Of these 41, the vast A player would be required to open each line of
majority were various versions of Racino. Early an e-pull tab and would not have the option of
in session, Racino was seen as a mechanism to opening all the lines at once.
pay the K-12 school shift left over from last year’s
budget. That proposal failed to advance. Late in • It limited the number of e-pull tab and e-bingo
session, a cadre of Senators who are long-time devices based on the size of the facility. No more
Racino supporters, were successful in amending than 6 for facilities with up to 200 people and 12
Racino to an Education omnibus bill. The bill for facilities over 201 people would be allowed.
was quickly sent to the Rules committee and never Bingo halls are permitted no more than 50.
again emerged as a threat. Racino re-appeared in
the Vikings debate (discussed below) and again • It clearly specified that the device may not be a
remained the only significant threat to gambling slot machine.
expansion in Minnesota. Slots-in-bars, Block-E,
Duluth casino, White Earth Metro Casino, and Our instinct concerning the popularity of charities
other proposals were either introduced or rumored was later proven true when the House passed a
to be introduced, but never were heard in committee stand-alone version of the Charitable Gambling
bill, SF 1856, by a wide margin of 74-56.
or seriously advanced as an amendment.
Eventually, as we suspected, charitable gambling
Expanded Tables at Canterbury and Running became the funding source for the Vikings. Also,
as we suspected, we were not the only interest
Aces (H.F. 2795)
group who opposed e-pull tabs and e-bingo.
One gambling proposal that was never introduced Racino supporters and other gambling expansion
as a bill, but did become law, was the product of supporters wanted e-pull tabs and e-bingo out
an agreement between Shakopee and Canterbury of the Vikings bill because they believed it gave
Park. This language was amended into another them the best chance for final success. Attempts
bill, although it was never a stand-alone bill. In were made in the Senate to add Racino to the bill.
this agreement, Canterbury (and by derivation Racino was added to the bill in the Senate Finance
Running Aces) was permitted to increase its Committee by a mix of Senators who either wanted
number of card tables and offer banked games. The Racino or wanted to kill the Vikings bill and
trade-off was other, non-public consideration, and thought Racino would spell its demise. When the
an agreement by Canterbury to forego advancing Vikings bill came to the Senate Tax Committee,
racino legislation in the future. Additionally, the its last stop before the floor, we were successful in
law permits tribes to offer simulcasting of horse having Racino removed from the bill.
races. This agreement came to light during the
last two weeks of session and House File 2795 The final night of session was fateful as a final
was used as the vehicle to pass the language. The attempt was made to remove all of the limiting
provisions in the e-pull tabs and bingo language.
Governor signed the bill after session ended.
The Vikings Conference Committee met for
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Shakopee Sioux
strike deal with
Canterbury Park
In early June, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux
Community (SMSC) stunned proponents of offreservation gambling expansion by announcing an
agreement with Canterbury Park. Under the terms
of the 10-year marketing deal, the SMSC will pay
$75 million to increase racing purses at Canterbury.
In return, the racetrack will stop seeking video slot
machines, and it will also advocate against any
additional off-reservation gambling in the Twin
Cities metropolitan area.
The agreement also paves the way for joint
marketing opportunities between Canterbury Park
and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, which are located
near each other in the southwest metro area. The
SMSC will pay $8.5 million over 10 years to
Canterbury to fund joint marketing promotions.
Bois Forte Chairman Kevin Leecy said the
agreement should benefit all tribes in Minnesota that
own casinos. “It will reduce the threat of gambling
expansion beyond the state’s reservations,” he
said. Canterbury Park had been a major player in
a years-long effort to create so-called racinos with
racetracks and slot machines.
(day-long, non-public meetings to hash out the
final version of the bill. Rumors abounded that
more money was needed to properly fund the
proposal. We worked the Conference Committee
members throughout the day and were assured that
the limiting language would be adopted. It was
announced that the final bill would be released at
9:00 p.m. and the Conference Committee would
convene to roll out the bill. We received a copy
of the bill at 9:00 p.m. and found the rate of play
language had been modified to permit a player
to open all lines at once. We vigorously lobbied
members on this change in the moments leading
up to the hearing and in the end were successful in
having the limiting language included in the bill.
In the end, the Vikings bill passed with language
authorizing electronic pull tabs and electronic
bingo. Although far from ideal, which would have
been a non-gambling solution, our instincts proved
true - had it not been e-pull tabs and e-bingo, a
larger expansion would have likely been in the bill.
(cont. on page 3)
JULY 2012
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
RTC News
The Bois Forte Tribal Council invites you to the Swearing-In Ceremony of
Tribal Chair Kevin W. Leecy &
District I Representative Karlene D.Chosa
Monday, July 16, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Offical Election Results
Chairperson
Dist I - Nett Lake
Dist II - Vermilion UrbanSite
Absentee
Hand Tally Totals
%
Kevin W. Leecy
101
96
37
125
4
363
54.18%
Gary W. Donald
113
64
11
115
4
307
45.82%
Karlene D. Chosa
94
21
99
6
220
50.23%
Travis Morrison
112
20
85
1
218
49.77%
District Representative - Seat 1 Nett Lake
(2012 Legisilative Recap cont. from page 2)
Indian Child Welfare Act
Earlier this session we worked to pass legislation
which would fix the Minnesota Supreme Court
ruling concerning pre-adoptive placement of
Indian children. We were successful in getting a
bill introduced in the House and having it included,
for a time, in the House omnibus health care bill
(H.F. 2421). Unfortunately, the bill did not move
in the Senate and was not part of the final health
care omnibus bill. We do have commitments from
various members to work with us to address this
issue next session.
Wolf Hunt
At our request, Senator Carlson (R-Bemidji)
offered an amendment to the omnibus Game
and Fish bill on the Senate floor which requires
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to
consult with federally-recognized Indian tribes
on the implementation of a wolf hunting season.
The amendment was unanimously adopted in
the Senate, but unfortunately the language was
stripped from the conference report. As a small
concession, Senator Carlson questioned the DNR
during the Conference Committee and DNR
JULY 2012
officials affirmed their commitment to conferring by Senator John Carlson (R-Bemidji).
with Tribes on the implementation of the hunt. We
will need to work in the interim to ensure the DNR Looking Forward - Redistricting and Member
Turnover
is fulfilling this commitment.
Indian Affairs Council
The biggest factor in next session’s activity will be
the many new faces who will take office. Many
The future of the Indian Affairs Council was members retired this year, and redistricting has
part of the larger debate of the Sunset Advisory created a handful of open seats. With this amount
Commission bill (H.F. 2555 / S.F. 2304) Initially of turnover, all issues will be on the table and our
the bill only sunset one minority Council. When message will be brand new to many members of
the bill was in the Senate, it was amended to sunset the House and Senate.
a variety of Councils, including Indian Affairs, in
2013. The bill was sent to Conference Committee Over the fall and summer months we will meet
and the Sunset was pushed to 2014. This later date with and evaluate all the candidates for the House
and Senate and update you on their positions on
gives us another session to change this law.
gambling and other Indian-related issues. After
the election in November we will provide you with
Snowmobile Legislation
an election guide and review who won and what
We were successful in having tribal snowmobile that may mean for our issues in the 2013-2014
reciprocity language included in the final Game legislative session.
and Fish Omnibus Conference Committee
Report. The language permits individually-owned As always we appreciate the opportunity to
snowmobiles owned by tribal members and advocate for you at the state capital and plan that
registered by the tribe to avoid state registration our hard work over the summer months will result
unless they are off the reservation for more than in success in the next session. Please let us know
30 days. This language mirrors current statutory if you have any questions or concerns. We may be
provisions for out-of-state residents. The original reached at (651) 644-4710.
language was offered as a Senate floor amendment
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Nett Lake
Pineview Grand Opening
1
2
On Friday, June 8, Bois Forte continued the second day of celebrating new housing
projects. After opening two projects in Vermilion on June 7, the celebration shifted
to Nett Lake, where the Band recently completed six new duplexes in Pineview. The
grand opening in Nett Lake included a traditional blessing, speeches from Tribal Chair
Kevin Leecy, Tribal Council Representative Brandon Benner, IRRRB Commissioner
Tony Sertich, and MN Housing Finance Agency Board member Stephanie Kleensing,
a ribbon cutting, tours and lunch at the tribal Government Center.
Pineview Information
• Located at Pineview East in Nett Lake
• 6 duplexes with 12 units
• 4 units designated for the homeless
• Construction by MB Custom Development, Inc., a California-based company owned by Bois Forte Band member Mike Bass
• Subcontracting by TAC Company, owned by Bois Forte Band member Christina Woods
3
(1) Stephanie Kleensing, Board member of the MN Housing Finance Agency, Mayor
of Elk River, great, great-grandaughter of Chief Joseph Osage and a member of the
Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa pledged her on-going support for housing projects in
Indian Country. (2) Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy visits with new Pineview residents Keith
and Lucille Strong while two-year old Keith Jr. enjoys some fruit. (3) Traditional drum
played during the ribbon cutting by the Tribal Council, Stephanie Kleensing and IRRRB
Commissioner Tony Sertich.
Motor vehicle accident scene safety
By Tonya Connor
When there is a serious
motor vehicle accident
in the Nett Lake area,
it is a big deal. The
emergency workers have
a huge job on their hands
and it is likely that the
people involved are well
known in the community. Concern and natural
curiosity might be why many people have shown
up at the scene of recent motor vehicle accidents in
the area. However, this trend has caused concern
among ambulance workers.
to locate them quickly. When additional people
are on the scene, the onlookers can make it harder
to locate the patients because patients may have
been thrown from the vehicle or could be walking
around in a dazed state. Extracting patients from
vehicles must be done with care in case of spinal
injuries, and this requires concentration and being
free from distractions.
To help the emergency workers, try to avoid the
scene completely by taking an alternate route or at
the very least, by going past slowly and cautiously.
Do not park your car at the scene because extra
cars increase the probability of more collisions and
may take up space that is needed for emergency
vehicles to park or maneuver. By taking these
The Nett Lake Ambulance would like to request precautions, ambulance workers will be better able
that people avoid the scene if at all possible. Once to care for the patients and safety will increase for
emergency workers are there, it is not advisable to everyone when these tragic events occur.
stop on the side of the road or get out of vehicles to
watch. The reason is that working in emergency
services at the scene of a motor vehicle accident is
often dangerous, difficult, and unpredictable. There
are risks of explosions and fire. There could be
multiple casualties, and ambulance workers need
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Stay in shape
this summer!
Visit the Native Hearts
Fitness Center
in Nett Lake
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed on Sunday
JULY 2012
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Congratulations!
Karlene and Don Chosa were honored as Head Female and Male
dancers at the first annual Powwow for Hope in Minneapolis.
As Head Dancers they escorted U.S. Senator Al Franken in an
honor song that was performed for the Senator. Sponsored by
the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Powwow for Hope is
a community event designed to inform people about cancer
prevention and resources and to provide love and support for
cancer survivors.
Nett Lake Powwow
JULY 2012
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Vermilion
Welcome Home
Band celebrates grand opening of New Moon Supportive Housing and
Cedar Grove in Vermilion
Bois Forte celebrated the grand opening of New Moon, a 20-unit supportive housing development in Vermilion, on
Thursday, June 7. The morning program, which consisted of a traditional blessing, ribbon cutting, tours and lunch
served at Fortune Bay Resort Casino, was attended by community members and dignitaries who had helped fund
and build the project. The event also included a celebration of the Cedar Grove Duplexes which have been occupied
for a year.
A unique aspect of New Moon is the presence of an onsite staffer to coordinate a wide range of services for
residents including job training, parenting classes, mental health and chemical dependency services, financial
planning, and independent living skills.
RTC members cut the ribbon for New Moon.
3
1
4
2
(1) Donovan Littlewolf is interviewed by Jen
Austin of Northland News as part of the media
coverage of the grand opening. Donovan and his
wife Lori both work at Fortune Bay. Two of their
three children, 22 year old Alyssa and 20 year
old Kyle also live with them at Cedar Grove and
work at Fortune Bay. (2) District II Representative Ray Toutloff shares the history
of the project. (3) Community members gather for the opening ceremony. (4) Rose
Hedlund, who moved back to the reservation from a local nursing home, celebrates
her new home at Cedar Grove.
New Moon Supportive Housing
• Located at 1224 White Pine Circle in Vermilion
• 6 duplexes with 12 units
• Apartment complex with 8 units
• Laundromat
• Multipurpose/family room
• Conference room
• Onsite staffer to coordinate services for residents including job training, parenting classes, mental health and chemical dependency services, financial planning, and independent living skills
Cedar Grove Duplexes
• Located at Red Pine Court & Red Pine Way, Just off of Skogman Trail in Vermilion
• 8 duplexes totaling 16 units; 4 are 2-bedroom and 4 are 3-bedroom
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JULY 2012
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Culture
Bois Forte Band’s logo and seal
As told by its designer, Fred McDougal
Now more than ever branding has become a buzz
word in society. Having a great logo can create
instant recognition for anything from a cause,
corporation or a government entity, to a culture
and its people. A logo may represent symbols of
religious and spiritual beliefs. Such is the case with
the Bois Forte logo which has come to represent
the Band’s collective identity for over 30 years.
This visual source of pride can be seen on waving
flags welcoming visitors to the reservation, moving
around the village on the shirts, hats and jackets of
members, proudly displayed on public buildings
and the water tower, also holding a place of honor
at the Veteran’s Memorial.
“I then thought it was necessary to divide the circle
into quadrants. The significance of the quadrants
are to represent among many things, the four
orders of creation, The Physical World The Plant
World, The Animal World, and the Human World;
the four directions of north, south, east and west
;and the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and
winter; and the four directions of the wind.
Fred had a background in graphic design so, then
Chairman Gary Donald, Secretary Treasurer Dan
Morrison Sr. and the members of the RBC asked
him to take on the responsibility of developing
the Bois Forte Seal. The seal was subsequently
adopted as the official seal of the Bois Forte Band
of Chippewa by the RBC.
“I remembered Gitche Manitou’s vision of the
creation and how (The Great Spirit) had brought
the vision into existence. It seemed appropriate to
begin with a circle as part of the seal given that
its shape is universally important to Indigenous
JULY 2012
Millie Holmes
Fireworks in July are very
pretty when one watches
a professional at work.
The colors and patterns are
beautiful to watch. Same
thing at powwows. Dancers
are amazing to watch. Colors
swirling, bells jingling,
drumbeat permeating through
the heart. Are dancers and
singers going to stop at the
same time?
Gathering for the feast is a great time to catch up as
there is usually time for “chitchat” getting to the food.
It’s also time to start looking for blueberries
for the fall feasts and ceremonies. When the
blueberries are out, I think of ricing. For some
reason, blueberries and mahnomin go together in
my thoughts. And the fry bread. Ohhh, delicious
when all three are combined.
So the Bois Forte News asked Fred McDougal,
the Band Member who designed the logo for the
seal of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, to take
us back to its inception. Fred served as the first
Executive Director of the Bois Forte RBC in the
mid-1970s.
At that time the MCT had a seal. The MCT
requested that each Band develop their own seal
or flag which could fly outside the new MCT
headquarters as well as in the Tribal Executive
Committee Chambers in Cass Lake – sort of like
the United Nations.
By Millie Holmes
People as a symbol. The circle signifies, Life,
Drum, Dance, Sun, Moon as well as many
other sacred meanings: from the movement and
greatness of the Universe to the small circle of a
child’s dream catcher,” shares Fred.
Yet isn’t it interesting how we can make something
our own without remembering or even knowing
how it came to be in the first place or its meaning?
Fred went on to serve as the Executive Director of
the State of Minnesota Indian Affairs Commission
and as Executive Director of the Minnesota
Chippewa Tribe (MCT). Fred then returned to
Bois Forte during the construction of the then new
Tribal administrative offices and council chambers
in the early 1980s.
A Minute With Millie
Fred McDougal, designer of the Bois Forte logo, with
his brother Dale Werman.
The design includes colors clearly intended to
represent the fullness of the world around us. The
background’s half-circle represents the orange of
the morning and evening sun beginning and ending
the day. The brown of the Mother Earth. The green
of the trees and other growing things on the earth
are in the left half of the circle. The blue of the lake
and the sacred Spirit Island are in the right half. All
this is covered by the blue of the sky.
“There was the need to incorporate life – a Human,
or possibly a Deer, a Fish, a Turtle or maybe a
Hawk. The choice presented a difficult decision
until I recalled a story my Grandma Gonier told
me as a child. The story was of the Little Duck The
Hell Diver and how it came by its red eyes. It seems
that Nan bo zhoo, the Great Trickster attempted
to deceive the little duck and was unsuccessful
causing the little duck to have red eyes; however the
duck embodies most of the powers of all animals.
It has the ability to walk like the Turtle, swim and
hunt under the water like the Fish and fly like the
Hawk. Ducks migrate each fall and see more of the
Better yet: when blueberries, wild rice, and fry
bread are combined at a powwow. Sometimes,
I can’t decide which is my favorite season.
Each season has its own special memory, its
own reason for being the best season of all.
Even winter. Thoughts of which remind me of
blueberry pancakes hot off the griddle.
July is the time when one’s mind leaps ahead a
little. The slow pace of June is quickening as the
time for hunting and gathering nears. I don’t hunt
and don’t let that stop me from appreciating the
efforts of those who do. Fishing is another story.
Just ask my sister who hasn’t stopped trying to get
me to fish ever since the “Take a Child Fishing”
event we took all our children to when they were
children. They now have children of their own.
If you’d like to read more by Millie, visit her
blog at Niiganab.blogspot.com.
world than many of the animals. The duck closely
embodies the powers of the animals and the human
becoming the most obvious choice. The ducks on
the seal at some point in time have been changed.
The ducks featured now are not the ducks created
and approved for the seal. The original ducks were
meant to represent the spirit power of all life.
Everything in the seal was intended to represent
the spirit power of all living beings.”
(cont. on page 9)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Elders
Aniin miinik ish tiktik? Berry Time!
By Dr. Linda Grover
Mix together the dry ingredients in a bowl. Gently
add the milk, mixing to make a dough that is nice
This is the time of year that and soft (don’t overmix because that makes the
berries begin to ripen, and dough tough). Let this sit while you make the
we appreciate the Creator’s sauce.
gift of these pretty and
delicious little treats. I love Blueberry Sauce
the color and taste of berries;
with each one that I eat, no 1 ½ to 2 cups blueberries, maybe a little sugar if
matter what kind, I think, you like sweetening
“This is my very favorite.”
Later in the summer when Clean and rinse the blueberries, heat them in a
the strawberries ripen I will saucepan until almost a boil (you might need to
Dr. Lynda Grover
remember how they looked, add a little water). Turn the heat down to simmer.
tasted and smelled when us Keep this on the stove burner.
kids picked them in the field back of our house,
years ago. They were warm from the sun, and so Spoon the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the blueberry
small and sweet and fragrant. When raspberries sauce and then cover. Let this cook about 10
ripen I will remember when we picked them from minutes, covered. Lift the cover and check the
the bushes in our grandfather’s yard after supper, dumplings to see if they are cooked in the middle (I
when the sun had gone back of the house across poke them with a steak knife). When the dumplings
the street. Those raspberries looked like dark-red are done, remove the saucepan from the heat, take
rubies, smelled just a little like roses, and were the off the cover and let it cool about 15 minutes.
temperature of a warm summer evening.
This is ready to serve, and good as it is, or with a
Although summer is the season for fresh berries we little ice cream on top. If you like your dumplings
Anishinaabeg have enjoyed them year-round for to have some sparkle and sweet flavor, you can
many, many generations. The Ancestors of long sprinkle some sugar on top just before you cover
ago preserved them for the rest of the year by drying the saucepan, or a mix of cinnamon-and-sugar.
them for storage. Our grandparents also dried When berry season has passed, you can use canned
berries, and canned, also. These days we can freeze or frozen blueberries (thaw them first), or even
berries at home, dry or can them, and we can buy canned blueberry pie filling, though with the pie
them at the grocery store so that like our Ancestors filling you will have to check to make sure the
bottom doesn’t scorch. Mino-pagwad, if I don’t
we can enjoy them beyond ripening season.
say so myself!
Last week I made muffins with fresh blueberries,
and the taste of berries and baking reminded me
of the blueberry dumplings I haven’t made for
awhile. My own kids used to really like this, and I
am going to share the recipe with you.
Several days ago as I left a meeting at a hotel; I
Happy July
Birthdays, Elders!
Karey Lyon7-1
Jeanette (Hackey) Jobin 7-3
Elaine Tibbetts7-7
Linda Tibbetts-Barto
7-25
Eugene Boshey Jr.
7-19
Andy Buckanaga (Leech Lake) 7-05
Lorraine Connor7-21
David Morrison, Sr.
7-29
Jewel Day
7-03
Gloria Drift7-16
Lester Drift7-14
Marilyn Geshick7-24
Harold Goodsky7-06
LeAnne Hackey7-18
Ira Isham (White Earth)
7-28
Walter King, Jr.
7-26
Ardyth Smith (White Earth)
7-12
Rosemary Strong (Navajo)
7-02
Gwen Tibbetts7-01
Jane Villebrun
7-28
Humor
Blueberries and Dumplings
This recipe can be adjusted for the amount you
want to make; for example, more or less blueberry
sauce, more or fewer dumplings; however, the
dumpling ingredients need to stay in proportion
(for example, if you want double the dumplings,
you will need to double all the ingredients).
Dumplings: Make these first and let the dough set
while you make the blueberry sauce:
1 ½ cups of flour
3 tsps. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ cup milk (you might need to add a little more milk)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down.
I was looking for my keys. They were not in my
pockets. A quick search in the meeting room
revealed nothing.
Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car.
Frantically, I headed for the parking lot.
My wife has scolded me many times for leaving the
keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the
best place not to lose them.
location, confessed that I had left my keys in the
car, and that it had been stolen.
Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,” I
stammered; I always call her “honey” in times like
these. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”
There was a period of silence. I thought the call had
been dropped, but then I heard her voice. “Idiot”,
she barked, “I dropped you off!”
Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I
said, “Well, come and get me.”
Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst
through the door, I came to a terrifying conclusion.
Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty.
She retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this
policeman I have not stolen your car.”
I immediately called the police. I gave them my
Yep it’s the golden years.
JULY 2012
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
New thoughts about and old subject
By J. Kay Davis
New thoughts on the things that were happening on the national front, while our
ancestors were adjusting to the Nelson Act, and land allotment, ownership of land
rather than it belonging to the Creator. We used it with the Creator’s blessing, but it
was his, not ours. Interestingly, I received the ad to the right from the 1889 Argus
News, the same year as the Nelson Act.
J. Kay Davis
Please do not get upset by it, it simply shows what the rest of the nation was hearing
while we were listening and obeying the Nelson Commission.
(Logo and seal cont. from page 7)
recognition of a Governmental unit. Supreme
Court Decisions and actions such as Brian VS.
“There was never any doubt in my mind that the Itasca County, Retro cession and P.L.93-638,
Lake and Spirit Island would be part of the seal. The which allowed the Band to manage our resources
reverence for Spirit Island, the care and protection were strides taken by our Band and Tribe to affirm
of the lake have been paramount throughout the our self-determination. Governments of our own
generations of the Bois Forte people.” Fred further choosing as stated in our Tribal Constitution took
separated the circle with the stylized Wild Rice on a new meaning. In the case of Bois Forte it
stalk and is the dominant feature in the seal. “The came to mean, TRIBAL COUNCIL. Having our
rice crop has sustained the people spiritually and seal was important to illustrate our independence,
in many other ways. As a result of the preservation sovereignty and our identity as a people and a
and protection of the rice beds by the people, the Government.”
lake has produced the finest quality wild rice in
the world. I know this sense of pride is shared “Gary Donald, Dan Morrison Sr., Gene Boshey,
by everyone, youth and elders alike. During my Doris Isham, Phyllis Boshey, just to name a few,
life and career, on occasion I have been asked to were the leaders who were dedicated to these
identify myself or my Tribal affiliation. On these principles, fought to have them established and
occasions I have always responded, I am a member passed that legacy to the generation that now is
of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa from Nett in the position of leadership. It was an honor to
Lake, Minnesota…THE WILD RICE CAPITOL have served and worked with these leaders. They
are true Warriors of their Generation.”
OF THE WORLD.”
From the very beginning Fred’s design received
favorable comments. “To this day I feel privileged
to have been asked to create the logo and I am
always happy to explain the meaning behind it.
I am more grateful to the many Elders, Spiritual
Leaders and teachers who throughout my lifetime
have provided me with the Spiritual guidance,
oral history, legends and stories that have been
incorporated in the seal. In many ways the seal of
our proud Band was created from our culture and
heritage. My simple contribution was to interpret
the power of teaching and learning. The seal is the
voice and the vision of the Bois Forte people.”
“In the late 1970s, the Bureau of Indian
Affairs controlled much of what happened on
reservations,” recalls Fred. “Bois Forte had not
completely attained the full status of a Government
and was referred to as were all of the Tribal Bands
as: RESERVATION BUSINESS COMMITTEES.
The term or title RBC did not provide the
JULY 2012
During the mid-1980s while doing research for
a wild rice study, Fred came across a document
which was the interpretation of a historic birch
bark scroll (chart) of the migration of the Bois
Forte Ojibwe from the east to areas where we
now reside. This was part of the historic migration
chronicled by William Warren in his book, History
of the Ojibwe People written in 1852. The scroll
(chart) was obtained from Chief Farmer John of
the Bois Forte Chippewa.
The explanation of the glyphs scratched onto the
chart was provided by Mrs. Farmer John and other
Bois Forte Indians. According to Mrs. Farmer John
the Scrolls were prepared by her Grandfather’s
Grandfather. Fred then researched census data and
found Mrs. Farmer John along with her husband
Farmer John on the 1910 census which listed her
age at her last birthday as 90 years. Chief Farmer
John was listed at age 100 plus. According to
Mrs. Farmer John at the time the Bois Fortes were
known in the Anishinabe language as (DUGAHWINNINE-WUG) “Men of this fir and hard
woods.”
“I have only one regret, I was not aware of the
Anishinabe name of our people until the seal
was completed and adopted. It has since been my
feeling that the name belongs in an outer circle
which could be added to the seal. This would
include our Anishinabe name and its translation
ensuring our original name and its meaning will
always be remembered.”
Bois Forte Elders Meeting
Vermillion Community Center
May 07, 2012
Meeting called to order at 11:55 a.m. by chair
Jerome Whiteman.
Roll Call: All Present
Mission Statement read by Justin Boness.
Other present: Olive Connor, Cecelia Gonier,
Rosemary Strong, Caroline Boshey, LuAnn Drift,
Rose Lien, Nina Stanly, Gloria Drift, Jeneal Goggleye,
Commissioner, Pete Drift J.R, DNR, Kevin Koski,
Safety Officer, Theresa Drift.
(cont. on page 11)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Youth & Education
Head Start Physical Days 2012
Nett Lake Clinic: 218-757-3650
Thursday, July 12; Tuesday, July 17; Tuesday, July 24; Tuesday, July
31; Tuesday, August 7; Tuesday, August 21; Thursday, August 23;
Tuesday, August 28
Vermilion Clinic-Tower: 218-753-2182
Monday, July 9; Friday, July 20; Wednesday, July 25; Thursday, July
26; Friday, August 3; Wednesday, August 8; Thursday, August 16;
Monday, August 20; Friday, August 31
DAYCARE CHILDREN: Physicals will require vitals, height, weight and
immunizations if needed.
3 and 4 year-olds: Physical will require vitals, height, weight, lead
screening, urinalysis, hemoglobin, strabismus, vision screening and
immunizations if needed.
PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR CHILDS APPOINTMENT ON THE DAYS
INDICATED ABOVE.
Census shows most Bois
Forte Band members have
graduated high school
More than one-third have attended college
Detailed results from the 2010 census show that 81.4% of Bois Forte
Band members surveyed have graduated from high school or earned their
high school equivalency. This includes people who identified themselves
only as Bois Forte Chippewa and those who stated they were Bois Forte
Chippewa in combination with some other tribe or racial group.
Nearly one in four Bois Forte Band members surveyed – 38.2% – has gone
on to attend college, with 8.4% having completed a bachelor’s degree or
higher and another 5.4% earning an associate’s degree.
Congratulations,
Head Start Graduates!
Policy for getting Headstart paperwork will be as follows:
Original Exam Form and immunization printout will be given to parent
and a copy will be put in patient chart.
Dental Headstart Days will be as follows:
Nett Lake: 218-757-3431 - Wednesday, July 11 and Wednesday, August 1
TVC: 218-753-2182 - Monday, July 30 and Thursday, August 16
The Vermilion Head Start Graduating Class of 2012
Sprucing up
Nett Lake
School
Nett Lake Principle and Superintendent Rae Villebrun, fourth grade teacher
Katy Long and fifth Grade teacher Loretta Rankila spent some time earlier
this summer sprucing up the grounds at the Nett Lake School. Although
Rae is taking a summer break from her monthly column for Bois Forte News
readers, she and other staff are working throughout the summer to prepare
for the 2012-2013 school year.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Victoria Ryan, daughter of James Ryan and Crystal
Villebrun, and granddaughter of Rosemary King
and Bob Villebrun and Terrence Strong Boshey,
son of Terry Strong and Gene Boshey, Jr.
Kayden Hernandez, son of
Jessie and Carlos, proudly
displays his certificate.
JULY 2012
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Congratulations, Graduates!
Amanda Frost
Victoria Polasky
Amanda, daughter of Shelia Cameron and
Cameron Frost, plans to attend college
near her grandparents’ home in Florida.
She is currently working as a certified
nursing assistant and plans to further her
career in the medical field.
Victoria, daughter of James Polasky
and Jessica Colter plans to attend Itasca
Community College next fall.
CORRECTION:
The June issue incorrectly spelled the last name
of Nett Lake Sixth Grade graduate Savannah
Parisien.
Chloe Cashman
Chloe is the daughter of Sissy and John Cashman of
Centerville, Minnesota and a graduate of Centennial
High School in Circle Pines, Minnesota. She is
attending Bemidji State University in the fall with a
focus on education, history and the arts. Chloe is the
granddaughter of proud grandma Nancy Stanaway.
Warm weather and teen drivers
By Judge Heather Sweetland
smell of alcohol in the teenager’s car.
It’s time to talk to your teen driver. From the middle Some parents are unaware of laws that apply to
of May (Prom time) to Labor Day can be a deadly Minnesota teen drivers. In 2008, the Minnesota
time of year for teen drivers. Year round, a teen Legislature passed a “graduated” licensing law. It
driver dies nearly every eight days in Minnesota includes:
as a result of a traffic accident. How many times
have you read or heard a story in the media about a • For the first six months of licensure, no driving from midnight to 5 a.m.
teenager dying in an accident at this time of year?
• For the first six months of licensure, only one passenger under the age of 20 is allowed in the In Minnesota, teens (ages 15-19) are 6.5% of all
licensed drivers but are involved for 18.4% of all vehicle unless an adult is present.
collisions. Nationwide, one in five teen drivers age 16 • For the second six months of licensure, no
is involved in an auto accident. Need more statistics? more than three passengers under the age of 20 unless an adult is present.
• No driver under the age of 18 may use a cell • Minnesota teens account for 11.4% of all phone while driving.
vehicle fatalities
• Most teen crashes (37%) occur from 2-6 p.m., • ALL drivers are prohibited from text-messaging or accessing the internet while driving.
to and from school and with passengers
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of Why is this important to the Courts? Anyone
teen deaths (39%)
• In 2010, 46 Minnesota teens died in accidents who has sat through a sentencing for a criminal
vehicular homicide which resulted in the death of
and 4,883 were injured
• 73% of teen driving deaths involve a teen driver a young person knows it is emotionally difficult.
The loss of a young person is horrific. The impact
Cambridge-Isanti High School dealt with the to all of the involved families can be equally
death of six people, including four teenagers two terrible. I suspect prison or local jail time do not
years ago. The 16-year-old driver wasn’t killed mean as much as living with the knowledge that a
but four of her passengers were killed. Two person was killed.
(cont. on page 15)
people in another car were killed. There was a
JULY 2012
(Elders’ Meeting Minutes cont. from page 9)
Motion made by Justin Bones to approve minutes
of April 4, 2012 meeting with corrections, second
by Mary Strong. Motion Carried.
Pete Drift J.R., Game Warden at Bois Forte gave
a small presentation on his position and duties. A
resident was warned about dogs being loose, 1854
officers handled two incidents on the reservation
at Vermillion.
Theresa Drift gave an update on the 2013 Elders
Trip.
An elderly resident requests help on building a
ramp at her home, she has purchased the materials
needed. Housing Elderly aide will be contacted.
Motion made by Mary Strong to support the
Committee to write a letter for additional funds
for stipend line items on budget, to tribal council,
second by Gloria Drift. Motion Carried.
Motion made by Rose Lien to adjourn meeting at
12:55 p.m., second by Gloria Drift. Motion Carried.
Next Meeting June 11, 2012 at Nett Lake, Mn
At quarterly or regular Elderly Meeting, please
honor the request that these meetings be attended
by elders 55 yrs and plus for any input.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Bois Forte Development Corp.
Fortune Bay’s Great Fortune: Great Casino Hosts
While many casinos saw decreases to their bottom
line in 2011, Fortune Bay had a tremendous year
with gains in gaming and non-gaming revenue,
net assets and operating income. There were
many reasons for this success, including better
marketing, enticing promotions, bigger name
entertainers, and careful cost cutting. These new
strategies clearly worked.
But a big part of Fortune Bay’s success in 2011 and
its continued success in 2012 is with its exceptional
customer service and the warm smiles and winning
personalities of their Casino Hosts. Their job is
to make sure that everyone coming through the
doors has an enjoyable and pleasant experience
at the Tribe’s premier destination property. Here’s
how they are contributing to Fortune Bay’s good
fortune:
Hannah Lehti, Player Development Supervisor
Hannah Lehti started
working in Fortune Bay’s
Tamarack Dining Room
when she was just 16 years
old. She spent five years as
a waitress before moving
to the Player Development
Department as a Casino
Host.
“Hosts
cultivate
the
players,” she explained.
“They make sure guests
are happy and that they have everything they need,
like hotel rooms or concert tickets. The goal is to
entice people to come here in order to grow our
revenue.”
From Casino Host, Lehti moved up to Player
Development Supervisor. “Now my job is training
employees to do what I did before,” she said.
“The whole Host Department has turned around
because some employees moved on to other jobs
within Fortune Bay and one retired. One of the new
employees is the same age I am, so I explained to
him about the opportunity to work his way up and
create a career. You can better yourself and work
here for life, feeling good about what you’re doing
for yourself and Bois Forte, or you can prepare
yourself for other jobs.”
Lehti said the management of Fortune Bay
reflects well on the Bois Forte Band. “It says
something about this tribe and company that
senior management are Bois Forte members. Our
upper management are local people who know
BOIS FORTE NEWS
the community and are invested here. It’s not that’s why you play!”
an outside company sucking money out of the
community.”
Hackensmith even embraces the difficult parts
of her job. “I’m not a computer person, so they
Community is important to Lehti, who is the sent me to a class. Even [General Manager] Norm
daughter of John Lehti and Jeannine Adams, and [Adams] called me into his office and helped me
the granddaughter of Emma Columbus. “The understand shift reports. They are very patient,
reason I like this job in particular is that we are very accommodating; that is a blessing.” But
growing the revenue to make the company a better she said, “The best part of my job is the people I
place, which creates money for programs and meet and the people I work with. We are like an
services to benefit the tribe,” she said. “When I extended family and close friends.”
see a Boys and Girls Club event or new housing
or a new education program, I see the benefit to Carlos Hernandez, Casino Host
Bois Forte of the revenues we generate here at
Fortune Bay. I see the end results, and I really like
Carlos Hernandez isn’t
the satisfaction of working for our Band. I want to
a Minnesota native, but
do well with every job I do within the company
that didn’t stop him
because I’m working for something that will make
from falling in love
a difference.”
with the north woods.
Kathy Hackensmith, Casino Host
Kathy Hackensmith’s children
say, “My mom doesn’t work
to live – she lives to work.”
And after working in sales,
restaurants and even the post
office, Hackensmith now uses
her skills to organize events,
manage data, and anticipate
guests’ needs as a Fortune Bay
Casino Host.
Hernandez, who is the
son of Faye Boney and
Aurturo
Hernandez
and the grandson of
Marylou Isham and
Pete Boney, was born
in Long Beach, California. After graduating from
high school, he moved to Minnesota and soon
began working at Fortune Bay, rising through the
ranks from Black Jack Dealer to Floor Supervisor
and later Pit Boss.
Then in March of this year, Hernandez made the
“I’ve been in this position since March, and it’s a switch to Casino Host. “Now I’m meeting others
lot to learn – even though it looks like we just walk who don’t play table games,” he said, “and the best
around and talk!” she said. “We have to constantly part of the job is being able to talk and converse
be up on what’s coming next and make guests with players for a longer time.”
aware of what’s coming.”
Hernandez plans to continue working for the Bois
Hackensmith explained that hosts are responsible Forte Band, but in quite a different capacity. “My
for maintaining a number of players at different goal is to be a conservation officer,” he said. He is
tiers and encouraging them to reach higher levels. enrolled at Vermilion Community College in the
“For example, each of us is assigned to players at Wildland/Wildlife Law Enforcement program, and
different tier levels from Adventurers to Voyager he said he would love to eventually work for the
Elite. Our job is to help them enjoy their experience, Band or the 1854 Authority.
increase their play and maximize their benefits.”
“I’d love to give back to the tribe because they
Fortune Bay’s perks help her do that. “I’m a they’ve provided me with excellent employment
gambler, but I can’t gamble here because I’m an for the last 12 years,” he said. In the meantime, he
employee. Because I play elsewhere, I know that the will continue to enjoy the north woods by hiking,
other casinos don’t offer the same compensation or fishing and camping.
items we do. We are very good to our customers.”
She also appreciates Fortune Bay’s openness with
its guests. “People deserve information and access
to the benefits they have accrued. We want people
to get the benefits they deserve. I am a gambler –
(cont. on page 13)
JULY 2012
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
(Fortune Bay cont. from page 12)
“There is a lot of responsibility and work that go
into being a Casino Host. Now that I’m learning
the ropes, I go at it pretty good.” And he’s not done
Milo Villebrun, Casino Host
yet: he hopes to move up into management some
Milo Villebrun, the day.
son of Milo Daniel
Villebrun Jr. and Deanna When Villebrun is not at work, he is usually at
Dionne and grandson The Wilderness golfing or playing basketball
of Jane Villebrun, was at the gym. He said the reservation facilities are
born in Minneapolis fantastic. “If you lived in the cities, you’d pay $100
and
attended
high a month to belong to a club with the kind of gym
school there. But after and exercise center we have here at Vermilion.”
training in construction
and roofing, he moved “This place offers such great things for our Band
north to take classes in members, and we need to take advantage of them
business management at or they’ll dissipate. We want the reservation to be
healthy, to get kids outside.”
Mesabi Community College.
He knew a lot of people who worked at Fortune
Bay or were guests, and also knew about the resort
casino’s drive to hire natives, so he got a job as
a security guard. “I liked the responsibility of
serving and protecting people and the property, our
assets,” he said.
He also met a lot of customers and developed good
relationships with them and with his coworkers.
“That was good training for my current job as a
Casino Host,” he said. “I like being the face of
Fortune Bay, moving around the floor, helping
people. The best part of working here is the ‘at
home’ atmosphere. People who visit like us and
come back. We get to know each other.”
3
“The reason I like this job
in particular is that we are
growing the revenue to
make the company a better
place, which creates money
for programs and services
that benefit the tribe.”
-- Hannah Lehti
4
Villebrun also sees great career opportunities for
young Band members.
“Apply for a job, take
advantage of native
preference, stay on track,
try hard, and you’ll get
somewhere.”
Villebrun said the toughest part of taking on his
new position was getting into the swing of things.
Jobs – in and on top – at Fortune Bay
Band member Mike Bass,
owner of MB Customs,
won the bid for reroofing
four sections of Fortune
Bay. Just as he did with the
Pineview Housing Project
in Nett Lake, Mike’s crew
is primarily Bois Forte
Band members. Working
to reroof Fortune Bay’s
casino, canopy, hotel
entrance and pool are:
Willie LaRoque
Craig Goodsky
Aaron Boshey
Melvin King
Jocque Love
JULY 2012
Eric Strong
Donnie Villebrun
Ryan Manick
Tim Chavers
Jordan Goodsky
Rudy Zapata
Clyde Day
Chris Isham
Derrick LaRoque
Mike King
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Community News & Announcements
Please join us for the
Mark your calendars
Transit Open House
Friday, July 13, 2012
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon to follow
The Annual Urban Office Picnic will be on
Thursday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Once again we’ll meet at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis
at the Wabun picnic area.
Please note, this year we will be in Pavillion C,
closer to the Veterans Home.
Invitations will go out in the mail in early July. Mark your
calendar now for an evening of games, fun and great food.
KBFT receives state grant
Shawn Villebrun and Gordy Adams III helped haul away
old appliances on Whiskey Point Road as part of the
Environmental Services Spring Clean-up.
The Environmental Services staff moved over to
Nett Lake in June and will be conducting the clean-up in
Indian Point and Sugar Bush July 2 - 6.
Bois Forte Community Radio
learned in June they will be
receiving a grant for $117,500
from the competitive radio
grants of the Minnesota Arts
and Cultural Heritage Fund. Station General Manager George Strong said the
funds will be used for a mixture of new programs and community events.
The categories that will the money will be directed toward include: Storytelling,
Ojibwe Language, Elder Time, Native American Literature, Powwwow –
focusing on dance, and another on music, Younger Days (program focused
on kids), Cultural Crossing – a comparison of Native culture as it applies to
today’s living, Native Arts and Native Foods.
Information on the grant is forthcoming and will be described in more detail
in the August edition of the Bois Forte News.
Firefighters say Mii gwech
The Bois Forte Volunteer Fire Department would like to say mii gwech to the
Community for showing their support during the Sah Gii Bah Gah Powwow.
Our fundraising food sale raised $746 that will be used to purchase equipment,
turn-out gear and apparel for the Fire Department.
Please watch for future fundraising projects and events sponsored by the volunteers.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JULY 2012
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Proud parents Emily Lehti and Brian Porter
announce the birth of their son
Liam Jay Porter
February 6, 2012
Thank you for your vote in the June 12 Election.
Your support will allow us to continue to move forward! I will continue to
guide in a responsible and positive manner for the benefit of our people and
our nation!
Kevin W. Leecy
Great Grandma Mary Porter’s Birthday Present
How much time do we really spend using electronics?
35: the number of hours of TV the average of person watches per week
Nearly 3,400: the average number of mobile texts teens age
13-17 send per month
56% more time spent on social networking websites in 2011 then in 2010
7 hours and 38 minutes the average amount of time eight to 18 year-olds
devote to movies, video games, TV shows and other forms of entertainment
media across a typical day.
(Teen drivers cont. from page 11)
The consequences for an “underage drinking and driving” offense may result in
the loss of license, a fine, possible jail time if the driver is over the age of 18 and
probation. A DWI conviction can result in a loss of license for 90-180 days.
How does this impact parents? If a parent allows a teen driver to take the
family car to a graduation party, it may be the last time the parent sees the
vehicle. A motor vehicle may be forfeited if the driver has a blood alcohol
concentration of .20 or greater. By law, it is presumed the parent was aware
of the teen driver’s alcohol problem. Higher insurance rates and the inability
to get a job requiring a driver’s license are collateral consequences.
It’s time to make a contract with your teen driver or your child who will be a
passenger in a car with a teen driver. Tell them you will always pick them up
no matter where they are and no matter what time it is, no questions asked.
It’s time to talk to your teen driver.
JULY 2012
Happy 23rd Birthday to Romney Olson
&
Happy 25th Birthday to Angela Boshey
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • July 2012
Bois Forte regularly sends out important
information in the mail. Per capita checks,
community meeting notices and the RTC
quarterly letters are examples of items that are
regularly mailed. It is essential that we have
your correct mailing address so that you can
receive this information.
If you have moved recently, or are not receiving regular mailings, please fill out the
change of address form below and mail to:
Toni Wakemup
Bois Forte Enrollment Coordinator
5344 Lake Shore Dr
Nett Lake MN 55772.
Please note, you must check the box below
your signature if you want us to give your
new address to the Bois Forte Newspaper.
Name:
City/ State/ Zip:
Date of Birth:
Signature:___________________________
Date: __________
_____Yes, I would like this new address
shared with the Bois Forte News
Please send us your email address if you’d
like to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in
your email box:
___________________________________
The Bois Forte News
July 3 - 5
6th Annual South Lake Traditional Leech Lake
4th of July Traditional Powwow
Veterans Memorial Powwow Grounds
Eagleview School Grounds Cass Lake, MN
South Lake, MN 218-335-7573;
218-760-7955
July 10 - 12
Fond du Lac Veterans Traditional Powwow
800-236-2214
Mash-Ka-Wisen Treatment Center 31st Annual
Red Cliff Traditional Powwow
Powwow Grounds, Sawyer, MN Powwow Grounds,
Red Cliff, WI
218-878-5783; 715-779-5597
Dakota Wacipi Contest
Prairie Island Powwow Grounds
Prairie Island, MN
800-554-5473 Ext. 3023
July 6 - July 8, 2012
Red Lake Nation Independence Day Powwow* - Contest
Location: Red Lake, MN. Powwow Grounds
Info: 218-556-7566; [email protected]
Address:
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Get on the Powwow Trail
July 20 - July 22, 2012
14th Annual Onigum Powwow* - Traditional
Location: Onigum, MN. Powwow Grounds
Info: 218-308-3680;
[email protected]
Mii-Gwitch Mahnomen Days 50th Annual
Traditional Powwow
Location: Ball Club, MN
Info: 218-246-2105;
[email protected]
July 27 - July 29, 2012
14th Annual Onigum Powwow* - Traditional
Location: Onigum, MN. Powwow Grounds
Info: 218-547-4090
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is published monthly by the Bois
Forte Band of Chippewa. The BFN encourages submission
of articles, guest columns, community announcements and
photos. There is a $10 charge for personal announcements.
Contributions are subject to editing for grammar, length
and malicious/libelous content. BFN will attempt to include
all material submitted by Band members and guests.
Multiple contributions from the same source may be
excluded or rotated to future issues to insure equal access
to all. Paid ads are accepted. Visit www.boisforte.com for
rates and insertion order.
The BFN is distributed for free to Band members and is
available to others for $10 per year.
Deadline for
August issue:
July 9
Submit material to:
Bois Forte News
1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507
Lilydale, MN 55118
651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 fax
Helenwilkie@c comcast.net
July 28 - July 29, 2012
16th Annual Pipestone Powwow* - Traditional
Location: Pipestone, MN. 400 N. Hiawatha Ave.
Info: 507-825-3734; [email protected]
August 2 – August 5, 2012
Fort Yates Powwow* - Contest
Location: Standing Rock Reservation, ND. 1 Mile south
of Fort Yates
Info: 701-854-7201; 701-854-7102; [email protected]
August 3 - August 5, 2012
34th Annual Honoring Sobriety Powwow* - Traditional
Location: Sawyer, MN. Mash Ka Wisen Treament Center
Info: 218-879-6731
August 11 - August 12, 2012
Pine Point Powwow* - Traditional
Location: Ponsford, MN. Pine Point Powwow Grounds
Info: 218-573-2154
August 17 - August 19, 2012
Shakopee Mdewakanton Powwow* - Contest
Location: Prior Lake, MN. Powwow Grounds
Info: 952-445-8900; 952-496-6161
August 18 - August 19, 2012
Chaske Cikala Wacipi (Little Dance in Chaska) Powwow
- Traditional
Location: Chaska, MN. McKnight Park (Pioneer Trail &
Village Road)
Info: Wally 952-448-6860; [email protected]
Cost: Free admission to the public, open attendance
for spectators of all ethnicities.
August 24 - August 26, 2012
32nd Annual Cha Cha Bah Ning* - Traditional
Location: Inger, MN. Powwow Grounds
Info: 218-659-2708 218-659-2995;
[email protected]
Leech Lake Labor Day Powwow
Location: Cass Lake, MN by Palace Casino
Info: 218-308-3680;
[email protected]
Tribal Council
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Karlene Chosa
District I Representative (elect)
Brandon Benner
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
JULY 2012