June - Bois Forte

INSIDE
VOTE
JUNE 14
Page 4
Page 10
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - June 2016
VOL. 39 NO. 5
www.boisforte.com
Funding secured for new DNR building
Funding for phase two Judicial building a future goal
The Bois Forte Band has secured funding for a
new facility to house its Department of Natural
Resources. Construction on the $3.75 million
project, which will be located near the Public
Works facility, is slated to begin this fall and will
likely span a year.
Bois Forte’s proceeds of $2.5 million from the projects have been in the works for many years,
settlements of the Nez Pierce and BIA Contract and why we are pleased to move forward on the
first phase now that the funding is in hand.”
Support cases.
Right now the Bois Forte DNR operates out of
cramped and inefficient offices located in a halfcentury old building. Staff are overcrowded,
storage space is lacking, and the heating and
cooling systems are inadequate. The new offices
will include a water quality lab and space for
equipment storage. The facility will be energy
efficient and incorporate environmentally sound
materials and building methods.
The new facility will be phase one of a two-phase
project that includes a new Judicial building if
funding can be secured from Washington. The
phase one – DNR building - was initially proposed
during the planning of the Government and
Community Services Center in Nett Lake, which
was begun in 2009 and opened the following year.
However, the footprint for the center was not large “Having healthy natural resources, such as the
enough to also accommodate room for the DNR.
water where wild rice grows, is a major part
of our cultural heritage,” said Band Chairman
Now the DNR project is set to move forward, Kevin Leecy. “Being able to effectively manage
propelled by a $1.25 million grant from the those resources is our right and responsibility as
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and a sovereign government. That is why these two
Two critical aspects of being sovereign government
are the ability operate an effective court system
and properly manage the natural resources that are
a vital part of our heritage,” said Band Chairman
Kevin Leecy. “That is why this project has been in
the works for many years, and why we are pleased
to move forward now that the funding is in hand.”
Design work on the new DNR offices is expected
to begin this summer, and a ground breaking is
anticipated in the early fall.
“This will mean two years of construction jobs for
Band members, and a great boost to our TERO
fees,” Leecy said.
Time for Bois Forte Powwows
In Ojibwe of Minnesota, author Anton Treuer writes, “Powwow itself is new. It did not exist seventy years ago. It is
a pan-Indian combination of Omaha grass dance ceremonies, Dakota war dances, Ojibwe dreams about the jingle
dress, and rodeo customs, where dancers who used to parade into army forts in tribal war regalia now parade into the
powwow arena in dance regalia for the grand entry…The modern powwow is a welcome, healthy gathering of people
from many communities. It is a joyous social event and source of community pride. But it is not a substitution for
traditional Ojibwe religion or ways of life. Powwow is the largest and fastest-growing part of Ojibwe culture today.”
This month, the communities of Nett Lake and Vermilion will once again host these “welcome, healthy gatherings of
people from many communities” during the June 3-5 Saa Gii Ba Gaa Powwow at Nett Lake Powwow Grounds and
the June 24-25 Lake Vermilion Traditional Powwow at the grounds next to the Vermilion Center.
Both Powwows feature additional elements that are family friendly. Healthy walks through the community, canoe
races and booths selling crafts and food are available. No alcohol or non-traditional use of tobacco is allowed.
Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend one, or both, Powwows. Bring your friends and family for these
“joyous social events and sources of community pride.” For more information on Saa Gii Ba Gaa in Nett Lake,
contact Linda, Jennie or Louise at 218-757-3261. To learn more about the Lake Vermilion Traditional Powwow, see
page 16, or contact Muriel Deegan at 218-750-7772 or Tracey Dagen 218-780-1478.
BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • JUNE 2016
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Congratulations, Graduates!
Northwoods High School
Darnell Goggleye
is the son of Robbie
Goggleye and Christie
Swanson. He is
planning on attending
Vermilion College in
the fall. He will earn a
degree in Business and
then transfer to UND,
Bemidji State or UMD.
Troie King is the
daughter of Troy King
and Ellen Little. She is
planning on attending
college to get a degree
in education so she can
become a math teacher.
Bradley Howe son of
Regina Howe is planning
on joining the National
Guard after graduation.
Jessi Lambert is
the daughter of
Danny Lambert and
granddaughter of Cheryl
Jensen. Jessi is getting
married to Jake Isham
and will be attending
college for Business
Management.
College Graduates
Jessica Samskar graduated
from the University of Alaska
– Kenai Peninsula College,
with a degree in Occupational
Safety and Health.
Head Start Graduates
(Left) Congratulations
to Nett Lake four-year
old Head Start graduates
James Ryan, Carleigh
Whiteman, Mercedes
Chavers Connor,
Nicholas Pieratos, Jade
Drift, Wahsey Jenkins
with their instructors
Angie Rendulich,
Tiandra Geyshick
(classroom aide) and
Heather Nelson.
Honor your graduate
The Bois Forte News will continue to honor graduates at all
levels. If you or a loved one are graduating this year, send the
information to the newspaper so we can help you celebrate.
(See pg 16 for information on where to send your news).
Graduates of all levels from Head Start through Graduate
School, including Vocational Training are invited to be part
of the Salute to Graduates issue.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Sydney Schuster is
the daughter of Dennis
Schuster and Annette
Geyer. She will be
attending Hibbing
Community College
to become a Dental
Assistant.
(Right) A large crowd
of parents, family and
friends enjoyed the
Vermilion Head Start
graduates salute to Dr.
Seuss as part of the
graduation celebration
on May 20.
JUNE 2016
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
RTC News
District I candidate messages
Boozhoo,
I would like to take this opportunity to say Miigwech
to the Band Members for their support for my Primary
Election win on April 5th.
I take pride and honor in being involved with our band
by being active and helping to coordinate Bois Forte
reservation and urban events. I serve on the Local Indian
Education Committee, Nett Lake School Board, St.
Louis County School Parent Policy Committee, Head
Start Representative for Bois Forte, and MCT Health and
Human Services Committee. One of my goals is to bring the tribal government to
your homes through social media so you the band member will be up to date on
tribal government issues.
I’ve proved that I can stand up against the majority and not sit silent on important
issues that may negatively affect you the band member. I’ve proved my ability
to be able to work with the other council members for the betterment of our
reservation. I work with the other council members but I don’t let myself be a part
of the status quo. I take pride and value my professional work ethic and base my
decisions on the best interest of the band because of my loyalty to the Bois Forte
Band members. Bois Forte Band Members come first.
One of the assets in my campaign is that I’ve always maintained honesty and
integrity through a clean political campaign based on the issues.
My intentions if elected for the next four years are.
1. Open government through communication.
2. More money for services by reorganization of the salary schedule. The
commissioners make more than our incoming Chairwoman and myself. I advocate
for fiscal responsibility and I have not received a raise since I was elected four
years ago. The insanity of the high salaries is adversely affecting our reservation.
3. If we as a Tribal Council properly manage our finances we can have Urban
Offices in Duluth and Bemidji, more housing for single band members, home
rehabilitation, creation of jobs, etc.
4. I will continue to advocate for band member employment, band member owned
businesses, contracts with band member owned businesses, Anishinaabe language
and culture programs and events, and a Duluth urban office.
5. As Council Members/Policy Makers we need to develop stronger policies that
we are forced to stand by and uphold.
6. Urban Liaison Outreach Worker to work with Urban Band Members for referral and advocacy.
I can only continue my work through your support and vote. Together we can continue to work to bring issues of Tribal Government to your attention. Tribal Government should be fair,
open and honest. I am a representative that believes in accountability and transparency in our gaming enterprises. My record for an open government speaks for itself. I respectfully seek
your support for the upcoming general election on Tuesday June 14, 2016.
Contact Information:
Facebook: BF Tribal Affairs
Cell: 218 404 6520
Home: 218 757-3757
[email protected]
RE-ELECT Karlene Chosa
Bois Forte Elders & assisted living
Bois Forte Youth Cultural Activities
Bois Forte Veterans & housing
Bois Forte Families & job stability
Bois Forte Education & Training
Protection of Bois Forte Natural Resources & Wild Rice
Gaming and Bois Forte Enterprises
Blood Quantum acceptance
Preservation & Revitalization of our Language & Culture
Bois Forte Urban Offices and accessible voting
American Indian Cancer Foundation
VOTE Karlene Chosa Bois Forte District I
The polls will be open in Nett Lake Saturday 8 to 5 and Sunday 9 to 4 for voting June 4th, and 5th, during the Saa Gii Ba Gaa Powwow.
Additional space paid
for by the candidate
JUNE 2016
Miigwech.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Reservation Community News
MPR reports on
Northern Eagle
Federal Credit
Union
Mary Anderson, posing
with the new kayaks at the
Vermilion Boys & Girls Club,
earned a life guard certification
last winter so that the Boys
As part of Minnesota Public Radio’s recent series
on the Iron Range economy, journalist Cathy
Wurzer interviewed Bois Forte Band member
Nikki Pieratos, the CEO of Northern Eagle Federal
Credit Union.
& Girls Club members can
get involved in more water
activities such as swimming,
Northern Eagle provides banking services including
loans right in the Vermilion and Nett Lake
communities, meaning community members no
longer need to drive long distances to do their banking.
The credit union also works with its members to help
them improve their financial literacy.
Pieratos explained how a “home-grown” institution
like Northern Eagle is best able to understand
and meet the needs of its members. She said that
Northern Eagle provides a culturally sensitive
environment in which to do business, whereas
some Indian people feel uncomfortable dealing
with mainstream banks because of real or perceived
discrimination.
FATHER’S DAY FACTS
Pieratos said the response to the credit union, which
opened two years ago, has been wonderful. “We’ve
had people say they are so comfortable [at Northern
Eagle] because we are faces they recognize – we
are from the community,” she told Wurzer.
kayaking, fishing, etc.
Summer Youth to begin mid-June
Sixteen youth - seven from Vermilion and nine from Nett Lake - applied
for the 2016 Summer Youth Program and will begin their eight-ten week
work assignments in mid-June. Their work will be maintenance projects like
mowing in the Vermilion Community and interning in various RTG offices
such as Planning and Community Development, Education, Accounting,
Human Resources and the Nett Lake School. Good luck to these summer
workers on their service to the community.
The idea of Father’s Day was conceived slightly more than a century ago by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Wash., while she
listened to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed
Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father’s Day
celebration, June 17, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane’s mayor because it was the month of Smart’s birth.
The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in
June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made
it permanent.
70.1 million: Estimated number of fathers across the nation in 2008, the most recent year for which data are available.
24.7 million: Number of fathers who were part of married-couple families with children younger than 18 in 2014.
1.9 million: Number of single fathers in 2014; 16 percent of single parents were men. About 43.5 percent were divorced, 33.0 percent
were never married, 18.8 percent were separated, and 4.7 percent were widowed.
211,000: Estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2014. These married fathers with children younger than 15 have remained out of
the labor force for at least one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wife works outside the home.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
KBFT Radio cultural
programming for June
Full Time Program Director – Nett Lake
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland
The staff at KBFT Radio have some great
programing lined up for the community in June.
With the exception of entertainment after the
Lake Vermilion Powwow on June 26, most
events will be held at the Nett Lake Government and Community Services
Center. All are invited to attend these free community events.
June 2, 5-7 p.m. Acclaimed photographer Jeff Henningsgaard will have
a presentation on his beautiful Powwow photographs from various Lake
Vermilion and Nett Lake Powwows taken the past few years.
June 6, 5 p.m. Sioux Chef Sean Sherman will forage and prepare a
delightful and healthy traditional dinner served free to the public. Chef
Sean also provides a great presentation on traditional foods.
June 15, 4: 30 p.m. Native Music Fest featuring: Rayne, Sage Bond, and
Keith Secola.
This position is responsible for developing, evaluating,
and implementing youth programming and assisting with
facility management. Applicant must be highly motivated
and passionate about working with youth. BA/BS and prior
youth experience preferred. Flexible schedule required.
Compensation based on experience, benefits included.
Apply online: www.bgcnorth.org.
Application Deadline: Until filled
June 16, 5-7 p.m. Native Flute Musician Darren Thompson
June 26, Entertainment following the conclusion of the Lake Vermilion
Powwow.
Seller interest needed for
Land Buy-back
The Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council is continuing to prepare for
participation in the Cobell Buy-Back Program. It is anticipated that the
Department of the Interior will approve the Band’s request in late 2016. If
that becomes a reality, the Program will begin making offers to purchase
in 2017.
Under the Buy-Back Program, Band members who own interests in
allotments on the Nett Lake Reservation will be able to sell those interests
to the Federal government. The Federal government will then hold the land
in trust for the Bois Forte Band.
A percentage of the funds the Federal government receives are dedicate
to an Indian Scholarship fund so the Buy-Back program is a win-win for
current and future generations.
A key to gaining approval of the Buy-Back at Bois Forte is for owners to
let the government know that they are interested in selling. “The greater the
interest, the more likely it is that we will be approved,” said Land/Leasing
Manager Tom Burr.
Interested sellers should contact Tom at 218-757-3261.
JUNE 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Urban Office
Urban Office
summer activities
Due to the two Bois Forte Powwows,
no monthly meetings are scheduled at the
Urban Office in June. The regular monthly
meetings resume the following month on
Wednesday, July 13 at 5 p.m.
This year the annual Bois Forte picnic for
Twin Cities residents will occur on a Saturday
as part of the back-to school event. Join us
at Wabun Pavillion C at Minnehaha Park on
Saturday, August 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Everyone
Deserves a
Home
The American Indian
Community Development
Corporation (AICDC) has
started an American Indian
Homeless Hotline to provide
community members with
information on current
homeless shelters and other
services. The Hotline will
be staffed during normal
business hours and there will also be hours to meet with staff
in person. Use the Homeless Hotline and complete a survey to
help AICDC and its partners look at what services would best
serve the community.
If you are homeless or know someone that is please call
612.719.3859.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Elders
A Minute with Millie
The sunrise is beautiful as I look out my window. I go to the kitchen to get
my morning coffee and look out at the cedar tree. I laugh to myself when
I remember cousin Alma telling me to drink some cedar tea. I remember I
had a bit of a whine in my voice, “Where am I going to find a cedar tree?”
whilst thinking I was going to have to go out in the woods somewhere and I
didn’t feel like going anywhere, cept back to bed. “Ohh, Millie. Look in your
backyard.” Heh heh!
I go back to the front room and sit by the window. The sun is getting a bit
brighter and I feel a bit less sleepy as the peace and quiet outside finds it’s way
into my heart. I think about the dream I had. Then a song comes on the radio
and I’m flooded with memories of my childhood. I let them flow. Another song…
Millie Holmes
Happy June
Birthdays, Elders!
Lu Ann Drift
6-1
Mavis Drift
6-2
Jeneal Goggleye
Beverly May Frizzle
Rose Hedlund
6-5
6-12
6-12
Mike Kornezos
6-12
Peggy Connor
6-13
When we lived in Mandan, my sister took us down to Fort Lincoln. We rode the train with the
kids. On the way back, Nolan pipes up with a bit of happiness in his voice, “There’s a cedar tree.”
“Where?” His head turns back when I miss it. “How do you know it was a cedar tree?” “Gene
told us.” Ha!
Eileen Barney
6-16
I shake my head, decide to commence the day’s activities. Too much memories of my chagrin at
missing the sometimes obvious facts of life. My garden calls.
Jennie Woodenfrog
Maurice Champagne
6-16
Dorothea Kletschka
6-16
Gary Strong
Linda LeGarde Grover speaks at
Library of Congress
Jonathan Connor
Bois Forte Band member Linda LeGarde Grover was one of three
authors who participated in “Spotlight on Native Writers” at the
Library of Congress in Washington D.C. on May 10. Other acclaimed
Indian writers at the event were Louise Erdrich, Stephen Graham Jones,
Eric Gansworth, and Deborah Miranda. The Library of Congress is
the largest library in the world with more than 162 million items in
various languages, disciplines and formats.
William Whiteman
Her short story collection The Dance Boots examines an Ojibwe
community trying to balance traditional ways with modern challenges.
It was honored with the Flannery O’Connor Award for short fiction,
and with the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, whose previous winners
include Toni Morrison, Anne Tyler, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Ann
Patchett.
Dr. Grover has also published a collection of poetry titled The.Indian.
At.Indian.School and is a columnist for the Duluth News Tribune
Budgeteer and Bois Forte News.
Besides being honored for her writing, Dr. Grover has also been
lauded for her skill in the classroom. In 2012, she received UMD’s
Albert Tezla Teacher/Scholar Award, an annual prize that recognizes
“an exceptional and effective teaching style” which emphasizes the
importance of research.
JUNE 2016
6-18
Cindie Renee Broshears
Peter Boney
Dr. Grover, who teaches at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, won
the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers & Storytellers 2015 Fiction
Award for her novel The Road Back to Sweetgrass which follows the
lives of three Indian women from the 1970s to the present.
6-18
Bernard O ‘Leary
6-20
6-21
6-21
6-24
Mary Plesha
6-26
Katy Laitenin
6-27
6-27
RTC interested in
purchasing deer
hides
Do you have tanned deer hides that you want to
sell? The Bois Forte RTC is seeking deer hides
suitable for making funeral moccasins. The
hides, which will be stored at the Bois Forte
Heritage Museum, will be made available for
sale to families.
If you have any tanned deer hides you are
willing to sell, please call Andy Datko at 218757-3261.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Youth & Education
Boys & Girls Clubs plan for a
summer of fun
Girls and Boys in Nett Lake and Vermilion – be sure and check out all
the fun planned at your local Boys & Girls Clubs (B&GC). In Nett Lake,
the Club summer hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Some of the great activities planned include fishing, a Twins baseball game,
camping trips and a great new opportunity to learn traditional drumming.
Vermilion students to
celebrate good school year
The Vermilion Local Indian Education Committee
has a great year-end party planned for students to
celebrate their hard work this school year and the
arrival of summer.
Curt Goodsky, Chaz Wagner and Shane Drift will be leading drumming
lessons on the former Orr School drum, recently gifted to the B&GC by Mr.
Baker, the current Band instructor at North Woods. Call Janaan Isham or
Jessi Lambert for more information 218-757-3128.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 15.
The party begins at 3 p.m. at the
Vermilion Social Center.
Young people in Vermilion are encouraged to come to the Club from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Staff will actually be in the office working at 8 a.m. if your parents
want to drop you off early on their way to work. For those that don’t have
a ride, the van will begin pickups at 9:30 a.m. with return rides at 3:30 p.m.
The social runs from 3 – 4 p.m. to be followed by dinner
and awards from 5 – 6 p.m. The energy level ramps up
even higher from 6 – 8 p.m. when DJ Marcus Knifechief
gets the music and dancing rolling.
The Powwow Club will continue to meet at the Boys & Girls Club through
the summer with drum lessons available for boys by instructors Ryan Bajan
and Jordan Gawboy.
For more information, call the Vermilion Social Center
at 1-800-223-4170.
Mary Anderson and Emily Jankila have been planning with the 1854 Treaty
Authority staff on water activities that include island tours with traditional
cultural teaching, swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating safety. According
to Mary Anderson, “The goal of the kayaking, boating and swimming
activities is to help prepare the kids for fall ricing. We want the Club members
to learn how to harvest and process wild rice that we can give to our Elders.”
For more information, call Emily or Mary at 218-753-8934.
Logo Design Contest
You could help promote Lake Vermilion and win $500 cash! Enter the Lake
Vermilion Trail Logo Design Contest, and you might make your mark on one
of the area’s most anticipated new attractions.The proposed Lake Vermilion
Trail will be a paved scenic route for year-round, non-motorized travel. The
trail will offer wonderful opportunities for biking, hiking, running, walking,
or just enjoying the beautiful natural landscape.
To enter the logo design contest, download and complete the entry form at
www.nwfamn.org. Designs must be two dimensional, on 8.5 by 11 inch
paper, and able to be reproduced for trail promotional information and
directional signing. The logo should include the name Lake Vermilion Trail.
Logo designs must be original work created by the individual or individuals
submitting the entry. All entries must be submitted on or before 4 pm June
15, 2016 by mail or in person to:
Northwoods Friends of the Arts
P.O. Box 44
210 S. River Street
Cook, MN 55723
The first place winner of the logo design contest will win a $500 cash prize
donated by the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Government. Runners-up will
receive gift certificates from local businesses.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Here is the second in a series of reasons you may want to
quit smoking.
7 Great Reasons to Quit Smoking
Right NOW!
1. I’ll Have More Money In My Pocket
a. Smoking is expensive. A pack a day habit costs close to $1,000 a year.
b. I could spend that money on going out with friends or new clothes.
c. If I save that money, within a few years I’d have enough money for a car or even a down payment on a house.
2. I’ll Look and Feel Healthier
a. When I quit, my teeth will be whiter.
b. I won’t have to worry about smoker’s breath or my clothes smelling like an ashtray.
c. Plus, I won’t get premature wrinkles if I quit now.
3. I’ll be Free From Nicotine Addiction
a. My life will no longer be ruled by getting cigarettes and finding places where I can smoke.
b. I won’t have to deal with the constant cravings. I’ll be in control, not my addiction.
4. I’ll Have More Energy
a. Within a few days, I’ll start to breathe easier and I’ll have more energy.
b. Sports, dancing and other physical activities will be more fun when my lungs are healthier/
c. Food will start to smell and taste better too.
10th Annual
JosH Rutar
Memorial Golf Tournament
Proceeds Benefit the “JosH Rutar Scholarship Fund”
Vermilion River Greens - Buyck, MN
June 18, 2016 Shotgun start: 10:00am
Format: 4 Person Scramble - 18 Holes
Entry: $220.00 Per Team (includes side bets)
TOURNAMENT PRIZES:
1st - $900; 2nd - $600; 3rd - $400; Consolation - $200
DRAWINGS FOR DOOR PRIZES
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR:
Longest Putt, Closest to the line, Closest to the Pin and Skins Game
Rules: Limit of 22 Teams, USGA Handicap 40+.
Rules Available at Golf Course
Pre-registration appreciated: Vermilion River Greens at 218-993-2246.
Carts are limited so please call early to reserve one.
Tournament t-shirts for sale the day of event.
5. I Won’t Hurt Others with My Secondhand Smoke
a. I know my smoking affects the health of my family, friends and even strangers.
b. I don’t want to be doing something that hurts other people.
6. My Future Will Be Healthier
a. I might feel OK now, but in the long run smoking can do serious damage to my health.
b. Quitting will lower my risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and cancer.
7. I Can Do It!
a. Pick a quitting day and stick to it.
b. Ask friends and family for support.
c. When cravings hit, chew gum, drink water, take a walk around the block – anything to take your mind off wanting a cigarette. Strong cravings usually pass within a few minutes.
d. Talk with a health care provider about different quitting methods.
e. Consider a quit-smoking class.
f. Remember, there is no one right way to quit. You may quit the first time you try or it may take several tries to stop
for good. The key to quitting is to stay motivated and keep trying. Soon you will be smoke-free.
Saying no to smoking is one of the
best things you can do to protect
your health and life!
JUNE 2016
COMING THIS FALL!
Vermilion Early Head StartChild Care Program
• Enhances and supports early learning and provides comprehensive and continuous services.
• High-quality, full-day, full-year child care for low-income working families for infants & toddlers.
• Supports the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences and prepares them for the transition into our Vermilion Head Start program.
Please call 218-757-3265 for a pre-enrollment form.
We will be hiring 4 Early Head Start teachers this spring.
Upon hiring we will provide Child Development Associate
certificate training. Full-time, full-benefits.
Any questions?
Please contact Christine Lundemo at
218-757-3265.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Culture
Netting Clinic
See story on page 11.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Vermilion Netting Clinic more
popular than ever
In early May, 52 students attended the fifth annual netting clinic on Lake
Vermilion – nearly twice as many as last year.
The event, which was hosted in conjunction with the 1854 Treaty Authority,
drew students from Nett Lake School, Northeast Range School, and
Vermilion Country School.
“It is growing every year,” said Terry Strong, who coordinated the clinic.
The event began with a spiritual blessing at the lakeshore by Vern Adams.
Then, after instruction in watercraft safety, the students watched a
demonstration that covered netting regulations and proper handling of fish.
Students were then divided into three groups for instruction in net setting
and fish cleaning.
“We really enjoy this event,” said Sonny Myers, executive director of the
1854 Treaty Authority. “The sky’s the limit on the programing we can
provide for youth when coordinating with Bois Forte. We plan to do more.”
The event ended with box lunches from Fortune Bay Resort Casino, a fish
fry prepared by Ray and Victoria Toutloff, and prize drawings.
“It was a great day,” said Jaime Brennan, program coordinator of the Ely
Folk School, an organization that offers interactive learning experiences to
celebrate the wilderness, art, culture and crafts of northern Minnesota. “The
sun was shining, and the kids experienced a part of their culture and got their
hands on throughout the day.”
Red Laker Susan Bagwajikwe Hallett
will be in Nett Lake at the Government
and Cultural Services center on Monday,
June 20 from 5-7 p.m. for a KBFT radio
sponsored cultural event on quilt making.
“The four students from our school have all netted before and know how to
do it,” said Karin Schmidt, a board member and reading specialist for the
Vermilion Country School. “But they wanted to come and participate, and
they enjoy listening to the stories that are shared.”
Mii gwetch to everyone who helped make the netting clinic a success
including Terry Strong; Elder Vern Adams; Ray and Victoria Toutloff;
Vermilion Community Center staff Peter ‘Chief’ Boney, Geraldine Deegan,
“Woody” O’Leary, Kevin Strong, Chris Johnson, Marne Kaeske, Sonny
Myers, Clay Rumph, and Leo Vidal of the 1854 Treaty Authority.
1854 Treaty Authority to host birch program
Paper birch (Wiigwaasi-matig) is a biologically and culturally significant species to the geography in Northeast Minnesota. To learn about the current threats
to paper birch in area forests and gain a new respect for this tree join the 1854 Treaty Authority on June 2 for a free educational program.
Anishinaabe artist and Fond du Lac Cultural Center and Museum Director Jeff Savage will describe when and how to harvest paper birch and its cultural
importance. Savage will also share some of his birch bark artwork. Professional Silviculturalist Ryan Siebold will also be on hand to discuss the management
and current threats to paper birch in the area.
The event is being held at 1854 Treaty Authority Duluth Office and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required and space is limited.
To register visit www.1854treatyauthority.org.
JUNE 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Highway 217 resurfacing
project begins June 1 in
Koochiching County
Highway 217 between
Littlefork and Highway
53 will close Wednesday,
June 1 as a resurfacing
project gets underway. The
highway will remain closed
until about September 1,
2016 when the project is
expected to be completed.
Motorists will be detoured
on Highways 71, 11, 332
and 53. The completed
project will improve safety and mobility.
For more information about this project please visit: http://www.dot.state.
mn.us/d1/projects/Hwy-217-Resurfacing/index.html.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Bois Forte Development Corp.
APPLY ONLINE FOR BFDC JOBS
The Bois Forte Development Corp is now accepting employment
applications online. Individuals who would like to work for Fortune
Bay Resort Casino, WELY, Tim Hortons, and the Y Store can now apply
for all current positions directly through the website fortunebay.
com or the Facebook page. Hiring for the Nett Lake store is not part
of this online application process. If you have trouble using either
site, contact Fortune Bay’s Recruiter Jenna Lehti at 218-753-7723 or
[email protected].
JUNE 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Community News & Announcements
Clifford Sam
Clifford, or “Jon”, as he
was known to most, 63
of Virginia, passed away
on May 2, 2016 at St.
Michael’s Health and
Rehabilitation Center in
Virginia.
Clifford Sam
He on was born on
November 11, 1952 in
Soudan, the son of David and Emma (Boshey)
Sam. He worked as a pulp cutter for loggers in the
area, and was an interpreter at the Heritage Center
at Ironworld (now Discovery Center) in Chisholm.
Clifford served in the United States Army. He was
a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
He lived in Minneapolis for a time, where his two
children, Dana and Patrick were born. Earlier he
traveled the United States and wanted to write a
book on his travel adventures. Clifford loved
visiting with family and friends, was an avid reader,
and was a kind and caring person. Attending powwows were a favorite of his. Clifford had a great
appreciation of the outdoors and liked music of all
genres.
Clifford is survived by one son, Patrick (Britt)
Engrav of Mpls; one daughter, Dana (Scott Reid)
Engrav-Reid of Irvine, CA,; one brother, Roger
(Kathleen) Sam of Soudan; one sister, Katherine
“Katy” Laitinen of Cook; four grandchildren,
Alexander and Brooke Reid and Brayden and
Xavier Engrav; the mother of his children, Mary
Jo Engrav of Irvine, CA; special longtime friend,
Gareth Andrews of Zim; along with numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, and other special
extended family members.
He is preceded in death by two brothers, David
Sam Jr. and Wilson C. Sam; and two sisters, Alice
Sam and Marion Sam.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at 11:00
AM Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Mlaker Funeral
Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour
prior to the service. Rev Jeff Schirle will be the
officiant. A reception in Clifford’s honor will be
in the social hall in St. Mary’s Catholic Church
in Cook. To sign the online guest book or to
leave a condolence for the family go to: www.
mlakerfuneralhome.com
Positive update on moose population
The Minnesota DNR Arrowhead Annual Moose Survey numbers are in and contain some good
news. The population estimate came in at 4,020 animals, a slight bump from the 2015 estimate
of 3,450.
While one estimate is probably less telling than trends over time, and there has been a large decline
since 2006, population estimates have been fairly stable, at around 4,000 animals since 2012. Two
other bits of encouraging news from survey administrators is spotting better calf numbers this
winter than in recent years, and moose were consistently observed in the Pagami Creek burn area.
This occurred both on survey plots and while flying over it to reach other survey blocks. Add in
the Ham and Cavity burns and the end result is a large area of moose range that has been reset
to younger forage. While that alone might not turn the tide and lead to a large increase in moose
numbers, creation of such large food patches are certainly beneficial and we are seeing moose
respond in all three burns.
Palmquist Demolition Landfill
temporarily closed
The demolition landfill by Palmquist is temporarily closed while Environmental Services gets the
area cleaned up and organized. The Bois Forte Band partners with the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) on permits for sites like this, and recommendations made during the EPA’s recent
visit dovetail with RTG Environmental Services plans for the area. When the demolition landfill
reopens, it will be more organized, serve the community better, and reduce health risks – for
example, from mosquitoes that breed in standing water retained by tires at the site.
Dumping at the landfill while it’s closed is illegal. If you need to dispose of demolition material
or salvage something for a project, or if you see someone dumping at the site, please call
Environmental Services at 218-757-3261.
REMINDING EVERYONE TO
“LOCK IT OR LOSE IT!”
One of the keys to protecting property and vehicles is in your hands. Keep
yourself from becoming an easy target by removing all valuables from your vehicle
and take the time to properly secure your vehicle and/or park in well-lit areas.
Remember: Lock It or Lose It! Police are asking the public to report all mischief
or theft incidents to the police. At minimal, if police recover stolen property, then
officers can ensure property is returned to the rightful owner.
Crime Stoppers always has cash rewards of up to $2000.00 to pay you for
information that helps solve this or any other unsolved crime.
Our guarantee:
“Contact with Crime Stoppers is totally anonymous, safe, and secure.”
Find us at tipshelp.com or call us at 800-222-8477
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JUNE 2016
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Ellie Sherman will be
5 years old on June 3rd.
Happy
Birthday,
Ellie!
Love,
Dexter, Mom, Dad,
Grandmas Pam, Karen, Jane,
Effie, Papa Mark and family
Ojibwe Language App
coming soon
There’s an app for that…or at least there will be soon, because the Bois
Forte Band is working on the creation of a new Ojibwe language app.
The app will be available free for download from the web to anyone
with a smart phone or tablet device. And to ensure the app reaches
as many area young people as possible, the Bois Forte RTC has
approved the purchase of 109 tablet devices that will be preloaded
with the app and will be made available through the Local Indian
Education Committees and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Vermilion and
Nett Lake. The project was funded by a grant from the Minnesota
Indian Affairs Council.
Bois Forte Band members are encouraged to participate in the use of the
language app. Community meetings are being organized to demonstrate
how the app works and to promote the use of this valuable new tool
for teaching Ojibwe with the Bois Forte dialect. Those meetings are
tentatively scheduled for June 21 at Nett Lake, and June 22 at Vermilion.
Look for information about upcoming community meetings about the
app on the website and in the Bois Forte News.
Vermilion Boys & Girls Club artists (left to right):
Latise Strong, Keith Boshey, Emily Jankila, guest
volunteer Sara Simenson, Isaiah Stone, Toni
Tharaldson and Hayden Klassy take advantage of
the beautiful May weather to enjoy an art class
outside the their club.
JUNE 2016
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • June 2016
Bois Forte regularly sends out important
information in the mail. 1854 Treaty Info.,
community meeting notices and RTC
announcements 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:
Angie King
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 News.
Name:
Address:
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
___________________________________
BOIS FORTE NEWS
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is published monthly by
the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The BFN encourages
submission of articles, 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 June
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
July issue:
June 13
Submit material to:
Bois Forte News
1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507
Lilydale, MN 55118
651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 fax
[email protected]
Tribal Council
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Karlene Chosa
District I Representative
Brandon Benner
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
June 2016