October - Bois Forte

INSIDE
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TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
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Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - October 2015
VOL. 38 NO. 9
www.boisforte.com
Tim Brown and sons win crowd’s
hearts at Indian Horse Relay
More than 400 years ago, horse relay races became
one of the first sports in what is now America,
especially among tribes across the plains. That
tradition lives on in events like the Indian Horse
Relay Inter-Tribal Championship & Indian Market
held August 27-29 at Canterbury Park.
“I got involved riding Indian Relays for the first
time back in ‘88-‘91 when I was going to college
at Idaho State University,” Brown explained.
“Your team is set up in front of the grandstand,
and the rider must change horses and continue the
race. It’s very exciting and a bit dangerous.”
The event, which was hosted by the Shakopee
Mdewakanton Sioux Community, consisted of six
races over three days. Riders raced bareback around
the track, exchanging horses at top speeds in front
of the grandstand. Each race team included the
rider, three horses, and a crew of three teammates.
Brown – who is the grandson of Steven Brown
and great-grandson of Hattie Boney on one side
of the family and Elva Isham on the other – lives
in Canyon, Minnesota, northwest of Duluth, where
he has 80 acres of pastures and hay fields for his
horses. He calls his 50-mile endurance bareback
races a “hobby” and said that conditioning his
body for those races is what toughened him up and
allowed him to wear a traditional breechcloth for
the Canterbury race, while the other riders wore
shorts to protect their skin.
Most of the riders who competed were from other
states in the tradition of western Tribal Nations.
Represented this year were the Crow, ShoshoneBannock, Blackfoot, Turtle Mtn. Chippewa and
several Sioux bands, but there was one Minnesota
rider: Bois Forte Band member Tim Brown.
Tim Brown takes off on a fresh horse as his son Nolan,
the team “mugger” holds the horse he caught as Tim
jumped off. On the right is younger son, Chandler
who was the team “set-up man”, responsible for
positioning the fresh horse at the proper angle for the
rider to jump on and take off.
moccasins, and something traditional on your head.
My sister, Amy Mattera, beaded me a traditional
breechcloth. I have an old style round porcupine
roach and brain tanned moccasins. I wasn’t sure it
was a good idea to wear only these items and have
bare legs, but my family supported the traditional
aspect and really encouraged me to go that way,”
“Required dress for the races are a breechcloth and he said.
(cont. on page 2)
Tribes meet with Governor on substance abuse, invasive species
enforcement. Tribes cannot prosecute nontribal
members who commit crimes on reservations. That
is why a man who was caught selling drugs in Red
Lake was handed over to the U.S. Attorney’s office
for prosecution. Unfortunately, the U.S. Attorney’s
office let the suspect out for nine months while it
built its case against him, and within two days he
Substance abuse
was back at Red Lake. The tribes told Governor
Dayton they want to set up a meeting with the U.S.
The main topic of discussion was the soaring rate of Attorney’s office about this issue so that when a
opioid abuse. These drugs are often overprescribed – suspect is apprehended, he is kept off the reservation.
for example, a patient receives more than enough pain
pills after a dental procedure. That means opioids are The discussion of treatment options for opioid abuse
too often available in people’s homes, where they can emphasized the biochemical nature of addiction,
be taken by other family members or visitors.
including differences in risk among various ethnic
groups. Unfortunately, Native Americans are almost
The problem of overprescribing is compounded uniformly ignored in studies on substance abuse. To
by a lack of sufficient treatment options and law help solve this problem, the governor asked for lists
On August 25, Bois Forte Chairman Kevin
Leecy led a meeting with the state’s 11 tribes and
Governor Mark Dayton. The meeting, which took
place at Dayton’s home, focused on ways tribes
and the state can combat two large-scale threats:
substance abuse, and invasive species.
Bois Forte leaders Kevin Leecy and Dave Morrison sit
across from Governor Mark Dayton, who was hosting
at his home, a meeting of tribal leaders and state
agency commissioners.
of tribes’ licensed social workers so the Univeristy of
Minnesota can work with them to recruit particpants
for studies to improve research on treatments for
healing addictions.
(cont. on page 3)
BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • OCTOBER 2015
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Tribal, National & State News
Native woman
running for state
legislature
Peggy Flanagan, a White
Earth Band member, is
running for Minnesota’s
House of Representatives.
She does not have an
opponent in the race to
represent Golden Valley, a
suburb of Minneapolis.
Flanagan is currently the
executive director of the
nonprofit Children’s Defense
Fund-Minnesota. She has also worked for the
liberal advocacy group Wellstone Action, served
on the Minneapolis Board of Education, and cochaired the coalition that led the effort to raise
the state’s minimum wage.
Peggy Flanagan
Flanagan traces her activism to her childhood in
a low-income home headed by a hard-working
single mother. She said her mother’s advice –
“Don’t you settle, don’t you quit, and don’t you
stop” – buoyed her during the minimum wage
fight.
“For me, it’s really important that I bring my
identity and who I am,” Flanagan said. “I hope
that having an additional person of color [in the
Minnesota House], as a native woman, helps
change the conversation and dynamics. I think
we do better as a state when we have leaders
who reflect the folks who live here.”
Hope for Life Day to raise awareness in
Indian Country about suicide prevention
September 10 was designated as Hope for Life Day to raise awareness in Indian Country about suicide
prevention during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the federal government,
suicide strikes Native youth especially hard: the suicide rate among American Indians ages 15 to 34 is
more than two times the national average.
“Suicide wounds every person, family and community it touches,” said Assistant Secretary – Indian
Affairs Kevin K. Washburn. “Hope for Life Day will bring greater awareness of this issue in Indian
Country, and provide information about suicide prevention to help save lives.”
Washburn added that going forward, Hope for Life Day will be held annually on September 10 in
conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day. For more information on suicide prevention, visit
suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The organization’s hotline 1-800-273-TALK is open 24/7.
(Tim Brown cont. from page 1)
And the race was truly a family affair for
Brown, whose teammates were his sons.
“The team is essential because you have
to stop and switch horses twice. Every
team member has a crucial job, from the
mugger, who catches the still running horse
you jump off of, to the set-up man who has
the difficult job of holding a race horse still
enough for you to jump on at a run, and at
the right angle for a fast jump. These are
thoroughbred racehorses, they are hard to
hold, they just want to run,” Brown said.
“Indian relays are a blast, very exciting
to watch, and I wanted to get my boys Competitors begin to set up their teams and horses on the track.
together for this team, I trust them, and it
has been too long since we were all together. It’s good to get family together– not just gathering to visit,
but working together to achieve a goal.”
The name they call the team is the Brown Bois,
because they represent Bois Forte, and their
family, it includes 29-year-old artist Derek,
who sold some of his paintings during the
event’s Indian Market; 27-year-old Nolan, who
studies at Idaho State University and plans to
attend law school; 22-year-old Chandler, and
Tim Brown 51, who rode this year.
CORRECTION
Geraldine and Gene Hanks
were incorrectly identified
as Boshey in the September
story on the Voices of the
Grandmothers Conference.
The Brown Bois team pours on the speed.
We apologize for the error.
To see the races, visit youtube.com and search for Canterbury Park 2015 Indian Relay Race.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Brown’s team quickly became the spectators’
favorite. “The crowd really got behind us,” he
said. “I appreciated the fans cheering for us
when I came across the finish line. They seemed
to appreciate that we dressed traditional, and
were the only team from Minnesota.”
OCTOBER 2015
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
RTC News
Heroin use up across U.S.
According to a recently released federal report,
heroin use has dramatically increased across the
U.S. spreading to groups it hadn’t previously
reached. The report also states that deaths from
overdose are on the rise as well. Rates of abuse
doubled among women and went up 50 percent
among men between 2002 and 2013, with deaths
nearly quadrupling during this same time.
According to the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) report, heroin use in the United States
is spreading to groups in society that it had not
touched before. The report states that heroin
addiction does not discriminate: usage increases
occurred in both men and women, in most age
groups, across ethinicities and all income levels.
The CDC attributes much of the increase to users
who started abusing prescription painkillers and
then moved on to heroin. Heroin is a cheaper and
more easily available alternative to prescription
drugs for people who become addicted to them
and provides the same chemical effect on the
brain. Heroin costs roughly 5 times less than
prescription opiates on the street and cheaper,
purer heroin is coming into the United States
making it easier to overdose.
Bois Forte is not immune to this increase in
heroin usage which is why the Reservation
Tribal Council recently revised the Tribe’s
substance abuse policy. The amended policy
created tougher penalties for making, using or
distributing methamphetamine, heroin and other
opiates, and mandatory minimum sentences for
bringing drugs within 3,000 feet of schools,
parks and public housing. To read more about the
Tribe’s revised policy read the complete article
that was printed in the July/August issue of Bois
Forte News at boisforte.com under the archived
newspapers.
RTC acts on ethics
violation charge
In a public meeting in Nett Lake on September 10,
the Bois Forte Tribal Council found that District
I Representative, Karlene Chosa, violated the
Code of Ethics on twenty five occasions.
The
violations
involved
unauthorized
expenditures on a Band-issued credit card and
failure to follow the Band’s procurement policy
over a twelve month period.
Based on the violations, the RTC voted to
recommend that the Band’s resident eligible
voters begin the removal process under Article X
of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Constitution.
Under MCT law, if a sufficient petition is filed
with the RTC, it must hold a public hearing and
decide whether the Representative should be
removed from office.
We need your help in locating these Band members
If you know any of the individuals listed below, please have them call the Enrollment Office at 218-757-3261, ext. 162. If you know that someone on this
list is deceased, please send documentation of death (memorial card, obituary, death certificate, etc.) to: Bois Forte Enrollment Office, 5344 Lakeshore
Drive, Nett Lake, MN, 55772.
ANDERSON, THOMAS JAY
BOSHEY JR., EUGENE ALFRED
BROWN, PATRICIA LYNN
CHAMBERS-RAMOS, AJA
CHOSA, KYLE LEE
CONE, KODA LEE
DAY, ANDREW FRANK
DEFOE, DANIELLE ELIZABETH
DORSHER, GARRETT ALLEN
FOREMAN, LORI
FRIZZLE, BEVERLY MAE
GLASS (BUNKER), CARLOS ALONZO
GOGGLEYE, MURIEL ANN
GOODSKY, JAXAN
HILL, RACHEL
JENKINS, VANESSA ANN
JOHNSON, JOSHUA JAMES
JOHNSON JR, JAMES DORAN
KANGAS, AARON WADE
LEGARDE, JAMES LAURENCE
(Meeting with Governor cont. from page 1)
LYONS, ALVIN JOHN
MANVILLE, PAULINE
MCKENZIE, VALARIE EMMA ROSE
NEVITT, DIANE VAUGHN
PASCUAL, ANDREW CURRAN
SANDERS, DIANE
SANTA, JEREMIAH DWAIN
SHELDON, ANN BRITTANY
SPIRES, ADAM LANE
STRONG, ALLISON ROSE
invasive species – education, decontamination
and enforcement – have had some success, but
that they need to be stepped up. Bois Forte Band
Secretary-Treasurer David Morrison Sr. asked if
more education could be done specifically on the
proper ways to catch and release.
The governor was not aware that tribes have meet
to address the specific issue of babies born addicted
to opioids. He was very supportive of these efforts
and directed his health staff to set up working
groups that will coordinate with tribes. Tribes
stressed that they want to see more culturally based Because Lake Vermilion is a major walleye fishery
approaches to treatment for pregnant women, and – millions of eggs are raised for fingerlings that
stock other lakes around the state – the DNR is
for everyone else in Indian Country.
especially concerned about spiny waterfleas. Leecy
and the DNR discussed the possibility of creating
Invasive species
a pilot program to set up mandatory inspections
The Governor thanked the Mille Lac’s Band for these tiny crustaceans.
for their decision not to net this year. Then the
discussion moved to the growing problem of All agreed that education and the prevention of the
invasive species in lakes and rivers. The group spread is essential, but the number of new types
discussed how the primary defenses against of invasive species continues to grow, and research
OCTOBER 2015
STRONG, KAYLAN ANNA DIONNE
STRONG, KEVIN JAMES
THOMPSON, DOROTHY GESHICK
TOLRUD, THOMAS JOHN
VILLEBRUN, LEIGH ANN
VIVIER, ALEX
WEIHE, SAIJEN DAY
must be ramped up on irradicating problems that
are transported into the area.
The group heard from DNR Commissioner Tom
Landwehr about research that the University of
Minnesota is conducting to proactively fight zebra
mussels and Asian carp. The researchers have
already found a way to combat purple loosestrife
with beetles, and to thwart sea lampreys that were
killing Lake Superior trout.
As a side note to the discussions about protecting
natural resources, Leecy commended the governor
for the state’s decision to refrain from collaring
moose, since the collars were leading to moose
deaths.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Nett Lake
KBFT drawing media attention
Alcoholics Anonymous
& Narcotics Anonymous
Meetings
Native Report, the popular WDSE Channel 8
magazine style television series that celebrates
Native American Elders, culture, heritage and
contemporary news, was in Nett Lake in late August
to record a story on Bois Forte’s Community Radio
station KBFT.
The story, which will air next spring as part of
Native Report’s twelfth season, will include
interviews with KBFT General Manager George
Strong, Morning Show host Marty Connors,
Culture Programming Coordinator Josef Siebert
and loyal listener Bev Steel.
Meetings are held Thursdays
at 6 p.m. in the Nett Lake
Baptist Church Kitchen
(Above) Native Report Director Michael Legarde and
Business North, a regional magazine covering cameraman Ted Pullman prepare for an interview
with Morning Show host Marty Connors.
business in the northland, published an interview
Everyone
is welcome
with KBFT radio manager George Strong and
Elder Mary Bell Isham and wrote about how
Bois Forte uses the radio station to promote their
culture. Text of the full story is available in the
July 2015 magazine found on the the Business
North website: businessnorth.com.
(Right) Beverly “Mitz” Steel works with Nikki Irving in
the Accounting Office at the Government Center while
Native Report cameraman Ted Pullman videotapes.
Like many Nett Lake residents, Mitz listens to KBFT
radio while at work.
Nett Lake
Convenience Store
October Specials
Stop into the Nett Lake Store this
month and try one of our new
slushies!
12oz. - $1.59 and 20oz. - $1.89
Also try one of our new deli items:
Oreo Churro’s - $2.99
White Cheddar Cheese Curds - $2.39
Italian Chicken Wrap - $5.89
All prices are before tax.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Representative Karlene Chose introduces Ruby Boshey as one of
the Elder language teachers who spoke at the Historical Trauma and
Cultural Sensitivity Training Conferences held in Nett Lake on August
27. District I Representative Karlene Chose (also pictured) heard Cass
Lake–Bena School District Superintendent Rochelle Johnson speak
at the summer Tribal–State Employee training and invited Johnson
to return and present at a community conference on The Effects of
Poverty & Historical Trauma in Our Schools & Community.
Over 60 community members, including educators, health care
professionals and law enforcement attended the day-long conference
held at the Government and Community Services Center.
OCTOBER 2015
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Vermilion
Martha Anderson named
Heritage Museum’s Visitor
Services Manager
Band member Martha Anderson
may be new to the staff of the Bois
Forte Heritage Museum, but she’s
spent a decade helping care for its
collection.
Martha Anderson invites everyone to
come and enjoy the beautiful autumn
colors on the Heritage Center and
Cultural Museum grounds. The
exhibits and crafts in the gift shop will
make your visit worthwhile.
Anderson, who grew up in Virginia,
Minnesota and later Minneapolis,
moved back to the area in the
late 1990s. In 2005, she began
volunteering at the museums,
where she learned how to make the
specialized storage mounts needed
for the often-delicate objects. Later,
she added Elder trips and other
activities to her list of volunteer
activities at the museum.
Now, as the museum’s new Visitor
Services Manager, Anderson is caring for those who come to enjoy the
collection. Besides meeting and greeting guests, she also oversees the
gift shop inventory, does some administrative work, gives tours to new
Fortune Bay employees, and accompanies Elders on pontoon trips.
“I love working with the public, sharing our stories and history with
them,” she said, adding that the August 8 craft fair showcasing Band
members artists was a great success.
Anderson also loves the opportunity to gain more knowledge about
traditional ways, which she learned from her grandmother Martha
Wahwegon, her brothers Harry and Harold Lightfeather, through
Powwows, and from the American Indian Movement (AIM).
“Admission to the Bois Forte Heritage Center is always free for Band
members,” Anderson said, “so stop in to see us!”
In Progress comes to Vermilion
3
For over ten years, Bois Forte’s Nett
Lake youth have had the opportunity
to participate in workshops with In
Progress, a non-profit art program
located in St. Paul. The youth develop
their skills as digital storytellers
through the use of photography,
video, music and other forms of
digital media. This year, thanks to
the sponsorship of KBFT Radio,
the In Progress program was made Kiana Sargent shoots with a teleavailable to youth living in Vermilion. photo lens.
Hayden Moyer strikes a meditative pose on the
community dock.
The program in Vermilion
was a mini-three day
workshop, but George was
pleased with the results and
hopes to repeat it again next
year for a longer period
in Vermilion, perhaps in
partnership with one of
the Tribal Government
departments
such
as
Human Services.
Cecilia Martinez (center) instructs Ana LaFave
and Davonte Boshey-Zapata on editing.
The youth didn’t shy away from
tough topics they struggle with in their
community. Foster care, child and
substance abuse as well as teen boredom
where the themes of some of the pieces
created for airplay on KBFT radio. The
kids were bold and creative in how they
tell a story as evident in the rap song on
child abuse written and produced by
Davonte Boshey-Zapata and Ana LaFave.
Join us at a morning
to honor our Veterans
Tuesday, November 10
8:30 a.m.
Government and Community Services Center
Nett Lake
OCTOBER 2015
KBFT General Manager George Strong
directed some of the
radio stations funding
from the Corporation
for Public Broadcasting
to fund the threeday youth workshop
as part of KBFT’s
Younger Radio Dayz
programming.
Elijah Chavez and Orion Dagen
adjusting the quality of their photos.
Examples of the work of the Vermilion
youth are available on the In Progress
Facebook page. Planners for the State
of the Band are also hoping to feature
the kids work at the annual gathering
on January 28, 2016.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Urban Office
Seeking American Indian
women participants for
U of M research study
Dr. Tiffany Beckman, enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe,
is seeking American Indian women to help with a study about how the brain
responds to food. The study consists of a one-hour screening visit and two
morning study days from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. You will undergo an MRI and be
given a free buffet meal on both study days.
WHO?
• American Indian woman
• 18 – 45 years old
• Smokes one or less cigarette a day
• Right-handed
• BMI (Body Mass Index) between 20 – 24.9 or over 30
• Not on birth control, anxiety, depression or narcotic medication
• Not had any type of surgery to lose weight
• Not pregnant
• Not diabetic
Participate in this study and receive $200 upon completion.
Join us at the
Metro Urban Office Elder Day
Saturday, October 24
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bois Forte Urban Office
1308 East Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Supplies for a cultural activity will be provided
and lunch will be served at noon.
Connect with other Bois Forte Elders in the
Twin Cities at the Urban Office Elder Day.
Please contact study coordinator Juanita Jespinosa to find out more
information, at 612.624.8259 or email [email protected].
Last month’s coverage of the Urban Office
picnic missed thanking Chef Charles Geshick
for the wonderful meal he prepared for the
evening. Charles, who was assisted by his
niece Mari Morris and her friend Austin Lafave,
served Indian tacos along with trays of fresh
fruit and vegetables. Each picnic table also
included bowls of corn chips and homemade
guacamole and salsa. If you are looking to hire
a caterer for an upcoming celebration or event,
Charles can be reached at 612-616-4122.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Elders
Anishinaabe creativity
My sister Gail and I, and my husband Tim who was kind enough to drive us, got
up early on August 8th to travel from Onigamiising, where we live, to the Heritage
Center, where the First Annual Bois Forte Craft Fair was held. We stopped at a gas
station in Virginia for coffee; it was a pretty day and we enjoyed the scenery on the
way north.
Happy October Birthdays,
Elders!
Gaynard Strong
10-1
Mary Chee10-2
Roger Toutloff
10-2
There was a tent set up for the craft fair outside of the museum building, which kept
the sun out of our eyes but let a nice breeze in. By the time we had set up our table,
there were plenty of people looking around. Gail and I had brought books, aprons,
baby-size ballet-style shoes, and a new kind of baby bib that she had just decided
to try: these are reversible and have apronlike straps in back of the arms to keep
them in place.
Helen Wykstra
10-8
William Isham
10-10
Loretta Knutson
10-11
Terrie Morrison
10-14
Everybody seemed to have a lot of fun: the people who came especially for the craft fair, visitors to the
Heritage Center who saw the tent and stopped outside, and the other vendors (I think that the table that
was making frybread did a good business that day!).
Gordon Adams Jr.
10-15
There was so much that was lovely and interesting creative work at the craft fair. I think that the roots
of Anishinaabe creativity, which surely has been around as long as the Anishinaabe, are the traditional
teachings about the spiritual and tangible, teachings about how to live good lives, and about using the
gifts that the Creator provides with gratitude, respect and enjoyment.
Lillian Boshey(Lac la Croix) 10-22
This could be seen at all the vendors’ tables: in the preparation of food, in the clothing, jewelry and
crafts made (or brokered; I admire the individualized charms for bracelets and necklaces that two young
ladies were selling) by the vendors; even in the setup of the tables and displays. As we drank coffee
and ate snacks, talked with the visitors and each other, and took regular breaks to go inside the Heritage
Center to see the displays and look in the gift shop, that Anishinaabe tradition was certainly present.
Elizabeth Hackey Fletcher 10-26
Dr. Linda Grover
Rita Vidal10-13
William Day10-16
Dennis Kenny10-20
Chester Graue
10-23
Michael Mihelich
10-23
Rick Anderson
10-25
Gail and I, and some of our other sisters, too, are looking forward to next year’s craft fair. We will invite
Tim to drive us, and sweeten the deal with the promise of buying him some frybread.
A Minute with Millie
Greetings, one and all.
July and August passed in
something of a daze. I have
finally taken some time to
sit, enjoying my morning
ritual, coffee and watching
the sunrise. Contemplating
Millie Holmes
events of importance to
me has given me a deeper
appreciation for the gifts I’ve been given.
Family, friends, neighbors. Snippets of
conversation linger in my memory, ideas many
have given me, flashes of laughter, bouts of
emotions best expressed to my Creator.
The leaves are changing, kids are in school,
cars with canoes on the roof are being driven
by ricers hurrying to the lake. Anxious eyes
checking the sky, looking at the tops of the trees
to gauge how windy it is. Is the sky clear and
OCTOBER 2015
bright with morning sun? Is that a cloud over
yonder on the horizon?
I finish my coffee, get up and make another pot,
ready to start on the next round of my daily
activities. Wait for a phone call from my son to
see if we’re going out on the lake or not. He
works an odd shift so I daren’t call him til about
9:30 or so.
I head to my computer, the windmill out by the
mailbox squeaks and I glance out. There’s a
small hummingbird checking the flowers on the
porch railing. Thought they’d gone wherever
they go in the winter. I smile. My sister’s out
checking her car for something. Wonder what’s
happening and so I head out to see. Ahh, the sun
is warm on my face. It’s going to be a good day.
Because nicknames
e
e
are so popular in
Thnam
Indian
Country – and
k me
c
i
especially
at Bois
N Ga
Forte – we have come up
with a list of some Band members
and their nicknames.
The only thing is, you have to match up the
people with their nicknames.
(Answers are on page number 11.)
We’d love to keep the game going, so send
in the nicknames of people you know and
love, including those who have passed.
Ike
George
Sis
Buzz
Diggy
Chickadee
Tootsie
Ginty
Billy Boy
Big Muck
Marie Villebrun
Carol Tenant
Josephine Bewean
Merle Leecy
Fred Isham Jr.
Billy Day Jr.
Allan Conner
Lenord Thompson Sr.
Ray Drift Jr.
Ronald LaRoque Sr.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Culture
mii gwech manomin
This fall’s Mii Gwech Manomin Powwow featured many poignant healing ceremonies
for people who are ill or struggling. There were also unplanned moments that evoked
strong emotions. Elizabeth “Miz” Whiteman, an Elder in her ‘80s who grew up in Nett
Lake but hasn’t been back in a while, asked to share something with the crowd. She sang
a song she had composed – what she called a Native American national anthem – written
in Bois Forte’s traditional language.
Traditional games were also part of the Powwow. Dan Ninham led an exhibition of
women’s double ball, a game that was regularly played nearly a century ago. Similar to
lacrosse – also a game of native peoples – double ball involves using a long stick to pick
up and throw a leather strap with a weighted bag, or ball, on either end. Points are scored
when the strap successfully lands atop a wicket with the balls balanced on either side.
Janet and Myra Thomas led a group in the dish game, which was originally played with plum pits used as game
pieces. Each piece has one undecorated side and one with markings. Players take turns putting the game pieces into
a bowl or dish, then toss the pieces into the air. Points are awarded based on which sides of the game pieces are
facing up.
And for those interested in a more modern completion, there was the Bois Forte Annual “Couch Potato” 5K walk/
run. The free community event is a collaboration among many Bois Forte Tribal Government departments and
programs to encourage fitness and active lifestyles.
The entire event was made possible in large part by volunteers, who did everything from prepare feasts to
monitor the ceremonial fire that burned all weekend. Especially important to the event’s success were emcees
George Strong, Leon Chosa and Teá Rivera; arena director Lance Kingbird; spiritual advisors Dan Geshick
and Gene Goodsky; host and cohost drums Berens Traditional and Drift Traditional; and organizing committee
members Don Chosa, Karlene Chosa, Curt Goodsky, Linda Tibbetts-Barto, Muriel Deegan and Jacque Wilson.
Photos courtesy of Paul Pluskwik of Virginia, MN
BOIS FORTE NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Summer & Fall 2015 Images
Last month’s issue ran several photos of Band members enjoying
summer. A few readers asked to see more images of the
beautiful summer they enjoyed.
To honor their wish, we are providing some additional summer scenes,
along with new photos taken during the September Ricing Season.
OCTOBER 2015
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Youth & Education
UMD forming Tribal Sovereignty Institute Update from the
The University of Minnesota Duluth, in partnership “Some of our faculty are already engaged in
Superintendent
with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the research partnerships, but having the Tribal
state’s 11 tribes, has announced it will establish
a new Tribal Sovereignty Institute. Its goal: to
promote the understanding of tribal sovereignty
through education and research.
UMD already has a track record in this area,
providing training to more than 1,000 state
employees about the history of native peoples, the
unique status of tribes, and ways to work with tribal
governments. Governor Mark Dayton has been a
supporter of the effort; two years ago he issued
an executive order affirming the government-togovernment status of tribal-state relations.
“We intend to devote a great deal of time and
effort into making the Institute a fully-staffed,
fully-functioning partnership with Indian tribes,”
said Bois Forte Band member Tadd Johnson, the
director of Graduate Studies in UMD’s American
Indian Studies department.
Sovereignty Institute will facilitate more research
that serves the needs of native nations,” said Jill
Doerfler, department head of American Indian
Studies. “We take our responsibility toward tribes
seriously.”
Johnson emphasized that tribes will mandate the
new institute’s direction. “Their ideas drive the
research that we do. With the institute, we can
actually sit down and dialog with Indian people
and find out what we can do together.”
Bois Forte Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy, who also
chairs the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council
said, “I’ve often said that Sovereignty is like a
muscle, if we don’t use it, we lose strength and
eventually it can go away. I’m excited that the new
institute will expand the number of people with a
solid understanding of tribal sovereignty through
education and research. That’s essential for the
future of Indian Country.”
The Summer Youth workers wrapped up their program with a customized week
of life skills led by Education Technician Leanne Hoffman. The youth went grocery
shopping to learn about healthy food selection and budgeting, and received some
tutoring on personal finances.
The week ended with a day-long opportunity to visit with employees of the various
Band-owned businesses to learn about career opportunities. CFO Jennifer Pontinen
met with the youth in the Administration conference room to give an overview of the
Bois Forte Development Corporation before they headed over to The Wilderness
to hear about employment opportunities at the resort golf course. In these photos,
Jenna Lehti from Fortune Bay explains the work of Resort Sales and the Marketing
Department. Connor Barrett, Food and Beverage Director, met with the youth in the
Sunset Steakhouse, to talk about opportunities in food and beverage at Fortune Bay.
Today was the first day
of school for the 20152016 school year. And,
what a great day it was!
Even Mother Nature
contributed to the day
by providing very
comfortable
sunny
weather around 70
degrees. I met many of
the students as they got
Superintendent and
Principal Steve Thomas off the bus or walked in
from the village. Such
excitement! All smiles
and enthusiasm. That’s why we teachers and
administrators love what we do.
We also invited all parents and guardians to
visit the school. We had an Open House which
was attended by over 35 adults. The sausage,
scrambled eggs, bacon, and other dishes were
excellent and helped start the day off. Then
everyone was invited to visit the teachers in their
classrooms, and say goodbye to their young
ones one last time. “Excitement was in the air.”
Everyone is tested this first week of school to
determine their “proficiencies” and to help us in
making our plans for working with the students.
Every classroom will have a paraprofessional or
aide to work with the students and the teachers.
As children show they are ready to move to
the next level of instruction, we work them
at that new level, sometimes in small groups,
sometimes one-on-one.
We begin a new reading curriculum this year and
the teachers have spent many days this summer
preparing for it. Students will be coming home
frequently with information on how much fun
it is and how much better they will be able to
read and to write. We’re excited about this new
program and expect it will increase student
abilities even more this year. I am also expecting
the results will show in higher MCA test scores
next spring. Scores won’t double like they did
this last spring, which was fantastic, but we’re
looking forward to great results.
Our After School Academic Support program
begins in two weeks, Monday, September 21.
This will also help with student proficiencies.
(cont. on page 11)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Fall means more school buses
As the weather turns cooler
and our children head back
to school. Bois Forte News
would like to remind its
readers of the school bus
safety laws to keep all of our
children safe this school year.
Story courtesy of State Point Media
• All drivers MUST stop when
the red lights are flashing and
the stop arm is extended, this
means that children are getting on or off the bus. Stop at least 20 feet from
the bus and remain stopped until lights are turned off.
• Drivers may NOT pass a school bus from behind on EITHER side when the
flashing red lights are on and the stop arm is extended.
• When a school bus is stopped and the red lights are flashing and the stop
arm is extended, stay stopped in your original lane, before any turn is made
onto the street where the bus is stopped, until the lights are turned off and the
arm is withdrawn.
The majority of children injured or killed in pupil transportation are not injured
or killed on the bus, but OUTSIDE the bus. Most are struck by motorists who
fail to stop for the flashing red lights and stop arm. If you fail to stop for a
school bus with the red lights flashing and extended stop arm it is chargeable
as a gross misdemeanor punishable by a $3,000 fine and/or one year in jail.
Help keep all students safe this school year - obey the school bus safety laws.
We’ll be concentrating on Math this year, though we will for sure be working
on literacy as well. It will begin right after school is over and last for about
an hour, Monday through Thursday. Parents, look for more information from
your youngsters.
Academics is a large part of what we’re here for, but it’s not everything!
This fall we’ve also begun a football team for our fifth and sixth graders. The
coach is also our basketball coach, School Board Chairman Brandon Benner.
We look forward to equally great successes from our athletes.
We would love to have you stop by the school, parents and community
members alike. I am pleased to take you for a tour, if you haven’t been
inside the building for a while. And, I am always interested in talking with
you and getting your perspective on Nett Lake education. Don’t forget, it’s
your school. Stop in or call anytime about anything.
OCTOBER 2015
Answers to game from page 7.
Chickadee – Marie Villebrun
Sis – Carol Tenant
Tootsie – Josephine Bewean
Ike – Merle Leecy
Ginty – Fred Isham Jr.
Billy Boy – Billy Day Jr.
The next generation of smartphone users is getting a head start on device
destruction. Children are breaking more smartphones, tablets and laptops
than ever before, say experts. Their tech-forward parents have so far shelled
out more than $11 billion to repair or replace such devices, according to a
recent report from SquareTrade, a protection plan for mobile devices and
other consumer electronics.
“Teaching tech etiquette alongside the ABCs and 123s is a smart idea for
sanity at home. And for the 89 percent of households whose kids have
damaged devices, it makes great financial sense,” says Jessica Hoffman,
vice president of global communications for SquareTrade. “Kids as young as
toddlers are getting significant doses of screen time and, as a result, accident
rates are climbing.”
The report also found that 70 percent of elementary school kids own tablets
and a whopping 55 percent of accidents happen from children accidentally
dropping their devices. Not surprisingly, 20 percent of kids blame someone
or something else for the mishap.
“Kids and technology are as popular a pairing these days as peanut butter
and jelly,” says Hoffman. “As smartphones, tablets and laptops replace dolls
and toy cars as children’s most prized possessions, we recommend that
parents do their homework on how best to deal with at-home tech habits, or
risk having their child on the device dishonor roll.”
SquareTrade suggests the following five golden rules to keep in mind before
letting kids use electronic devices:
(Steve Thomas cont. from page 10)
The e
m
Nicknmae
Ga
Five Golden Rules for kids
using tech devices
Buzz – Allan Conner
Big Muck – Lenord
Thompson Sr.
Diggy – Ray Drift Jr.
George – Ronald LaRoque Sr.
1. Don’t pack devices into overstuffed, heavy backpacks without proper
protective gear. Tablets cannot handle the wear and tear that a book can
absorb.
2. On rainy days or when you will be around water, use a zip lock bag for
your smartphone or tablet.
3. No eating or drinking while using devices. Sticky liquids are the most
dangerous.
4. Limit screen time in the car. Siblings fighting can lead to devices flying
out of windows.
5. No matter what precautions you take, accidents can still happen. Invest
in a protection plan that covers the clumsy drops, juice spills and backpack
crushes of daily life.
Repairing a broken device can often cost as much as buying a new one. A
good protection plan can cost just a few dollars a month and can buy priceless
peace of mind for parents worried about everyday accidents and other “uhohs.” So even if your child breaks a device, there’s no need to stress: you’re
covered. For information on protection plans, visit www.squaretrade.com.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tweak habits at home, school and on-the-go to
prevent technology breakage.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Each year, more than 10 million people in this
country are the victims of domestic violence. And
the problem is much worse in Indian Country,
where native women are two and a half times
more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other
group.
• display extreme jealousy or insecurity?
• have an explosive temper?
• isolate you from family and friends?
• undergo mood swings?
• make false accusations against you?
• act possessive of you?
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
defines domestic violence as “willful intimidation,
physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or
other abusive behavior as part of a systematic
pattern of power and control perpetrated by one
intimate partner against another.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing
domestic violence, get help. Bois Forte Victim
Services has trained professionals who can assist
with:
• Safety planning
• Orders for protection
• Restraining orders
• Legal advocacy
• Emergency shelter
• Emotional support
• 1-on-1 or group counseling
• Referrals to additional support
Besides physical and sexual abuse, domestic
violence can include psychological and emotional
abuse. Here are some warning signs of an unhealthy
relationship:
Does your partner…
• constantly put you down?
• check your phone, text or email messages
without your permission?
The Shocking Statistics
• 1 out of every 3 women will be a victim of domestic violence during her life.
Don’t wait. Each minute, approximately 20 people
in America experience domestic violence. Get
help now.
• 3 out of every 5 native women will be victims of domestic violence.
• Domestic violence doesn’t just happen to women – 1 out of every 4 men will
be a victim in his lifetime.
• Domestic violence accounts for 15%
of all violent crime in the U.S.
• Sexual assaults against native women are most often committed by nonIndian men.
The entire Bois Forte Health and Human
Services team has come together – literally!
– to pledge their support to end abuse. The
purple ribbon symbolizes the fight against
domestic violence, and the blue ribbon stands
for efforts to combat sexual assault.
How to Get Help
• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The confidential hotline is
staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women also staffs a 24-hour hotline: 866-223-1111.
• Call Bois Forte Victim Services at 218-757-3295 or
800-223-1041.
• Call Victim Services Supervisor Panda Whiteman
directly on her cell phone 218-248-0067.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Bois Forte Development Corp.
AEOA Adult Education
Offered every Tuesday from Sept. 15 - Dec. 29
10 a.m. — noon & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Bois Forte RTC – Wolf Room
GED preparation· • College prep • Basic skills brush-up ·
Career assessment • Basic computer skills
All classes are offered at no cost to students.
For more information contact Melissa at 218-750-2606
New Moon Housing
Applications Now Being Accepted
The New Moon Housing community has openings and continues to
accept applications. To download a copy of the application long onto
the DW Jones website. The link is http://dwjonesmanagement.com/
cities/tower.htm. You can also download an application from the Bois
Forte site, www.boisforte.com.
The New Moon program is designed to provide permanent,
supportive and affordable housing to families experiencing
homelessness. Income restrictions do apply.
Boys & Girls Club of the Northland Employment Opportunities
Full- and part-time Youth Development Staff jobs available in Vermilion and Nett Lake
This position is responsible for leading programming for youth ages 6-18 and serving as role models to a diverse population. Individual must be
energetic, motivated and enjoy working with youth. High School diploma required. Experience or training in coaching sports teams, teaching,
visual arts or performing arts is helpful. Hourly wage, vacation and 401K Benefits. EEOC. Apply online at: bgcnorth.org.
OCTOBER 2015
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
Community News & Events
Mary M. Strong
Mary M. Strong
Mary M. Strong, “Waubcomegook” – meaning “the
first fall of snow”, 73, Lake
Vermilion, died Sunday,
Aug. 30, 2015, at Essentia
Health in Duluth. She was
also known to many as
Margaret or “Muggs.” Mary
was of the Bear Clan and
member of the Bois Forte
Band of Chippewa.
Mary was born in Nett Lake on October 11, 1941 and
lived most of her life on the Nett Lake-Vermilion
Reservations, residing in Duluth for a time. Earlier
she worked for Reserve Mining where she was their
first female heavy equipment operator. She then
made her career working 21 years for MNDOT
(Minnesota Department of Transportation),
stationed in Hibbing, Virginia, and retiring in Cook,
where she was the 1st “snowplowing grandma” for
the State of Minnesota. Her strong work ethic was
known to all.
Mary was successful as one of the first vendors
at the Land of the Loon Festival in Virginia
and Blueberry Arts Festival in Ely. Her threegeneration family business, Vermilion Native
Crafts, thrived because of her beautiful beadwork.
She made sure the knowledge and skill of
beadwork were passed on to her grandchildren.
Her commitment to leading found her serving on
the Elder’s Committee, Conservation Committee,
the Lake Vermilion Pow Wow Committee,
State Minority Focus Board, and the Bois Forte
Reservation Business Committee. Mary was also
the Home School Coordinator where she was a
strong advocate for education and equal treatment
of Native American children. Mary also was well
known on the Pow Wow Trail. She was a jingle
dress dancer, maker and designer, and part of the
Pow Wow Golden Girls who traveled across the
country to attend many pow wows. She was one
of the last Strongsville women.
Mary was not afraid to tell it like it was, and she
would not back down to anyone. Though she was
known for her “tough as nails” character, she also
has a good sense of humor and had the wonderful
ability to make everyone smile and laugh. She lived
for wild ricing. Her family fondly recalls her strong
presence at ricing time -a “rice-hog” passion.
She and her brother, Minge, were legendary
top wild rice pickers. She also loved gardening,
taking cruises and blueberry picking. Her family
BOIS FORTE NEWS
and friends will always remember her blueberry
pies and pancakes. Mary will be sadly missed by
all who came to know her.
She is preceded in death by a son, Carl James
Dagen on February 8, 2009; 3 brothers, Gerald
Chicag Sr., Faron Chicag and Ken Strong Sr.; 1
sister, Sara Kochie; and her brother-in-law, Robert
Boshey.
Mary is survived by her children; Denise Pieratos
of Lake Vermilion, Carrie Strong of Lake
Vermilion, Cheryl Milbridge of Roseau, Tracey
Dagen of Lake Vermilion, Kevin Strong of Lake
Vermilion and Kelly Strong of Duluth; 3 siblings,
Phyllis Boshey, Gaynard Strong and Rodney
(Lisa) Strong; 19 Grandchildren, 18 Great
Grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews
and many friends.
SERVICES: Tribal Rites will be at 10:00 AM
Thursday, Sept. 3rd, at the Vermilion Reservation
Wellness Center-Tower. The Wake will be after
5:00 PM Wednesday at the Wellness Center.
Gilbert Smith will be the spiritual leader, assisted
by Gene Goodsky. Honorary bearers will be:
Jim Merhar, Bobby Joe “Archie” Deegan, Robert
“JR” Moyer, Dale Boshey Sr., Neil Strong and
Jayson Strong. Interment will be in the Vermilion
Cemetery. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral
Home in Cook. To sign the online guest book, or
to send a condolence to the family, go to: www.
mlakerfuneralhome.com.
1854 Treaty Authority
2015 Trapping Seasons
Species: Open Dates: Limit
Coyote: Open all year: No limit
Red Fox, Raccoon:
Oct 17, 2015 – March 15, 2016: No limit
Snowshoe, Cottontail:
Sept. 19, 2015 – Feb. 29, 2016: No Limit
Fox, Gray Squirrel:
Sept. 19, 2015 – Feb. 29, 2016: No Limit
Badger, Opossum:
Oct. 17, 2015 - March 15, 2016: No Limit
Gray Fox: Oct. 17, 2015 - March 15, 2016:
No Limit
Mink, Muskrat:
Oct. 24, 2015 - Feb. 29, 2016: No Limit
Beaver: Oct. 24, 2015 - May 15, 2016:
No Limit
River Otter: Oct. 24, 2015 - Jan. 3, 2016: 10
Fisher: Nov. 7 - Dec. 6, 2015: 10
Pine Marten: Nov. 7 - Dec. 6, 2015: 30
Bobcat: Nov. 28, 2015 - Jan. 3, 2016: 10
(includes hunting)
Wolf: No open season
Lynx: No open season*
*If you take a lynx incidentally, you must notify a
conservation office prior to removal from the trap.
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 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
OCTOBER 2015
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
October Bulletin Board
Wild Rice Stuffing
Ingredients
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice
• 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking
spray. Add celery, onion, wild rice, and garlic to pan; sauté 3
minutes. Stir in broth and sage; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat,
and simmer 25 minutes. Stir in brown rice, and bring to a boil. Cover,
reduce heat, and cook for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in cherries
and remaining ingredients.
Indian Elder Desk networks to
provide wider access to service
Indian Elders face unique challenges. According to the U.S. Census,
approximately 36 percent of American Indian Elders live in poverty. This is
the highest rate among all minority or non-minority elders.
Long-term care is one of the major issues faced by Indian Elders. Since
Indian Elders are members of a sovereign nation, their health care system is
independent. In Minnesota, there is only one tribally-operated extended-care
facility.
Limited financial resources coupled with limited awareness of resources
mean American Indian Elders face strong barriers to much needed services.
Minnesota Board on Aging has an Indian Elder Desk that serves American
Indian elders on the state’s 11 reservations and in the urban communities.
The Indian Elder Desk focuses on:
• Building awareness of and improved accessibility to services for American Indian Elders.
• Training and educating American Indian Elders and their communities about aging programs. The Indian Elder Desk tries to weave a web of support for Indian Elders using a variety of resources, including
national, tribal, state and regional.
• Providing information about available Indian and non-Indian resources for the aging, including the “American Indian Elder - Community
Resource Guide.”
Happy 9th
Birthday,
Aki!
With love from
AAA & Grampie
OCTOBER 2015
• Partnering with American Indian communities in Minnesota developing “Wisdom Steps”, a preventive health program for American Indian Elders. This program encourages elders to take simple steps to improve their health.It focuses
on health screenings, health education and healthy living activities and develops model projects in each area.
- “Medicine Talk” addresses better
communication between Elders and health professionals and encourages the review of traditional,
prescription and over-the-counter medicine usage.
- “Medicare in American Indian Community” provides education about Medicare and seeks to identify Medicare eligible elders and assist
them with applications and enrollment in programs.
- “We Walk Many Together” promotes participation in walking and
exercise programs.
Interested in learning more about Indian Elder Desk? Call the Minnesota
Board on Aging at 1-800-882-6262. TDD/TTY users please call 1-800-6273529 and ask for the phone number listed above.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • October 2015
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 save the date for the
2016
State of
the Band
January 28
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
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 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
November issue:
OCTOBER 9
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
OCTOBER 2015