April - Bois Forte Reservation

B O I S F O R T E N E W S P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake , MN 55772 • bfnews@boisforte-nsn .gov • Visit us! www.boisforte.com A P R I L 2 0 0 9

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NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - APRIL 2009 VOL. 25 NO. 3 www.boisforte.com

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGE PAIDMPLS, MN

PERMIT NO. 4656

New Urban Office opens, offering resources,convenience and connectionsA hard-hitting blizzard didn’t keepapproximately 135 people from checking outBois Forte’s new Urban Office in MinneapolisFeb. 26.

Located on 1404 East Franklin Avenue, thespace includes a gathering room, offices,restrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a socialhall. The open house provided the opportunity toupdate contact information, receive tribal IDs,network, collect important information, accessvaluable resources and socialize over acomplimentary lunch.

The Urban Office is about convenience andconnection, said its coordinator, Jacque Wilson.“Part of the reason for an urban office,” she toldguests at the open house, “is to build that linkstronger and re-establish some relationships andteach our children.”

Wilson outlined some of the services Bandmembers will enjoy at the Urban Office.

For instance, plans are underwayfor a 10-passenger van to transporturban Band members to Vermilionand Nett Lake for health servicesand special events, including maplesugar camp and rice harvesting.Once a month, for the next threemonths, members of the Tribal IDstaff will come down to the officeto make their services available,producing tribal IDs. The UrbanOffice will host monthly meetingsfor Band members, along withperiodic educational sessions, like anexplanation of the Treaty of 1854.

Elders will receive special services, includingregular gatherings for the Elders if they chose.Occassional transportation to Elders meetings inNett Lake and Vermillion will be offered.Eventually we hope to have a satellite toparticipate in the meetings from the Minneapolisoffice.

“There are a lot of things in the works,”Executive Director Barb Brodeen said at theopen house, “and I’m just really proud wefinally got an office in the Twin Cities. Our goalis to provide more services here, and hopefullyget some connection going between Bandmembers up north and down here. It’s a learningprocess, but we’ll get there.” (cont. on page 4)

After extensive research over the past year and ahalf, the Bois Forte Band has completed a studyshowing that a bio-oil production facility onreservation land would create significant jobsand economic benefits for the Nett Lakecommunity.

The study was a cooperative effort involving theBois Forte Development Corporation, the BoisForte Natural Resources Department, theUniversity of Minnesota-Duluth, and a St. Paulfirm that specializes in engineering, architecture,planning and science.

What is bio-oil?

Bio-oil is a renewable, organic liquid fuel. It ismade by heating biomass (plant material such asforestry residue or agricultural waste) at veryhigh temperatures in an oxygen-freeenvironment. This process, called pyrolysis,produces combustible gas that condenses intobio-oil. A by-product call char is also created:a solid material that can be used as a stand-alonefuel, mixed back in with the bio-oil, or used as asoil enhancement for agriculture.

Bio-oil is considered carbon neutral, meaning itdoes not emit carbon dioxide into theatmosphere. (Carbon dioxide is one of the so-called “greenhouse gases” generated by burningfossil fuels such as coal.) (cont. on page 18)

Feasibility Study Confirms Big PotentialBenefits of Bio-Oil Production

Guests at the Urban Office open house received a warmwelcome as they stepped in from the snow blizzard.

A mobile wood chipper converts woodresidue into biomass that can be heated

to create bio-oil.

61035 Wilke Communications:BoisForte News 3/27/09 2:23 PM Page 1

President Obama signed into law on Feb. 17,2009 the “American Recovery and ReinvestmentAct of 2009” (ARRA). The President said the$787 billion legislation, which includes $507billion in spending programs and $282 billion intax relief, will save or create 3.6 million jobsnationwide.

Indian country will be eligible for $4.2 billion ofthe new money in the areas of infrastructure,health and education. Through the new lawIndian Country will receive $2 billion in directfunding and $2.2 billion in bonding authority.The $2 billion in bonding authority will be fortax-exempt TEBDs issued by the TreasuryDepartment. Revenue generated by tribesthrough the sale of TEBDs can be used toprovide capital for tribal infrastructure projects,but not for Class II or Class III gaming facilitiesor any off-reservation facility.

In the past, tribes could issue bonds only for“essential governmental function” projects.

State and local governments have long benefitedfrom tax-exempt bonds, allowing forinfrastructure development with the help ofnontaxable interest payments. The TreasuryDepartment will now study the possibility ofallowing tribes permanent use of the bonds. Inaddition to TEBDS, tribes may sell tax creditbonds, renewable energy bonds and schoolconstruction bonds.

Tribal leaders say the greatest long-term impactof the stimulus for tribes will lie in the billionsof dollars in new bonds available for roads,construction, schools, energy projects andInternet access. The new law also wipes outmost of the current IRS restrictions on theability of tribes to issue tax-exempt bonds. Theelimination of those requirements is expected toprovide tribes with far more flexibility to issuebonds for a wider variety of projects.

Page 2 • Bois Forte News • April 2009

National and State News

B O I S F O R T E N E W S A P R I L 2 0 0 9

New stimulus package good for Indian CountryHighlights of the

Stimulus Package forIndian Country

• $2.2 billion in bonding authority. TheTreasury Department will also study thepossibility of allowing tribes permanentuse of the bonds.

• $400 million for tax credit bonds for theconstruction, rehabilitation and repair ofBIA-funded schools.

• Makes permanent key provisions in theIndian Health Care Improvement Act(IHCIA) Amendments of 2008

• Eliminate the cost-sharing imposed onIndian Medicaid beneficiaries, immediatelyallowing more low-income Natives tobypass expensive medical copayments andsee doctors on a regular basis.

• $153 million dollars to strengthen Indianhealth policies and make programs moreaffordable and accessible to NativeAmericans. Such as:

- The elimination of cost-sharing forIndians in Medicaid, which will allowmore Indians to enroll in the program.

- Improving Indian access to Medicaidmanaged care entities by allowing anIndian enrolling in Medicaid and CHIPto select an Indian health care provideras the primary care provider.

- The codification of an advisory panel toinvolve American Indians in decisionsmade by the Department of Health andHuman Services regarding relevantfederal health programs. Establishing aTribal Technical Advisory Group withinthe Centers for Medicare and MedicaidServices that will include arepresentative of a national urbanIndian health organization.

- The protection of Indian property fromresource limitations for purposes ofMedicaid and CHIP enrollment.

Salazar seeks to restore trust at DOIReprinted in condensed form from www.indianz.com

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar identified Indian Country as one of his top priorities as he seeks toreform a department plagued by ethical scandals and corruption.

In his first media roundtable since joining the new administration of President Barack Obama,Salazar vowed to "restore" the federal government's relationship with tribes. He referred to theInterior Department as a "trustee" in his remarks to reporters.

"It has to be a relationship where we can collaborate in dealing with the many issues that deal withIndian Country," the former senator from Colorado said. "There are tough challenges that our NativeAmerican communities face across the country."

Salazar cited education, health care and law enforcement as key concerns for American Indians andAlaska Natives. All three areas were part of Obama's platform, which won praise from hundreds oftribal leaders during the campaign last year.

During the roundtable, Salazar didn't offer too many details on his plans to address these issues.But he said he will use experience as a former attorney general for Colorado to combat "lawlessness"on reservations.

"I intend to use my law enforcement background to work with the kinds of partnerships that will hopefully bring back a sense of law with regard tomuch of Indian Country," said Salazar.

I am committed to ensuring that the Department of the Interior fulfillsthe trust responsibility…I will seek to resolve the unending litigationabout the management of these lands and assets. I would also like to

reiterate my commitment to the settlement of Indian water rights claims.-- Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior


EMTs needed toserve Nett Lake

The Nett Lake Community is in need ofadditional Emergency Medical Technicians(EMT). If you or a loved one has ever hada medical emergency, you know just howimportant EMTs are to our community.

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)and paramedics provide on-the-scene,immediate medical care to patients in

emergency situations such as anautomobile accident or heart attack.

They also transport the sick or injuredto a medical facility.

Bois Forte’s Public Safety Office iscurrently making plans to offer EMT

training for a new class of volunteers onMay 21. More information will be availablein the next issue of the Bois Forte News.If you’re interested in learning more orsigning up for the classes, please contact

Doris Isham at 218-757-3295.

The Nett Lake Community has a greatneed for additional EMTs. Please consider

volunteering for this exciting andrewarding opportunity to serve the

community.

Bois Forte News • April 2009 • Page 3

RTCNews

B O I S F O R T E N E W SA P R I L 2 0 0 9

AAnnnnuuaall RReeppoorrttss AAvvaaiillaabblleeThe 2008 Annual Report to the People has

been mailed to 2,400 Band memberhouseholds. If you didn’t receive your copy,you can pick one up at the RTC Office or callNina or Wicko at the RTC 800-221-8129 or 218

– 757-3261 and they’ll mail one to you.

Several reports were returned because Bandmembers changed their address. Please

remember when you move to a new residence,you need to mail your signed change of addressform to Toni Wakemup at the RTC Office.Change of address forms are available from

Toni or you can download one fromwww.boisforte.com

When the new TCF Bank Stadium opens thisfall on the Minneapolis campus of theUniversity of Minnesota, football fans will beable to brush up on history while cheering onthe Golden Gophers. That’s because thestadium’s largest entrance will be named theMinnesota Tribal Nations Plaza in honor of thestate’s 11 Indian tribes.

The plaza will feature 18-foot tall “skymarkers” – soaring glass structures that willprominently display flags, facts and imagesfrom each tribe, including the Bois Forte Band.“This will be one of the most vibrant and

visible parts of TCF Bank Stadium and willserve as a lasting tribute to the importance ofMinnesota’s Indian people,” said U of MAthletics Director Joel Maturi.

The plaza is being made possible by theShakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community(SMSC), which has given $12.5 million to theUniversity of Minnesota. Ten million dollars ofthat – the largest private gift ever to the U’sathletic programs – will support construction ofthe stadium. The remaining $2.5 million will bematched by the university to create a $5 millionendowment that will offer scholarships to

American Indiansand students in need.

“The endowmentwill provideopportunities formore Indian studentsto seek out a collegeeducation at theuniversity so thatthey can better servetheir tribalcommunities,” saidSMSC ChairmanStanley R. Crooks.

SMSC plans tounveil the newMinnesota TribalNations Plaza onAug. 17, 2009 at anevent for MinnesotaIndians at the newstadium.

Look for moredetails about theevent in summerissues of the BoisForte News.

New University of Minnesota StadiumWill Pay Tribute to TribesRelated scholarships to benefit Indian students

Architect’s drawing of an 18-foot sky marker. Each of the 11 tribes inMinnesota will have its own sky marker.



Urban Office


(Urban Office cont. from page 1)

Brodeen noted that a survey will be sent to allBand members, allowing them to spell out whichservices they would like to see offered. Theirresponses will help Band leaders plan next year’sbudget, she said.

Members of the Urban Office Advisory Boardbriefly spoke at the open house. “I’m going to doeverything I can to help Band members,” FredJordan said. “I think this will be really good forthe Rez.”

The Urban Office will provide an opportunity forlocal Band members to network and secure work.Wilson has invited Band members to bringbusiness cards, resumes and work samples thatvisiting agencies will review.

Band member Behon LaPrairie, a painter andprint maker from Minneapolis, showcased his

work at the open house, joined by his wife, Mary,the president of Wigiiwam Fine Art.

“It’s exciting,” Behon said of the Urban Office.“It’s going to be a great opportunity for membersto get involved with the homeland.”

His appreciation was echoed throughout thebuilding, underscored by a sense of relief.

“Finally!” said Christine Strong, a Band memberwho lives in Richfield.

“It’s about time!” Wanda Geshick-Mondragon, aBand member who has spent her entire lifeMinneapolis.

Arlene Chosa, also from Minneapolis, said she’sgrateful for the personal contact the office willprovide. “People will be able to have contactwith somebody, instead of phone calls andemails.”

Gaakoons Columbus, a 17-year-old Bandmember from Minneapolis, brought her 6-monthdaughter, Dulce, to the open house to enroll herin the Band “so she can go to college and getsome money to help her out, and so she knowswhere she’s from.”

Living just a couple of miles from the officemakes it super convenient, she said. “When wehave questions, we can come here.”

Wilson encouraged local Band members to helpthe Urban Office reach its potential by sharingtheir ideas or joining a network of volunteers.

“Mii gwetch to everyone that was able to make itto the open house,” Wilson said. “We hadmany Bois Forte members as well as manyagencies that came to share their information. Aspecial thank you to our Elders, we are honoredas always to have you here. Chii mii gwetch.”

Bois Forte is sure to benefit from JacqueWilson’s leadership of its new Urban Office. Thehard-working Band member brings a wealth ofexperience and dedication to the job.

Jacque was raised in Nett Lake, the daughter ofJennie and Melvin King. She attended Nett LakeSchool and Orr High School and enjoyed arich family life with many siblings: BarbKing, Kay Davis, Melvin A. King,Lorraine Villebrun, Arlene Morrison, LelaGoodsky and Ann Whitecrow, along withthree deceased brothers, Norman “Skunk”King, Nathaniel “Chan” King and Francis“TaTa” King.

She has four children, Kerin, Dallas,Theodore III and Megan and sixgrandchildren.

Jacque’s experience is wide ranging. Sheran the employment and training programfor the Federal Job Training PartnershipAct and later served at Catholic Charities.For Bois Forte, she’s worked on grantwriting, substance abuse and the CDprogram, trained by Axel Holmes.

She is well versed on Native Americansissues, having worked for the MinnesotaChippewa Tribe and served as a consultant forthe Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and theMinneapolis American Indian Center working on

Indian Child Welfare cases. She worked as aTANF Area Office Director in Los Angeles andlater worked at the Indigenous Peoples TaskForce in Minneapolis.

Much as Jacque enjoyed that job, the chance tocoordinate Bois Forte’s Urban Office excited her.

“Having worked at several positions in the Twin Cities and California, I’ve seen the effectsrelocation has on Natives who live in UrbanAreas. It hit me that I could be involved in

building stronger bridges between the peoplehere and those on the reservation. The UrbanOffice creates a win-win situation,” Jacque said.

“Some native people have always lived in urbanareas, and may not be invested in their homereservation; we hope our members can draw

strength from knowing their home, theirhistory and traditions. The same is true forthe Tribe; it can be stronger if the off-reservation members are invested in whatgoes on back home and the homecommunity is more knowledgeable of oururban concerns and strengths. We are allstronger when everyone’s talents arerecognized, encouraged and given anopportunity to contribute. I think we canstrengthen who we are as a people and oursovereignty when we engage as manypeople as possible.”

Beginning in May, Jacque will write aregular column in the Bois Forte Newschronicling the Urban Office activities.

Jacque welcomes suggestions for the UrbanOffice. She can be reached [email protected] or at 612-871-6618 (office) or 612-747-5247 (cell).

For more photos of the new Urban Office,please see page 5.

Jacque Wilson coordinating Urban Office

Jacque Wilson stands by her new post at the new Twin CitiesUrban Office.




Francis Connor, Darrell Pete Connorand Vernon Donev appreciate theopportunity to meet friends the

Urban Office provides.

A tasty buffet was part ofthe Open House activities.

AdvisoryCommittee memberFred Jordan offerswords of welcome to

the guests.

Angie Whiteman and ToniWakemup assist Gaakoons Columbus on

obtaining her first Tribal ID.

Jacque Wilson is greeted byWhite Earth Urban Office

Coordinator Marcie Hart andFlora White from the Leech

Lake Office.

Dulce Mendezenjoys one of thehealthy treats.

Tribal IDs in April

The Enrollment Office will be at the Urban Office to issueTribal IDs on Thurs. April 23 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. and on

Fri. April 24, from 8:00-11:00 a.m.

To obtain your Tribal ID, an original copy (sorry, no photocopiesaccepted) of one of the following is required: birth certificate,

current state driver’s license, driver’s permit or ID, USpassport, military ID. Call Toni Wakemup at

1-800-221-8129 if you have questions.




Come on in! The door's always open at the Nett Lake Store

Nett Lake C Store Shoppers:Be sure and get your CardSaver and earn a stamp forevery $3 in purchases. Fill

your card with 15 stamps andtake advantage of

discounts and free itemsavailable only to Card Saver

customers.

Nett Lake - Midwinter Powwow




Minnesota’s 11 Tribes are seizing the optimismsparked by the election of President Obama andusing it to deepen their unity.

Duane Columbus, a Bois Forte Band member,regularly receives calls from other Tribes whowant to collaborate on projects, share ideas orhelp with spiritual ceremonies.

“When something pertains to Bois Forte andconnecting with other reservations, people oftencome to me,” Columbus said. “I think it isbecome I’m an Ogichivah, ‘a warrior’ – amilitary veteran.”

This particular request caught his attention. Itcame from Greg Kingbird, from “Obahshiing,”(the northern part of Red Lake) and MichaelDahl of White Earth.

Their request: to create a staff with 11 eagle feathers to be used at a major Powwow in 2009.

Then, in 2010, all the tribal staffs will conveneat a ceremony in White Earth and the staff willthen be delivered to President Obama as asymbol of healing broken treaties betweenIndian Nations and the U.S. government.

Columbus carved the staff out of cedar. Ithas 11 feathers, symbolizing the state’s 11Native Nations, and two tipped feathers,for man and woman. The staff is patriotic,featuring red, white and blue paint. It alsofeatures beads and strips of material thatrepresent the United States.

Columbus and Kingbird brought the staffto the Nett Lake PowwowFeb. 21-22. Columbuspresented tobacco to theElder Veterans who werethere and he invited William“Bill” Light, a WWIIveteran, to carry the specialicon around the circle.

Bois Forte’s RTC will keepthe staff – either until it’s brought to the White Earthgathering next year, or they will take it to WashingtonD.C. and present it toPresident Obama.

Eagle staff created to help heal brokenTreaty wounds

Duane Columbus, who made the Eagle Feather Staff, askedBois Forte Elder and WW II. Veteran Bill Light to carry theStaff and lead the Powwow dancers around the circle.

Greg Kingbird (right) of Red Lake came to thePowwow with Duane Columbus (center) to present the Staff and explain its symbolism to the crowd.

11 Sky Markers representing each of the Indian Tribes in the state willadorn the Minnesota Tribal Government Plaza being built at the newUniversity of Minnesota TCF Football Stadium. The plaza is beingfunded by a donation from the Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

35% increase in revenues in the first year of operation of the newNett Lake Store compared to the old store.

135Band members, guests and local agency representatives attendedthe new Bois Forte Urban Office Open House in Mpls. on February 26.

50-200 dry tons per day of forestry residual biomass is therecommended amount needed to support a commercial scaled bio-oilproduction facility according to the completed Biofuels feasibility study. Visit www.bois forte.com to read the Executive Summary or full report.

$4.2 billion of new money is designated for Indian Countryin the new economic stimulus package signed into law onFebruary 17. Language in the new law calls for Indian Country toreceive $2 billion in direct funding and $2.2 billion in bondingauthority. Most of the money is designated for infrastructure,health and education.

NUMBERS!


The eagle is a sacred and powerful symbol ofNative American spirituality. One of theanticipated benefits of the recently installedeagle’s nest outside of the Bois Forte HeritageCenter will be its use to educate the Bois Fortechildren and the many guests who pass throughthe doors of the Heritage Center about the BoisForte people’s relationship with eagles. Thiseagle’s nest has already provided immeasurablegood will from the collaborative partnershipformed between the Bois Forte Band ofChippewa, the mining industry, and the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service. The story of thiscollaboration began in the summer of 2008.

The ArcelorMittal Minorca Mine Facility inVirginia, MN needed to expand the size of theirdisposal site for the fine tailings produced duringthe mining of crude iron ore. Expanding theMinorca In-Pit Tailings Basin required theconstruction of two perimeter dams and raisingtwo existing dikes to effectivelyraise the overall water level ofthe basin. Unfortunately, theelevated water levels wouldadversely impact a large poplartree in the immediate area,which served as the locationsite for an eagle’s nest.

ArcelorMittal wanted to beproactive in response to theeventual flooding of the eagle’snest area. The companyconsidered several options to minimize thepotential effects to the eagle(s) who might beoccupying the nest. The options included:

1. Passive relocation: Mimics the natural

condition of a lost nestthereby allowing the eagles torelocate to an alternative nestor build a new one.

2. Construct an artificial nest:An artificial nest could beconstructed in a nearby treeor on a pole, tower, orplatform

3. Nest Relocation: Move theexisting nest to a new location

Due to the fact that the habitaton the ArcelorMittal propertywould be significantly disturbed by miningexpansion, the lack of mature trees in the area tosustain the weight of a new eagle’s nest, and thelack of fish in the tailings basin to sustain theeagles, neither option one or two would work.

It was determined to pursue the third option andrelocate the nest.

On Sept. 5, 2008 individuals from the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service and Rose Berens, the

Band’s Historic PreservationOfficer and member of theenvironmental staff at theMinorca Mine, met to discussthe feasibility of relocating theeagle nest to the HeritageCenter.

The Bois Forte Elders andSpiritual Advisors were alsoconsulted prior to the removaland relocation of the nest. All had positive comments for theproject reaffirming the spiritualsacredness of the eagle toNative American culture. After examining the poplar tree

where the nest resided, the surrounding habitat,and the nest itself, everyone agreed relocatingthe nest was the best option. The nest is small insize, 5 x 6 feet. It is classified as a first year

courting nest/roosting site thatthe eagles abandoned oncethey were ready to produceyoung.

Relocation would also providean excellent opportunity to testthe efficacy of nest relocationas a migration tool for the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.Furthermore, the entire nestremoval, transportation, andrelocation process would be

video taped for the future study anddocumentation of nest removal and relocation.

When the day came to relocate the nest, anentire section of the tree holding the nest wastaken. The existing poplar tree was cut four feetbelow the nest and two feet of above it. Whenthe section arrived at Bois Forte, it was attachedto a poplar post, equal in circumference to theoriginal tree, and mounted in the ground outsideof the Bois Forte Heritage Center. The nest islocated 10 feet off the ground to preserve thebottom of the nest. In the spring, a platform willbe constructed to allow visitors a chance to goup and look inside the nest. A plaque will bemounted on the poplar post with photograph ofthe nest’s interior.

As Rose Berens explained, there are multiplebenefits to having the nest relocated to theHeritage Center.


A P R I L 2 0 0 9

Vermilion

B O I S F O R T E N E W S

Relocation Program brings eagle nest to Heritage Center

“The nest will be incorporated into thecenter’s educational programs and tours, itwill be used to teach our children and guestsabout our relationship with eagles, and itcan be further used to teach our culturaltraditions and spirituality.” - Rose Berens




The nest will be incorporated into the center’s educational programs and tours, it will be used toteach our children and guests about our relationship with eagles, and it can be further used toteach our cultural traditions and spirituality.

As noted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlifedocumentation, “This project has created,and will continue to create, a partnershipof mutual understanding and cooperationbetween a representative of the miningindustry and a federally recognizedtribe.

The tangible andintangible benefits derived from

this project are immeasurable. A successfulconsultation process and working relationshiphas been developed and enhanced betweenindustry representatives, Fish and WildlifeService personnel, and the Bois Forte Band ofChippewa.

All of the parties involved have gained unique understanding and perspective into the beliefsand resource needs of the others. This project will serve as a positive example of thepartnerships that can be developed by the mining industry in order to create positive benefitsfor wildlife”

The Bois Forte News will continue to provide updates on this project as it unfolds. Detailsregarding the platform construction and dedication ceremony planned for this summer willalso be reported as these plans develop.

Vermilion Community Center April Schedule

Wed. April 1 VSC – Contract health; all day

Mon. April 6 VWC – Cub Scout meeting; 5:30 p.m.

Wed. April 15 VSC – Contract health; all day

Thurs. April 16 VSC – Indian Legal assistance; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

VSC – Vocational Rehab; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

VSC - New lives; noon – 1:00 p.m.

Mon. April 20 VWC – Cub scout meeting; 5:30 p.m.

Wed. April 29 VSC – Pow wow meeting; 4:00 p.m.




Elders

One o f the b e st th ing s abo ut b e ing an Elde r is e njo ying yo ur g randc h ildre n!

Just ask Dorthea Kletchka, pictured here with four of her nine grandchildren.Alonzo Saros (hugging Grandma), (front row, left to right) Sadie Spears,

Charlize Lightfeather and Isaac Spears.

Happy AprilBirthday, Elders!

Sydney Adams 4-18Caroline Boshey 4-16Gloria Boshey 4-18John Boshey 4-18 Lac la CroixPhylis Boshey 4-07Kay Zika 4-11

2009 EldersCommittee MeetingsThe Elders Meetings are held the 2ndMonday of each month, alternatingbetween Nett Lake and Vermilion. The meetings begin at lunch.

This month the meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13 at the

Nett Lake Community Center.

Bois Forte Culture Committee Members

Don ChosaKaren DriftVivian ProulxCordell ChosaCorinna Lyons

Dorothea KletschkaLinda Tibbetts Barto

Youth Members:Dalene Chosa Ginew Dunkley

Alternates:Virgil Sohm Kelly Dunkley

Elders trip surveys in the mail

The Bois Forte News was off a month when we reportedthat the annual Elders trip surveys were going to be mailedin February. The surveys were actually mailed in March.

As was the case last year, the RTC is mailing a survey toevery Elder providing an opportunity to suggest a destination for their next trip. Thisyear’s survey has a bit of a twist in that it begins with the basic question of do youwant an Elders Trip in 2009?

The RTC wants to provide as many Elders as possible with an opportunity to express their opinion. In addition to indicating if they would like an annual or bi-annual trip, the Elders can use the survey to indicate their top two choices on adestination for the next trip. Destinations for past trips have included: WashingtonDC in 2006; Nashville, Tennessee in 2007; and Branson, Missouri in 2008.

The surveys are due back March 27; the May Bois Forte News will carry a story onthe results of the survey.




Elders & CultureBy J. Kay Davis

I have been asked to write about our Bois ForteBand history and am honored to do so. Many ofyou recall that for some five years I wrotearticles about our history in the Bois ForteNews. Though I will not re-hash what I wrote atthat time, I may cover some of the same history.I invite you to let me know which topics youwould like to read about by emailing me([email protected]) or contacting thepaper. Now on to the article.

Indian Boarding School Policy, the effects fromwhich we continue to suffer, is the topic of mycolumn. Educating Indians came with theBritish settlers. Many of today’s Ivy LeagueUniversities began by focusing on educatingIndians and were financially supported byEngland. However, after the Revolution, whenmany of the instructors were imprisoned, a newcountry emerged as did a new policy.

Until 1850, most educators of Indians werereligious groups, who received compensationfrom the Federal Government. In 1878 theCarlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle,Pennsylvania began, funded by the Department

of Indian Affairs. Carlisle set the model forIndian education for future Bureau of IndianAffairs (BIA) schools. Within 10 years, theUnited States’ landscape was dotted with BIArun Indian Schools, most were located nearby, oron, Indian Reservations.

In these early years, the schools operatedwithout an educational manual. Children wererandomly “rounded-up” and taken away to theschools. Student round-ups did not require thesignatures, or even the approval of the parents ofthe children. Many times the children weresimply loaded on wagons and taken to a placewhere they could be transported to a school faraway. Many parents did not even know wheretheir children were and many were taken acrosscountry, usually by train, not just to the nearestschool. These children were all ages. Some asyoung as 5 years old, ranging up to those in their20’s.

By 1897 a manual was finally written, and itstated that the Indian Agent “should” getapproval of the parents. It was not until 1903that the “should” became “must,” and a manualwas written as to what should be taught at theschools. The education of the Indian became an

expensive goal of the United States, but it wasnot to further the Indian as an Indian. As thehead of Carlisle stated the goal was to teach thechild, and take the Indian out of him. In otherwords; to teach them to be white.

All classes were conducted in English, withstrict timelines for the children to learn. Many ofthe BIA Boarding Schools had a system of“Outings.” These were implemented by placingthe students in white homes while they attendedthe local schools. The government paid a stipendfor the children’s work in these host homes. Thechildren received half of the money, with theschool receiving the other half, which wasplaced in a bank for them. Many youth neverwent to school, but worked full-time for theouting families.

Though many schools were in existence, Carlislebecame the model. By the time it closed in1919, it had been the home for more than 10,000Indian youth, some for as many as 10 to 15years.

Next month, I will write about the VermilionLake Indian Boarding School. Until then…

A Historical Look at Boarding Schools

The Bois Forte Heritage Museum is proud to host

"Anishinaabemoin, Language,Spirituality & Culture Classes"

with Karen Drift

Classes are every Tuesday evening, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Classes alternate between Nett Lake and Vermilion:

Heritage Center in Vermilion -April 7 & 21

Nett Lake Community Center - April 14 & 28

Come and learn the language, cultural and spiritual aspects of the

Anishinabe people.

Free to the public - all ages welcome!Children must be accompanied

by an adult.

Questions? Call Rhonda at Bois ForteHeritage Museum (218) 753-6017.

Ojibwe KinshipKinship is defined as a connection by blood, marriage or adoption; it’s a family relationship. Thisdiagram displays the names of family relationships in Ojibwe. The orthography used is the doublevowel system.

• Double Vowel System: Thesystem of writing Ojibwe andChippewa that doubles the longvowels instead of marking them. Itis also called the Fiero systemnamed after the Minnesotamissionary Charles Fiero whodevised it in the late 1950's. A fulldescription of the system can beseen in A Concise Dictionary ofMinnesota Ojibwe, Nichols andNyholm.

• How to use Ojibwe Kinshipdiagram: Start at Niin, triangle isMale and circle is female. Allnames are in relationship to Niin.Plus (+) and minus (–) signs are used to describe older or younger relationships. Double connectinglines indicate marriage. Lines up or down indicate generational relationships. Three generations upor down it is understood to be great grandparents or great grandchildren marked withIndaanikoobijigan. (cont. on page 12)

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

ImbaabaaNoosNindede

NimaamaaNidoodooInga

InzhishenhNinoshenhInzigosInzhishenhInzinis Inzigozis

NimishoomisNimishoo

InzigosNimishoome

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

Na’aangishNiningwan

Indaanis IngozisIngwizis

Na’aanganikwe

Niitaa Nimise+Nishiime-Indawemaa

Nimisenh+Nishiimenh-Indawemaa

Nisayenh+Nishiimenh

NiinimoshenhNiitaawisNiitaaNiinimNiwiiwIndikwem

Niwiidigemaagan

Niin

NishimisNiningwanisIndoozhimisIndoozhim

Nisayenh+Nishiimenh-NiijikiwenhNiikaanis

Niinim

Inzigos

Nimisenh+Nishiime-Indawemaa

Nisayenh+Nishiime-

Niinimoshenh Niitaawis

Nimishoome

IndaanikoobijiganIndaanikoobijigan


NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

= Man


Elders & Culture


The Ojibwe word for“woman” is ikwe; the wordfor “girl” is kwesens, a smalland precious woman. In theways of our grandparents,which are the ways we try tokeep today, we know that alittle girl is of the sex thatwill carry and bring new lifeinto the world. Because ofthis, women of all ages are

regarded with honor. We are the physical anchorand spiritual link between past, present andfuture.

A teenage Ojibwe ikwe is an oshinikwe a “newwoman”. In the days that I was, myself, anoshinikwe, I was a student at Denfeld HighSchool, the first of the 14 LeGarde children.

In English class I sat behind another Indianstudent, a young man. We had known eachother since elementary school and regarded eachother somewhat like relatives, which is of coursewhat all Anishinaabeg are, in spirit if notliterally.

One day, we watched “The Exiles” adocumentary about American Indians living inPhoenix.

Between 1953 and 1988, the official federalIndian policy was “Termination”, which wasimplemented in various damaging ways. One ofthem, the Federal Relocation Program, movedyoung individuals and their families from homereservations and communities to large urbansettings like Cleveland, Los Angeles, Denver,and Chicago. “The Exiles” was a documentaryabout American Indians who were exiles withintheir own homeland.

The lives of the people in the documentary werefilled with such hardships as unemployment,hunger and alcoholism, a complete disconnectfrom the promises made by the Relocation

Program workers. I heard students in class gasp,sigh, cluck their tongues; one or two snickered.

I perched forward in my chair; ahead of me, theyoung man slid down in order that I might seebetter. We watched silently.

I can’t recall the discussion after the movie,though I know it was brief. One student usedthe word “sexual” to describe a young, pregnantNative woman, our honor and hopes for thefuture rudely exposed and reduced to a clinicalterm. Then it was time to write our individualreactions. Head down, I looked at my paper,one red vertical line and twenty-four bluehorizontal, on white looseleaf with roundedcorners, and began a sentence.

The young man turned around. “What are yougoing to write?” he asked.

I showed him my paper. “Because I am anIndian,” I had begun.

Although he clearly wanted to, he knew that agood Anishinaabe doesn’t tell others what to do.“You don’t have to …. ” was all he said.

While growing up, an oshkinikwe is cared for,protected, perhaps even a little spoiled; this is apart of Ojibwe child rearing. At the same timeshe is being prepared for the time when she willbe an Anishinaabikwe. She observes, listens,thinks; she begins to apply what she is learningto the world outside Indian Country. Sometimesthis takes courage.

I wrote of sorrow and pride, of ambiguities andcolliding worlds. I wrote of the honor it is to beborn an Indian, of my parents’ dreams for uskids.

When we passed our papers forward, the youngman ahead read mine quickly and nodded.

American IndianMonth MayCelebration inMinneapolisPlanning is underway for this year’s AmericanIndian Month Kick Off scheduled for themorning of Friday, May 1. This year’s theme is:The Next 150 – Making Relatives, it reflectsplanner’s belief that renewing a commitment toconnect further with each other is the key to ashared future.

There are three phases to this event, the first ofwhich begins at the Minneapolis City HallRotunda. This will provide an opportunity for amix of Indian and mainstream leaders to brieflyaddress assembled celebrants. The second phaseis our Celebration Walk to the MinneapolisAmerican Indian Center by way of police escort.The third phase culminates with more triballeaders and local politicians speaking at theCenter’s outdoor Amphitheatre, followed by adelicious feast.

“Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy has been asked by

Mayor R.T. Rybak to speak atthe kick-off of AmericanIndian Month festivities.”

A large contingent of American Indian studentswill be in attendance to listen, learn, andcelebrate. Event organizers hope that thesefuture leaders will be increasingly tuned into ourwords. Local news media will record the eventfor later broadcast. Indian artisans will be onhand with quality crafts for participants toconsider acquiring. William Carter, who worksfor the city of Minneapolis and is helping tocoordinate the event says, “All in all, it shouldbe a pretty festive atmosphere. It certainly waslast year.”

Planning is still in the works for this excitingevent. For more details you can contact WilliamCarter at [email protected] oryou can check out the Indian Center’s websitewww.maicnet.org or the City of Minneapoliswebsite www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us.


Bois Forte Exiles

(Kinship cont. from page 11)

• Cultural insights: Parallel lineage; Crosscousin marriage

Thanks to Leonard Geshick for sharing“Ojibwe Kinship”. Leonard created thisKinship Diagram in his senior project, arequirement toward earning a Bachelor ofArts Degree at the University ofMinnesota.

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

ImbaabaaIndedeNoos

NimaamaaNidoodooInga

InzhishenhNinoshenhInzigosInzhishenhInzinis Inzigozis

NimishoomisNimishoo

InzigosNimishoome

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

NoozhishenhNoozis

Na’aangishNiningwan

IndaanisIndaan

IngozisIngwizisIngos

Na’aanganikwe

Nitaa Nimisenh+Nishiime-

Nimisenh+Nishiime-

Nisayenh+Nishiime-Indawemaa

IndaangoshenhNiinimoshenhNiinimIndaangweNinaabemNiin

IndoozhimisIndoozhimNishimisNiningwanis

Nisayenh+Nishiimenh-Indawemaa

Indaangwe

Inzigos

Nimisenh+Nishiimenh-

Nisayenh+NishiimenhIndawemaa

Indaangoshenh Niinimoshenh

Nimishoome



NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

NookomisNookoo

NimishoomisNimishoo

= Women’s

Dr. Linda Grover

= Woman

Niitaa




Bois Forte Elder Carl Gawboy delighted 35Band members who gathered at the VermilionCommunity Center on Feb. 28 for a presentationon American Indian Astronomy titledConstellations, Solstices & Timekeeping.

Carl, who many Band members know as atalented artist whose large mural greets guests ofthe Bois Forte Heritage Center, is also aHistorian and retired Educator.

His research on Indian Astronomy has beenpublished in Lake Superior Magazine and in thebook Talking Rocks, which he co-authored withRon Morton. (See more on Carl’s research in thestory to the right).

The free communityevent was sponsored bythe Bois Forte HeritageCenter and CulturalMuseum, The College ofSt. Scholastica andMesabi RangeCommunity & Technical

College. Both schools are collaborating to bringdistance education learning opportunities forBois Forte and surrounding communitymembers. The schools sponsor classes inVermilion each week for registered students whowant to pursue degrees in Human Services,Chemical Dependency, and Social Work.

According to Cynthia Donner who coordinatesSt. Scholastica’s Social Work Program at BoisForte, “One of the traditions of higher educationinstitutions is to offer free educational

and culturalactivities to thecommunitieswhere they arelocated andserve. Now thatwe are offeringregular classesfor Bois Forte Bandmembers and others in the surroundingcommunities, we hope to provide more qualityevents that honor the Bois Forte Community andthe rich heritage of the area.

As this issue of the Bois Forte News goes topress, the two colleges were again collaboratingto offer another free public gathering at FortuneBay. The March 27 event was scheduled tofeature an afternoon of lectures by Carl Gawboyand Band member Gary Adams on the topic of“Federal Policy and the Impact of HistoricalTrauma on American Indians.”

The lectures are free and open to the public. The topics coincide with a course on AmericanSocial Welfare Policy that students currentlyenrolled in the joint Bois Forte - St ScholasticaCollege – Mesabi Range Community andTechnical College are currently taking.

If you’d like more information on enrolling inthe Human Services, Chemical Dependency, andSocial Work degree programs or on up comingfree community lectures and programs, contactCynthia Donner at (800) 447-5444, ext. 4924 orby email at [email protected].

Gawboy educates and entertains withIndian Astronomy lecture

AnishinaabekConstellationsAuthors such as Michael Wassegijig Price havewritten about Carl Gawboy’s constellationresearch and his theory that cliff paintings foundat Hegman Lake and along Lake Superior areactually star constellations.

According to Carl, knowledge passed down fromhis father and grandfather helped him understandhow several rock paintings can be mapped out inthe star world. “My father, educated in aWisconsin boarding school, was particularlyfond of the classics and loved to comparelegends from the Chippewa tradition with Greekmyths and Bible stories. He showed me howstories of the ancients were illustrated in theconstellations that hung so close to us on clearnorthern nights.”

Here is a sample of one of the constellationstories. The Bois Forte News plans to print morein future issues.

“Mishi bizhiw” or the Great Lynx, is anotherconstellation that emerges in the late winterskies. Because the lynx is known to be asomewhat dangerous animal, this constellation isa reminder that the Northwood’s especiallyduring the transition time between winter andspring, can be dangerous. Thinning ice on thelakes and rivers, hard crust on the snow,flooding, and unpredictable snowstorms arecharacteristic of the Great Lakes region duringthis time. The constellation “Mishi bizhiw”consists of the two constellations of Leo andHydra. The head of Leo makes up the longcurled tail, while the head of Hydra makes upthe head of the Great Lynx.

American Indian astronomy Constellations, Solstices, & Timekeeping

A free Community Event featuring:

Lecture by Carl Gawboy A Bois Forte enrollee, Artist, Historian, and retired Educator Carl has published his research on Indian Astronomy in Lake Superior Magazine and in the book Talking Rocks, which he co-authored with Ron Morton.

Food and social

Stargazing after sunset (weather permitting)

Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:30 pm

Bois Forte Vermilion Social Center 1610 Farm Road South

Sponsored by The College of St. Scholastica Social Work Program;

Mesabi Community College Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum

Email: [email protected] for more information

Carl Gawboy’s visuals and handouts on Indian Astronomy helped the audience follow

the key points of his presentation.




Youth & CultureBy Dalene Chosa

Last September, I signed up at my school toparticipate as a youth member of the Bois ForteCulture Committee. I have attended all of mygrandmother, Karen Drift’s, language classesthat she teaches for Bois Forte. I also have aninterest in my language and culture, and I try toattend every cultural event that occurs on myreservation.

In November I was appointed to the Bois ForteCulture Committee as an alternate youthrepresentative along with GinewDunkley from the Vermilion Sector ofthe Bois Forte reservation. I felt veryhonored to be appointed by our TribalCouncil.

In October 2008, Bois Forte wasawarded a $98,000 grant from the USDepartment of Health’s Administrationfor Native Americans (ANA) to assessand promote our language. Onerequirement of the grant is for membersof Bois Forte to attend a training sessionin Washington D.C. Ginew and I wereoffered the opportunity to attend thetraining as part of our membership onthe Bois Forte Culture Committee.

On Jan. 5, we boarded an airplane at theDuluth Airport and flew to WashingtonD.C. Every morning, Ginew and I wentwith my Dad Donald Chosa, who is theBois Forte Grant Administrator, to attendthe ANA training. We worked until 4:30 p.m.and then did some sightseeing aroundWashington.

I had scheduled a meeting with CongressmanOberstar on Friday morning. However, at thelast minute, he was called to an emergencycaucus meeting to discuss the economic stimulus

package with President-elect Obama. Oberstar’ssecretary told us we could meet with his aide,Jonathan J. Rucks.

Jonathon was very welcoming and helpful. Iasked him if there were any plans in the nearfuture for the reauthorization of the NativeAmerican Programs Act of 1974. He said, “I’mhoping that this Congress can move forwardwith the bill, this time around. I anticipateeducation being a huge thing with thisadministration and they will be moving forwardwith that as well, so I’m hopeful.”

I informed Jonathon that the Bois Forte Bandwas awarded a small ANA Languagepreservation grant for assessing the vitality ofour language and we hope that this grant willhelp us in developing a higher level ofcohesiveness within our community. I askedhim, “Now that President Barack Obama will bein office, what do you see in the near future for

Native Americans in your congressional districtas far as education and language preservation?”

Jonathan answered, “There is going to be agreater focus on providing funds for thoseinitiatives. I think that the incomingadministration, in my mind, will value thoseinitiatives more than the outgoingadministration. When working with furthergrants feel free to reach out to our office if thereis anything that Congressman Oberstar can do interms of offering support, letters to a particularagency, whatnot. We have offered support in the

past and are willing to do that again.”

On Saturday morning we went to theSmithsonian’s National Museum of theAmerican Indian where we attended aworkshop presented by a Mayan womanon weaving and bracelet making. I madea woven bracelet made from cottonthread. I learned some interesting thingsabout different tribes and their customs.

I found it interesting that all of our taxidrivers in Washington D.C. were fromNigeria, Kenya, or Ethiopia. All of themseemed to be very interested that wewere Native American. They asked a lotof questions about our culture, religion,reservations, and form of Government.

I noticed that most of the people inWashington were from other countriesand many of them were speaking theirnative languages. This makes me want to

learn my own Anishinaabe Language. I feel verylucky that I was able to go on this trip, attendthe training, and learn all of the lessons I did. Ihope that in the future I’m able to travel andlearn about other places.

It’s readily apparent that the legal and judicialprofessions are predominantly white. That’s whyJust The Beginning Foundation (JTBF) wasfounded.

The non-profit organization comprised oflawyers, judges and other citizens is dedicated todeveloping and nurturing interest in the lawamong young people from ethnic backgroundsthat are underrepresented in the legal profession

and supporting their continued advancement. The organization tracks and supports studentsfrom middle school to high school, to college,law school and beyond. Its leaders are partneringwith the University of Minnesota to host aspecial youth program July 9-17.

The JTBF Summer Legal Institute is designed tointroduce high-school students to the legalsystem, expose them to careers in the law, and

supply them with practical tools to achieve theireducational goals. Jacque Wilson, the UrbanOffice Coordinator, is looking into ways to helpBois Forte participants receive help with fundingand transportation.

Applications for the Summer Legal Institute aredue May 1. For more information call 312-258-4868 or visit www.jtbf.org.

Culture Committee Youth Representatives train in DC

Guiding young American Indians into legal careers

Dalene Chosa and Ginew Dunkley met with Jonathon Rucks ofCongressman Jim Oberstar’s staff, to discuss federal funding oflanguage and cultural programs.


Hannah Hildebrand may be just 18, but the Bandmember already has big dreams – and a gildedresume to give them credence.

She is a senior at Johnson High School in St.Paul, and she spends her time outside schoolimpressively: working at the Science Museumand interning at 3M. One day Hannah hopes tobe a Chief Financial Officer.

Hannah’s interest in math and science developedin her childhood. Her dad, Dan, and Grandpawould help her with her math homework ingrade school, and soon, the numbers startedjiving – on paper and in her mind.

In middle school Hannah joined the math team.It was competitive, fast-paced and fun. Theexperience earned her a few blue ribbons anddeepened her passion for number crunching.

She is a well-rounded young adult. She’s studiedSpanish, played tenor sax in the top band andsang Soprano in the top choir. She’s a memberof her school’s multi-cultural excellenceprogram and a veteran of Link Crew, serving asa guide and mentor to nine freshmen. But it is math and science that really rev her up.

Two years ago the Science Museum offered hera prestigious internship with the Kitty AndersonYouth Science Center, which turned into variousjobs, two that she still holds. Hannah works inthe cell lab. She leads computer-guided biologyexperiments for young museum visitors.

She was also invited to serve on the leadershipteam, which is comparable to a student councilfor the Science Museum. Hannah represents herdepartment, meets with the group and reportsback to her department.

Working at the Science Musuem been arewarding experience. “It’s a great transition jobfrom being a kid and babysitting your next-doorneighbor to an adult job,” she said. “I’ve learneda lot.”

The experience helped Hannah land anotherformidable opportunity: a 3M internship shebegan in January. Twice a week, Hannah takes abus from school to 3M for educational sessionsthat will prepare her for a full-time internshipthis summer. She’s part of a process

development team that evaluates costeffectiveness for mechanical engineering.

“I like the idea of doing a lot of math all day,”Hannah said of the work.

The program pairs each teen up with a 3Memployee as a mentor.

“Hannah’s always talking about the internship,”said her mom, Wendi, a Band member. “Shelooks forward to it.”

That doesn’t surprise Wendy. “She’s a motivatedyoung woman, and she just seems so maturebeyond her years.” The mom added, “She has alot of leadership qualities. She’ll help anyonewho needs help.” Including 14-year-old brother,James, who looks up to his sister, Wendy said.

Nett Lake School Principal Teresa Strong thinksother young Band members will look up toHannah. That’s why she invited the teen to comespeak to students this spring about theimportance of learning and masteringmathematic and scientific fundamentals.

“I’m excited to go,” Hannah said. “I know of lotof the students are my cousins. I want to makesure that they’re taking the right steps early on,that they keep up with math and science and, ifit gets hard, don’t give up. I hope they’ll become

better women because of it.”

Challenging herself has made all the difference,opening up exciting opportunities, Hannah said.

“Staying in school and making sure I stay on theright track has really changed the path I’m goingto take in life. I know that if I hadn’t tried ashard and if I hadn’t taken so many risks, Iwouldn’t be where I am now. I’m glad I pushedmyself.”



Youth Bright future for 18-year-old math andscience whiz

Head Start is the best start!

Now taking pre-enrollment applications for Fall

Serving the Communities of Nett Lake,Orr, Cook, Tower, Soudan

Your child must be 3 years old bySeptember 1, 2009

Head Start offers:

Age appropriate curriculum for school readinessFamily involvement & activitiesAttention to health, dental & nutrition needsServing children with special needsTransportation to and from centers Serving low income families

For more information or a pre-enrollmentapplication for Center or Home Baseservices contact the Nett Lake Head Startat: Bois Forte Early Childhood Program

13090 Westley Dr.P.O. Box 16Nett Lake, MN 55772(218) 757-3265

Or contact Christine Bloom, Head Start Director, at

[email protected]

or Vondalee Carr, Head Start DataManager at [email protected]

Or just stop in Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 pm.

Hannan Hildebrand doing research at the YouthScience Center located in the Science Museum ofMinnesota.




Tribal Gov’t Report & NewsJane Villebrun teacheskids to use care withlead paintLearning caution with lead paint starts with babysteps – and babies. That’s Jane Villebrun’sphilosophy. As the Lead Education Coordinator forBois Forte’s Environmental Services, she workshard at youth education. Kids need to develop abasic awareness of the risks of lead consumption,she says.

Since she assumed her position last April, Jane hasbeen surprised by the lack of knowledge across theage spectrum. The consequences of ignorance aresevere: Lead poisoning can cause headaches,attention deficits, irritability, vomiting, seizures,brain damage and, potentially, death.

Jane tries to make lessons as interesting as possible, incorporating puppets – including “Buster De-Lead,” who is Grandpa of the lead paint clan, “Dusty,” and “Chipper” of the paint chip clan.

The characters were a hit at Nett Lake School. “The kids all sat so good, they were reallyattentive,” Villebrun said of a recent visit with the kindergarteners through third graders. “I thinkthey were more interested in the puppets. They watched and listened and when I asked them somequestions, most of them could answer.”

After the show, the kids could play with the puppets. Then everyone ate a healthy snack becausenutritious food helps combat lead in the system.

“I was glad I was able to talk to them and given them this important information,” Jane said. Forinstance, she taught them not to put their mouths on windows sills, or to put paint chips in theirmouths. She also stressed the importance of washing their hands after playing on the playground,which may have old, chipped paint.

Jane instructed the teachers on air quality. Dragging mud into the school, for example, is a problembecause it dries and turns into dust that can become trapped in the kids’ lungs. “It’s a viciouscycle,” she said.

New policy: Homes built before 1978 must be inspectedAny home built before 1978 must be inspected for lead-based paint, according to a law going into effect this year. That’s the year the EPA banned theusage of led-based paint, and prior to that, the paint used may be dangerous.

Beginning in late April, homeowners that apply should contact Bois Forte Environmental Services at 218-757-3536. First they’ll fill out aninformational form about the house. Then a trained staff person will come to test the paint. The process will span a couple of years. By 2010, all theenvironmental staff people will be certified to conduct the test. The new policy will affect a number of Band member homes, Villebrun said. Sheestimated that some 20 homes in Nett Lake were built before 1978.

The Environmental Services staff is planning to host an informational meeting this spring. They encourage Band members to call them with anyquestions or concerns.

“It’s really important that these homeowners heed this policy,” Villebrun said. “Their health and wellness depends upon it.”

News from TEROHello, everyone! Here is a brief update with thehappenings of the Band’s TERO Program.

We have three projects coming up on the BoisForte Reservation this Spring of 2009.

1. Indian Point Wastewater System: GeneralContractor on this job is C & C Winger, Inc., outof Embarrass, MN. This project started in lateOctober of 2008 and due to ground freeze up,ended in December of 2008. The expected startup is March/April for a project completion in theFall of 2009.

2. Hwy 23 Project/Saint Louis County PublicWorks Department is expected to start in June of2009. This project has not been let yet, so thereisn’t a General Contractor as of yet nor is there astart up date.

3. New Administration Building: This is still inthe early planning stages and we hope to startthis in June 2009. No bids have been solicited,so there is no General Contractor as of yet. I willbe making a new TERO List for 2009, anyapplications dated Jan. 1, 2008 and forward willbe automatically transferred to the new list,applications before that date, must fill out a newapplication OR an update form.

YOU MUST BE ON THE TERO LIST TO BECONSIDERED FOR ANY NEW PROJECTS.

If you have any questions, please give me a callat the office: (218) 757-3261 or 800-221-8129,or on my cell at: (218) 780-0637.

Chi-Mi-Gwetch!Dawn Benner, TERO Officer




In honor of National Heart Month, Bois Forte’sHealth Staff hosted an educational program toprovide the community with vital information onthe signs and symptoms of heart disease.

The program taught participants how torecognize the onset of heart illness and strokesas well as practical tools for prevention.

For the first time ever, this health programprovided gender-specific presentations, a signalthat Bois Forte’s health staff remains on thecutting edge. Only in the past few years has themedical community become aware that the onsetof a heart attack triggers different symptoms inwomen and men. (See sidebar for details.) Dr.Ray Hawk presented to the men, while Dr. LanaKingwhite presented to the women.

After formal presentations from the two doctors,a panel of local community members who haveexperienced heart problems discussed their

symptoms, heart attacks, surgeries andtreatments – including plenty of discussionabout stints and valve replacements. The panelfielded questions from the audience.

A heart-healthy lunch was planned by Bois ForteNutritionist Theresa Drift and Fortune Bay ChefDoug Sperry. During the meal, Leech Lake Bandmember Larry Aitken gave an inspirational talkon healthy living from a cultural perspective.Larry proved to be a crowd favorite, deftlycombining wisdom, cultural traditions andlaugh-out-loud humor.

After lunch, an instructor from St. ScholasticaCollege presented a relaxation technique knownas Qui-Chong. It is an ancient Eastern practicethat combines mindful breathing and stretching.It treats breath as a place where vital energy isstore. The practice is employed to reduce stress,which can lead to heart problems.

Attendees who were interested in learning moreabout Qui-Chong were invited to stay afterlunch and practice the technique.

We recently had the opportunity to talk for a fewminutes with Officer Josh Villebrun, a 22 year-old Bois Forte Band member. Josh is currentlyspending five months at the Federal LawEnforcement Training Center in Artesia, NewMexico, undergoing training for a position withthe Bois Forte Tribal Police.

When Josh was asked what initially promptedhis pursuit of a career in law enforcement, heindicated that he had been interested in lawenforcement since he attended “career days” injunior high. After checking out different careerpossibilities, he knew that law enforcement wasthe direction he wanted to go. Upon graduatingfrom Bemidji High School, Josh then spent oneyear at Hibbing Community College inpreparation for his law enforcement career.

After being offered, and accepting, a positionwith the Bois Forte Tribal Police, Josh was sentto New Mexico this past January for a rigorousfive-month training program. Josh stated thatthe program thus far has been tough, butdefinitely worth it.

Every morning, Monday through Friday, Josh isexpected to be in the parking lot for formationdrills by 6:15 a.m. After the drills have beencompleted, Josh then marches with his unit to

begin his daily training regimen. Josh receivesclassroom instruction from approximately 7:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is tested frequently. Then,after the classroom portion of the day has beencompleted, Josh undergoes physical fitnesstraining from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Finally, Josh is able to grab a quick dinner at6:30 p.m., and he usually returns to his room by7:00 p.m. to rest up for the next day. Joshtypically unwinds on the weekends by hangingout with his colleagues and watching TV andmovies.

Upon being asked what the most challengingpart of training had been thus far, Josh wasquick to cite the physical fitness testing. Joshdescribed the training as “paramilitary,” and hestated that others have likened it to boot camp.

As a testament to this fact, Josh has been toldthat approximately half of the initial candidatesdo not make it through the five-month trainingprogram. Clearly, the intent is to weed out thoseindividuals who will likely not succeed as lawenforcement officers.

Josh is currently scheduled to graduate from thetraining program in May 2009. He is alsosimultaneously awaiting approval from the

Bureau of Indian Affairs, which is the federalagency that exercises oversight of this process.Upon being asked if he had any advice foryoung people in the community who desired topursue a career in law enforcement, Joshindicated that two of the most important factorsfor success are maintaining a physically fit bodyand having a willingness to commit to longhours of studying.

We are happy to report that Josh has passed allhis tests to date (despite fighting a severe cold)and is thoroughly committed to graduating inMay.

Bois Forte PD staff Lori Drift and Josh Villebruntackle a work challenge on the computer at the NettLake PD Office in Palmquist. Josh is currentlycompleting his training in New Mexico.

Josh Villebrun training in New Mexico

Bois Forte instructs on heart health for each gender

The following symptoms are morecommon in men just before or during aheart attack:• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest

• Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

• Shortness of breath• A cold sweat• Nausea or lightheadedness.

Meanwhile, the three most commonheart-attack symptoms in women are:• Shortness of breath• Weakness• Unusual fatigue.


BFDC & SBDC



(Bio-Fuel cont. from page 1) Bio-oil can be usedin a variety of ways, including as fuel forindustrial kilns, boilers, and gas turbines; inethanol or hydrogen production; intransportation fuels; in asphalt production; andeven in the production of Liquid Smoke® foodflavoring.

How would it work?

The 154-page feasibility study examined boththe technical and the economic viability of a bio-oil production facility.

The study found that there are more thanadequate local resources to support theprocessing of between 50 and 200 dry tons perday of “forestry residual” biomass: loggingresidue, pine trimmings, sawmill waste, debrisfrom forest and brush land clearing and roadwaymaintenance, and weed harvesting from NettLake. Processing 200 dry tons per day would

produce approximately 8 million gallons of bio-oil and 12,000 tons of char annually.

A full-scale facility would be economicallyviable if costs to acquire biomass were below$30 per green ton and crude oil costs were above$100 per barrel, according to the study. Althoughcrude oil prices fluctuated wildly last year, theU.S. Department of Energy predicts that by 2014prices will once again exceed $100 per barreland continue to steadily rise for the next twentyyears.

What would the benefits be?

Jobs. Construction of a biomass facility capableof processing 200 dry tons per day wouldgenerate more than 100 construction jobs and 35long-term skilled jobs.

The environment would also benefit in severalways. Biomass processing does not requiresignificant water input, nor does it create asignificant amount of waste byproducts. Andturning forest waste into energy would makegood use of a plentiful local resource.

Generating renewable, local fuel would helpreduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil,whose cost is affected by factors ranging fromglobal economics to hurricanes to terrorism. Thefederal government has indicated a stronginterest in bio-oil and is spending significantfunds on research and development. Mandatedcarbon dioxide emission reduction programsmay also positively affect the value of bio-oil.

What happens next?

The study recommends construction of a small-scale demonstration facility that would process10 dry tons per day of biomass into bio-oil. Thisbio-oil would be tested at local industrial targetcustomers. Design, construction and startup ofthe demonstration facility would occur in 2009and 2010, with operations to begin in 2011.

Creating a demonstration facility would allowthe Band to:• Establish a local workforce to harvest biomass and conduct preliminary processing,• Secure support from the Bois Forte tribal community for bio-oil technology,• Improve bio-oil processing and product quality,• Increase market interest for bio-oil products,• Prepare for regulatory permitting approvals and• Allow fuel prices to stabilize

The next step is to identify and investigatepossible funding sources for the approximately$7 million needed to build the demonstrationscale facility and operate it for five years. Theeconomic stimulus bill recently passed byCongress, and the President’s proposed budget,both include significant funding resources forrenewable energy projects. Details about suchpotential funding sources are still emerging andwill be closely monitored to see if this projectwill be eligible. We will keep you posted witharticles in the Bois Forte News. You can alsodownload the feasibility study at boisforte.com.

Business Owners: Sell your products through BFDC

The Bois Forte Development Corporation is looking for items made by Band members to sell inour retail locations. We are looking for dream catchers, maple syrup, birch bark baskets, birdhouses, candles, jewelry, jewelry boxes, and those kinds of items that can be sold in the “giftʼsection of a retail store. Food items must have the proper labeling and inspection from IndianHealth Service and/or the State of Minnesota.

If you are some one or know some one that is a crafter and would be interested in selling yourproducts to the Bois Forte Development Corporation, please contact us. We will be developinga roster of Band members and the types of products they produce, to be used for ordering inthe spring of 2009.

Please write or call:Stephen Peterson, Business Development Coordinator1430 Bois Forte RoadTower, MN 55790218-753-7805 or 1-800-992-7529

Recycled wood residue.


Look at this...Now my sis is turning 26!

Happy Golden Birthday, Naomi!Love, Rosebud



Community News & Announcements

December 6, 2008Welcome to the world, Bryleigh Addisson Geshick.You are the most beautimus baby ever created!

Love, Your entire family

Milbridge leads Warroad tosecond in state Bois Forte Band member Eric Milbridge is a key player in the Warroad hockey teamthat won second place in the Class A State Tournament.

The high-school senior is a speedy and forceful defender, a leader among a talentedteam. This year marked Warroad’s seventh appearance in the championship since1994. The Warriors have won four titles in that span.

Eric is the son of Larry Milbridge and Cheryl (Strong) Milbridge. He lettered inhockey as a sophomore and has continued to shine on the rink since. He hasdemonstrated outstanding leadership and terrific talent.

Please join us in applauding #2 in that luminous black and gold, our own Eric Milbridge!


Gilb e rt Caribo uLong-time Bois Forte friend, Gilbert Caribou,

passed away in February.




Carl James DagenCarl James Dagen, 44, of Mountain Iron, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in the Virginia Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec.11, 1964, in Duluth, the son of Larry Dagen and Mary Strong.

Carl was a graduate of Tower Soudan High School and the University of Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science degree in CivilEngineering. He married Kelly Moilan on June 1, 1991, in Virginia, and lived in Minneapolis and Nisswa prior to moving toMountain Iron in 2003. Carl was employed as a Minnesota Department of Transportation project engineer, and was thecommissioner of Public Works for the Bois Forte Vermilion Reservation. He served on the Utility Advisory Board for the City of

Mountain Iron, was a board member of Bois Forte Enterprises, and a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Carl enjoyed coaching MountainIron-Buhl Girls Basketball, snowboarding with his girls, and was an avid Twins fan. He was a disciplined, self-motivated, and organized man whoenjoyed golfing and wild ricing. He was a family man who cherished time spent with his family. Carl was a dedicated husband, father, son, and son-in-law who will be dearly missed.

Carl is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Austyn, and Lauren; mother, Mary Strong; father, Larry Dagen; siblings, Denise Pieratos, Carrie Strong,Tracey Dagen, Kevin Strong and sister-in-law Tammy Strong, all of the Lake Vermilion Reservation, Cheryl Milbridge of Roseau, and Kelly Strong ofDuluth; uncles and aunt, Phyllis (Robert) Boshey, and Gaynard Strong, all of the Lake Vermilion Reservation; mother-in-law, Rosemary Moilan ofVirginia; sisters-in-law, Teresa Godich of Apple Valley, Minn., and Deborah McCauley of Duluth; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

His grandparents preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday,February 12 in the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia, and continued at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Church. Burial followed in the CalvaryCemetery in Virginia.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month,

a time to raise awareness about child abuse andneglect and to encourage individuals and communities

to support children and families.


..

Happy 75th Birthday!With love,

Your Family

Happy "Golden" Birthday to Jennifer Morrison on April 8th.

We love you baby. Lots of love from, Mom, Dad, and

Grandpa George



The week of March 30 to April 3 marks CensusAwareness week in Bois Forte and across thecountry. The U.S. Census Bureau has organizedevents all over the United States to let peopleknow that the 2010 Decennial Census is onlyone year away.

“A year mayseem a longway off, butthe U.S.Census is thelargest non-militarymobilizationin the

country. There’s a lot of preparation andawareness that goes into conducting a headcount of this size,” said Dennis Johnson,Director of the Kansas City Regional Office,which includes Minnesota and five other states.

Johnson said Bois Forte Members can expect tostart seeing the U.S. Census Bureau atcommunity events and festivals leading up to thespring of 2010 when census forms will bemailed to every household in the United Statesand its territories.

“We are looking to community members to carrythe message that the census is important,”Johnson said. “More than $300 billion inFederal spending is distributed to State and localcommunities every year based Census data. Thatmoney includes spending for schools, publichealth, roads and disaster relief.

“It is important for every community thatleaders have the most complete and accuratedata with which to make these fundingdecisions. The Decennial Census gives residentsthe power to stand and be counted.”

Census Bureau looking to hire Band members

Over the course of the next two years, the U.S.Census Bureau will hire hundreds of

Minnesotans to collect data and coordinateefforts. They’re hoping some of those

employees will be Bois Forte Band members.

Most Census jobs are short-term stints, idealfor college students, retired adults, or people

who are in job transition or looking totemporarily bolster their incomes. The jobs

begin by paying $11 an hour and include a payraise based on job performance. Employeeswho drive will be reimbursed at the standard

government rate of 58.5 cents a mile.

If you’re interesting in working for the U.S.Census Bureau, call Toni Wakemup at

1-800-221-8129.

Census Awareness Week comes to Bois Forte

Blood Quantum UpdateBois Forte continues to push the MCTʼs Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) to take a vote on amending the MCT Constitution sections on Blood Quantum. To date, the TEC has not scheduled a vote on the issue. However, the April meeting (date to bedetermined) in Grand Portage will include a discussion of Blood Quantum. In the meantime, Chairman Kevin Leecy is visiting

with TEC members to try and hammer out an agreement that would lead to a positive vote.

Ernie Drift

Toni Wakemup and U.S. CensusDirector Dennis Johnson.





Every year, hundreds of methamphetamine labsare discovered in Minnesota, the majority inrural areas. Countless others go undiscovered.

That’s why Bois Forte continues to participate inCrime Stoppers, the hotline that empowerscommunity member to anonymously reportsuspicious behavior in order to keep theirneighborhoods safer. Community members areencouraged to use the hotline to report crimes,including suspected drug use or sales. Callerscan remain anonymous.

The public service program needs participationfrom Bois Forte members. The best way to keepthe dangerous drug from destroying your familyand community is by calling in tips that lawenforcement can follow-up on. Crime Stoppershas been particularly effective in helpingcommunities deal with the rampant drugproblem of Meth.

Methamphetamine – also known as “meth,”“speed,” “crystal” and “crank” – is a stimulantdrug with strong effects on the central nervoussystem. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tastingcrystalline powder that easily dissolves in wateror alcohol. Meth is made of highly volatile,toxic substances.

Injecting the drug brings on an exhilarating rush,typically followed by a state of high agitationthat can sometimes lead to violent behavior.Paranoia is also common among meth users.

To fight meth use, Band members must be onguard for suspicious activity, including anunusual presence of farm chemicals or coldmedicines, which can be used to produce meth.

To report a tip to Crime Stoppers, call 800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Ending meth use requires continuedwork of Crime Stoppers

Online community building

You are invited to join a statewide online conversation that includes people in Greater Minnesota using Internettechnologies to build community

at the local level.

The project home page is http://e-democracy.org/mnvoices

and the conversation will include talkingabout the pros and cons of different tools

like Facebook and Twitter and Wordpress, and there will be discussionabout broadband access in remote

rural areas.

The event will be held in connection withthe "Unconference" happening in Duluth,

on April 3-4, 2009. There are some scholarship dollars

available, visit http://pages.edemocracy.org/Unconference

for more information.To report a tip to Crime Stoppers, call 800-222-8477 (TIPS).




The Nett Lake Eagles have been quietly forginga successful season on the basketball courts thiswinter. The 5th grade Eagles are 14-1 while the6th grade Eagles are 20-7. And although it isquiet on the home front because the Eagles arehumble young men, it is fair to say that a goodportion of Minnesota now knows who the NettLake Eagles are.

The Nett Lake Boys have traveled as far southas St. Cloud and St Joseph and as far north asWarroad Minnesota, leaving at 5:00 a.m. to play3-4 games in one day and travel home that sameevening. The Eagles make all of the hard workworth it by coming home every weekend withnumerous trophies and medals that they proudlydisplay at the new trophy case in the Nett LakeSchool.

The Eagles 5th grade team has claimedchampionships in Red Lake and Virginia. Thehighlight of the 5th grade Eagles year was whenthey traveled to Warroad and came in 2nd with

only 6 players! Three of these players were 3rdgrader Leonardo Martinez, 2nd grader CadeGoggleye, and 1st grader Trevor Morrison! The5th grade boys played 4 games that day and lostin the championship by only 4 points. Ouryoung team definitely won hearts and admirationin Warroad.

Darnell Goggleye, and the twins Marcus andMalcolm Hoagland are the anchors of the 5thgrade team easily 3 of the top players in theirage group. Xavier (X-man) Wakemup givesthem a force in the middle to be reckoned with,leading the team in Rebounds.

The Eagles 6th grade team is one of the shortestteams in the state if you ever come to any of ourgames we are always undersized. Even so, NettLake has claimed championships in St. Cloudand Red Lake. They were runners up inWarroad losing to North Dakota private schoolSt. Thomas by 2 in overtime. They lost to statepowerhouse and undefeated Hibbing by 2 in the

Cotton Tournament, where they placed 3rd.

They also placed 3rd in the Virginia Tournament.In two recent losses to teams, the Eagles havewatched teams celebrate jubilantly after. Acouple of the dads from the Eagles told theteam- “It means something to beat you guysnow…you have earned that respect.” The 6thgrade Eagles players are Preston Connor,Jonathon Lambert, Jaylen Strong, TristenVillebrun, Christain Bloom, Scotty Rutar, andTravis Hooper.

The Eagles now prepare for the 16 team HibbingTournament on March 14th and the prestigiousState Pacesetter Championships in April where ifthey win, they will face the top teams in thestate. But, then again, it’s not as if the Nett LakeEagles have been shying or running away fromany teams in the state all year anyhow. TheEagles take on all comers.

Thanks to WELY and

Fortune Bay, nineteen

Vermilion Bois and Girls

Club members and five chaperones traveled

to Minneapolis to watch the Timberwolves

play basketball as part of Native American

Heritage Night at the Target Center.

Nett Lake Eagles experiencing banner season




The B

ois Fo

rte Ne

wsWhy is an Urban Office important to you?

Rachel SamMy Grandfather is from Red Lake andoften travels back there for services. I’venever know where to go before. I really

like the outreach.

Sharon DayThere are so many reasons; one important one is theconnection between those living in the cities and our

elected officials and our Government Divisions. We have aresponsibility to the Tribe and the Tribe has a

responsibility to us…I’m hoping we’ll have a votingstation here some day.

Coming in May …• Blood Quantum update

• New series on Sovereignty

• Recording artist Opie Day-Bedeau

• Phil Brodeen selected for Washington D.C. summer internship

Deadline for May issue:

April 6

Submit material to:Bois Forte News1678 Lilac Lane

Mendota Heights, MN 55118651-260-2420

651-365-1349 faxH e l e n w i l k i e@c c o m c a s t . n e t

Tribal Council

Kevin W. LeecyChairman

David C. Morrison, Sr.Secretary/Treasurer

Cathy ChaversDistrict I Representative

Ray Villebrun, Sr.District I Representative

Ray ToutloffDistrict II Representative

Behon LaPrairieIt helps us all to connect. The people here are warm andwelcoming. That’s important. And as they say in the realestate business, “location, location, location”. This office is

in the heart of the Twin Cities Indian community.

Ed SearlesAccess! The Band members in the urbanarea need access to programs and servicesback home. With today’s troubled economyand fluctuating gas prices, people can’t

afford to travel as often as they would like.

Luann RaymondThis gives me great access to home andhelps me stay in touch. Today I got my

first Tribal ID!

Randy GresczykIt’s important for urban Band members to

have the chance to connect andcommunicate directly.


Documents

April - Bois Forte Reservation