Page 4 Page 9 Page 10 Bois FortePage 2 • Bois Forte News • May 2016 BOIS FORTE NEWS MAY 2016 First ever Tribal collaboration on Trust Land Buy Back In March, the Bureau of Indian

Bois Forte

BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • MAY 2016

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NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - May 2016 VOL. 39 NO. 5 www.boisforte.com

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On April 5, Bois Forte Band members elected Cathy Chavers as their new Tribal Chair. Chavers defeated incumbent Kevin Leecy in the Band’s primary election, garnering 51.19% of the votes compared to Leecy’s 37.12%. Under the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s election ordinance, a candidate who draws more than 50% of the vote in a primary election automatically wins the seat, negating the need for a general election. A third candidate, Shane Drift, earned 11.69% of the vote.

“I am honored to have been elected as the new Tribal Chairperson of the Bois Forte Band by our tribal members. I look forward to the exciting days that lie ahead and the future direction of the Band,” said Chavers.

Voter turnout was down 13.5% compared to the 2012 Primary, possibly due to heavy rain and subsequent snow that began in the afternoon and continued into the night.

Chavers campaign initiatives include streaming RTC meetings for Band member viewing, establishing a five-member board of directors with financial, gaming and management experience to oversee Band-owned businesses, and creating a job training program that combines online and onsite components.

Chavers has worked for the Bois Forte Band for three decades, primarily in health care. She also served on the RTC as a District I Representative from 2008-2012, choosing not to run for a second term. Chavers owns a small family business in Orr that process wild rice in the traditional native way.

Outgoing Chairman Kevin Leecy said, “It has been an honor to serve the people of Bois Forte alongside many outstanding leaders over the years. I’m very proud we have built over $100 million in buildings and infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and I am proud to have protected Indian businesses and

gaming nationwide. I will move onto a new chapter and a different mission. I respect the decision of the voters in wanting to go in a different direction.”

District I candidates move on to general election

Bois Forte primary voters also sent two candidates for District I Representative on to the June general election: incumbent Karlene Chosa, who won 40.8% of the vote, and challenger Travis Morrison, who drew 28%. The other candidates, Michael Connor and Stan Day, received 21.94% and 9.18% of the vote respectively.

Cathy Chavers elected Tribal ChairChosa and Morrison move on to June election for District I

Bois Forte Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy has withdrawn the Notice of Contest that he filed several days after the Band’s primary election on April 5. Leecy had asked for an investigation into several possible violations of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s Amended Election Ordinance during the primary election for Tribal Chair.

A hearing on the matter had been scheduled by the Bois Forte Reservation Contest Judge for April 20. However, on April 19, Leecy withdrew his complaint.

Leecy’s primary allegations related to the absentee balloting process. During the Contest, Leecy requested access to information related to absentee ballots– especially absentee ballots that he said had been collected improperly – as well as any

documentation related to absentee ballot requests and their fulfillment. The Election Contest Judge denied the request and found that the Election Ordinance allows only limited access to election materials.

The Election Contest Judge instead appointed MCT Executive Director Gary Frazer and Director of Administration Brian Brunelle to review all election materials, matching requests for absentee ballots with proof of those ballots. Frazer and Brunelle found that, other than absentee ballots that had arrived late and could not be counted, most requests for absentee ballots had been met in a timely manner by certified mail.

Frazer and Brunelle submitted their report to the Election Board, Leecy, and Leecy’s attorney at 2:30 on April 19. Leecy and his attorney determined that

they did not have enough information to proceed with their case and voluntarily withdrew the appeal.

“Based on information I had received from multiple sources, I had believed that there may have been errors during the election process,” Leecy said. “Because we were denied access to the names and election materials, we did not have a case. I have chosen not to drag out this process.”

The election results for the April 5 primary will therefore stand as certified, and Cathy Chavers will be sworn in as Tribal Chair in July.

The results of the primary for District I Representative were not Contested, and incumbent Karlene Chosa will face off against Travis Morrison in June for that seat.

Primary Election results initially Contested, now withdrawn

Tribal Chair-elect Cathy Chavers

Page 2 • Bois Forte News • May 2016

BOIS FORTE NEWS MAY 2016

First ever Tribal collaboration on Trust Land Buy BackIn March, the Bureau of Indian Affairs placed Pe’ Sla, a sacred Lakota site in the Black Hills of South Dakota, into trust. This was the first time that several tribes have collaborated to buy back former Indian lands and have them placed in trust. Bois Forte Band member Phil Brodeen, an attorney with the firm BlueDog, Paulson & Small, worked on the case.

Pe’ Sla means The Heart of Everything, and the high-mountain prairie holds a central place in Lakota history, culture and spirituality. The site and the rest of the Black Hills were promised to the Sioux Nation in an 1868 treaty, but the federal government later seized the land and sold some parcels – including the ones at Pe’ Sla – to non-Indians.

The 2,022-acre site was purchased in 2012 for $9 million by four Sioux tribes: Shakopee Mdewakanton, Crow Creek, Rosebud, and Standing Rock. Since then, the tribes have worked with state and local interests on a number of issues including a law enforcement compact, a right-of-way agreement, and cooperation to prevent invasive species, fight fires, and secure ambulance service.

The tribes are collaborating on preserving the land for traditional ceremonies and restoring native species; last spring, the first calves were born to buffalo that have been reintroduced to Pe’ Sla.

AmeriCorps VISTA positions available serving Native communities AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program that allows adults of any age to serve their communities. VISTA members serve full-time for one year helping nonprofits, tribes, and government agencies create and improve programs that bring people out of poverty. In exchange for their service, VISTA members receive benefits including training, valuable career experience, a living stipend, a health care allowance, and an end-of-service educational award (worth $5,775) or cash stipend ($1,500). The organizations listed below are currently recruiting for candidates to start this summer. If you have questions, email Kara Balcerzak at [email protected] or log onto my.americorps.gov. American Indian Cancer Foundation: Communications VISTAJoin a dynamic, skilled organization to develop high-quality public health communication resources to increase cancer awareness, visibility and education in American Indian communities nationally. American Indian Family Center: Development SpecialistLead Volunteer Program and Marketing Initiatives while having a truly positive impact on families in St. Paul. Utilize your talents and join our dynamic team to make a difference in the community! American Indian OIC: Adult Basic Education VISTADo you want to be a part of expanding our Adult Basic Education program? You could impact lives and make a difference in our community by being a part of our team. Dream of Wild Health: Evaluation & Communications SpecialistDream of Wild Health restores health and well-being in the Native American community by recovering knowledge of and access to healthy Indigenous foods, medicines and lifeways.

(cont. on page 3)

Tribal, National & State NewsLeech Lake to receive $12 million for school replacementThe Department of the Interior announced in April an appropriation of $11.9 million to replace the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School in Bena. The funding came from a seldom used Facility Component Replacement Program that is directed to replace individual buildings that do not meet basic educational system standards.

Not originally designed or constructed to house a high school, the BIE-funded Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School has been highlighted in state and national media for incredibly poor conditions including rotting floors, poor insulation and broken heaters, rodent infestation and unsafe electrical system. The funding came after intense lobbying of Congress by tribal leaders and Minnesota’s congressional delegation.

Boozhoo,

Chi Miigwech for your support and vote in the primary election.

I am asking for your continued support and vote in the upcoming General Election Tuesday, June 14, 2016.

Miigwech to the Candidates who selflessly participated and contributed in the primaries.

Polls will be open in Nett Lake for voting on Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. during the Saa Gii Ba Gaa Pow Wow.

Miigwech,

Karlene Chosa, incumbent Bois Forte District I Representative


MAY 2016 BOIS FORTE NEWS

More election coverage in the June issue of the

Bois Forte News

RTC NewsChi Miigwech to all who supported me in the Primary Election.

I am figuring this campaign stuff out as I go. I will keep a positive and clean campaign through the General Election. Miigwech again to the other two candidates for running clean campaigns, remember we all had the same thing in mind. I will stick to what I always do - stay positive, no negativity, and attack no one. There are many

issues and I’d like to hear from you.

Miigwech again for your support. You may contact me by calling, texting or emailing me (leave a message and I will get back to you).

Travis MorrisonPhone - cell # (218)780-5642; Home (218)757-3314;Email - [email protected]

Thank you messages from the candidates

(AmeriCorps cont. from page 2)

The AmeriCorps VSITA Communications and Evaluation Specialist will strategically bolster Dream of Wild Health capacity to increase our impact on the health of the Native American community using technology and engagement.

MIGIZI Communications: Marketing and Communications VISTAYOU WILL use and learn Social Media, Marketing and Communications strategies to build capacity and TRANSFORM OUR ORGANIZATION into an interactive and visible presence supporting American Indian youth.

Minneapolis American Indian Center: Program SpecialistHelp build capacities for a Native American youth development program, expanding opportunities for urban Native American Youth to strengthen and develop healthy life skills and healthy choices. Saint Paul Public Schools: Student Engagement SpecialistEngage Saint Paul schools, communities, and families to address education inequities experienced by American Indian students and their families in St. Paul and across Minnesota.

Seller interest needed for Land Buy-BackThe Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council is continuing to prepare for participation in the Cobell Buy-Back Program. It is anticipated that the Department of the Interior will approve the Band’s request in late 2016. If that becomes a reality, the Program will begin making offers to purchase in 2017.

Under the Buy-Back Program, Band members who own interests in allotments on the Nett Lake Reservation will be able to sell those interests to the Federal government. The Federal government will then hold the land in trust for the Bois Forte Band.

This year, the Fond du Lac Band is a participant in the Program and has identified approximately 80 Bois Forte members who own interests in lands at Fond du Lac. Offers are now being made to those who have expressed an interest in selling.

Fond du Lac’s program makes $7.8 million of federal money available to buy interests. Although the amount that will be available at Bois Forte is not yet known, Bois Forte officials are hopeful that it will be a similar amount.

A key to gaining approval of the Buy-Back at Bois Forte is for owners to let the government know that they are interested in selling. “The greater the interest, the more likely it is that we will be approved,” said Land/Leasing Manager Tom Burr.

Interested sellers should contact Tom at 218-757-3261.

B.I.A. Officer Josh Villebrun has been promoted to be the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Lieutenant serving the Bois Forte Community.

“I still respond to calls and do investigations, but now I supervise other officers and review their reports and investigations,” he said. “I also ensure that our police department is in compliance with BIA policies.”

Lieutenant Villebrun – son of Carol and Tom Burr and grandson of Lorraine and the late Elmer Villebrun – grew up in Bemidji before moving to Orr at the end of high school. He was interested in law enforcement and when he was posted at the Bois Forte Tribal Police Department (PD) as part of the Band’s Summer Youth Program the interest was cemented.

“I really enjoyed my Summer Youth time with the PD. It was neat being around the officers and cars, and hearing their stories,” he remembered.

After studying law enforcement at Hibbing Community College for a year, Villebrun was hired by the Tribal Council and went through 16 weeks of basic training. He is grateful the department “took a risk on me with only one year of school. It’s difficult to recruit officers to work in such a remote area. They gave me a great opportunity, and I’ve worked hard to reward their confidence.”

Villebrun, who is also an Emergency Medical Technician for the Tower Area Ambulance Service, said the best part of his job is helping out people that he knows or is connected to in the community. But interacting with those same people can also be the hardest part.

“Part of being an officer is acting as though you’re not related to anyone,” he said. “It’s very tough when you have to enforce laws against family or friends of both yourself and the other officers that you work with.”

Villebrun said that drugs are the biggest issue facing law enforcement. “We don’t solve the crimes – the community does,” he insisted. “If we are going to win the battle against drugs, we need the community to help us, because often we are called to investigate hours and days after the fact. It’s essential that people in the community speak out and help us stop the drug abuse.”

He said the RTC has helped with new policy changes and tougher laws, such as mandatory sentences and tougher sentences for using, dealing or manufacturing drugs within certain distances of parks, Nett Lake School, and tribal community centers. “We’ve also been getting help from a BIA special drug enforcement agent the past couple years: we give them the information we have, and they work with us and the Boundary

Waters Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.”

Besides his duties as a police officer, Villebrun works as the caretaker at the Band’s New Moon Supportive Housing. But even when he is caretaking, he is still a cop.

“If I can’t get to the ambulance before it leaves the garage, I respond in my personal vehicle,” he said. “When there is a call, I go.”



Reservation Community NewsJosh Villebrun promoted to BIA Lieutenant

Assistance with emergencies, energy or license plates available in VermilionMissy Fisher, Bois Forte’s Energy Assistance Coordinator and Registrar will be in Vermilion May 6 and 20 to assist Band members who want to obtain information or sign up for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Minnesota Community Action Grant Programs (MCAG), or apply for vehicle license plates.

The Energy Assistance Program is done for the season, but Missy can answer questions about next winter’s program and help with other grant programs. The goal of her CSBG/MCAG Programs is to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient. She has answers to your questions and applications for the Community Services Block Grant and the Minnesota Community Action Grant Programs that assist Band members with emergency situations. These include, but are not limited to rent deposit and eviction notices, car repairs, work related costs (such as uniforms, clothing for interviews) youth activities, Elder activities and more.

For information on vehicle license plates, the CSBG, MCAG or Energy Assistance program, contact Missy Fisher at 218-757-3261 Ext. 197, visit her office at the Nett Lake Government and Community Services Center or at the Vermilion Community Center on May 6 and 20 or email her at [email protected].

Lt. Josh Villebrun on patrol in Vermilion.

Public Works summer projectsBois Forte Public Works has a busy summer ahead with the following projects planned:

• Five new street lights will be mounted on existing electrical poles at Indian Point • Hitchcock Road and Sugar Bush Road will be paved in June or July. Weather will influence the start date.• Indian Point road will be chip sealed at the same time as the Hitchcock and Sugar Bush road projects• Nett Lake School parking lot will be repaved shortly after school is out for the year• The Community Center and the EMT Office parking lot will be repaved at same time as the school parking lot• The Nett Lake Ballfield will have a parking lot installed

Meet Geraldine Deegan, the New “Voice of Vermilion”

It’s not déjà vu – you’re still hearing Geraldine answer the phone when you call the Vermilion Community Center. Only now that voice belongs to Geraldine Deegan, granddaughter of Geraldine Hanks who recently retired from being the community center’s administrative assistant.

“Each day has some similar and some new tasks,” Deegan said. “I usually begin my day by checking emails and sending out information that needs to be shared with the community. Social media is very useful for disseminating information. I handle paperwork and purchase orders, answer questions, provide general support on a

daily basis, and of course I help when big events come up, like our Lake Vermilion Pow Wow.”

She said her favorite part of the job is being involved with her community. “I like knowing what’s going on and sharing opportunities with people.”

Deegan had been an on-call substitute receptionist at the community center since 2013. Before that, she worked at Fortune Bay Resort Casino and the Y-Store. As a teen, she was part of the Band’s summer youth program and worked with the Vermilion Boys & Girls Club.

Born in Ely and raised in Tower, Deegan is daughter of Christina Dupree and proud of her “three dads” William Deegan, Joey Chosa, and father-in-law, Gary Boshey.

When she is not working, Deegan likes to spend time with her family. She and her partner Aidan Strong are the parents of 6-year-old Latise Renee and 5-month-old Silas LeRoy. “Latise is currently a Lake Vermilion Pow Wow Princess,” she said proudly. “Traditional ways are important to me, and passing them onto my children.”

Deegan also volunteers for several community organizations. She assists with Elders’ projects, serves on the Pow Wow and local education committees, and helps put on fundraisers for those going through difficult health issues or natural disasters.

“I often thought I couldn’t do things, but my grandma and family told me, ‘You’re smart enough, you can make it happen,’” she said. “The affirmation and support from others helps you see you can overcome the obstacles you place on yourself. Don’t think you can’t do anything in life – you can fulfill your dreams if you believe in yourself.”



Full Time Program Director – Nett LakeBoys & Girls Clubs of the Northland

This position is responsible for developing, evaluating, and implementing youth programming and assisting with facility management. Applicant must be highly motivated

and passionate about working with youth. BA/BS and prior youth experience preferred. Flexible schedule required. Compensation based on experience, benefits included.

Apply online: www.bgcnorth.org.Application Deadline: Until filled

The Voice of Vermilion, Geraldine Deegan.



Urban OfficeAmerican Indian Month

May EventsMay 1: Grand Casino 19th Annual Pow Wow and Craft FairMay 2: Mpls kick-off parade on Franklin AveMay 6: All Nations Pow Wow @ South HighMay 7: Pow Wow For HopeMay 7: Little Earth Mother’s Day Pow WowMay 13: American Indian Family Center Open House May 18: Minneapolis American Indian Center Open HouseMay 18: MN Dot Indian Month Indigenous ERG Open HouseMay 19: American Indian OIC, Founder’s Day and Career Fair, 12 – 3 May 19: MCT Building Ice Cream Social & Dessert Bar - BOIS FORTE HOSTINGMay 19: Raving Native Date Night 7:30 pmMay 24: Bii Gii Win Open HouseMay 25: Ain Dah Yung Center Open HouseMay 27: Mde Maka SkaMay 21: Indian Health Board Open House

Everyone Deserves a HomeThe American Indian Community Development Corporation (AICDC) has started an American Indian Homeless Hotline to provide community members with information on current homeless shelters and other services. The Hotline will be staffed during normal business hours and there will also be hours to meet with staff in person. The Hotline is also conducting a survey to help AICDC and its partners in looking at what services would best serve the community. If you are homeless or know someone that is please call 612.719.3859.

May 6, June 3, July 8and August 5.



EldersHere in Onigamiising, the Indian Education program staff and Parent Committee recently hosted get-togethers at which girls and woman sewed ribbon skirts. My daughter, who is on the Parent Committee, invited me to help. When the day arrived it turned out that she needed to rest her eyes from some minor eye surgery, and so I went by myself. This was fine: I knew many of the women there and met some new people, too.

The skirt-sewing gathering began with a supper of pizza and pop along with some socializing and visiting, and then a little explanation about ribbon skirts: where they are worn and how they are sewn. Edye Howes had brought in some of her own skirts as examples of how to measure for size, ideas for placement of ribbon, and sewing hints for stitching of the ribbon, the back seam, and the casing for the elastic waist.

Then we were ready to go! Some of the women had brought their own sewing machines to the gathering; my husband Tim drove down with mine, which we put to good work. Most of the skirts were made by young teenage girls, some of whom had never sewed. They were fascinated with the colors and patterns of the fabrics, with the choosing of ribbons to coordinate with the material, and the placement of the ribbons on the skirts. Although the basic design of the skirt was pretty simple, there was quite a bit of work to putting everything together; those of us with some sewing experience were happy to help, and to share what we knew. The room became a very busy place: there were people working on all different stages of sewing their skirts, admiring each other’s work, and chatting.

I worked closely with a young lady whose mother and grandmother I have known for some years. She is a lovely girl and very excited that she would have a ribbon skirt. She chose a blue-green patterned fabric and then ribbons, some wide and some narrow, in blue-green and shades of purple. How carefully she measured and cut, and how carefully she placed the stripes, trying different sizes and different arrangements of color and size. When we had stitched much of the skirt together she held it against herself to see how it would look when we added the waist-casing and elastic. She and her mother were both proud and shy when I told her how beautiful she looked. The next time we meet her skirt will be finished. When she wears it she will remember the skirt-making gathering of women from their early teens to elderhood; when I see her wearing it I will think of the fun we had and that it was an honor to be part of continuing the ribbon skirt tradition to another generation.

Ribbon skirts

Linda Grover helps sew together both cloth material and a multi-generational cultural experience.

Happy May Birthdays, Elders!

Sitting here, looking at all the green outside. Little splashes of yellow, brown and white all over the lawn. Been a busy month getting my seeds planted in those little seed cups made out of newspaper. Trying to recycle a lot more than I used to. Not that I’m one of the radical “greenies” out there. Though tree hugger does come to mind.

Yeah, I know it was derogatory. However, I am a tree hugger. Or used to be. I climbed in trees a lot when I was knee high to a grasshopper. Came home with pitch on my clothes, naturally Mom didn’t like that one bit. I couldn’t understand why. It was just fun to climb. Til I got stuck there one time.

I had climbed to the top, all the way to the swaying part. Thens when I got scared. Wouldn’t let go of the trunk for nothing. Only way I got down was I finally got cold enough to chance it. The ground never looked so good as that day. And it wasn’t green either, cause it was covered with pine needles, red, orangey ones along with the brown leaves from the previous fall. Even getting home wasn’t the hideNseek trek it usually was. Gladly suffered through Mom’s admonitions to change out of my clothes, did I want to start washing my clothes, better not climb anymore tirade.

Yep. Methinks I’ll have to find me a tree to climb this year. With a nice soft landing spot.

Millie Holmes

A Minute with Millie

George Jr. Michelich 5-7Joyce Kay Davis 5-13Gary Adams 5-16Julie Whiteman 5-17Alma Lumbar 5-21Vistoria Toutloff 5-24Cecelia Gonier 5-25Frances Isham 5-26Jonie Whiteman 5-26Ronald King 5-26Raymond Toutloff 5-27Rebecca Thompson 5-31

Happy Belated Birthday to Cherly Earley on April 14 and Charlene Day Castro on April 15.

Support Wisdom Steps and score some great deals!

The Wisdom Steps Special Promotions Discount Card is a great way to support American Indian Elder’s preventative health programs and to save some money at tribal casinos and golf courses. This year, the card offers great discounts on many hotels, restaurants, golf courses and casinos ten different locations including Bois Forte’s Fortune Bay.

The card is a great deal at just $20.00 per card! Each card provides over $500 in discounts. Fortune Bay Resort and Casino offers $5 in slot play, one free bucket of range balls, a buy one get one free buffet and a hotel room discounted offer, to name just one of the great deals offered on the card. The discount card can be purchased on the Wisdom Steps website at www.wisdomsteps.org or by calling the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe offices at 1-888-322-7688.

Through your purchase of this card, you are helping to support the development of preventive health programs for American Indian Elders across Minnesota reservations and urban communities.



Culture

For the fifth year in a row, Bois Forte Band members and the 1854 Treaty Authority will host a netting clinic for youth from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 6. Last year ISD 2142 youth leader Rick Anderson, Chemical Health specialist Terry Strong and the Nett Lake School joined the Vermilion staff in this fun and educational cultural event. This year Terry is coordinating the entire event. Her number is 218-269-7785.

“Passing on the tradition is important,” said Bois Forte District II Representative Ray Toutloff, who helps out by cooking a walleye lunch for the group. “We want the kids to exercise their entitlement to responsibly use our resources and to experience an outdoor activity that is healthy and helps them feel good about their culture and themselves.”

Students from area schools in ISD 2142 will listen to a blessing, take part in an offering, and learn about the 1854 Treaty. There will be a short course on canoe safety to review the importance of Personal Flotation Devices (lifejackets) and how to avoid hypothermia. Participants will take part in removing netted catch and witness a fillet demonstration. Everyone will have a chance to enjoy a fish fry at the end of the clinic.

Youth interested in participating should meet at the Bois Forte Vermilion Community Center at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 6. In case of bad weather, the event will be rescheduled for Friday, May 13.

Bois Forte and 1854 Treaty Authority host youth netting clinic May 6

How well do you know 1854 Treaty opportunities?This true or false quiz from the 1854 Treaty Staff will be enlightening. Answers are on page 14.

1. You are allowed two (2) Lake Sturgeon (maximum size 45”), only along the named MN/Canadian border lakes, catch and release all other Ceded Territory lakes?

2. While angling in open water, Band members may use six (6) lines on Lake Superior, but are limited to two (2) hooks per line and must be within sight of all the lines?

3. Band members may sell to any person the pelt, claws, tails, teeth and/or the whole carcass of any furbearing animal lawfully taken and registered?

4. Band members have 10 business days, after season closure, to take the separated pelts of bobcat, fisher, marten and otter to an 1854 registration station?

5. Band members may harvest an unlimited amount of firewood, as long as they carry a valid 1854 ID card, don’t fell any live trees, don’t harvest in an active logging area, and if selling this firewood, receive a selling permit from the 1854 Office?

6. Band members may gather an unlimited amount of birch bark, as long as they carry a valid 1854 ID, gather bark from live tress only between the 2nd Saturday of June – 3rd Sunday of July, not gather within 50 feet of lakes/campsites/roads/maintained trails, and only sell the birch bark as part of a craft?

7. Band members may request a “Traditional Use Permit”, for special gathering purposes, by submit-ting an application for approval to the 1854 Executive Director?

8. A PFD (personal floatation device) is defined as a Coast Guard approved type I, II,III or V, to include seat cushions or ‘throwables’, as acceptable PFD’s for water safety requirement?

9. DNR Conservation Officers are empowered to enforce the 1854 Code provisions and institute proceedings in the 1854 Court or Bands’ Tribal Court?

10. 1854 cardholders shall not transport freshly caught fish exceeding the daily limit and transport in such a manner that species and number of fish may be verified by a 1” square patch of skin/scale attached to the fillet?

Sharon Day leads seven day walk of MNiSota River A group of Indigenous women and supporters gathered at Big Stone Lake in Ortonville, MN on Friday, March 25 at 9 a.m. to begin a week-long Water Walk along the course of the MNiSota (Minnesota) River. The Walk concluded April 1 on Pike Island in Fort Snelling State Park at the confluence of the MNiSota and Mississippi Rivers.

“We will gather the river water at Big Stone Lake and carry this water to the confluence of the Mississippi River,” explained Bois Forte enrollee and Elder Sharon Day. Day has led a series of water walks over the years along the Mississippi, the Ohio, St. Louis, Cuyahoga and the James Rivers.

The MNiSota River (cloudy tinted waters to the Dakota) was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The river is of deep historic and cultural significance to the Dakota and also home today to many others. The river has been cited as one of the most polluted rivers in the state and nation. It is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River and increases the volume of the Mississippi’s flow by 57%, thereby increasing the pollution of the Mississippi.

The purpose of the Water Walks is to draw attention to the river’s contamination and at the same time, honor the water as a living being. “The Walks are extended ceremonies for the water led by Indigenous peoples,” states Day. “We believe the water has a spirit and is a living entity that we, humans, have been gifted with to love and cherish.”

For more information, visit NibiWalk.org or contact Sharon Day at 651-325-8077 or [email protected].



New Heritage Center exhibit features gifts to and from Nett Lake School teacherElders in their late 70s and early 80s who attended Nett Lake School in the early 1940s may recall having Irene Kiel for their teacher. Irene, now known as Mrs. Widmark, earned her degree at Bemidji State University and accepted her first teaching job at Nett Lake School. Irene taught first through fourth grade from 1940-1944.

In 2014, Irene contacted the Bois Forte Heritage Center and expressed her desire to return to Bois Forte, some of the beautiful hand-made gifts she had received from Nett Lake families during her years of service at the Nett Lake School. Former and current Heritage Center Directors Rose Berens and Bev Miller traveled to North Branch to visit

Mrs. Widmark and collect the gifts she was sharing with Bois Forte.

The gifts have now been put on display as part of a new exhibit at the Heritage Center and Cultural Museum on the grounds of Fortune Bay Resort Casino. Below

are photos of the intricately beaded apron, leggings and moccasins that are part of the collection. Also included are a painted hand drum, birch bark basket, child’s doll and leather gloves.

The Heritage Center and Cultural Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 218-753-6017 for more information. Admission is free for Band members.



Youth & Education

Congratulations to the Mountain Iron –Buhl Girls High School Basketball Team that finished the

season 30-3 and took home the third place trophy at the State High School Tournament. The team was led by All Tournament Junior guard Chelsea Mason

(Tony and Billie Mason). Other Mountain Iron-Buhl athletes with Bois Forte connections include

Junior forward Austin Dagen (the late Carl and Kelly Dagen), Sophomore forward Patia Hayes (John and Rae Villebrun), and Savannah Parisian (Iris Isham),

who serves as one of the team Managers.

In Progress Director Kris Sorenson writes, “Please give a strong shout out to Cecilia Martinez as her film Amazing has been accepted into the Smithsonian’s 2016 Native Cinema Showcase which will air this August in Santa Fe New Mexico. Cecilia is so very talented and has many projects she will be working on over the next couple of months. In the meantime take a look at her piece Amazing on YouTube.”

2016 Summer Youth Program UpdateMii gwech to all of the youth that applied for the 2016 Summer Youth Program. The applications

submitted filed by the April 29 deadline are now being processed. Near the end of May, applicants will be contacted for their pre-employment drug testing. The program is set to begin the second week of June and will run for eight – ten weeks.

Update from the ISD 707 Superintendent

As I help staff prepare for our last activities of the school year, I was reflecting on the many great experiences our students had this year. Most are very educational, but some are about connections that we have made, with ourselves and others, that we will carry with us a lifetime.

Soon after the year began, we invited the sixth graders from North Woods to join us in learning more about how the “Ricing” process works. Several of our community members helped make that a great success. My wife, who enjoys attending the events, and I even tried our hand at drying the fresh rice by pushing and pulling it across a long, flat metal box.

We ended the event with an invigorating and colorful Pow Wow!

While all events enrich and expand us, there is nothing more important than our own Anishinabe culture right here in the school. During the year, we have contests with each other and with other schools, as students compete to prove their knowledge of the Anishinabe culture, history, and language. We look forward to yet another contest coming up May 12 in Fond du Lac – challenging fun!

We had an assembly, called Australian Animals, where students were introduced to animals they will never see in our local woods, and another presentation about Dr. Seuss and how this literary genius made reading so much fun. Speaking of reading, February was reading appreciation month, so we had a reading contest between all our classes to see which class could read the most minutes! The students read over 30,000 minutes total. Each class transferred their minutes into miles that would bring them to a vacation destination of their choice within the 50 States area. They tracked their progress on a map traveling to places like Disney World in Florida, Hawaii, Arizona and the Wisconsin Dells to name a few. All classes had a celebration party in full theme once they arrived at their vacation destination. Those were a lot of minutes (miles)!

Speaking of assemblies, we had an anti-bullying group, called Reverse Order, (a rock band from America’s Got Talent) which did an excellent job of explaining how they were bullied as youngsters and how they dealt with it – great stories and supportive role modeling! We’re going to end the school year with another assembly about Robotics. The world is turning more toward robots and drones to get jobs done and we want our students to understand how they work and the role that people play in it.

Next month the Tribe will be helping again in the cultural education of our youth by having a Netting Clinic, where sixth graders will be explained how the Treaty of 1854 provided certain on-going fishing rights for the Tribe. They will also be shown how to net, as well as have a fish fry for lunch. We appreciate all the help and guidance we receive from the Tribe in educating our youth throughout the year. The latest possibility is a plan to develop an “Anishinabe app” for our students to use to assist in promoting the language. We must do all we can to preserve and perpetuate the Anishinabe language. I’m beginning work with the Anishinabe Academy in Minneapolis to partner ideas with them. (cont. on page 11)

Superintendent and Principal Steve Thomas

Mountain Iron-Buhl Junior Chelsea Mason was named to the Class A All-Tournament Team at the Girls State High School Basketball Tournament.



Heroin Users• In 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or older had used heroin at least once in their lives.

• The number of heroin users nearly doubled between 2005 and 2012, from 380,000 to 670,000.

• About 23% of people who use heroin become dependent on it.

Heroin and Brain Damage• Heroin overdoses can suppress breathing and deprive the brain of oxygen. This can create short- and long-term psychological and neurological effects, including coma and permanent brain damage.

• Studies have shown deterioration of the brain’s white matter due to heroin use, which may affect the user’s ability to make decisions, regulate behavior, and respond to stressful situations.

Honor your graduate

The Bois Forte News will continue to honor graduates at all

levels. If you or a loved one are graduating this year, send the

information to the newspaper so we can help you celebrate.

(See pg 16 for information on where to send your news).

Graduates of all levels from Head Start through Graduate

School, including Vocational Training are invited to be part

of the Salute to Graduates issue.

(Steve Thomas cont. from page 10)

In a few days, we will be having a Bear Safety presentation by the Vince Shute people and we will be having our annual Maple Syrup Day, where we invite North Woods sixth graders to join our sixth graders to have the community educate our youth again on the process of producing syrup from our many Maple trees. The school year is filled with numerous events intended to educate our youth. Not all of the education is provided in the classroom. As we approach the end of the school year, I wish to thank the many people in the community who help us perpetuate the culture in our youth. Your involvement is invaluable.

Here is the first in a series of reasons you may want to quit smoking or never start!

The best way to protect against the health risks of smoking is never to start. For someone who does smoke, quitting can make a big difference. Here is what happens when a smoker quits:

After 20 minutes – A person’s heart rate drops.

After 2 weeks – The lungs begin to work better.

After 1 year – The risk of heart disease is half of a smoker.

After 5 years – The risk of stroke goes down. Between five and fifteen years the risk of stroke is that of a nonsmoker.

After 10 years – The risk of lung and other cancers decrease.

After 15 years – The risk of heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.

Before a pregnancy – Quitting before a pregnancy lowers the risk of health problems for the mother and baby.

Saying no to smoking is one of the best things you

can do to protect your health and life!



Tribal Gov’t News & ReportsPeople with mental health disorders are more likely to also have substance abuse issues than those without mental health challenges. According to the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the nearly eight million Americans who have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders are best served by integrated treatment – and that is exactly what Bois Forte is striving to provide.

Diagnosis and treatment

“A mandatory part of a mental health diagnosis is to do some type of screening to determine if there is substance or gambling abuse,” said Behavioral Health Supervisor Honore Lehtinen. “Mental Health and CD (Chemical Dependecy) make referrals to each other, and if we have a shared client, we do case consultations to best meet that client’s needs.”

“Most people in CD have experienced trauma in their life like death, violence, loss of loved one, or assault,” said Chemical Dependency Supervisor Pam Hughes. “These experience can be triggers for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or paranoia.”

Homelessness also comes into play, Hughes said, because the homeless often have CD or mental health issues, or are veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. “By having Mental Health and CD working hand in hand, we can provide people with the specialized services they need” – for example, this occurs at the Band’s New Moon Supportive

Housing location.

Native tradition supports this type of collaboration, added Mental Health worker Wendy Drift. “A unique feature of a mental health assessment in native communities is we try to do an assessment of the total person – spiritual, physical, emotional and mental.”

Training

Joint training for staff is also important, and is emphasized more now than in the past, with Bois Mental Health and CD staff attending each other’s conferences and training sessions.

In fact, the type of collaboration seen at Bois Forte is now being encouraged across Minnesota by state officials. Lehtinen attributes Bois Forte’s early adoption of this model to the Band’s small size, tight-knit community, and understanding of historical trauma.

Help is waiting

Good health is important, whether you’re talking about your heart, your lungs, or your brain. There is no shame in seeking mental health or chemical dependency treatment. When someone is hurting, no matter the reason, the most important thing is getting help.

For more information about Bois Forte’s mental health and chemical dependency services or to get connected to specific services, contact any one of the following people.

Contacts for Chemical Dependency:

Pamela Hughes, Chemical Dependency/New Moon Program DirectorKatherine “Katy” Laitinen, CD Outreach CounselorSidney Adams, CD Outpatient CounselorTerry Strong, Bois Forte Chemical Health SpecialistCory Kovatovich, CD/MH Service CoordinatorJessica Gustafson, Int’l Falls Chemical Health SpecialistTracie Chosa, New Moon Tenant Service Coordinator/Intake Worker

Nett Lake CD Office: 218-757-3295Vermilion CD Office: 218-753-2347New Moon Supportive Housing: 218-753-3131

Contacts for Mental Health:

Virgil Sohm, Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services workerWendy Drift, LGSW, mental health therapistHonoré Lehtinen, MSW LICSW, mental health provider Melissa Wright is the Hearth Connection homeless program case manager. She does not work specifically with mental health but Melissa provides Adult Rehab Mental Health Services to the clients on her Hearth Connection program.

Nett Lake office: 218-757-3295Nett Lake fax: 218-757-0109Vermilion clinic: 218-753-2182

Correction: The hours for the Bois Forte Pharmacy were

incorrectly listed in the April Bois Forte News.

We apologize for any confusion caused by the error.

Bois Forte Pharmacy Hours

The Bois Forte Pharmacy is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

and closed for lunch from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

Prescriptions need to be picked up by 4:00 p.m.

Treating chemical dependency and mental health together



Bois Forte Development Corp.APPLY ONLINE FOR BFDC JOBS

The Bois Forte Development Corp is now accepting employment applications online. Individuals who would like to work for Fortune Bay Resort Casino, WELY, Tim Hortons, and the Y Store can now apply for all current positions directly through the website fortunebay.com or the Facebook page. Hiring for the Nett Lake store is not part of this online application process. If you have trouble using either site, contact Fortune Bay’s Recruiter Jenna Lehti at 218-753-7723 or [email protected].

On your way to the cabin and before you hit the water,

stop into the Y-Store for all your Bait and Tackle needs!

Before the Fishing Opener, stop in for grab-and-go food, groceries, camping supplies and something sweet to eat from Tim Hortons.

The store is newly stocked with all spring and summer clothing, tackle and gifts.



Community News & AnnouncementsRoger Leslie Wakemup

Roger L. Wakemup, 59, Nett Lake, died on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

He was born in on March 6, 1957, to John and Mabel (Soreyes) Wakemup Sr. He grew up in Nett Lake and served with the U.S. Marine Corps. He lived in Minneapolis for many years and moved back to Nett Lake in 2012. He was a talented free hand sketch artist, wrote short stories, and events of his life. He also liked ricing and going to the casinos.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Roger Wakemup Jr.; 3 brothers, Ralph, John Jr. and Frank Wakemup; and 3 sisters, Marjorie Holmes, Vera Belt, and Susan Sullivan.

Roger is survived by two sons, Lawrence Wakemup and Roger Wakemup; six daughters, Winona Wells, Charlotte Wakemup, Nicole Goodman, Chasity Burnette, Deanna Wakemup, and Leslie Wakemup; his foster parent, Charles Tristmann; one sister, Alice Wakemup; 13 Grandchildren, Levi Wakemup, Leona Wells, Travis Wells Jr., Makya Wells, Starlette Wakemup, Lailee and Dallas Lovejoy, Jazmine Goodwin, Luna Corrales, Ezra Shaugobay, Tarren Lafriniere, Corey Larson Jr., and Tavion Larson; along with numerous special extended family and friends.

SERVICES: Traditional Tribal Rites will be at 10:00 am Thursday, April 7th, at the Nett Lake Community Center, where visitation will begin after 5:00 pm Wednesday. The spiritual leader will be Kenneth Boney and the assistant spiritual leader will be Gene Goodsky. The casket bearers will be John Littlewolf, Aaron Villebrun, Daniel Wakemup, David Wakemup, James Johnson, and Nolan Littlewolf. The honorary bearers will be all those in attendance. Interment will be in the Nett Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. To sign the online guestbook, or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit, www.mlakerfuneralhome.com

1. False; the minimum size is 45” (inches) 2. True 3. True 4. False; three (3) business days after the close of the season 5. False; there is no selling of this firewood 6. True

7. False; applications for “Traditional Use Permits” are submitted to the respective Tribal Council 8. False; seat cushions or throwables, are not PFD’s, recognized by the 1854 code9. True10. True

Roger Leslie Wakemup

Geraldine Frances Polasky, 69, of Greaney passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Cook Hospital. Geraldine was born on November 12, 1946, in Nett Lake the daughter of Gerald and Rosalie (Porter) Sheehy. She grew up in Nett Lake and

graduated from Orr High School. After graduation she lived in Minneapolis for a short time, then returned to Greaney where she lived nearly 50 years. She was employed for many years as a secretary for the Nett Lake School.

Geraldine enjoyed quilting, picking berries, loved

gardening, watching and feeding hummingbirds. She was a great outdoorswoman who taught her children about hunting, fishing and trapping. She was previously married to Frank Polasky. Geraldine was a surrogate grandmother to many children whom she met and needed a little extra care. Geraldine was an all around wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is preceded in death by 2 brothers, John and Thomas Sheehy; and 1 sister, Grace Isham.

Geraldine is survived by her partner and best friend of 22 years, Frank “Buzz” Pliml III. of Greaney; 2 sons, Curtis (Toni Saarikoski) of Greaney, and Jim (Becky) Polasky of Virginia; 1 brother, William Sheehy of Chisholm; 3 sisters, Adeline (George)

Wooster of Linden Grove, Darla Flett of Greaney and Carla (Todd) Makinen of Hibbing, numerous special grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday (April 23rd) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, where a gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Fr. Drew Braun will be the officiant. Dan Bogren will provide the music. The honorary bearers will be Joe Porter, Tim Flett, Merle Olson, Larry Bialke, Rick Skraba, and Neil Hanson. A reception in honor of Geraldine will be held at the Cook VFW following the service. To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com.

Geraldine Polasky

Geraldine Polasky

Answers to true or false quiz on 1854 Treaty opportunities from page 8.

COMING THIS FALL!

Vermilion Early Head Start-Child Care Program

• Enhances and supports early learning and provides comprehensive and continuous services. • High-quality, full-day, full-year child care for low-income working families for infants & toddlers. • Supports the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences and prepares them for the transition into our Vermilion Head Start program.

Please call 218-757-3265 for a pre-enrollment form.

We will be hiring 4 Early Head Start teachers this spring. Upon hiring we will provide Child Development Associate

certificate training. Full-time, full-benefits.

Any questions? Please contact Christine Lundemo at 218-757-3265.

T’ea Drift, daughter of Carlos Rivera and Deanna Drift will

graduate on May 27 from Cloquet High School. T’ea, who is on the B Honor Roll has been taking college classes at Cloquet and is hoping to begin college in January 2017, possibly pursuing a

degree in Pharmacy.

Congratulations T’ea from your proud Auntie Wendy Drift and

Gramma Mavis Drift.



January 2017, possibly pursuing a

INTRODUCINGNewer Vehicle Loans for Qualified Buyers

up to $25,000!

May 19th, 2016

Happy 7th Birthday, Latise! (A.K.A TC)

WE LOVE YOU! Silas, Mom & Dad and the rest of the family



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 June issue:

MAY 9

Submit material to:Bois Forte News

1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507Lilydale, MN 55118

651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 [email protected]

Tribal CouncilKevin W. Leecy

Chairman

David C. Morrison, Sr.Secretary/Treasurer

Karlene ChosaDistrict I Representative

Brandon BennerDistrict I Representative

Ray ToutloffDistrict II RepresentativeTh

e Bois

Forte

News

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 KingBois Forte Enrollment Coordinator5344 Lake Shore DrNett Lake MN 55772.

Please note, you must check the box below your signature if you want us to give your new address to the Bois Forte News.

Name: Address: City/ State/ Zip: Date of Birth: Signature:___________________________

Date: __________ _____Yes, I would like this new address shared with the Bois Forte News Please send us your email address if you’d like to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in your email box:

___________________________________

PleaseSave the Date

Documents

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