INSIDE
State of the Band
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
Wednesday,
January 23
Page 4
Page 10
Fortune Bay
Resort Casino
Page 16
CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - January 2013
VOL. 36 NO. 1
Cobell litigation finally over
Next phase will be payments to claimants beginning in December
November 24 marked the expiration of the appeal
period for Cobell vs. Salazar, a 16-year class
action lawsuit regarding the federal government’s
failed trust management and accounting of
individual trust accounts. Now the U.S. can begin
to implement the historic $3.4 billion settlement,
with payments that began in December.
The remaining $1.9 billion of the settlement will
be used to purchase so-called fractionated parcels
of land that have many owners. The federal
government will then turn these lands over to
tribes. Up to $60 million of this $1.9 billion will
be set aside for scholarships for Indian students.
In preparation for the purchase of fractionated
lands, the federal government has held a series
of regional consultation meetings with tribal
officials. Bois Forte Chairman Kevin Leecy,
Secretary-Treasurer David Morrison Sr., District
I Representative Brandon Benner, and District II
The “Historical Accounting Class” includes Representative Ray Toutloff attended one of the
anyone alive on September 30, 2009, who had an consultation meetings held at Shakopee last year.
open IIM account anytime between October 25,
1994 and September 30, 2009, and whose account The plan on how the fractionated lands will be
had at least one cash transaction (that was not later purchased and the scholarship money distributed
reversed).
has not been finalized yet. But the payments to
IIM account holders is scheduled to begin as early
The “Trust Administration Class” includes anyone as mid-December. Band members who hold IIM
alive on September 30, 2009 who had an IIM accounts are encouraged to update their contact
account recorded in currently available electronic information to ensure they receive payment. (See
data in federal government systems and can sidebar at right.)
demonstrate ownership interest in trust land or
land in restricted status as of September 30, 2009. If you are unsure if you are part of the Cobell
An individual may be a member of one or both settlement, go to www.Indiantrust.com to learn more.
Classes or the heir of someone who was. Heirs may
receive Settlement funds through probate court.
Unlike the Nelson Act claims settlement, which
requires payment to tribes, much of the Cobell
money will go to individuals. The Settlement
includes two groups or “Classes” of individuals.
Most people included in the Settlement are
members of both Classes. $1.5 billion will be paid
to people across the U.S. who held Individual
Indian Money, or IIM, accounts. These accounts
were supposed to receive money that the federal
government collected from mining, grazing,
farming and timber harvesting on trust lands. Some
of the $1.5 billion will also be paid to individual
Indians with an ownership interest in trust land.
Individuals entitled to part of the settlement will
receive at least $500 and possibly substantially
more. The money will not be taxed, and it will not
affect eligibility for government benefits.
www.boisforte.com
IIM account holders need to
update contact information
If you have an IIM account and are involved
in the Cobell class action suit, you can help
ensure you receive your payment by calling
to confirm the claims administrator has your
correct contact information.
Individual payments from the Cobell
settlement are being made by GCG, Inc., a
claims administrator appointed by the court,
not by the Department of the Interior’s Office
of the Special Trustee (OST).
If you have an IIM account and you expect to
receive a payment from the Cobell settlement,
make sure GCG has your correct mailing
address and other contact information. Please
note, the fact that you receive checks or
information in the mail about your IIM account
from the Office of Special Trustee, does not
guarantee that the claims administrator has
your correct contact information.
Call GCG at 1 (800) 961-6109 to confirm they
have your correct contact information. Before
you place the call, have your IIM account
number or tribal enrollment number handy.
Transit System earns nearly $349,000
federal grant
Bois Forte received preliminary notice on December
13 that the Band has been awarded a $348,950 grant
from the Federal Transit Administration for operating
funds for our transit program. The funds will allow
Bois Forte to continue and perhaps expand the new
transit program services that began in 2012.
Once the Federal Transit Administration sends
official notice of the grant award to the Tribal
Council, the Tribal Government staff will have
more detailed information on exactly what parts of
the grant request were funded.
Transit Program Coordinator Jennie Rowland will
Planning and Community Development staff Jennie provide more information in the February edition
Rowland applied for the grant, with assistance from of the Bois Forte News.
colleagues Sidra Starkovich and Bill Whiteman.
BOIS FORTE NEWS • P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • JANUARY 2013
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
State & National News
A message on the passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
By NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., and As Chairman, Senator Inouye moved some of
the most important Indian legislation of our time
NIGA Vice Chairman Kevin Leecy
through the Senate, including Senator Inouye and Chairman Stevens at the NIGA
• The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act;
2011 Legislative Summit.
• Established the National Museum of the We mourn the loss of our friend, leader and elder American Indian;
statesman, Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Dan Inouye • The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act;
was one of the giants of our time, serving in the
Senate for 50 years and in the House before that. • The Tribal Self-Governance Act;
Senator Inouye’s tenure in Congress reaches back • The American Indian Trust Fund Management to Hawaii’s statehood and the election of President Act;
John F. Kennedy. His tenure reaches forward to • The Indian Financing Act;
the election of President Barack Obama, whom he • The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act; and
served as a mentor and councilor.
• The Native American Breast and Cervical Senator Inouye was a warrior for our Nation and Cancer Treatment Act.
a warrior for civil rights. After surviving Pearl
Harbor, when the United States interned his Senator Inouye recognized the difficult history
Japanese American people as foreign enemies, between the United States and Native Americans.
Dan Inouye left his job as a Sunday school teacher Addressing the United States Apology to Native
to volunteer for the Army. He fought in some of Americans, Senator Inouye said:
the most fierce battles in the Allied liberation of
Italy, leading his men through danger. He lost his “In our early days as a nation, we entered into
arm and earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, treaties with Native Americans pursuant to the
leading his men in the capture of a fiercely fortified provisions of the U.S. Constitution that recognize
German redoubt. Later, he secured an American them as sovereigns. But later, we abandoned the
apology to the Japanese American people for their path of an honorable course of dealings, and turned
to war.... The treaties could have signaled a return
wrongful internment.
to a course of honorable dealings ... had the United
He was a champion who stood strong and firm in his States not proceeded to break provisions in every
beliefs, which were instilled on to him as a young single one of the treaties....”
boy by his mother to do whatever he could to help
his people and he truly cared for our Native people. When Indian country faced difficult times and
outside interest groups attacked Indian rights,
In 1986, Senator Inouye was appointed as the Indian Country could completely rely on Senator
Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Inouye’s support for American Indian rights. For
Indian Affairs, which he later used his influence example, in the 109th Congress, when Indian
in the Senate to establish as a full Committee. gaming was under attack, Senator Inouye worked
to provide fairness
and to protect the
integrity of the
Indian
Gaming
Regulatory Act.
Senator
Inouye
was a champion
for Indian sovereignty, and while
he was not a sup- Insert caption here.
porter of gaming, he
respected the right
of Indian nations
as sovereigns to
choose gaming to provide for their communities,
and would often tell us “Never give up your sovereignty. It is the foundation for your survival.”
Senator Inouye was like a father to us. He was
Indian Country’s Champion. To us, he is a true
Chief, vested with dignity, love for the American
people and our Nation, and a deep sense of the
Nation’s honor.
Senator Inouye had a special place in his heart for
Native peoples, and we embrace the legacy that he
left to tribal governments. His work is embedded
in the growing presence Indian country asserts in
Washington, D.C. today. He is our foundation.
We honor and thank Senator Inouye for all of his
work, his friendship, and support. On behalf of
Indian country, we wish him well on the journey
to the Spirit World.”
DNR seeks to put moose on endangered species list
Minnesota’s beleaguered moose would be one of 67 animals added to the state’s official endangered-species list under a
proposal announced Monday by the Department of Natural Resources.
The moose, which has seen a dramatically declining population, would become an official species of concern on the new
list — the first major update to problem species in Minnesota since 1996.
The updated endangered- species list, in the works since 2007 and open to public comment, also includes 114 native
plants that resource officials worry are declining.
Under the proposal, expected to be final sometime next year, the state’s updated endangered-species list would bulge from 439 species of plants, mammals,
insects and other critters to 591 species.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2013
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
RTC News
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
Member Survey
Attention all Minnesota Chippewa Tribe wildersurveys.org/mct2 and use your enrollment
(MCT) members!!
ID number to log on to the secure web survey. We
encourage all MCT members who are interested
The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) is to complete the survey! All MCT members who
conducting a survey to help us learn more complete the survey will be entered into a drawing
about the blood quantum of MCT members and for several great prizes including play and stay
their descendants. About 2,500 enrolled MCT packages from our Reservation’s casinos, and
members have been randomly selected and Wisdom Steps special promotion discount cards.
invited (by sending them a letter) to participate
in this study – all MCT Band members eighteen We will use the information from this survey
(18) years of age and older had an equal chance to determine what other tribal affiliations
of being sampled.
(non-MCT) exists within families of enrolled
members. No individual enrollment statuses
MCT hired Wilder Research to conduct this will be changed as the result of this survey – it is
survey. We started contacting sampled MCT for information gathering purposes only.
members in December 2012. If you were
invited, we hope you decide to participate. Your If you have any questions about the survey, or
participation and accurate information are very to request a paper copy, please call Joel Smith,
important to the success of this survey.
Special Projects Coordinator, or Brian Brunelle,
Director of Administration at (218) 335-8581.
If you want to complete the survey (even if
you were not sampled) you may go to www.
Addresses needed
If your name is on this list, we do not have a current mailing address for you. Please contact the
Enrollment Office in Nett Lake at 218-757-3261. If you know the whereabouts of any of these
individuals, please have them contact the Enrollment Office. NO ADDRESSES WILL BE CHANGED
BY PHONE, EMAIL OR FAX. Mail your address update to 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN
55772, Attn: Enrollment. You must include your full name, date of birth, address, and you must sign
and date the letter.
ANDERSON, SHARON MARIE
BOTKIN, CHERYL ANN
BRESSETTE, MARY LOU
CHOSA, CLARA ANNE
CONE, KODA LEE
DALE, EUGENE ALLEN
DAY, WILLIAM
EKHOLM, RACHEL ELIZABETH
FOREMAN, LORI
GALLANT, JOHN GEORGE
GAWBOY, BARTON JAY
GESHICK, ANNA MARIE
GESHICK, ERNEST VERNON
GLASS, CARLOS ALONZO
GOGGLEYE, TRAVIS RICHARD
GOODMAN, MARY JANE
HARDING, ALTON
HARTLAND, DAVID RUSSELL
HILL, RACHEL
JANISCH, JORDAN REED
JOHNSON, LACY MARIE
JOICE, NINA MARIE
JORDAN, MICHAEL JAMES
JANUARY 2013
KALSTABAKKEN, DANIEL WAYNE
LOAIZA, ADRIAN PAUL
MANVILLE, PAULINE
MCGINLEY, MATTHEW ERIC
MCKENZIE, EDITH ANGELINE
MCQUEEN, JESSICA NAOMI
MILROY, CATHERINE DOROTHY
MURESAN, DEBRA JEAN
NEGLEY, ASHLEY NICKOLE
RODRIQUEZ, JULIUS VICENTE
SHAUGOBAY, SYLVIA MARIE
SHEPARD, KEITH WAYNE
STRONG, ASA DEREK
SWAN III, VICTOR JOSEPH
TAYLOR, BENNY WAYNE
THOMPSON, DOROTHY GESHICK
TOLRUD, THOMAS JOHN
TURNER, PAMELA ANNE
UNGER, SANDEE LYNN
VILLEBRUN, VINESSA DERAE
VIVIER, ALEX
WEBSTER, MICHAEL JAY
WHITEMAN, DOUGLAS WAYNE
Chairman
Leecy presents
Congressman-elect
with Bois Forte flag
Bois Forte Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy attended the
8th Congressional District DFL Campaign Victory
Celebration on December 8th at the DECC in
Duluth. The event was sponsored by the DFL to
meet and congratulate newly elected and reelected
DFL legislators.
During the ceremony Chairman Leecy presented
Congressman Rick Nolan with a Bois Forte Flag. “On
behalf of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, I would
like to congratulate Representative-Elect Nolan and
present you with the Bois Forte flag. We look forward
to working with you on issues for all the people of
northeastern Minnesota,” Chairman Leecy said.
The Bug O Nay Ge Shig singers from the Leech
Lake Band of Ojibwe performed for the ceremony
including opening with the Victory song, and a
performance of the Honoring song After keynote
speaker Rick Nolan’s speech, participants were
sent on their way with the Traveling song.
RFPs sought for
prosecutorial
services
The Bois Forte Tribal Court is seeking proposals from
attorneys interested in providing prosecutorial services
for the Bois Forte Band of the Chippewa Tribe.
Responders must be admitted to practice and in good
standing in the state of Minnesota. Proposals must
include a summary of background and experience.
Duties are part-time (24 to 40 hours per month)
and involve misdemeanor prosecutions under the
Bois Forte Code. As a general rule, the Court is in
session at Nett Lake, Minnesota two days (usually
the second and fourth Wednesdays) each month.
Arraignments and other duties are handled on an
“as needed” basis. Indian preference will apply.
Proposals should be sent to Wendy Thompson,
Commissioner of Judicial Services, 12907
Palmquist Road, PO Box 25, Nett Lake, MN 55772
or by e-mail to [email protected].
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Nett Lake
KBFT looks ahead to 2013
Boozhoo from KBFT Radio. We want to
thank all of you who tune into KBFT on a
daily basis. Your calls and comments are
greatly appreciated. A few of the major
goals achieved in 2012 were submitting
a major grant proposal to the Minnesota
Legacy Fund and being awarded
$117,500 to develop programming and
content featuring our local history, language & Culture. We were able
to move into our brand new studios located in the circle area of the
old Nett Lake School. We hired Marty Connor as our Programming
Manager.
In 2013 we invite our listeners to come be part of KBFT. We are going
to need local residents to come in and learn how to produce these
programs that will air on KBFT and Statewide on the radio stations that
belong to AMPERS (www.ampers.org). We have the latest software,
equipment and staff to provide all training to make any volunteer a
viable contractor to assemble these Legacy projects and become a
resource for any radio station who needs a producer. I think this a
great opportunity for entry level volunteers to develop marketable
skills in media production.
KBFT is also going to be in need of volunteers interested in developing
revenue sources such as selling underwriting, soliciting donations,
writing and managing grants/projects. Other possible revenue streams
could be special events. I would sure like to see local residents get
involved, receive training, and become qualified should activity levels
become sufficient to warrant the creation of full time positions. It is
KBFT’s understanding that as our volunteers grow, so does KBFT. Call
218.757.0045 for more information.
Vikings, Packers rivalry brings
out the best in RTG employees
Team building skills can come in a variety of manners and perhaps there’s no
better way to accomplish that fact than
with an old’ fashioned tailgate party.
Such was the case in early December
when Bois Forte Tribal Government
employees got together for food, fun and games all in preparation of the big
Minnesota Vikings versus Green Bay Packers game.
“We played flag football, bean bag toss, scavenger hunt and football toss.
Chili and chips were served,” said ardent Vikings’ fan Tracey Dagen. “It
was a lot of fun.”
Even if there were a number of Packers’ fans relishing in the activities?
“Wicko was the only major cheesehead with support from Jane Villebrun,”
teased Dagen of Victoria “Wicko” Holmes, whom is often seen wearing
Green Bay Packers’ garb to show her undying support to the Packers.
(Cont. on page 5)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Native Report1 features Bois
Forte Band Members
Native Report, a public television program out of Duluth/
Superior will be starting its 8th season this January. While
this is a wonderful achievement in and of itself; it is especially
significant for the Bois Forte Band. Not only do Bois Forte
Band members play critical roles in producing and hosting
Native Report, Bois Forte Band Member Axel Holmes will
be featured in the January 24 show on WWII Veterans.
Axel Holms, Sr.
serving in WWII. Native Report, which airs on PBS channel 8 out of Duluth
and 31 out of Superior is an entertaining, informative
magazine style series that celebrates Native American
3
culture and heritage, listens to tribal elders, and talks to some of the most
powerful and influential leaders of Indian Country today.
One of the people who walk with you through many of
these stories is enrolled Bois Forte Band member Tadd
Johnson who co-hosts and co-produces the show with
Stacey Thunder. Johnson, who is an attorney and Head of
the American Indian Studies Department and Professor
at the University of MN Duluth has served as a tribal
attorney for over 20 years, during which time he has also
served as a tribal court judge, a tribal administrator and
is a frequent lecturer on American Indian history and
Tadd Johnson
Federal Indian law. He spent five years with the U.S.
House of Representatives, ultimately becoming staff
director and counsel to the Subcommittee on Native American Affairs. In
1997, President Clinton appointed Mr. Johnson to chair the National Indian
Gaming Commission. He earned his B.A. from the University of St. Thomas
and his law degree from the University of Minnesota.
Field Producer Christina Wood is also an enrolled member of the Bois
Forte Band. As field producer, Christina helps develop stories about events,
history, and accomplishments throughout Indian Country. She received a
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Masters of Educational
Leadership from the University of Minnesota. Christina taught elementary
and middle school students over the course of 20 years before developing
charter schools on reservations. Wood is currently owner and President of
TAC Construction Solutions, working primarily with federal, tribal and
state agencies. Christina’s passion for education flows into her new business
venture as she is developing an apprentice program for Native Americans to
learn construction trades on the job.
All of the employees of Native Report use their knowledge and expertise to
put together wonderful programs that entertain and inform the viewer. One
of the story topics this season will be interviews with WWII Veterans. Band
Member Axel Holmes will be included in this show. Mark your calendars for
Thursday, January 24th at 8:30 p.m. to view the program on Axel Holmes.
The show will be rerun on Saturday, January 26th at 4:30 p.m or visit http://
www.wdse.org/shows/native to watch archived videos of the show. Other
upcoming programs include a visit to the Hochunk Reservation of Nebraska,
and the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation in South Central Wisconsin.
Teachers can also visit the Native Report website to obtain lesson plans for
Native American topics, including language learning and maple sugaring.
JANUARY 2013
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Vermilion
(Vikings-Packers cont. from page 4)
memorabilia, a pool table with purple felt and gold
rails with a Norseman centered in the middle. Her
“It was a fun event that built team camaraderie upstairs is donned with purple carpeting with yellow
and when you have fun, it makes work that much walls, etc. etc. She also puts a Minnesota Vikings’
flag on her car after every Vikings’ win and proudly
better,” said Dagen.
drives to work with the flag flapping in the wind.
For Holmes the tailgate party gave her and fellow
Packers’ fans a chance to talk a little trash to “Purple Pride is prevalent at TRACEland,” said
Dagen in reference to Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Vikings’ fans leading up to the big game.
home. “My daughter owns (several) Viking players’
“People who are real avid football fans do talk,” she jerseys and my son blows a Vikings’ horn when we
said. “But it’s all friendly. My friend and I were in score, sometimes we even do fireworks (outside)!”
Superior a few weeks back and I told my friend,`You
are in Packer country now.’ I was going to take When the Packers/Viking showdown arrives,
a picture of her in Packer country, but she didn’t Dagen normally prepares a feast for those who
want me to do it. It would have been a good picture stop by to watch the big game.
though.”
“This week it was my highly requested meatloaf,
Holmes has been a Packers fan for “many, many” mashed potatoes and corn,” she said.
years, in part because her father, Axel Holmes,
Sr., is from the St. Croix tribe in Wisconsin. She Prior to the game, Dagen predicted a Vikings
has even made it to historic Lambeau Field for a win, thanks in part to her favorite player, Adrian
couple of games, which is a must experience for Peterson.
any Packers’ fan.
“Vikes’ win,” she said prior to the game. “AD big
For the most part, Holmes is more at home on game day, 200 plus yards since Peterson is so determinedday cheering on her beloved team with her family. love the way he plays. All the way with All Day.”
“You even have to wear the other team’s colors
sometimes,” said Holmes. “A couple people had
to wear Packers’ colors to our Christmas party
a couple years ago. I’ll admit that I had to wear
Vikings’ colors too, not as often as others had to
wear Packers’ colors!”
With a December 30 rematch in the Metrodome,
both Dagen and Holmes are hoping they are the
ones who will be able to hold bragging rights for
another day.
But even if the Vikes can’t pull off the win,
Dagen’s love for the Vikings won’t fade away
anytime soon. The reason, she said, is because she
got to know several Vikings when they used to
partake in Fortune Bay’s Winter Blast snowmobile
fundraiser.
“I’ve always been a fan, but I became a Vikes
FANatic in 2001,” she said in reference to the year
she met Korey Stringer and Ted Brown. “That was
when those guys partied up here on the Rez with us
homies. The Vikings always reach out to back their
fans and charities. I had the opportunity to meet
a few and have quite an autograph collection…
SKOL Vikings!”
Dagen was right on
that Peterson would
have a big day as he
rushed for 210 yards,
but the Vikes’ couldn’t
Holmes said her daughters used to be Packers’ fans overcome some timely
too, but her husband, Ray, might have had something turnovers by their
quarterback Christian
to do with turning them into Vikings’ fan.
Ponder as the Packers
“The only thing that is irksome is when the Vikes won 23-14.
and Pack play at the same time,” said Holmes.
“The TV is always being switched back and forth.” The loss meant two
things, Dagen wouldn’t
If Holmes is to watch her favorite team play the drive to work with
Minnesota
whole game, she is relegated to going to another another
Vikings’ flag adorned
room to watch.
on her car and two,
“We should probably just get two TVs in the living Holmes would have
bragging rights at work
room just for football season,” she said.
the next day.
When it’s game time in the Dagen home, no one
has to worry about scheduling conflicts because Not only that, but
anyone who walks into Tracey’s home knows that Holmes would also
collect on some friendly
it’s Vikings’ country.
wagers she made. She
“Not many Packer backers stop by because they said her bets include
are intimated by my Vikings’ house,” said Dagen, anything from a bottle
of Orange Crush to a
who has been a fan since she was a youngster.
coffee mug, T-shirt or
And just what does Dagen have in her home? She even lunch.
has a wall to wall Viking border, plenty of Viking
“But the only other Packer fan in our home is my
son, Aaron, who became a fan in 4th grade,” said
Holmes. “He is even more vocal than I am about
the Packers- if you can imagine that!”
JANUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Urban Office
Band Member helps Hurricane Sandy victims regain power
Among the thousands of relief workers who
poured into New York after Hurricane Sandy was
Band member Leon Goodsky, a 20-year veteran of
Xcel Energy who specializes in trouble shooting
natural gas problems.
In the aftermath of the storm, which generated
straight-line winds in excess of 80 miles per
hour, Xcel called for volunteers from across the
country to help restore utilities. “The company
called for help before when Grand Forks flooded
out,” Goodsky said, “but this was the first time a
national call went out for help.”
Goodsky was among the crew of 40 utility
specialists – 20 from Colorado and 10 each from
Minnesota and Wisconsin – who left for New York
two weeks after the storm hit. They immediately
got a taste of the weather’s fury themselves when
the tent city set up for electric crews to live in was
blown down during a nor’easter. Goodsky and his
colleagues quickly made arrangements to bunk at
a fire hall in Great Neck, NY.
The crew ended up staying for two weeks, working
on Long Island, in Queens, and in smaller cities
around the area. Goodsky recalled one community
in Breezy Point that was hit particularly hard.
“The houses are so close together that they don’t
have streets – just sidewalks. An electrical fire
started in one of the houses and spread to the
others. Firefighters couldn’t get in because of the
lack of streets and the hurricane debris, so they
had to let 140 to 160 houses burn down.”
Goodsky, who is the son of Henry and Lela Goodsky
and the grandson of Melvin and Jenny King and
Henry and Helen Goodsky, said the toughest part appliances, and that they would have to wait until
for him was seeing what the devastation did to area we could restore power safely,” he said. “We had
to argue with a few people who wanted to turn on
residents.
appliances. But there were also a lot of grateful
“It was hard to explain to customers who were people out there – one lady was crying, she was so
cold and hungry that it was dangerous to turn on grateful.”
Calling all Crafters
(and shoppers!)
Native Americans who make and sell their homemade items are
invited to participate in a Home Crafters Sale the first Friday of
every month at the Urban Office.
Crafters will receive a free space including a
table to display and sell their items along with
lite refreshments or a lunch. Past sales have
included homemade earrings, beadwork, sewing,
gemstones, birch bark items and baked goods.
The sale runs every first Friday of the month
from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
If you are interested in selling your items contact
Urban Office Coordinator Jacque Wilson at
612-871-6618 or [email protected].
If you are interested in purchasing Native
American homemade items, plan on attending
the next sale on the first Friday of the month at
the Urban Office located at
1308 East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Xcel Energy workers helped to restore power to areas
in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Photo courtesy of
Getty Images.
The Honoring Our Warriors
Logbook Project
Honoring our Warriors will be a companion piece to the Bois Forte Veterans
Memorial, providing more comprehensive information about individual
veterans, including photos, memories from them or their loved ones, and
notable aspects of their service. The goal is to create a lasting legacy of honor
that reaches across generations.
To make sure your information or the information of a loved one is
included, contact Peg Connor at (218) 757-3261, ext. 201 or email at
[email protected].
Mocassin Classes at
the Urban Office
January 12, 13, 26, 27
February 2, 3, 9, 10, 23, 24
All materials provided to Bois Forte enrollees.
You must register in advance.
Contact Jacque Wilson at 612-871-6618.
JANUARY 2013
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Elders
Canton Indian Insane Asylum
Breakdown of 1916 Yearly Report
The second of two stories on the Indian Insane Asylum
By J. Kay Davis
1914 had a total of 54 patients
with 19 buildings on the 100 acres
of land, set on a knoll above the
Big Sioux River that formed the
boundary line between Iowa and
South Dakota. It also contained:
17 acres for the building sites and campus, 43
acres under cultivation and stock yards, pasture of
25 acres, and 6 acres of meadow, with roads and
railroad and rights of way, another 6 acres, and 3
acres of lawns. The buildings were all connected
by city lights and supplied with heat by heating
plants. Well water was supplied by a 55,000 gallon
tank by pipes.
1915 included 3 cases of terminal tuberculosis (1
male and 2 female), and 10 cases of trachoma (6
male and 4 female). There were 54 inmates at the
end of June, 1914, six of whom died during 1915,
and thus, 48 remained by the end of 1915, one of
whom was discharged on December 15, 1915,
leaving 47 inmate/patients. Of the 47, 27 were
full-bloods, 2 were ¾ blood quantum, 15 were half
breeds, 1 was a quarter breed as was 1/8 quantum,
and 1 was of unknown blood quantum.
The Sioux had sent the most with 31 admissions
(11 remaining), and Chippewa came in a close
second with 21 for the years since it had opened, 8
of whom were listed as remaining in 1916. All the
other tribes were single digit numbers.
The report listed 63 deaths, 20 recoveries, 12
improved, and 3 escapees. Of the deaths at
the Indian Insane Asylum, 28 died of TB, 7 of
pneumonia, 1 of bronchitis, 2 of failures of the
circulatory system, 4 of diseases of the digestive
system, 1 from TB of the bone, 5 from epilepsy,
4 from paralysis of the insane, 3 from syphilis, 5
from senile debility, 1 from senility and fracture of
the femur, 1 from peritonitis, and 1 from a double
mastoid.
The average age of patients remaining in the
asylum in 1915 was 37.64 years with the oldest
male patient being 79 years, and oldest female, 66
years. There remained 23 males over 20 and 22
females and 1 female and 1 male less than 20. The
most alarming statistics for me, however, was that
the aggregate ages since opening were 3 inmates
under 10 years old, 20 between 10-20; 33 from 2030, 42 from 30-40, 18 from 40-50; 11 from 60-70,
and 18 older than 70. Of the numbers just for the
year ending in 1915, 23 were single, 20 married, 1
divorced man, 1 widower, and 2 unknown.
Epilepsies topped the numbers for the mental
diseases listed, with manic depression coming
in second. Today we know that epilepsy is not a
mental disease, but back then, woe be upon those
who had it.
However, since the opening of the Canton Indian
Insane Asylum 92 were full bloods, 40 were half or
more, 5 were less than half, and 2 were unknown
blood quantum. To sum that up, 145 total inmates/
patients had been housed at the Asylum. Few were
“cured” and sent home. The admissions per year
included 1903 (opening) 15 were there; 1904:
11; 1905: 24; 1906, 22,1907:19;1908:13; 1909:9;
1910: 9; 1911: 4; 1912: 3; 1913: 7; 1914: 5; 1915:
4. The report predicted that 1916 “would probably Having read all the records I collected, I wonder if,
show the greatest number of admissions on account because I say what I feel strongly, if I would have
been sent there and endured what another of our
of the opening of the new hospital.”
Tribal member did so many years ago. Luckily, he
The report then listed the tribes represented by was there a short time, while others remained for
inmates/patients and included Apache, Arapaho, the entire 31 years it remained a scar on our history
Arikara, Bannock, Blackfeet, Caddo, Cherokee, as Indians.
Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Chippewa, Choctaw,
Cree, Creek, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventres, Hopi,
Kickapoo, Klamath, Menominee, Mesa Grande,
Modoc, Moqui, Navajo, Osage, Papago, Pawnee,
Piegan, Pima, Piute, Potawatomi, Puyallup,
Pueblo, Quapaw, Sac and Fox from Oklahoma,
Seminole, Shawnee, Sioux Umatilla, Ute,
Unknown, Winnabago, Wyandotte.
JANUARY 2013
Happy January
Birthdays, Elders!
Rosemary King
1-1
Shirley Benner
1-2
Joe Gonier
1-3
Char Lewis
1-7
Pat Running Bear
Marcella Connor
1-7
1-29
Marge Holmes
1-2
Roger O’Leary
1-3
Rose Berens
1-20
Jerome Whiteman
1-24
Happy Belated
December 17
Birthday to Wanda
Mondragon
Bois Forte Elder’s Meeting
Vermilion Community Center
October 8, 2012
Meeting called to order at 11:35 by chair Jerome
Whiteman.
Members Present: Jerome Whiteman, Justin
Bones, Peggy Connor, Mary strong.
Members Absent: Marilyn Geshick
Others Present: Ester Connor, LuAnn Drift,
Harvey Thompson, Virgil Sohm, Gloria Drift,
Rose Lein, Marci Drift, Eileen Barney, Chester
Graue, Bev Miller, Mary belle Isham, Jennie
Woodenfrog, Karen Drift, Marcella Connor,
Lester Drift.
Mission Statement will be read at next meeting.
Minutes of Sep. 10, 2012 were not available.
Comprehensive planner brought maps/requested
a policy be adopted/guidelines concerning
naming the new streets at Vermillion. Discussion
was made on using Native American names or go
with off reservation street names. It was decided
the Comprehensive Planner would bring info to
the Vermillion reservation on proposed names of
the streets on October 23, 2012.
(cont. on page 14)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Elders
Warm-up food after outside play and work
By Dr. Linda Grover
my brothers, sisters and me, when we were kids.
Like my mother and my aunts did, I say “just look
Although January is the at those rosy cheeks!” and make them some hot
coldest month of the year, the chocolate, “to warm up.”
sunlit hours become longer
every day; that, combined My mother and aunts made hot chocolate on the
with the snow on the ground, stove, mixing cocoa powder and sugar into milk
makes for longer hours of and water, stirring as it heated. Today most of us
outside playtime for children. use powdered hot chocolate, which is so convenient
It is a pleasure to watch my and takes so little time.
grandchildren playing around in the snow: they
build snowmen and walls; they throw snowballs; Cooking has changed over the years, hasn’t it?
they jump to create “monster” tracks; they flop Many meals are much faster to prepare now,
but boiled dinner, cooked the way our mothers
down backwards and make snow angels.
and aunties did, is easy to make and worth the
When they come inside, their fresh faces are so time! This is a very “flexible” recipe as far as the
cute: red cheeks, bright eyes (to we who love ingredients and quantities go, and it cooks as you
them, even their runny noses!) I have them hang prepare. If you make enough, it can last 3, or even
their jackets , snow pants, hats and mittens over sometimes 4, days. This meal warms you up, is
the heat registers, just the way my mother taught good for you, and tastes great on a January day.
BOILED DINNER: You will need rutabeggies,
carrots, potatoes, cooked ham (or pork chops),
cabbage and a big pot that has a cover. Start some
water boiling in the pot (a couple of cups; you can
add more if needed). Dice up the rutabeggies and
put them in the water. While they start to cook,
slice up the carrots and add; next, slice and add the
potatoes. Cut up the ham and add it (or a couple
of cooked pork chops); last, add a quarter- or halfhead of cabbage. This whole process will take close
to an hour. Make sure there is enough water, and
use a cover on the pot because the cooking creates
a lot of steam. Turn down the burner, simmer a
little while, until the cabbage looks cooked, and
serve. Refrigerate leftovers. If there are any!
Nim-bakade; I am getting hungry. I think I will
go cook!
HUMOR
There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses.
One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God with no actual address. He thought he should
open it to see what it was about. The letter read:
Dear God,
I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all
the money I had until my next pension payment. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner.
Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with, have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?
Sincerely, Edna
The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her
wallet and came up with a few dollars.
Ron LaRoque and Vernon Steel have been
hired as temporary Housing employees to
assist Elders in Nett Lake with winter-related
projects. Milt Barto has the same position
assisting Elders in Vermilion. So far the men
have shoveled snow and put plastic on
windows and cut wood for home heating.
By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman.
The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share
with her friends.
Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the
workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read:
Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner
for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift.
By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it might have been those bastards at the post office.
Sincerely, Edna
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Dave Steel has been hired as the new driver
for the Bois Forte Transit system. Dave has
plenty of experience having driven the Head
Start bus for years. If you haven’t already, try
the new transit services. Route information
is available on boisforte.com and by calling
Jeannie Rowland at 218-248-0264.
JANUARY 2013
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Youth & Culture
“Why Treaties Matter” exhibit receives award
The traveling exhibit Why Treaties Matter: SelfGovernment in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations has
been awarded the 2012 Helen and Martin Schwartz
Prize from the Federation of State Humanities
Councils.
The prize is awarded annually to up to three programs
for outstanding work in the public humanities.
It is funded through an endowment from former
Federation of State Humanities Councils board
members Helen and Martin Schwartz. This year’s
winners were recognized at the National Humanities
Conference in Chicago on November 17.
Why Treaties Matter is the result of an innovative
collaboration of the Minnesota Indian Affairs
Council, the Minnesota Humanities Center, and the 80 people from the area.
Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the
American Indian, in partnership with Minnesota’s There are now three
11 sovereign tribal nations.
copies of the exhibit traveling around
The exhibit includes 20 freestanding banners the state. Why Treawith evocative text, historical and contemporary ties Matter has been
photographs and maps, and a 10-minute video hosted by Minnesota
titled A Day in the Life of the Minnesota Tribal Tribes, county hisNations. One of the banners includes photos from torical societies, high
Bois Forte, and part of the video footage was shot schools, and Fort
Snelling. The world-renowned Mayo Clinic in
at Bois Forte.
Rochester paid to have its own copy of the exhibit
The Bois Forte Heritage Center hosted the exhibit for created, and Bois Forte Heritage Center Execua month this summer. A public reception at the center, tive Director Rose Berens gave the invocation for
sponsored by Fortune Bay Resort Casino, drew about Mayo’s exhibit when it opened.
Superintendent’s Update
Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Kick-Off Celebration on January 24th.
They are in our hearts and we continue to think
Congratulations to Marilyn Geshick and Karlene
about them as they begin the healing process.
Chosa! They received the most votes in the School
Knowing what happened there, we must always be Board election in November. Travis Morrison who
prepared to handle any situation that might arise. received the highest number of votes does not live
The Safety team met in December to talk about in the Nett Lake School District so is unable to
ways to improve the Crisis Plan. It is the job of serve on the School Board.
every employee of the Nett Lake School District to
ensure that all students are safe and it is a job that At the December 12th meeting, the School Board
nominated Jeneal Goggleye to fill the vacancy.
we take very seriously.
She accepted the nomination and will be on the
Events to look forward to in January include: School Board until 2014 when a special election
The Re-organizational School Board meeting on will be held for her seat. The special election will
January 7th at 8:00 A.M.; a School Board Study fill the vacancy from 2014-2016. This will bring
Session on the Open Meeting Law and Data the election schedule back to three seats up for
Privacy with a representative from the Minnesota election every two years. New members will be
School Board Association on January 8th at 8:00 sworn-in at the January 7th School Board Meeting.
As we begin this new year, we can’t help but feel A.M which is open to the public; and our PBIS
sadness for the students, staff, and families from (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)
Happy New Year from the
Nett Lake School! This
is the time of year to think
about and plan for all the
possibilities that can be accomplished for the coming
year. The teachers, paraprofessionals, and students
are working toward accomplishing the goals that
Superintendent
we have set. To showcase
and Principal Rae
and celebrate the academic
Villebrun
success of our students, we
have the Eagle’s Nest in the
hallway. The Eagle’s Nest is the place for teachers
to recognize the students for their achievements.
Please take some time to visit the Eagle’s Nest!
Becca Adams graduates from the
University of North Dakota
Congratulations to Becca
Adams, daughter of Gordy
and Pasty Adams on her
December 14 graduation
with honors from the
University of North Dakota.
JANUARY 2013
Culture Committee hosts Language Table
The Bois Forte Cultural Committee hosts a Language Table
the second Thursday of every month at 3:30 p.m. alternating
locations between the Vermilion Social Center and the
Government and Community Services Center in Nett Lake.
The next meeting will be January 10 in Nett Lake.
All are welcome to attend and stay for a light meal
and meeting following the Language Table.
For questions please contact Jacque Wilson at (612) 871-6618.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
ATTENTION:
For the upcoming construction year: Everyone will
have to submit a newly revised TERO Application.
Please see the website for the new application,
or stop down at the Tribal Government Office
to pick one up. Thank you very much!
Dawn Benner
Bois Forte hosts first
Ojibwe Quiz Bowl
As part of their on-going effort to provide positive
activities for youth, the Chemical Dependency staff
hosted Bois Forte’s first Ojibwe Quiz Bowl. The
December 5 event at Fortune Bay drew 13 teams of
youth from across northern Minnesota. The teams
competed against one another in answering questions
on Ojibwe language and culture.
The Bois Forte Team had a strong
showing in their first competition.
Pictured left, back row left to right:
Leon Chosa, Christian Bloom,
Harvey Thompson, Antonio Roy,
Molly Deatherage. Front Row
left to right: Tyler Drift, Summer
Isham, Tyla Adams, Adriana Day.
2013
New Year, New Job
2013
2013
2
0
1
3
3
201
2013
If the New Year has you contemplating a new job,
you might want to consider applying for a job working for
the Bois Forte Tribal Government or a Band business.
Not only will you receive great satisfaction in knowing you
are working for your Band, you will also receive
competitive pay and many positions include benefits.
The Bois Forte Quiz Bowl team
will travel to White Earth in
February for their next competition
and then on to Fond du Lac in May
for the end of the year competition.
Check out the Bois Forte Website
www.boisforte.com/job_postings.htm
or the Fortune Bay Resort Casino website
www.fortunebay.com/about/employment
for open positions.
Take a look and see if one might be just the
right place for you this New Year.
Above: Competitors and guests enjoyed
buffalo wings and pizza. Right: Dan
Jones and Tom Vollum served as
moderator, judge and timekeeper.
Stay Healthy this Winter
Health experts are reporting the USA is
experiencing the earliest flu season in nearly a
decade. A virulent strain (H3N2 viruses) - one that
makes people sicker - appears to be dominating,
according to the Center for Disease Control.
Elderly individuals are particularly at risk of
severe symptoms and complications.
Here are some quick tips on how to keep yourself
and your family healthy during the cold winter
months.
Wash your hands frequently. Your hands are
exposed to more germs than any other part of
your body. Washing them often – after using the
bathroom or changing diapers, before eating or
cooking, after coughing or sneezing, and any time
BOIS FORTE NEWS
they are dirty – is the single most important thing
you can do to prevent the spread of infection. If
you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
Everyone 6 month of age or older should get a flu
shot or the flu nasal mist every year. You can get
your flu shot at either the Nett Lake or Vermilion
clinic, as well as some retail stores like Target and
pharmacies like Walgreens.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow. If you don’t
have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your sleeve Stay home if you’re sick. This will help you get
near your elbow. Don’t cover your mouth or nose the rest you need to get better, and protect others
from catching the flu from you. Drink lots of fluids
with your hands – you’ll get germs all over them.
and take a pain reliever like Tylenol® or ibuprofen if
Get a flu shot. Influenza, or the flu, is very different you need it to control your fever or ease body aches.
from having a stomach bug. The true flu is caused Unfortunately, antibiotics won’t cure the flu.
by a virus that attacks the nose, throat and lungs.
Symptoms appear quickly and include fever, dry Take extra care if you are diabetic. If you get
cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, the flu, remember to keep taking your diabetes
stuffed-up nose, and body aches. The flu can cause medications, eat as much as you are able to, and
mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. check your blood sugars more frequently.
JANUARY 2013
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Bois Forte Victim Services update
Bois Forte Victim Services has been pretty busy
these past few months and we are not letting up.
Here is an update on what we have been doing
the past couple months and what you can expect
in 2013.
holding shows in various locations in the upcoming
months so keep a look out for flyers.
On November 15th we collaborated with the Bois
Forte Chemical Dependency Department. We
handed out purple carnations with information
In October we added a new member to our team, on domestic abuse and sexual assault awareness
Louise Isham. She is now our Victim Services cards to all who attended the Sobriety Walk/Feast
Administrative Assistant. Louise came on board which was held at Fortune Bay Resort Casino.
just in time to help us out for Halloween. Victim
Services provided trick-or-treat goodie bags and Victim Services in collaboration with Indian Child
juice to the Head Start students at the Nett Lake Welfare prepared a special “Holiday Wishes”
radio spot which was aired throughout the month
Elementary School.
of December on KBFT 89.9FM – Bois Forte
Our Good Touch/Bad Touch Puppet Show has Community Radio.
been going full force as well. We held three
shows in November; (November 6th) Nett Lake Our big event for December was our “Win a
Elementary School, (November 8th) Vermilion Holiday Basket” event on December 12th and
Head Start, (November 9th) Nett Lake Head 13th. We will have more information and pictures
Start, and one December 7th at the Tower-Soudan on this event in the February issue of the Bois
Forte News as this issue was in production during
Elementary School.
the event.
Victim Services is thankful and appreciative to
the Nett Lake Police Department for being a part The next few months will be busy as well. We have
of the Good Touch/Bad Touch Puppet Show. It is these awareness campaigns coming up:
wonderful to be able to collaborate with friends to
promote awareness about Domestic Violence and · January is STALKING AWARENESS Month
Sexual Assault.
· February is TEEN DATING VIOLENCE and HEALTHY REALATIONSHIP Month
The puppet show is not done yet! We will be
· April is SEXUAL ASSUALT AWARENESS
and CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION Month.
Please keep an eye out for postings and flyers for
activities and events during these months.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Bois Forte Victim Services
January is National Stalking Awareness Month
Bois Forte Victim Services Provides Community Stalking Awareness
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a
time to focus on a
crime that affected 6.6 million victims in one year. The theme –
“Stalking; Know it. Name it. Stop it.” – challenges
the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning
more about it.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, the U.S.
Territories and the District of Columbia, yet
many victims and criminal justice professionals
underestimate its seriousness and impact. In
one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm
or threaten victims, and stalking is one of the
significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of
women) in abusive relationships. Victims suffer
anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression
at much higher rates than the general population,
JANUARY 2013
and many lose time from work or have to move as jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for
a result of their victimization.
authorities to investigate and prosecute their
crimes.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and
prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a Communities that understand stalking, however,
single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, can support victims and combat the crime. “The
a course of conduct directed at a specific person more people that recognize the signs of stalking
that would cause that person fear.
helps increase our chance to protect and prevent
tragedies in our community.” expressed Darla
Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, Flett, Bois Forte Victim Services Advocate.
threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts, or visits.
Bois Forte Victim Services will offer various
awareness activities to promote stalking awareness
One in four victims report that the stalker uses and public education during the month of January.
technology, such as computers, global positioning
systems devices, or hidden cameras, to track the For more information, please contact Louise Isham
victim’s daily activities.
at 218-757-3295. For additional resources to help
promote National Stalking Awareness Month,
Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile please check out http://stalkingawarenessmonth.
and many stalkers follow their victims from one org and www.usdoj.gov.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Homes for Sale
Address: 1677 Eagle Pt. Rd.
Specs: 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath;
Lakefront Property; Guest House;
Hot Tub
Asking Price: $249,000
Contact: Roger & Gloria Toutloff,
218-753-3718
Address: 13005 Ridge Drive, Nett Lake
Specs: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath; Single-story
+ Basement
Asking Price: $70,000
Contact: Loretta Knutson, 218-757-3699
Address: 8301 Benson Rd., Embarrass
Specs: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath; Mobile Home
Asking Price: $12,500
Contact: Leroy and Pam Jenson, 218-984-2126
Address: 1416 Skogman Dr., Tower
Specs: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath; Lakefront
Property
Asking Price: $195,000
Contact: Robert Zika, 218-753-3913
Address: 5215 St. John’s Dr.,
Nett Lake
Specs: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath
Asking Price: $85,000
Contact: Billie Mason, 218-7805978
Address: 1449 Cemetary Rd., Tower
Specs: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath; Lakefront
Property
Asking Price: $75,000
Contact: Daniel & Laura Zika,
218-780-4395
Address: 4688 Indian Pt., Tower
Specs: 1 Bedroom, Chemical Bath;
Single-story + Basement
Asking Price: $15,000
Contact: Mark & Deb Andrews,
218-744-5434
Address: 13001 Nett Lake Rd., Orr
Specs: 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Asking Price: $90,000
Contact: Teresa Strong, 218-750-7632
Address: 1282 Duffy Point Rd., Tower
Specs: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath; Sauna
Asking Price: $104,900
Contact: Richard & Kathy Kilen,
218-831-9097
Address: 4589 Indian Point, Orr
Specs: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath; Sauna
Asking Price: $35,000
Contact: Jesse Baker, 218-744-2275
For more information on these properties,
visit www.boisforte.com/divisions/leasing.htm
or contact the seller.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2013
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Community News & Events
Edna Rose (Waa-ji-bine-siik)
Chosa Jensen
Edna Rose (Waa-ji-bine-siik) Chosa Jensen
began her journey to the spirit world on Monday,
November 12, 2012, at Cottage Hospital in Santa
Barbara, California, after a brief illness.
Edna was born on March 31, 1922, at Basswood
Lake, daughter of Henry Chosa and Clara Dufauld
Chosa. She was the youngest of the eight children
of Henry and Clara who survived to adulthood, and
was 90 years old when she walked on.
Edna Rose Chosa
Jensen
Edna attended elementary school at Hayward
Indian School, where because of her exceptional
intelligence and ability to learn quickly, she skipped
second and fourth grades. She then attended Pipestone, where she skipped
eighth grade. She began tenth grade at Haskell but she and a friend, Ignatia
Broker, disliked the place so much that they ran away together. After
spending the summer in Oklahoma, Edna returned home, and since no one
reported her return, she was able to spend one precious year living with
her parents. She then completed her education at Flandreau, graduating in
1941.
In 1943 Edna met and married Danish immigrant Jens Anker “Ray” Jensen
in Minneapolis, and their only child, Betty Ann, was born the following
year. When Ray’s deteriorating vision threatened the family livelihood,
Edna became first his driver and then his equal partner in his business
opportunity brokerage, passing the Minnesota and Wisconsin broker’s
exams on the first try and earning a broker’s license in her own right in both
states.
After their daughter married and settled in California, Edna and Ray
retired to that state, where they enjoyed the mild winters and welcomed the
California births of their grandchildren over the years. When Ray became
completely blind, Edna took excellent care of him and saw to it that his
remaining years were good ones; he died in 1990.
Myrrhia Jean Kleinbrook
Myrrhia Jean Kleinbrook, age 22 of River Falls,
died Friday, November 23, 2012 as the result of an
auto accident.
Myrrhia was born on April 7, 1990 in Minneapolis,
MN, the daughter of Michael and Jodi (Boney)
Kleinbrook. Throughout her high school years she
was an employee of McDonalds in River Falls and
enjoyed working with people everyday. Myrrhia
Myrrhia Jean
coached girls hockey after high school and was a
Kleinbrook
founding member of the Fusion Hockey Team in
River Falls. Following graduation from River Falls
High School, Myrrhia set out for California, where she attended college at
Long Beach Community College and worked at Walmart and Walt Disney
Land for two years. It was there that she learned a greater appreciation for
her family. She recently moved back home to River Falls to be with her
immediate family. Myrrhia was actively involved in the Native American
community and danced in pow wows and just completed making her own
jingle dress this summer. She loved animals, reading, photography, watching
musicals, being with her family, traveling and spending time at home.
Myrrhia was currently attending Inver Hills Community College for Nursing.
She is survived by her parents Michael and Jodi Kleinbrook, brother Ryan
and sister Grace, grandparents James and Linda Kleinbrook, and numerous
aunts uncles and cousins. She is proceeded in death by her grandmother
“Gram” Mary Lou Boney and baby brother Seth.
A visitation will be held from 4-7pm at the Cashman-Hill Funeral Home,
River Falls, on Tuesday, November 27, 2012. Burial will be at the Nett Lake
Cemetery, Nett Lake, MN on Wednesday.
A small service will be held in Nett Lake before her burial.
On-line condolences may be sent atwww.cashmanhillfuneralservice.com
Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, River Falls, is serving
the family.
Edna very much enjoyed all kinds of board or card games, as well as
blackjack, slots, and horse races, where she frequently came out a winner.
However, an old knee injury and the usual frailties of advancing age caught up with her, and early in 2010 she moved north from Oceanside to a nursing home
in Goleta, where she could receive the constant care she now needed and also see her daughter and family frequently.
In death Edna is reunited with her husband and her parents; with her sisters Mary Chosa Maki, Nelle Chosa Crowe, Rose Chosa (died in infancy), and
Margaret Chosa Champagne Roubideaux; with her brothers Fred Chosa, Thomas Joseph Chosa, Peter Chosa, and Ernest Chosa (died in infancy); and with
many beloved double cousins born to Leo Chosa and Annie Dufauld Chosa or to Frank Chosa and Caroline Vivier (half-sister of Annie and Clara).
She will always be deeply missed by her surviving sister Lucy Chosa Lefto of Huntington Park, California; by her only child, daughter Betty Ann Jack, by
beloved son-in-law Michael Jack, by her grandchildren Rachel Jack, Leila Joseph, and David Jack, and by her four great-grandchildren, all living in Goleta,
California, as well as by her many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Even though she lived for the last four decades in California, Edna’s spirit and heart was always in Minnesota. Her physical remains were laid to rest with
those of her beloved father in Ely Cemetery on 4 December 2012.
The family is grateful for the skill and compassion with which Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely handled the funeral arrangements and would also like to express
their gratitude to the hotel and restaurant staff at Fortune Bay for “going the extra mile” in helping us get through this difficult time.
JANUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Community News & Events
Mii gwech to a caring community…
To all the friends and community members of Bois Forte, mii gwech to
everyone who provided so much support to our family during the tragic
death of Lindsey Moon and her 21-week old baby Camaira Analise. Special
thanks to Calvin Ottertail for the healing song at the October Powwow and
to Karlene Chosa and Brandon Benner for their assistance.
In Loving Memory of
Myrrhia Jean Kleinbrook
April 7, 1990 - November 23, 2012
We are so grateful for your gifts of food and the many ways you expressed
love and support for our family.
Our hearts are sad and we miss Lindsey so much, but your support gives
us strength.
Shelly and Eric Strong
Brent Villebrun and Ashley Goodsky
Amanda Quoetone
(Elder October Meeting Minutes cont. from page 7)
Vermillion elder brought a petition that would be presented to the R.T.C
regarding help to fix elders homes. A favorable response was requested from
the Elders. Discussion on the proposal was presented. All Elders were in favor.
A suggest was brought to the Elder’s Meeting in regard to establishing a
Utility Board to assist Elder’s in getting work completed in their homes.
Numerous times the Elder gets the run around because their homes are not
owned by Bois Forte Housing. The Elder doesn’t know who to call to assist
them in following up on work request when they are having a problem. When
the Elder worker does not know how to fix the problem, he doesn’t let anyone
know and the work is not followed up on. Discussion was presented on having
our own electrician and plumber instead of using outside the reservation
contractors. This would be good training for our Band members and keep
them working on the reservation.
An Elder made a statement that she did not know what Elder Assistance
Programs were available. She had an emergency with rain coming in her
porch and no funds were available to help her. Statement was also made
that she has applied for numerous jobs and was not able to get one on the
reservation. She mentioned she has five degrees. When an Elder really needs
emergency help, where can she go if there are no funds?
Bois Forte Council Representative was present along with Bois Forte Housing
Commissioner. Communication with the Elder and R.T.C was a factor in
getting help for the Elder. Housing Commissioner stated 4 jobs were coming
open for maintenance workers. Two positons will be open in Nett Lake and
two positions will be open in Vermillion. These maintenance workers would
be available for three months in the fall and 3 months in the spring.
Memory of Me
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whisphering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Give the gift of life in 2013
The New Year is here, and after the exchange of gifts amongst family
and friends, many hospital patients have a gift on their wish list that only
generous hearts can give even after the holidays pass: a blood donation.
Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays subsides, the American Red
Cross asks people to give one last gift — give blood. A blood donation
can be the most meaningful gift of the season.
Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in
January in an effort to educate Americans about the importance of
regular blood and platelet donations and the impact they can have on
patients in need.
January is also a time when blood and platelet donations can drop as
people are unable to make or keep donation appointments because of
inclement weather and seasonal colds and flu. At the same time, the
need for blood remains constant, so it is important for all eligible donors
to give blood. The Red Cross encourages all donors to make a New Year’s
resolution to give blood regularly to help ensure a stable supply.
A rough box was not completed in time for an Elder’s burial. Communication
between the family and the person working on the box was not done.
As many as 44,000 blood donations are needed every day across
Comment was made concerning the funeral was on Sunday and the worker
the country to meet the needs of patients. Make an appointment
would have to paid time and a half. Human Resource Director stated it is the
to donate by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
family’s responsibility to notify the worker when the funeral will take place.
would be included when the family applies for burial funds.
The family did not know who is responsible to make the rough box or who
they needed to contact on the day of the funeral. It was suggest a check list
would be included on who the family should contact to get the rough box Motion made by Marybelle Isham; second by Peggy Connor to adjourn meeting
made on the day of the funeral. Human resource Director stated the checklist at 1:50. Carried 4-0-0. Next meeting at Vermillion on November 13, 2012.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2013
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
A Minute with Millie
Happy Birthday,
Son!
Here it is, another year gone past. If you’re reading
this, the prophecy surrounding the Mayan Long
Count Calendar was misinterpreted and we are still
here. Still living the good life-Bimadiziwin. On the
whole, life is pretty good. I wake up in the morning
to write a few of my many words so My Faithful
Readers may have a bit of the wisdom I’ve gained
from life on the Rez. Teehee.
Our Dear and Faithful Friends have generously
given us many laughs, good times, a hard time here
and there during the past year. Our Most Beloved
and Esteemed Family have helped us with bits and pieces of the Good Life.
I reflect on the many meals that have been prepared by the good cooks at
ENP, at the Pow-wows and various events held right here on the home rez.
(January 3)
I love you so very much!
Love from Mom
Millie Holmes
Faithful Readers, think on the settlements that have been long haggled over
and have finally arrived. We had begun to think that our great grandchildren
might see a penny or two. Now that we’ve been happily spending, saving or
whatever, let’s give thanks for a moment for those who had fought for our
land and saw to it that the treaties were worded the way they were. Think on
those who saw to it that life on the rez would continue despite the efforts of
the many who wanted to abrogate those same treaties.
And Let us Reflect on the many Gifts we have been given-eyes that we may
see the beauty of the land and those that walk upon it, ears that we may
hear the many voices of all those who raise voice in thanks, hands, feet, and
heart that we may feel the wind, the rain, the snow, the sun, the moon and
remember who gave us these gifts.
Now, reflect upon the resolutions that you may have made for this new year
in the season for reflection, meditation. Resolution has many meanings.
Resolve: 5. to reach a firm decision about -http://www.merriam-webster.
com/dictionary/resolve. Consider: the resolve of our ancestors, when
signing those treaties, that family, friends have access to the Good Life as
we had known it.
Happy Birthday,
Uncle Brandon!
From,
Monique, Kalvyn and
Makayla
Happy 1st Birthday AJ!
(January 8th)
BTW, teehee, my father has been learning to use a voice recognition software
package. Fair warning, you may be seeing his name on an article or four. My
resolve: to prepare for payback. Why oh why did I buy that software for one
whom I poked fun at on a blog post or two?
Stop into the Nett Lake Store!
Now that winter has officially arrived, stop in and
enjoy a delicious hot bowl of soup and one of our
lunch specials. Be sure and take advantage of the
10% discount for ordering on-line.
Visit www.boisforte.com and look for the Nett Lake
Store sign on the lower left side of the homepage.
JANUARY 2013
We love you so much!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Jordan and Lexie
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • January 2013
Bois Forte regularly sends out important
information in the mail. Per capita checks,
community meeting notices and the RTC
quarterly letters are examples of items that are
regularly mailed. It is essential that we have
your correct mailing address so that you can
receive this information.
If you have moved recently, or are not receiving regular mailings, please fill out the
change of address form below and mail to:
Angie King
Bois Forte Enrollment Coordinator
5344 Lake Shore Dr
Nett Lake MN 55772.
Please note, you must check the box below
your signature if you want us to give your new
address to the Bois Forte Newspaper.
Name:
Address:
The Bois Forte Reservation
Tribal Council invites you
to join us at the
2013
State of the Band
Wednesday, January 23
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Tribal Government Booths: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
City/ State/ Zip:
Program and Dinner: 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
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:
Mark Your Calendars
Invitations will be mailed
the first week of January
The Bois Forte News
___________________________________
BOIS FORTE NEWS
The Bois Forte News (BFN) is published monthly by the Bois
Forte Band of Chippewa. The BFN encourages submission
of articles, guest columns, community announcements and
photos. There is a $10 charge for personal announcements.
Contributions are subject to editing for grammar, length
and malicious/libelous content. BFN will attempt to include
all material submitted by Band members and guests.
Multiple contributions from the same source may be
excluded or rotated to future issues to insure equal access
to all. Paid ads are accepted. Visit www.boisforte.com for
rates and insertion order.
The BFN is distributed for free to Band members and is
available to others for $10 per year.
Deadline for
February issue:
January 9
Submit material to:
Bois Forte News
1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507
Lilydale, MN 55118
651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 fax
[email protected]
Tribal Council
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Karlene Chosa
District I Representative
Brandon Benner
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
JANUARY 2013