INSIDE
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
Page 6
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CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - February 2014
VOL. 37 NO. 2
www.boisforte.com
Healthy Progress the theme of this year’s
State of the Band
Over 500 Bois Forte Band
members and other guests
gathered at Fortune Bay Resort
Casino on January 23 for the
annual State of the Band. The
hotel was filled with energy
early in the day as guests
began to arrive and tribal
government staff set up their
information booths that are
always a highlight of the annual
gathering.
believes in the youth and supports
them. In addition to his love of
coaching kids and teaching them
basketball, Benner described
efforts to collaborate with the
1854 Treaty Office staff to teach
more outdoor activities to youth.
“It’s very important for a new
generation of youth to learn
to fish, hunt, and trap so they
can exercise their 1854 Treaty
Rights.”
The event officially began at
Representative Benner also
1:00 when the registration desk
spoke about improvements
and booths opened. Guests
the RTC has made in working
were treated to a wide array
together. “I’m proud of how
RTC members join the Drum Circle for the opening ceremonies at the State of the Band.
of information on programs,
we handle ourselves on the
services and Band businesses.
Council. We rarely all agree,
Some took the opportunity to
but the respect is there for one
sign-up as members of the new Northern Eagle dinner. Secretary Treasurer David Morrison served another. We can get into a knockdown, drag out
Federal Credit Union. Other guests got their flu shot as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the crowd. argument on a particular issue at a meeting and
or blood pressure reading, obtained information Then the Bois Forte Honor Guard presented the then afterwards go golf or coach baseball, or go
on employment opportunities with the Bois Forte colors and a ceremony and invocation were led by dance at a Powwow together.”
Development Corporation or attended one of two Gene Goodsky, Kalvin Ottertail and Gilbert Smith.
presentations on the Band’s finances.
Vermilion Representative Ray Toutloff said,
District Representatives of the Tribal Council each “Gatherings like this are about getting together
Every division of tribal government set up an spoke. Karlene Chosa summarized the highlights with family and friends and that’s important.”
information booth that was staffed by employees of what she has worked on this past year including He encouraged everyone to gather again at the
willing to share information and offer fun take improving old homes, updates on policies for February Midwinter Powwow (see boisforte.com
away items such as cell phone holders, calendars, employees, various initiatives related to culture for details) and again in June at the two summer
tape measures and bags. In addition to the Tribal and language such as the Powwow and Elder Powwows in Vermilion and Nett Lake.
Government booths, other popular displays Committees and Language Camp. “Revitalizing
included the Police Department, Culture and and teaching our language and culture to everyone, After commending everyone for coming to
Vermilion Powwow Committees, Boys & Girls especially the young, is vital.” She thanked the the event on such a cold day, Representative
Club, MCT Council on Aging, MNSure and crowd for their support of the RTC and said the Toutloff invited the crowd to think about previous
Council will continue to explore opportunities for generations and imagine what it must have been
MNDOT and the 1854 Treaty Office.
more Urban Offices.
like to survive in bitterly cold temperatures in
The Program and Speakers
the wigwams of the 19th and early 20th centuries
Nett Lake Representative Brandon Benner spoke as well as some of the poorly built and insulated
The doors of the Woodland Ballroom and North about his priority of dedicating time, energy and homes of the last fifty years.
Star Hall opened at 3:15 for the formal program and resources to Bois Forte youth and how the RTC
(cont. on page 5)
BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • FEBRUARY 2014
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
State & National News
U.S. Senators seek UMD receives grant to document Mille
funding for Native Lacs Band’s history
has received a $100,000 Legacy Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to research the
language programs UMDA
history of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Four United States senators have introduced
a bill to establish grants that would fund
native language educational programs
throughout Indian Country.
The four men – Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tim
Johnson (D-S.D.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska),
and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) – want to
encourage schools and colleges to help
students develop fluency in their native
languages.
“We are racing against the clock to save
and revitalize our sacred Native American
languages,” Tester said in a prepared
statement. “Preserving Native languages
will strengthen Indian culture and increase
student confidence – leading to greater
academic achievement and a stronger
economy.”
Tester, Johnson, Begich and Schatz are
all members of the Senate Indian Affairs
Committee. Their bill, which is supported by
the National Indian Education Association,
would award grants to eligible programs
serving students from pre-Kindergarten to
graduate school that use Native American
languages as the primary language of
instruction.
Tadd Johnson, professor, Department of American Indian Studies and the project manager said, “The
overreaching goal is a piece that is objective and academic, but also accessible to the average reader, The
Mille Lacs Band has a history that needs to be told, and we are honored to help tell it.”
The American Indian Studies department will use the funding to apply scholarly research to the rich
history of the Mille Lacs Band, but the historian won’t be working independently. The Mille Lacs Band
is forming a committee to work alongside the academic, ensuring accuracy and allowing band members
to conduct interviews with first language Ojibwe speakers.
The Mille Lacs Band’s history impacted not just the state, says Johnson, but the entire nation, this
band was active with some national movements including gaming, treaty rights, and the Tribal SelfGovernance Act. All of which demonstrate the historic resiliency of this group of people.
Research for the project is expected to begin this summer.
Venida Chenault new President of Haskell
Indian Nation University
Bureau of Indian Education Director Dr. Charles M. Roessel announced in January the selection of
Dr. Venida S. Chenault as president of Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) in Lawrence, Kan.
Chenault, an enrolled member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas, had been serving as
vice president of academic affairs at Haskell since December 2004.
Several Bois Forte Band members have attended Haskell, which has a current enrollment of
approximatley 1,000 students from tribes across the United States. It offers associate and baccalaureate
programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools and integrates American Indian and Alaska Native cultures into its curriculum.
New Wisconsin law enables offensive team names
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed a controversial bill in December it making it easier for schools with Native American
mascots to keep them and harder for people who want to change the nicknames to challenge them.
Walker invoked the First Amendment as an explanation for supporting the bill.
“I am very concerned about the principle of free speech enshrined in our U.S. Constitution,” he said. “If the state bans speech
that is offensive to some, where does it stop? A person or persons’ right to speak does not end just because what they say or
how they say it is offensive. Instead of trying to legislate free speech, a better alternative is to educate people about how certain
phrases and symbols that are used as nicknames and mascots are offensive to many of our fellow citizens.”
He added, however, that his support for the legislation doesn’t mean that he supports the team names. “If it were up to me personally, I would seek viable
alternatives that were not offensive to Native Americans,” said Walker.
But Barbara Munson, a spokeswoman with the Wisconsin Indian Education Association, called Walker’s decision “egregious” and a “poke in the eye with
a sharp stick to all of the tribes and all of our children.” Her organization’s Indian Mascot and Logo Task Force has compiled a list of schools in Wisconsin
that still have race-based names or mascots.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Bois Forte 2014 pre-legislative session update
By Reid Lebeau, The Jacobson Law Group
wage, making changes to MNSure (Minnesota’s
healthcare website portal) and tweaking all or
At noon on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the 2014 legislative some of the controversial business-to-business
session will convene. The upcoming session is the (B2B) taxes implemented last session. All of these
second year of the 2014/2015 biennium, or what is issues will be controversial.
also known as a bonding session. Generally bonding
sessions are short, but this year with the late start and Another major issue that will need to be addressed
a constitutional requirement to adjourn by midnight is the current budget surplus. In its latest budget
on May 19, the session will be limited to 12 weeks. projection, released at the beginning of December,
The short session will provide unique challenges the State of Minnesota is anticipating a $1.08 billion
to those looking to pass legislation, while favoring budget surplus at the end of the bonding session on
those who need to play “defense” – or who are June 30, 2015. This surplus will allow the State of
Minnesota to finish repaying the $2 billion loan it
attempting to stall bills that have been introduced.
borrowed from school districts during the Great
The short session was not by accident. In November, Recession. Under current law, the state must repay
the Governor and all of the members of the House the final $246 million before making any other
of Representatives are up for re-election. With the commitments with this surplus. The state will also
DFL in control of the three legislative bodies of repay a $15 million loan from the airports fund
government, they will have the majority of seats with the surplus. After these two loans are paid
to protect, and therefore are looking to hit the off, approximately $825 million is available for the
Legislature to either cut taxes or to spend.
campaign trail as early as possible.
Expected Session Outcomes
Even though the upcoming session will be short,
Governor Dayton and DFL leadership have set
their priorities on accomplishing a $850 million
state wide bonding bill, increasing the minimum
At a recent press conference, the governor hinted
that he is interested in using the surplus to reduce
taxes, as well as spending some of the money on
capital projects. He said, however, that he would
not propose any specific ideas until after the
next budget forecast is released, in early March.
Legislative leaders expressed many of the same
sentiments as the governor, saying that they would
wait to see what the next forecast said before
making any firm commitments on what should be
done with any budget surplus. The budget forecast
also showed that the state has the capacity to issue
up to $1.2 billion in additional debt. This will be
important when legislators discuss and determine
the size of the bonding bill in the upcoming session.
Gaming Update
In the interim the Minnesota Lottery has been
very active in their efforts to unilaterally expand
gambling. We anticipate that the Lottery will
continue its efforts, even in spite of the legislative
pressure we have brought to bear in recent months.
We will be significantly engaged in monitoring the
Lottery’s activity, and responding as needed and
appropriate to defend against gambling expansion.
We are looking forward to the start of the 2014
session. As always, we will update you regularly
throughout the session on the general status of
the legislature and the issues that are important
to you. Please feel free to contact us at: 651-6444710, [email protected], or
[email protected].
Help us locate these Tribal Members and descendents
These Tribal Members/Descendants maintain ownership in trust land or have money on deposit at the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.
We would like to locate these Tribal Members/Descendants and get them to update their Individual Indian Money (IIM) account with a current address and
telephone number. If your name appears on the list: Please call the Office of Special Trustees (218) 751-4338 to update your account.
Christopher L Adams
Leslie A. Adams
Robert M Adams
Sherrie L Adams
Ahnonoshieb
Diane Akard
Mark Andrew Anderson
Sharon M Anderson
Sylvia Astolfi
Cynthia E Aune
Noreen A Berlien
Maggie Blackjack
Shawna L Boney
Sharon Boshey
Jim Boshkaygeb
Baby Girl Bressette
Carlos A Bunker
Cora Cadotte
Helene Cajune
Lucille A Calder
Pamela Carrigan
Kathleen Carriveau
Chegeshigwabe
Clara Anne Chosa
Jenna E Chosa
FEBRUARY 2014
Leeroy A Chosa
Vincent Jospeh Chosa
James Connor
Lawrence Connor
Lawrence Alvin Connor Jr.
April M Conway
Keith Cook
Jack D Curran Jr.
Eugene A Dale
John Dalgren
Michael Day
Juanita J Deegan
Warren Tyler Deegan Jr
Meagan Callico Devries
Melissa C Drouillard
Patricia L Ellis
Dolores Evans
Simon W Fisher Jr
Pamela J Franik
Charlie Friday
Joe Friday
Gahgewezaince
Gahshipowaywedumoke
William P Gallant
Audrey F Geshick
Milton E Geshick
Naomi Fern Geshick
Gezaince
Carlos A Glass
Lorraine /S/ Goggleye
Priscilla Goggleye
Brenda L Hackey
John Hain
Thomas Hanlon
David Havron
John Hawk
April Haynes
Kristina Hazlett
Rick Hazlett
Rachel M Hill
Rachel M Hill
Rhonda J Holzmeister
Laura Connors Isham
Anthony L Jack
Pamela D Johnson
Alvin Jones
David Jones
Mrs. John Jones
Eugene Jourdain
Angeline M Jourdain Chosa
Aaron W Kangas
Kayzebahgeshigoke
Nyla J Kiefer
Margaret S Kinch
Margaret A King
Roger Dean Kletschka
Eugene Allen Klovstad
Jean Rose Klovstad
Debra Lee Knowlton
Meredith G Larson
Diane E Lego
Miranda J Lilya
Philip John Long III
Linda L Lund
Mahjeosahdung
Pauline Manville
Julius Marshall
Maysquahahamemaygoke
Jack Mcginnis
Lizzie Mcginnis
Norman Mcginnis
Mezhahkegeshig
Camille C Mickelson
Vanessa D Miller
Bryan Mitchell
Amanda Murray
Charlie Namaypook
Joe Nannypoke
Katie Nannypoke
Naytahwahbetung
Diane Vaughn Nevitt
Nodinahcumigoke
Rebecca Nordeen
Owahgetst
Ozhawaushkobetun
Pamela J Parker
Margaret C Pete
Nicole A Pitre
Shawna L Potter
Rhonda L Raymond
Charles Rottenwood
Duane E Roy
Annie Sahbahdis
Elizabeth Sahbahdis
Charlene Sampson
Diane Sanders
Melanie L Schmitz
Kristina Schorzman
Alvin J Schwochert
Simon Sears
William M Sheehy Sr
Rosalind Strong
Victor J Swan
Dorothy G Thompson
Thomas J Tolrud
Thomas John Tolrud
Lori J Trygg
Edith Morrison Villebrun
Vinessa D Villebrun
Alex Vivier
Roxanne G Weatherton
Michael Webster
Terry A West
Oscar T Westbrook
Eugen Whiteman Jr
Florence Williams
John Williams
Teresa M Williams
Florence Willy
Hackley Willy
John Wilson
Zhawahnahnahquodeb
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
RTC News
Governor’s Office seeks
Tribal representatives for
State Boards
Governor Mark Dayton’s office is looking for tribal representatives for
several statewide boards and councils including:
• Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
• State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
• American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation
• Minnesota Commission on National and Community Service
NIGA seeks Executive
Assistant
The National Indian Gaming Association’s
Washington D.C. Office is searching for
a dependable, resourceful, and motivated
individual, and preferably an enrolled Tribal
Citizen to work as Executive Assistant. The job
has typically required a college degree, but it is
not a requirement. Discipline, organization, and
experience as an office administrator is just as valuable as a college degree
for the position.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving our state’s Indian
people by ensuring a tribal perspective on one of these boards or councils,
please contact Allison Jones in Governor Dayton’s office at 651-201-3422.
The job pays a competitive D.C. salary rate with ample opportunity for
bonuses and the chance to move ahead to higher paying positions within
NIGA.
More information is available on the NIGA website, www.
indiangaming.org or by calling the NIGA D.C. Office 202-546-7711.
Help us locate these Bois Forte
Band members
YOU can help solve crime through
Crime Stoppers
Unknown whereabouts as of January 23, 2014:
APONTE, VIVIAN
BONESS, VIRGINIA
CONE, KODA LEE
DALE, EUGENE ALLEN
FOREMAN, LORI
GLASS, CARLOS ALONZO
HACKEY JR, JOHN PHILLIP
HARDING, ALTON
HILL, RACHEL
LOAIZA, ADRIAN PAUL
MANVILLE, PAULINE
MCGINLEY, MATTHEW ERIC
MILROY, CATHERINE DOROTHY
MORRISON, CAROL JEAN
NEVITT, DIANE VAUGHN
RAYMOND JR., DENNIS EDWARD
RODRIGUEZ, JULIUS VICENTE
THOMPSON, DOROTHY GESHICK
TOLRUD, THOMAS JOHN
TURNER, CHELLECODY LEIGH
VIVIER, ALEX
If you know any of the individuals listed above, please have them call the
Enrollment Office at 218-757-3261, ext. 162.
If you know that someone on this list is deceased, please send documentation
of death (memorial card, obituary, death certificate, etc.) to the Bois Forte
Enrollment Office, 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772.
ANNUAL REPORT
Watch your mailbox in early March for your copy of the 2013
annual report with detailed information on Band employment,
revenues, assets and expenditures.
The report contains the audited numbers for both the tribal
government and the Band businesses. This year’s report features
the artwork of Nett Lake School students creating their image of
Healthy Progress.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
So, how does Crime Stoppers work?
First, you learn the details of an unsolved crime, and then
you contact Crime Stoppers where no asks for your
name or any information that could identify you.
Crime Stoppers gets all the details from you, and then we
pass it onto police without anyone knowing who you are.
The police investigate using your information, and if your
information solves a crime you may receive a reward after
you contact Crime Stoppers again.
Crime Stoppers always has cash rewards of up to
$2000.00 to pay you for information that helps solve
this or any other unsolved crime.
Our guarantee:
“Contact with Crime Stoppers is totally
anonymous, safe, and secure.”
Find us at
tipshelp.com
or call us at
800-222-8477
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
(State of the Band cont. from page 1)
“If you already have health insurance, your savings
could be substantial,” he said. “And if you don’t
have insurance, this is your opportunity to protect
your health and the health of your family.”
Toutloff said, “Our ancestors were tough, but
they suffered and Tribal leaders saw this suffering
and are committed to making a better life for our
people.”
He continued, “I’m proud to be part of the current
leaders working on making a better life for our
people. We are picking up the pace. We’ve added
110-120 living units in the last 10 years and we
will continue to rehab more homes this spring…
lots are available for those who want to return and
build a home in Vermilion.”
Spiritual health
Moving on to discuss the Band’s spiritual
health, Leecy noted that the construction of the
ball fields was accompanied by improvements
at the Band’s two Powwow grounds, where
traditional ceremonies are held, including new
arbors and better drainage for the Nett Lake
Chairman Leecy delivers the keynote speech.
grounds. Ceremonies were also a key element of
the summer’s youth language immersion camp,
can be balanced by the joy of loving memories.
the first held on property near Ely that the Band
Leecy carried that idea of balance into his remarks
acquired last year.
as he turned to the theme of this year’s State of the
Band, healthy progress.
Financial health
Physical health
The highlight of efforts to improve and maintain
Band members’ physical health was the start of
construction on the new Vermilion clinic. When it
opens later this year, the new clinic will allow the
Band to increase its number of providers, expand
District II Representative Ray Toutloff.
Representative Toutloff concluded by emphasizing
the progress the RTC is making in their commitment
to improvements in public safety. “We all want to
feel safe and live in safe communities,” he said as
he summarized a new Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) Bois Forte is developing with St. Louis
County Law Enforcement that will provide mutual
police presence - only upon request. The MOA
paperwork is still in process and a more detailed
story on the agreement will appear in the March
Bois Forte News.
The next feature of the SOTB program was a
video entitled “Healthy Progress” that features
over twenty Band members describing how they
measure or view both progress and health on and
off the reservation. Some audio problems in the
ballroom interrupted portions of the video, but
overall it was well received and the crowd enjoyed
seeing so many people they know appearing in the
video.
Keynote address
Next in the program was the keynote address
from Band Chairman Kevin Leecy, who began
by asking for a moment of silence for those who
have passed during the previous year. He then
spoke about grief and the hope that eventually it
FEBRUARY 2014
The financial health of the Band’s various
businesses was a major focus of Leecy’s remarks.
Noting that, with few exceptions, casinos in Las
Vegas and across Indian Country struggled during
2013, Leecy told the audience that Fortune Bay
Resort Casino had its third best year ever despite
a drop in gaming revenue. Nongaming revenue,
however, increased during 2013.
“It’s important to remember that progress does not
go in a straight line,” Leecy said, noting that last
year’s business was hurt by the late ice out that
ruined the fishing opener, and by construction on
Highway 169 that hampered guests’ ability to get
to Fortune Bay. “There will always be some downs
as well as ups. The key is to figure out what’s not
working, fix it, and regain momentum.”
Construction on the new Vermilion Clinic is moving
forward despite a harsh winter.
service hours, and increase patients’ access to care.
Leecy also cited EMT training, programs at the
Band’s two fitness centers, and the purchase of
sophisticated medical equipment including a
retinal scanner as positive steps. And he said that
when warm weather comes, Band members will be
able to get outside and enjoy it at the new baseball
fields in Nett Lake and Vermilion.
The Band also found ways to make its health care
dollars go further in 2013 without cutting services,
in large part by helping eligible Band members
apply for outside insurance coverage if they qualify
for it. He urged Band members to investigate the
state’s new health care program called MNSure.
Victor Walters took the opportunity to sign up as a new
member of the Credit Union.
As the most recent sign of the Band’s financial
health, Leecy pointed to the Band’s new Northern
Eagle Federal Credit Union, which celebrated its
grand opening earlier this month.
(cont. on page 7)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
State of the Band
Charlotte Jordan of the Northern Eagle Federal Credit
Union assists Axel Holmes in signing up as a member.
Nett Lake students’ artwork
was used by Fortune Bay staff
to create lovely centerpieces
for the tables.
George Mihelich, Barry “Tyke” Porter and Mike Michlich
of the Honor Guard prepare to present the Colors.
Education Commissioner Billie Mason and
Eileen Barney share a laugh at the education
information booth.
The Fire Department hats were a hit
with kids of all ages.
The Woodlands Ballroom was filled and an additional
180 guests gathered in the North Star Hall.
Bill Emery checks out the
Bois Forte tee-shirt all guests
received.
One of the many information booths on display
during the State of the Band.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Orion Dagen, Jasmine and Shawn Gawboy
look as though they’re locked up as they have
some fun on a hotel cart.
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Several Band members applied for the Tribal IDs.
Jenna Villebrun and son, Hayden listen to the speeches.
Sidra Starkovitch of Planning and Community Development and
Peg Connor of the Veterans Log Book Project share information
with Cheryl Jensen, Axel Holmes Jr., and Bill Whiteman.
Gloria Drift visits booths with “firefighter” Caroline Boshey.
(State of the Band cont. from page 5)
“Looking around at all the wonderful artwork our
kids have created, I see both the reason for, and the
Band members could sign up for an account at result of, our commitment to healthy progress.”
the credit union’s booth, and those who did were
Dinner and Entertainment
wearing their colorful member t-shirt.
Leecy also told the audience about improvements
at Fortune Bay and the remodeling of the Y-Store,
and he reminded Band members to look for
the annual report in early March for detailed
information on Band finances.
The year ahead
The big announcement during the State of the Band
was that Fortune Bay Resort Casino will open a Tim
Hortons Bakery and Cafe on January 31, in the old
Whispering Winds gift shop space. The largest fast
casual restaurant chain in Canada, Tim Hortons has
wooed customers for nearly 50 years with its legendary
coffee and doughnuts; some Canadians even joke
about “Timmy’s withdrawal” if they go just a few days
without. The Band hopes to open a Tim Hortons drivethru at the remodeled Y-Store, too.
At the conclusion of the speeches, the staff of
Fortune Bay quickly moved through the ballroom
and North Star Hall serving the 450 adults and 50
children in attendance. The kids enjoyed chicken
nuggets, and apple sauce, the adults feasted on
tender beef filets and walleye with vegetables,
salad, rolls and cheesecake with blueberries for
dessert.
After dinner, two guests treated the crowd to
an unexpected hand drum performance. Opie
Day Bedeau of the award winning drum group
Midnight Express and Hollow Day of the drum
group Iron Boy, came on stage and played and
sang for the crowd. Opie and Hollow had traveled
to the SOTB with their sister Connie and mother
Charlene Day Castro. Charlene is recovering from
open-heart surgery and the family felt gathering
with extended family and friends at the SOTB was
Leecy ended his remarks by focusing on the art good medicine for everyone.
featured at State of the Band, which was created
by Nett Lake School children in collaboration with All the guests picked up their SOTB gift shirts and
In Progress, an arts group dedicated to new voices those who elected to stay into the evening were
invited to a short comedy performance by Leech
(see page 8 for youth art).
FEBRUARY 2014
Hollow Day of Iron Boy and Opie Day Bedeau of
Midnight Express played hand drums and sang for
the crowd.
Laker Robert Fairbanks and a longer musical
performance by the local band Vitamin Brown. The
lead guitar player for the band is Kevin Koskie,
a tribal government employee who serves as the
Emergency Preparedness Director for Bois Forte.
Many of those who attended completed surveys
expressing what they thought of the event. If you
have comments on this year’s event or suggestions
on how it should be organized next year, contact
Vanessa Little at 218-757-3261 or vlittle@
boisforte-nsn.gov.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Youth
Nett Lake School students’ work
showcased at State of the Band
Local teaching artist
enhances program
A highlight of the 2014 State of the Band
was special artwork created by students at
the Nett Lake School with the help of In
Progress, a non-profit arts group dedicated
to new voices.
Boozhoo Bois Forte Band Members!
My name is Joshua (Josh) Strong, I reside in Nett
Lake and I’m excited to share with you a project
I am participating in at the Nett Lake School.
I’m currently assisting my longtime friend Kris
Sorensen, in teaching the fundamentals of photo
and video work to the students in kindergarten
through sixth grade at the Nett Lake School.
The theme of this year’s State of the Band
– healthy living – was carried over into the
art produced by students in Kindergarten
through 6th grade. Images were projected
on the big screen in the Fortune Bay
Resort Casino ballroom during the event,
and poster-sized reproductions hung on
the walls.
My relationship with Kris goes back nearly a decade
as she has been coming up to Nett Lake over the
years to conduct a photo/video summer workshop
as a part of In Progress, a non-profit organization
that specializes in assisting youth with digital
storytelling via photography and video.
In addition, all the work of each grade
was collected in a lighted glass vessel.
These colorful art pieces were used as
centerpieces for the tables where Band
members gathered to hear the State of the
Band speakers and enjoy dinner.
The mission of In Progress is to diversify cultural
dialogue and pave the way for new voices in the
field of digital artmaking. In Progress provides
opportunities for young people to develop their
skills as storytellers, artists, and leaders through
the use of photography, video, music and other
forms of digital media.
This wasn’t the first In Progress-Bois
Forte collaboration. In 2012, two young
Bois Forte filmmakers had their work
featured in a film festival in Finland, while
other young people supplied material for
a video to accompany the exhibit Why
Treaties Matter: Self Government in the
Dakota and Ojibwe Nations.
Kris Sorenson, an In Progress teaching
artist, has worked with Bois Forte teens on
digital photography, videos and writing,
but this year, thanks to a grant, she was
able to involve younger children in Nett
Lake. The In Progress team is currently
looking for ways to expand their program
to Vermilion youth through the Boy & Girls Club.
kindergarten
Joining Sorenson this year as a teaching artist was Bois Forte Band member Joshua Strong, who
began working with In Progress when he was seven years old. “Josh has been a tremendous
participant, initially learning to create his
own work and now continuing to teach
others,” Sorenson said. To read what Strong
has to say about In Progress and making art,
see column to right.
Kindergarteners Wilbur Lien and Mya Goggleye
work on their art with help from Josh Strong.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Kris has become well known within the Bois Forte,
Leech Lake, and Red Lake Communities as well as
a large number of families in the Hmong population
in the Twin Cities. Through In Progress, Kris is
bringing a tradition back to the youth by teaching
and encouraging them to document and explore their
cultural heritage to the beat of their own drums.
In addition to bearing witness to this, I myself have
experienced this very liberating and rewarding
experience. The work that has been coming from
the youth from Bois Forte is, impressive to say the
least. The topics covered show wisdom beyond
the years of an adolescent or teenager. There
have been pieces created about racial profiling,
enrollment issues, identifying two-spirited
heritage (sexual orientation), and the leaps and
bounds encountered by encompassing both the
Anishinaabe way with modern society.
Work created by band members and descendants
has jumped continents, as they have been viewed
across North America into South America and
Europe. Bois Forte has built a reputation for
producing impeccable stories that are both unique
yet relatable to behold. To be a part of this, is truly
incredible for me and it’s my intention that our
people take great pride and ownership in what’s
being communicated digitally.
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Healthy Progress
Illustrated by the student artists of Nett Lake School
ist grade
2nd grade
FEBRUARY 2014
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Youth
3rd grade
4th grade
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
4th grade
4th grade
FEBRUARY 2014
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Youth
5th grade
6th grade
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Update from the Superintendent
for the Stars has been brought to us by Emily
Koch, who is an Usborne Book representative.
Emily will be giving a prize to the top reader in
each class.
in the swimming pool. In order to earn this trip,
the students must show the expected behavior of
a Nett Lake Eagle (Respectful, Responsible, and
Ready to Fly) and receive a Golden Ticket. When
the students earn 800 Golden Tickets, the trip will
Other activities for February include Pennies For be theirs to take. We are confident this will happen
Patients, Random Acts of Kindness and “We are because we have the best students at Nett Lake!
Love.” Last year, the students raised about $850
for Pennies For Patients. Pennies For Patients is It was the start of 3rd quarter on January 20 and
an organization that helps children with leukemia the students had the day off while the teachers
and lymphoma. The student council will be doing participated in a region-wide professional
random acts of kindness for the students and staff development day. There is a new state law requiring
throughout the month. They will also be selling that school districts have a teacher evaluation
“We are Love” buttons for Free the Children. This plan in place by July 1, 2014. The law requires
is an opportunity for them to volunteer globally. the teacher evaluation plan have certain criteria to
Buttons sell for $2 and come with a card that evaluate the teachers. The heart of this professional
explains the impact of helping others. Money development day revolved around an important
raised will support a developing country to build component of the law, which is peer review. Peer
education for kids. Our student council had the review is when the teachers go into each other’s
opportunity to attend We Day in Minneapolis in classrooms to observe and look for specific tasks
October because of the activities they volunteered and behaviors. These tasks and behaviors are then
graded according to a rubric (grading chart). The
for last year.
teachers of Nett Lake are looking forward to the
The students will also be participating in a reading The students are busy colleting Golden Tickets process and know that it will help them to improve
activity, Reach for the Stars, that encourages for being respectful, responsible and ready to their teaching skills. They know that improved
them to read 320 minutes throughout the month fly. We held our annual PBIS (Positive Behavior teaching skills leads to improved learning for the
and collect pledges for the reading they do. The Intervention and Supports) Kick off in January and students. The teachers are committed to doing
pledges they collect will go toward purchasing now the students are working to earn a school-wide whatever it takes to provide the best education for
books for themselves and their classroom. Reach trip to Oveson’s Resort so the students can play the students of Nett Lake.
The month of February is
going to be a busy one for
the students and staff of Nett
Lake. It is “I Love to Read
Month!” so to celebrate,
we will be having a family
literacy event where a family
member will come to the
school to listen to a story
with their child and then read
Superintendent
a book with their student. All
and Principal Rae
students who have a family
Villebrun
member attending will earn
a $5 gift certificate for the
Scholastic Book Fair that will be at the school from
February 10 -14. This is one of my favorite events
because I get to read one of my favorite books to the
students and their families, the students get to read
one of their favorite books to their family member
and then the students get to choose a new book from
the book fair. The family literacy event will be held
on Thursday, February 13.
KBFT broadcasting live from
North Woods basketball games
KBFT 89.9 FM, Bois Forte’s
community radio station, has
begun broadcasting live playby-play and color commentary
for boys’ and girls’ basketball
games played at North Woods
School in Cook.
On-air personality Marty Connor and District I Representa- Brandon Benner and Marty Connor are the
tive Brandon Benner have been voice of the North Woods Grizzlies on KBFT
getting great feedback on their radio. Their broadcasts can be heard locally
coverage of the Grizzlies home on 89.9 FM or streamed over www.KBFT.org.
games. Some fans text the two
men during games. Others stream the games live, including fans who live outside KBFT’s broadcast signal reach – as far away as Ohio and Arizona.
Benner and Connor hope to expand their coverage to include the Grizzles
away games, and eventually even North Woods football, volleyball, softball
and baseball. They’d love for volunteers to join them, so if you are interested
in sports broadcasting, contact Connor at 218-757-0045 or [email protected].
FEBRUARY 2014
Virginia High School Anishinaabe Club
students sponsored a holiday toy drive for Bois
Forte children on the Vermilion Reservation.
Pictured left to right are Rachael Branstrom,
Dakotah Grey Owl and Garrison Prekker.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Elders
A slightly bent Tootsie Roll
I often come across some
thoughtful little gift from
one of my grandchildren.
Like other grandmothers,
I keep these priceless
drawings, cards and crafts
around the house, in lots of
different places: in the dish
cupboard, back of the soup
bowls is a cartoon strip
Dr. Linda Grover
drawn by an eight-year old
boy; in my ring holder is
tucked a necklace that a granddaughter chose
for me from a gift certificate that her mother
had given her. On chilly evenings when my feet
could use a little extra warmth, I get out the
fleece socks with the sock monkey logo on the
cuff, a Christmas gift from several years ago
(to keep them nice I don’t wear them often, and
so the monkey socks still look like new).
One little gift that I especially love is a Tootsie
Roll, slightly bent in the middle, that I have
brought to work and keep on my desk. Two or
three Halloweens ago, my granddaughter Mary
left it for me on the kitchen counter, without
a word, which is her style (I found out it was
from Mary when I asked her mother).
Every day when I look at that Tootsie Roll,
which is now about as hard as a rock, I feel
very happy and honored to receive such a
special gift, given by a little girl who would
probably have liked to eat it, herself. I could
have given the Tootsie Roll right back to Mary,
but instead I kept it, and thanked her the next
time I saw her. My reason for this is that it
is important that children learn to practice
the traditional values and ways of becoming
thankful, generous and humble Anishinaabeg;
in giving to her grandmother something that
was her own, and that she would have liked
to have for herself, Mary became part of
Ojibwe traditions and values that have been
passed from generation to generation for many
years. And in her quiet way of giving me that
gift, she demonstrated that she is a good and
modest Ojibwe girl who doesn’t call attention
to herself, or expect payback.
This past Christmas, each of my seven
grandchildren received from me a little bag of
fancy gummy candies that look like individually
wrapped fast food. The kids got a kick out of
this treat, and that evening after they all went
home I found on the top of my dresser one of
the candies still in its cellophane wrapping,
this one shaped like a hamburger with layers of
cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. I haven’t opened
it yet; it is still on the dresser where it was left,
where I see it every morning and every evening
and wonder at the mystery: Which of those
mino abinoojiiyag left it for me?
Happy February
Birthdays, Elders!
Robert Boshey
2-1
Cheryl Jensen
2-3
Virgil Sohm2-4
Eugene Goodsky
2-5
Isabelle Strong
2-5
Karen Drift2-6
Mary Porter2-6
Leech Lake
Lucille Morrison
2-11
Jim Anderson 2-14
Norma Johnson
2-14
Gloria Love2-14
Janet Thompson
2-15
Denis Drouillard
2-20
Daniel Connor
2-21
William King
2-22
Stanley Day2-28
Flu season is still
with us
New figures released by the Minnesota
Department of Health show the flu
continues to be widespread. Doctors
across the state are reporting that
many people who have gotten the flu
this year were laid up for at least a week. While
the effectiveness of this year’s flu shot won’t be
known for months, many doctors say most of
those getting sick have not had the vaccine.
One exception is in sick children who got one flu
vaccine shot but did not get their booster shot. In
general, children under eight need two doses of the
vaccine a month apart. Health care professionals
are united when it comes to this advice.
The surge in cases is also being seen across the
country. One piece of encouraging news so far is
that there have been no cases of flu-related deaths
in young children in Minnesota. Even though the
flu is widespread, Minnesotans are in much better
shape than last year, which was a record year in
Minnesota for the flu. At this time last year, there
were three times as many flu hospitalizations.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Blanket making fun
for all ages!
Winter blanket making classes were offered in Vermilion on
January 13 and Nett Lake January 14 by Bois Forte Family Health
Services program under the sponsorship of Age to Age Northland
Foundation.
The two-hour classes drew over fifty participants of all ages. The
nights were cold, but the event was warmly received as Elders
assisted the little ones with cutting and tying and shared stories.
Kay Davis becomes the first
account holder at Band’s new
credit union
Editor’s note: On opening day for the Bois Forte Band’s new Northern
Eagle Federal Credit Union, Nett Lake Elder J. Kay Davis was first in line
to open an account. The Bois Forte News sat down with Davis at the Senior
Living Center (or, as it’s affectionately called, the “Wrinkle Ranch”) to talk
about the credit union.
Q: When did you join the credit
union?
A: I walked over the first day –
twice! The first time I went too
early. I wanted to be there when
they opened and be first in line. I
was so proud to be in there opening
an account.
1
2
As part of her support of the new credit
union, Kay Davis made sure she was the
first in line to open a new account.
3
4
Q: What kind of account did you
open?
A: I opened a savings account so
I can have direct deposit for my
Social Security.
A: Why did you want to open your account?
Q: The convenience is great. I won’t have to go into town when I need to
cash a check or money orders. I’ve been waiting for this for so long. It’s a
burden for people to have to travel to Cook or Orr to cash a check or start a
savings account. We have needed something like this here so badly.
A: What appealed to you about the credit union?
Q: I particularly like the goal of having our money stay in the area. That’s a
good plan. If we are really tribal members proud of our tribe, we should do
everything we can to make it better. Opening accounts with the credit union
is good for our local economy.
1: Eight-year-old Riley Leecy cuts material for her leopard patterned blanket.
2: Tina Stanley teaches her granddaughter Makenzie Little how to tie her
blanket. 3: Participants spread out their material on the floor of the Migizi Room
in Nett Lake. 4: Lorraine Villebrun and Mary Porter joined the blanket makers.
Elders’ Upcoming Meeting Date
March 10, 2014 in Vermilion
All Elders are welcome. Meetings are held at the
Community Center and start following lunch at
approximately 11:30 a.m.
FEBRUARY 2014
A: What do you think about the education offered by the credit union?
Q: The financial literacy component is important. We are remote, so many of
our people aren’t sophisticated in managing finances. We lack the ability to see
finances the way the outside world sees them. Our village takes care of one
another; we trust people in the village will help take care of each other. That’s
a wonderful value in our culture, but it can also lead to a lack of good habits or
planning for the future. In this day and age, we need to be more sophisticated
financially. The credit union offering financial education is extremely important
to help us all become more knowledgeable on how to build our own financial
security as well as a stronger economy for our community.
A: Do you know anyone else who’s joined?
Q: I’m going to encourage my children and grandchildren who are off
reservation to open an account to support the tribe.
A: Anything else you’d like to add?
Q: When I contacted the Social Security Office to create my direct deposit,
they questioned the accuracy of my account number. I assured them the #1
was correct as I was the first account holder in our new credit union!
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Culture
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 17 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Heritage Museum
receives another
Park Service grant
The award-winning Bois Forte Heritage Museum
will receive approximately $50,000 in grant
money this year from the National Park Service.
The annual grant, which the museum regularly
receives, is intended to help tribes with historic
preservation on their lands.
“These grants allow tribes to focus on what they
are most concerned with protecting - native
language, oral history, plant and animal species
important in traditions, sacred and historic places,
and the establishment of tribal historic preservation
offices,” said National Park Service Director
Jonathan B. Jarvis in a prepared statement.
“Locating cultural resources and historic properties
is important for the Band to facilitate responsible
economic development, land use planning, and
natural resource management,” said Bois Forte
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO)
Bill Latady. “Survey and documentation ensures
that cultural resources and historic properties on
reservation lands are protected against potential
adverse affects caused by earth disturbing
activities, such as timber and fire management, and
private and commercial development.”
Less than 1% of the Bois Forte Reservation has
been surveyed for cultural resources.
Latady was recently named to replace Rose Berens
as Bois Forte’s THPO. Rose plans to semi-retire
by cutting back her hours at the museum. The next
issue of the Bois Forte News will include more
information on Rose and the 2014 plans for the
Heritage Center.
How well do you know Bois Forte?
1. What are seven navigable streams on the reservation?
2. What are some of the major types of trees on the reservation?
3. Timber cover makes up what percent of the trust lands within the reservation?
4. Wetlands make up what percent of the trust lands within the reservation?
5. How many miles of road are on the reservation?
(For answers, turn to page 19)
FEBRUARY 2014
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 18 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Tadd Johnson joins Quarterly housing update
The Bois Forte Housing Division is both a tribally now have easier access to program specific
Tribal Court
and federally funded housing entity that manages information, such as our maintenance service
Bois Forte Band member Tadd Johnson has
joined the Bois Forte Tribal Court as a justice,
bringing with him years of legal experience and
a strong record of working on behalf of Indian
Country.
Tadd Johnson and Kevin Leecy at a 2013 Minnesota
Indian Affairs Council Meeting.
From 1990-95, Johnson served as counsel and
staff director to the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Natural Resources in the Office
of Indian Affairs and the Subcommittee on
Native American Affairs. He was also appointed
by President Bill Clinton to chair the National
Indian Gaming Commission.
Since returning to Minnesota, Johnson has
been instrumental in launching the University
of Minnesota Duluth’s masters degree program
in tribal administration and governance. He
currently heads UMD’s American Indian Studies
Department.
Johnson has also served as a tribal attorney, a
tribal administrator, and a faculty member of the
National Judicial College, the nation’s leading
organization for the education of judges. He is
the co-producer and co-host of public television’s
Native Report.
A 1985 graduate of the University of Minnesota
Law School, Johnson is licensed to practice law
in Minnesota, federal and tribal courts.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
rental homes and Elders’ apartments on the Bois
Forte Reservation. Our main office is located at
the Government Building in Nett Lake. Please
call 218-757-3261 with any inquiries, or visit our
website operated through www.boisforte.com.
In order to better connect with community
members, Bois Forte Housing is operating
this column to provide updates and service
information on a quarterly basis. We are also in
the process of making more information readily
available on our website. A listing of our staff
members and contact information is found on our
page on the main Bois Forte website, under the
Housing tab. The URL address is: http://www.
boisforte.com/divisions/housing.htm.
There,
prospective tenants can find and print out our
official Housing Application with an instructional
cover page that details how to fill it out and what
verifications Housing requires before an applicant
can be placed on the Wait List. Current tenants
request procedure and snow plowing protocols.
In each column, so long as space allows, we’ll
make you more acquainted with our staff. For
this edition, Housing is proud to highlight our
newest members to the Maintenance Team. Brian
Moyer is a Maintenance Technician working on
the Vermilion Reservation. He maintains major
household appliances for our rental homes and
repairs an array of structural damage as it occurs
in our units. Pete “Chief” Boney , hired on as a
Technician, assists in similar projects providing a
much needed helping hand-always with a smile
and a joke to tell.
Nett Lake now has an Elder’s Term Maintenance
Worker who is doing a wonderful job helping
Nett Lake Elders’ with Winter tasks such as snow
removal, hauling and splitting wood, and minor
household repairs.
Enrollment Office update
Below is information regarding some of the
processes of the Enrollment Office. If you have
any questions about something that I may have
missed, please contact Angie King, Enrollment
Coordinator, by phone at 218-757-3261,
218-248-0581, 800-221-8129 or by mail at Bois
Forte Tribal Government, 5344 Lakeshore Drive,
Nett Lake, MN 55772.
Address Change
Address changes need to be mailed through
the US Mail or dropped off in person. Address
changes can be submitted on the form available
at the Government Center or on the Bois Forte
website or on a plain lined piece of paper. The
change needs to have your full name, date of
birth, current address, your signature and the date
you signed the address change. A Band member
Trust Funds
cannot change the address for another Band
Trust Fund Release forms need to be dropped off member. If there are minor Band Members living
or mailed to the Enrollment Office 30 days before in the household, please include their name(s)
your 18th birthday to ensure timely release of the and birth date(s). Each adult Band member needs
funds. If you are planning on picking up your to request their own address change.
Trust Fund check, you will need to contact the
American Bank in Orr Minnesota (218-757- Enrollment Applications
0121) to arrange that otherwise the check will
be mailed to the address provided on the Trust Enrollment applications are acted on quarterly
Fund Release Form. Checks are not issued at at regular RTC meetings and TEC meetings
the Government Center and it does take time to (January, April, July and October). It may take up
obtain the required signature for the release of the to 4 months, depending on when the application
funds. If the Trust Fund Release form is received was submitted/received, to hear anything on the
the day of your birthday, funds more than likely approval/denial of the application. The letter of
will not be released that day. Trust Fund Release approval/denial will come from the Minnesota
Forms are available at the Government Center Chippewa Tribe, not Bois Forte. Please remember
or at the Bois Forte website www.boisforte.com to submit the ORIGINAL Birth Certificate along
with the ORIGINAL Enrollment Application.
under the enrollment tab.
(cont. on page 19)
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 19 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Resources available
to help you quit
Many Bois Forters have made a resolution to
quit using tobacco. 2013 saw a dramatic increase
in the state’s cigarette tax and many people are
looking to kick their tobacco habit. While quitting
for good can be difficult, having a support system
in place is proven to greatly increase a smoker’s
likelihood of success.
Bois Forte has many resources to help Band
members who want to quit abusing tobacco in
2014. For more information, contact Smoking
Cessation Education Coordinator Marjorie
Villebrun or Tobacco Education and Policy
Development Coordinator Linda Tibbetts-Barto
at the Health Office 218-757-3295.
Don’t live near Bois Forte? The QUITPLAN
provides free quit-tobacco counseling services
to all Minnesotans, as well as access to lozenges,
gum and patches for those trying to quit. To learn
more, visit the website www.quitplan.com or call
1-888-354-PLAN (7526).
Bus route naming contest winner
Melissa Jenkins used her Native language in
submitting the winning entry in the Name the
New Service Route Contest for Big Woods
Transit system.
The Elder’s Committee chose the winning
entry and they liked it so much that all Big
Woods Transit routes will be named along
the same theme. We will be using the Ojibwe
names of north woods animals with a symbol
that represents the animal. Melissa’s winning
entries for the two commuter routes were:
Migizi
& Makwa
We will also be using the Ojibwe word and symbol that best represents the purpose of the
route, for example we will be using “Nibi”
for the Sunday route to get spring water for
drinking.
Melissa’s prize was earrings and a blanket that was purchased from the Bois Forte Heritage Center.
(Enrollment update cont. from page 18)
The birth certificate will be returned via certified mail. If the certified mail is returned to the
enrollment office due to being “Unclaimed”, the enrollment office will not mail the birth certificate
again. The birth certificate can be retrieved from the enrollment office Monday through Friday
from 8 am to 4:30 p.m.
Per Capita
1854 Treaty Payments are made every August. Make sure your address is up to date no later than
August 1 of every year. If you are unsure of what address you have on file, you may call the Enrollment
Coordinator to verify your address or send in an address change.
Tribal ID
Tribal ID’s are issued Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call the Enrollment
Coordinator before coming for an ID. This is to prevent Band members from coming to Nett Lake
without the proper information needed to obtain an ID and to prevent Band members from coming
when the equipment may be out for repairs or off site. When the equipment is out for repairs, the
Enrollment Coordinator will try to post this on the Bois Forte website.
**Once a Band member turns 18 years of age, they are an adult. Parents of Band member(s) cannot
call and request information for or about the Band member. The Band Member will need to contact
the Enrollment Coordinator for the information they need.
The Enrollment Office does not accept anything by fax, email or phone call.
All requests must be in writing and must come through the U.S. mail or dropped off at the
Government Center.
FEBRUARY 2014
Big Woods Transit staff Darren Landgren and Jennie
Rowland present Melissa Jenkins with a blanket and
earrings for her winning entry in the contest to name
the new bus routes.
How well do you
know Bois Forte?
Answers
1. What are seven navigable streams on the
reservation?
Little Fork River; Big Fork River; Nett Lake
River; Lost River; Wood Duck Creek; Popple
Creek; and Portage Creek.
2. What are some of the major types of trees
on the reservation?
Pine, Aspen, Cedar, Birch, Ash, and Black
Spruce.
3. Timber cover makes up what percent of
the trust lands within the reservation?
Approximately 39%.
4. Wetlands make up what percent of the
trust lands within the reservation?
Approximately 15%.
5. How many miles of road are on the
reservation?
117 miles.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 20 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Bois Forte Development Corp.
Tim Hortons cafe and bake shop opens at Fortune Bay
before their eyes as they enjoy donuts, bagels,
croissants and muffins. Early risers will appreciate
the convenience of grabbing a quick cup of coffee
and a fresh baked item before heading out to start
“Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop is committed their day.
to serving the freshest cup of coffee,” said Deb
Pinski, manager of the Band’s Tim Hortons Cafe Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop is a bakery cafe
& Bake Shop. “Tim Hortons coffee is made with chain that appeals to a broad range of consumer
100 percent Arabic beans from the world’s most tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee,
renowned coffee regions. It is always brewing and espresso-based beverages, specialty teas and fresh
baked goods.
“Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop is a dynamic is always served 20 minutes fresh.”
U.S. brand in the bakery cafe restaurant segment,”
said Band Chair Kevin Leecy. “We are excited to Located just past the all-new Tamarack Buffet,
partner with them and bring their quality products Fortune Bay’s Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop
Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop
to Fortune Bay guests.”
will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. until
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
8 p.m.
Open seven days a week
With more than 800 restaurants across the United
States, Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop is known There will be a seating area for 20, and guests
6 a.m.-8 p.m.
and loved for its always fresh coffee and variety will be able to watch the baking process unfold
Call it an early
Valentine’s
Day
present: the Bois Forte
Band is bringing some
of the sweetest treats
to northern Minnesota
when it opens a Tim
Hortons Cafe & Bake
Shop in Fortune Bay Resort Casino on January 31.
of baked goods, including its bite-sized donuts
called Timbits, which are available in a number of
varieties and seasonal flavors.
Jacquie Branstrom named Fortune Bay gift shop interim manager
Bois Forte Band member Jacquie Branstrom, cultural crafts for sale, such as dream catchers.”
who has worked in Fortune Bay’s Whispering
Winds Gift Shop since 2001, was promoted to Now a few months into her new role, Branstrom
Interim Manager in November 2013.
said she has a deeper appreciation for the work
of her predecessor Polly Alexander. “I knew she
dealt with a lot, but I never realized just how
much she had to do.”
For example, simply pricing cigarettes can
become an unexpected challenge. “Tobacco
prices are constantly changing – there were three
price changes in December alone,” Branstrom
said. “We have to calculate the price with taxes
built in, then calculate a buy-down so we can
keep prices the same for our customers. And
in December a new state tax went into effect,
which added another twist.”
Branstrom said she is excited about reviewing
product catalogues and ordering new
merchandise. “I want to see what other gift
With more than a decade of gift shop shops offer and listen to what customers would
experience, Branstrom – a Nett Lake native – like.”
was perfectly poised to assume responsibility
for the updated shop, which recently moved She is also taking on new challenges, such
across the hall from its original location to as managing people. “Currently I have six
make room for the Tim Hortons restaurant that employees. Sometimes I can delegate and let
opened January 31.
the employee lead. Other times I need to step
in,” said Branstrom, who is also considering
“It’s important to incorporate management’s goals accounting classes to strengthen her budgeting
and sales representatives’ requests as we pick skills.
merchandise and present the products,” Branstrom
said. “For 2014, I’d like to include more native “[General
Manager]
Norm Adams
is
encouraging, and management has confidence
with me. They’ve sent me to a few classes, and
they are willing to get me the training I’ve asked
for. I love learning new things and trying new
things.”
Working hard for Bois Forte’s businesses clearly
run in Branstrom’s family. Her sister Kristina
works as a Fortune Bay cage cashier and vault
clerk, while her brother Andrew works at the
Y-Store. Branstrom’s mom Vera spent many
years at Fortune Bay, working her way up to
Human Resources Manager before leaving, and
her dad James worked at the marina.
Jacquie hard at work in her office ordering products.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
The Whispering Winds Gift Shop is in a new location
next to the Arcade and across the hall from the Tim
Hortons coffee shop. Jacquie invites everyone to come
in and see the new selections of merchandise.
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 21 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Community News & Updates
Warner B. Wirta
Warner B. Wirta,
age 80 of Superior,
passed away Thursday, December 19,
2013 at St. Luke’s
Hospital in Duluth.
in Emporia, Kansas where he met and married
Martha Hutchins on July 30, 1960. He taught
Phy. Ed and Civics at the Orr High School for
13 years; and then worked as a social worker
for the Veteran Administration, retiring in 1996.
Warner had served in the U.S. Army; and was
a member of Bois Forte Band of Lake Superior
He
was
born Chippewa; and received his Master’s Degree
September
30, from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
1933 in Embarrass,
MN to Samuel and Warner was preceded in death by his parents;
Warner B. Wirta
Clara
(Linklater) one son, Eugene Wirta. He is survived by his
Wirta. Warner graduated from Embarrass High wife, Martha; three children, Anna (Scott) WirtaSchool in 1952 and was a proud member of Kosobuski, Les (Zina Micklewright) Wirta, and
the “Flying Finns” track team. He received his William (Vicky) Wirta; one sister, Helen Woods;
Bachelor’s Degree from Emporia State College 9 grandchildren, Savannah Kinsman, Levi Wirta,
Tribute to Warner, reprinted from Mpls. Star
Tribune
Finndian,” won the state cross-country
championship in 1951 and the mile in 1952.
As a high schooler in little Embarrass, Minn.,
Warner Wirta appeared in newspapers because
of his speed. He ran a mean mile with the Flying
Finns, a state champion track and cross-country
team that often beat bigger schools.
He often talked about “the way people looked at
him when they saw him as an Indian, compared
with the way people looked at him when he
was a Finlander,” said Marvin Lamppa, a track
teammate and historian.
Later, Wirta regularly appeared in the newspaper
for another reason — his letters to the editor.
These passionate defenses of the environment
and critiques of the federal government, printed
in the Duluth News Tribune, spoke to his work
as an activist and a teacher.
Running helped him nab a scholarship to Kansas
State Teachers College — where he met his wife,
Martha.
After college, he returned to northern Minnesota
to teach civics and physical education in Orr
for 13 years. Troubled by the small share of
American Indian students graduating from high
school, he worked to raise that graduation rate,
bringing in speakers and devising programs,
Martha Wirta said.
“He was active in the political, social and
economic issues in the Duluth area,” said Will
Munger, owner of the Willard Munger Inn and
son of the late state lawmaker after which it’s
named. “Very much someone who always stood
“Then, they didn’t expect the kids to finish
up for the little guy.”
high school,” she said. “Now, we have enough
Wirta died of cardiac arrest Dec. 19 in Duluth, students in college that it’s not extraordinary.”
where he had lived for 35 years before moving
Upon earning his master’s degree at the
recently to Superior, Wis. He was 80.
University of Minnesota Duluth, Wirta took a job
Wirta was born in Embarrass in 1933. His father, with the Veterans Administration and developed a
Samuel, was Finnish, and his mother, Clara, was mental health outreach program for fellow Indian
Ojibwe. His coach scouted the schoolyard for veterans. In the early 2000s, he was crucial
talent and, because there was no track, had his in establishing the Duluth American Indian
Commission, a group that advises city leaders.
recruits train on gravel roads.
“We knew deer tracks and cow tracks, but most Wirta would often stop by the Willard Munger Inn
of us had never seen a running track,” Wirta said to discuss issues, including his opposition to ATV
riding at Spirit Mountain, to him a sacred site. “He
in a 2008 interview.
would call, write letters, come to visit you,” Munger
Wirta, known to some locals as the “Flying said. “He was not afraid to give his opinion.”
FEBRUARY 2014
Lucas Kosobuski, Jonah Kosobuski, Logan
Wirta, Beth Vandecar, Shawn Wirta, Cory Wirta,
and Vanessa Wirta; three great-grandchildren,
Aiden, Payton, and Bella; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday,
December 26, 2013 at Nelson Funeral Care in
Cloquet. The visitation will resume on Friday,
December 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until
the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Our Savior’s
Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, Duluth,
MN. Interment service will be at Maple Grove
Cemetery in Cloquet, with Military Honors
presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor
Guard.
Warner Wirta and his daughter, Anna Wirta Kosobuski.
But Wirta was rarely loud. He was “quiet and
kind,” Munger said. He “listened more than he
spoke,” Lamppa said. He was “a quiet, thoughtful,
and powerful voice for the environment and
justice issues,” Duluth Mayor Don Ness said in a
Facebook post.
Before his health declined, Wirta submitted
letters to the News Tribune once a month for
years. They tended toward environmental issues
but also touched on mining and war.
“Warner was a regular,” said Chuck Frederick,
editorial page editor. “He was a great voice for the
Northland’s Native community, a real watchdog
of government … how its actions impacted his
neighbors and all of us everyday folks.”
A member of the Bois Forte Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa, Wirta is survived by his wife; children
Anna Wirta-Kosobuski, Les Wirta and William
Wirta; nine grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. Services are at 10 a.m. Friday at
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Duluth.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 22 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Community News & Updates
Adam J. Sadewasser Kelly R. Vainio
Born: October 2, 1978,
Littlefork, Minnesota
Kelly Ray Vainio, Native Name: Naawigiizis, 53, formerly of
Bear River, died Friday, December 27, 2013 at his home in Alango,
Minnesota.
Died: December 17,
2013, Port Orchard,
Washington
Funeral Services:
Nett Lake Baptist
Church, Nett Lake,
Minnesota. Monday,
December 30, 2013
Officiating: Pastor Kevin Land
Pallbearers: Travis Morrison, Kent Morrison,
Mark Littlewolf, Don Littlewolf, Kyle Littlewolf,
Josh Littlewolf, Francis Littlewolf
Final Resting Place:
Nett Lake Cemetery, Nett Lake, Minnesota
A Native American Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still – I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am sunlight ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not think of me as gone
I am with you still – in each new dawn.
Hello Everybody,
We didn’t want to miss any person who helped
make Adam’s funeral a good send off. Both
Alvin and I, and all of his sisters want to thank
everyone. We greatly appreciate all who attended
and anyone who wanted to attend but could not
due to cold weather. Words cannot express how
thankful we are.
Che Migwitch,
Alvin and Tina Sadewasser, Kim and James Brown,
Barbie Sadewasser, and Rick and Taneika
He was born January 9, 1960 in Chisholm, Minnesota. He grew up in
Bear River and attended school in Cook. Kelly completed the welding
course at Eveleth Vo-tech. He worked as a welder for Hancock
Fabrication for a time and was a welder in California for several years.
He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting and fishing. He was known
for his many stories and great sense of humor. His most memorable
times were those spent with family and friends.
Kelly R. Vainio
He is survived by his two children: Jesse Vainio of Virginia; Julie
(Kevin ) Flack of Cook; 2 Grandchildren: Hailee Heurkins of Cook and Braedon Flack of Cook;
brothers and sisters: Arne (Ivy) Vainio, MD of Duluth; Brandon (Debbie) Vainio of Esko, Mn.;
Sherri Monroe of Duluth; Carla (Pete) Gargano of Side Lake; Scott Thompson of Duluth, and his
significant other, Mary Suomala of Cook.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mabel Durant Thompson, his father Arne Vainio Sr. and
his sister “Shelly” Durant.
SERVICES: Traditional services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, (December 31, 2013) at the
East Lake Community Center, near McGregor. The wake will begin on Monday December 30th
at 6:00 p.m. at the center. The spiritual advisor will be Larry “Amik” Smallwood. Burial will
be at the East Lake Burial Grounds. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Wendell J. Leecy
Wendell J. Leecy “Misho-Giizhig-Inni, 60, of Onamia, formerly of Hibbing,
passed away at home on January 31, 2014.
He was born in Chisholm on July 31, 1953, grew up in Hibbing, and graduated
from Hibbing High School. Wendell moved to Minneapolis, and graduated from
Minneapolis Vocational and Technical College. He later settled in Onamia and
worked in the DNR for the Mill Lacs Band of Ojibwa. Wendell was an active
outdoorsman, liked Powwows and appreciated the native traditional ways. He
Wendell J. Leecy
was very artistic and was asked to make a traditional native drum, which is on
display at the Hibbing Community College. He will be remembered by family
and friends for his easy going nature, big smile, and the caring love he had for his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Bernice (Geshick) Leecy.
Wendell is survived by his wife, Bridgett Mitchell; 3 sons: Cade Leecy of Hibbing and Erick and
Justin Leecy of Onamia; 2 brothers, Kevin (Julie) Leecy of Tower and Jeff (Carla) Leecy of Cass
Lake; 6 sisters, Cheryl (Paul) Slayton of Tower, Charlene (Jessie) Lewis of Tower, Gail Leecy of
Minneapolis, Donna Hirth of Milwaukee, WI, Debbie Leecy of Virginia and Kimberly Leecy of
Hayward, WI; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: Traditional services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, (February 7th) at the Vermilion
Reservation Center-Tower, where the Wake will begin after 5:00 p.m. Thursday. The Spiritual
Advisor will be Lee Staples. The casket bearers will be: Jessie Lewis, Charles Grolla, Phil Grolla,
Leland Leecy, Paul Slayton and Robert Jordain Jr.
The honorary bearer will be Ronald Geshick. Interment will be in the Vermilion Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2014
Page 23 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
Happy 3rd Birthday to
Mommy’s Lil’ Princess,
Amaris Grayce
Trisco!!
Amaris is the
daughter of
Lauren Purley and
grandaughter of
Elaine Tibbetts
Band member Michelle O’Leary,
daughter of Bernard & Lorraine
O’Leary, earned her Master of
Social Work degree from the
University of Minnesota - Duluth
in May 2013.
Congratulations,
Michelle!
Hockey and Henry Boucha at
2nd Annual Native Nations
Night at Sanford Center
Bemidji State University and the Sanford Center present Native Nations
Night on February 28, 2014, at the Sanford Center in Bemidji when
the BSU Men’s Hockey team faceoff with the University of Alabama
Huntsville in a 7:30 p.m. matchup.
Billed as “a night to honor the Native Peoples and heritage of the Bemidji
region,” the event will feature discount tickets for all tribal members at
$12 for adults and $5 for age 17 and younger.
In addition to the hockey game, there will be a special guest appearance by
American Indian hockey star Henry Boucha, a former Olympic champion
and professional hockey player. Boucha was a silver medalist with the
US team in 1972, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings and finished his
career with the Minnesota North Stars after a career ending injury. He
has been inducted in the US Hockey Hall of Fame.
Boucha is enrolled at NW Angle #37 at Windigo Island on Lake of the
Woods, which is part of Treaty #3. He is Bear Clan, a Pipe Carrier and
tries to practice his culture and traditions.
Boucha is a motivational speaker as well, and has spoken at several high
schools and colleges. His topics of motivation include drug and alcohol
abuse, goal setting, obesity, and suicide. He hopes to make a difference
with American Indian youth referencing his own story.
Those interested in more information or the purchase of tickets should
contact Tony at 218-441-4018.
Happy 9th Birthday,
Alexander
Pete!
Love,
Mom, Anissa
& Nevaeh
FEBRUARY 2014
A Few Cool Cold Facts About Winter
1. The all-time world record for the largest snowfall in a single day
was set in the United States on December 4, 1913, when Georgetown,
Colorado received a staggering 63 inches of snow – more than five feet.
2. According to the Guinness Book of World Records,
on January 28, 1887, a 15” wide, 8” thick snowflake
ever observed fell in Fort Keogh, Montana
3. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the world was
-128 degrees Celsius, in Vostok Station
in Antarctica in 1983.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 24 • Bois Forte News • February 2014
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.
Election schedule update
February 14: Deadline for Notice of
Certifications to TEC
February 15: Deadline for candidates to submit
their message to voters for publication in the
March issue of the Bois Forte News
Address:
April 3: Election Board publishes
Primary results
June 10: General Election
Election judges being sought
The Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council is seeking individuals interested in serving as members of
the General Election Board, the District I Electrion Board (Nett Lake), the District II Election Board
(Vermilion), and the Urban Office Election Board for the upcoming Tribal Election with the Primary
to be held on April 1, 2014 and the General Election to be held on June 10, 2014.
The rate of pay will be:
Chair of Election Board - $18/hour
Other General Election Board Members - $14/hour
District I Election Board Members - $12/hour
Name:
April 1: Primary
District II Election Board Members - $12/hour
Urban Office Election Board Members - $12/hour
If you are interested, contact Vicki Villebrun at the Tribal Office at (218) 757-3261, ext. 272 or Vanessa
Little at ext. 273 during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) by February 21, 2014.
City/ State/ Zip:
Date of Birth:
Signature:___________________________
Date: __________
_____Yes, I would like this new address
shared with the Bois Forte News
Please send us your email address if you’d like
to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in your
email box:
The Bois Forte News
___________________________________
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Candidate Forum in Minneapolis
Band members living in the Twin Cities have organized two Candidate Forums at the Urban Office. The
dates are Monday, March 10 at 5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 15 at 5 p.m. All are invited and encouraged
to bring a dish to share in the Potluck dinner.
These forums are being organized by Urban Band members to provide voters an opportunity to listen
to and question candidates for the Reservation Tribal Council. All candidates will be asked to abide
by the rules set forth by the forum. They will each have equal time to respond to questions proposed
by the audience and randomly drawn. We will begin with questions at 5:30 p.m. with a 15-minute
break at 6:30 p.m. Questions will resume at 6:45 p.m., concluding at 7:45 p.m. The two forums are not
organized or sponsored by the RTC, the Urban Office staff, or the candidates themselves.
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
February 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
March issue:
February 14
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
FEBRUARY 2014