INSIDE
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
Page 5
Page 8
Page 12
CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - February 2013
VOL. 36 NO. 2
www.boisforte.com
State of the Band focuses on
positive results of careful growth
Thoughtful growth was the theme of the 2013
State of the Band held January 23 at Fortune Bay
Resort Casino. Despite the subzero temperatures,
over 500 Band members turned out to hear that
careful, long-term planning allowed the Bois
Forte Development Corporation, which oversees
the Band’s businesses, to post its second highest
revenues ever during 2012.
$2.5 million in capital improvements at Fortune Bay,
including roads, sidewalks, curbs and a new roof.
“I believe leaders have an obligation to make
investments in housing, infrastructure, business
and cultural preservation as a foundation for our
children and grandchildren to build their future,” The pre-function area outside the Woodlands Ballroom
he said. “If we do nothing, we will leave our was filled with Band members visiting the government
and business booths.
children with nothing.”
“Our assets are growing, our fund balance is the
highest it’s been in a decade, and our auditors have Besides being an investment in the Band’s future,
congratulated us on our low debt load,” Tribal Leecy noted that the Fortune Bay improvement
Chairman Kevin Leecy said.
projects also meant jobs for Band members.
The same was true of investments made on the
Reinvestment builds success
reservation during 2012 in housing, infrastructure
and public safety.
The program began with a traditional invocation,
led by Gilbert Smith and Gene Goodsky. The Bois Thirty-two new homes were built in Nett Lake
Forte Honor Guard presented the colors. Secretary/ and Vermilion, including New Moon supportive
Treasurer David Morrison welcomed everyone housing for previously homeless Band members.
and served as MC of the event.
“The Nett Lake homes were built under the
direction of a Bois Forte member business owner,
District I Representative Brandon Benner shared and other Band member construction companies
with the crowd his commitment to youth and thanked were subcontractors. This construction meant jobs
many of the men in Nett Lake who take time to for more Band members,” Leecy said.
coach youth sports teams. District I Representative
Karlene Chosa spoke about the need to continue Other reservation projects during 2012 included
working on a fair and balanced budget and increase remodeling and upgrading the Law Enforcement
efforts toward language preservation. District II Center, rebuilding Nett River dam, creating a
Representative Toutloff chose not to speak to help new transit service and training 12 new volunteer
keep the program from becoming too long.
firefighters. The Band also began refurbishing the
Nett Lake and Vermilion powwow grounds and
Chairman Leecy opened his remarks by reflecting building new ball fields for both communities,
on the event’s theme: To touch the earth is to have which will be completed this year.
harmony with nature.
A full afternoon and evening
“When we are in touch with the earth, she shows
us by example that growth happens by design, not Prior to the afternoon’s program, Band members
by accident,” he said. “We follow nature’s example were able to attend presentations about the tribe’s
by planning the steps we take in our growth so that finances, and stop by information boots hosted by
we can cultivate the kind of future we want to see.” tribal government departments and Band-owed
businesses to learn more about programs and
As an example, Leecy cited last year’s investment of services. Band members could also obtain tribal and
1854 IDs and participate in health activities such as
receiving a flu vaccination, testing their blood sugar,
blood pressure and learning their body mass index.
Fortune Bay staff served a hearty dinner of steak,
twice baked potatoes, vegetables, chicken and Nett
Lake wild rice. After the program, Band members
were invited to enjoy the blues, classic rock and
country music of local performer Paul Mayasich.
Other Key Announcements from the State of
the Band
Band finances
• The Bois Forte Development Corporation posted its second highest revenues ever.
• The Band’s businesses were audited by a third-
party independent auditor under strict standards and federal regulations.
• An Annual Report with detailed financial information will be mailed in February.
Payments to Band members
• The Nelson Act claims were finally settled during 2012, and the tribal government returned 100% of the money to Band members.
• The tribal government again returned 100% of the 1854 Treaty dollars. Coupled with the money
from the Nez Perce class action suit, the result was a $945 payment.
(cont. on page 12)
BOIS FORTE NEWS • P.O. Box 16 Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • FEBRUARY 2013
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
State & National News
Interior Secretary
Salazar to leave
cabinet position in
March
Interior Secretary
Ken Salazar
Interior Secretary Ken
Salazar has told President
Barack Obama that he
intends to leave his job by
the end of March. Salazar,
57, the former U.S.
Senator of Colorado, will
have served a little more
than four years in Obama’s
cabinet.
Salazar has said in his four years he is most proud of
improving the relationship the federal government
has with American Indians, cleaning up the oil and
gas program after former departments were plagued
with scandal and nepotism, and broadening a clean
energy agenda.
The secretary established seven new national parks
and 10 new wildlife refuges. He also launched 18
utility-scale solar energy projects on public lands.
Before 2009, there were hundreds of pending
applications but no construction projects approved.
Judge’s ruling favors
Fond du Lac Band
over City of Duluth
Reprinted in revised form from Duluth News Tribune
The Eighth Circuit
Court of Appeals
has
overturned
a lower court’s
ruling requiring
the
Fond
du
Lac
Band
of
Lake
Superior
Chippewa to make an estimated $14 million in
casino revenue back payments to the City of
Duluth.
The ruling upheld the Nov. 21, 2011, decision
depriving Duluth of an annual revenue stream of
about $6 million, as the ruling released the Band
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Native Veterans able to access care
closer to home
American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans will soon have increased access to health care services
closer to home following a recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Indian Health Service
(IHS) joint national agreement.
As a result of the national agreement, VA is now able to reimburse the IHS for direct care services
provided to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans. While the national agreement
applies only to VA and IHS, it will inform agreements negotiated between the VA and tribal health
programs. VA copayments do not apply to direct care services provided by IHS to eligible American
Indian and Alaska Native Veterans under this agreement.
“This reimbursement agreement between the VA and the IHS will help improve health care services
for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans and further the IHS mission and federal responsibility
of raising the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level possible,” said
Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, director of the Indian Health Service.
To view the national agreement, please visit: www.va.gov. To find out additional information about
American Indian and Alaska Native Veteran programs, please visit: www.va.gov/tribalgovernment
and http://www.ihs.gov/.
Federal Agencies agree to collaborate to
protect Indian Sacred Sites
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Also Participates
Four cabinet-level departments joined the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in signing a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve the protection of Indian sacred sites. The MOU
also calls for improving tribal access to the sites. It was signed by cabinet secretaries from the U.S.
Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior. It was also signed by the chairman of the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
“We have a special, shared responsibility to respect and foster American Indian and Alaska Native
cultural and religious heritage, and today’s agreement recognizes that important role,” said Secretary
of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Inter-agency cooperation fosters our nation-to-nation relationship with
tribes, and that’s certainly true when it comes to identifying and avoiding impacts to the sites that
tribes hold sacred.”
The MOU will be in effect for five years and requires participating agencies to determine inter-agency
measures to protect sacred sites. It also sets up a framework for consultation with tribes, creation
of a training program for federal employees to provide educational opportunities concerning legal
protections and limitations related to protection of the sites, and creation of a website.
Additionally, the MOU provides for outreach to non-federal partners, tribal capacity-building efforts
and it establishes a working group to implement the terms of the agreement.
from any obligation to share future profits from
the Fond-du-Luth Casino. However, U.S. District
Court Judge Susan Nelson also had ordered the
Band to honor a profit-sharing agreement that
was in place with the city through April 2011.
The Band ceased making payments to the city in
2009, touching off an ongoing legal battle.
“Obviously, we are quite pleased with the ruling,”
Fond du Lac Chairwoman Karen R. Diver said.
“We will have to go back to the district court,
Judge Nelson, but she has more options before
her now. We are glad that the Band’s position has
been affirmed again.”
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
RTC News
Corey Strong settles in as Tribal
Government Executive Director
Although Bois Forte Band member Corey Strong has only officially been the tribal government’s Executive Director since
December, his experience in the
post stretches back much further.
Director during transition periods between past
Executive Directors.
In fact, Strong had been asked to consider the
post some years ago, but decided the time wasn’t
right. “My kids (Corey, 17; Jaylen, 15; and Sasha,
10) were too young then,” he said. “I didn’t want
to spend that much time away from them.”
Strong
became
acting
executive
Corey Strong
director back in July. And in
years past, he also filled in as acting Executive
(cont. on page 11)
IIM account holders need to update
contact information
Cobell settlement payments are being sent to
individuals, not to Bois Forte. 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.
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.
Individual payments from the Cobell settlement
will be made by GCG, Inc., a claims administrator Call GCG at 1 (800) 961-6109 to confirm they
appointed by the court, not by the Department of have your correct contact information. Before
the Interior’s Office of the Special Trustee (OST). you place the call, have your IIM account number
or tribal enrollment number handy.
If you have an IIM account and you expect to
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.
GESHICK, ERNEST VERNON
GLASS, CARLOS ALONZO
GOGGLEYE, TRAVIS RICHARD
HARDING, ALTON
HILL, RACHEL
JANISCH, JORDAN REED
JOHNSON, LACY MARIE
LOAIZA, ADRIAN PAUL
MANVILLE, PAULINE
MCGINLEY, MATTHEW ERIC
MCKENZIE, EDITH ANGELINE
MCQUEEN, JESSICA NAOMI
MILROY, CATHERINE DOROTHY
MURESAN, DEBRA JEAN
FEBRUARY 2013
NEGLEY, ASHLEY NICKOLE
RODRIQUEZ, JULIUS VICENTE
SHAUGOBAY, SYLVIA MARIE
STRONG, ASA DEREK
SWAN III, VICTOR JOSEPH
TAYLOR, BENNY WAYNE
THOMPSON, DOROTHY GESHICK
TOLRUD, THOMAS JOHN
UNGER, SANDEE LYNN
VILLEBRUN, VINESSA DERAE
VIVIER, ALEX
WEBSTER, MICHAEL JAY
WHITEMAN, DOUGLAS WAYNE
Bois Forte
News changes
Each year we look at ways to save money on
programs and services, including the Bois Forte
News. Cost savings can often be found by simply
changing paper size, layout, number of pages, etc.
The March issue will include some changes we
are implementing to save dollars and
accommodate new postal regulations.
As always, let us know what you think of the
paper and send in your stories
and ideas for publication.
Annual Report
Watch your mailbox in mid- February for your
copy of the 2012 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.
The Commissioners have also submitted a few
highlights of their programs from 2012.
Minnesota Chippewa
Tribe Finance
Corporation
First-Time Homebuyer
Education Class
Saturday, March 2, 2013
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Building
15542 State 371 NW
Cass Lake, Minnesota
First-time Homebuyer Education is a
requirement of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
Finance Corporation for qualified buyers.
Please reserve your spot in this FREE class with
Cindy Beaulieu at 218-335-8582 extension 150
or [email protected]
No Childcare is provided so please make
other arrangements.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Claims Must Be Filed By March 1, 2013
1
In $3.4 Billion Indian Trust Settlement
What is This About?
The Cobell v. Salazar Settlement is approved. The Settlement resolves a class action lawsuit that claims
that the federal government violated its duties by mismanaging trust accounts and individual Indian
trust lands. Payments to the Historical Accounting Class are underway. The process of considering
claims for the Trust Administration Class is ongoing.
The final deadline if you need to file a claim form for the Trust Administration Class is
March 1, 2013.
Am I Included?
The Trust Administration Class includes:
• AnyonealiveonSeptember30,2009,who:
° Had an IIM account recorded in currently available electronic data in federal government
systemsanytimefromapproximately1985toSeptember30,2009,or
° CandemonstrateownershipintrustlandorlandinrestrictedstatusasofSeptember30,2009.
• Theestate(orheirs)ofanydeceasedlandownerorIIMaccountholderwhoseaccountwasopen
or whose trust assets had been in probate according to the federal government’s records as of
September30,2009.
Do I Need to File a Claim Form?
You must file a claim form if you believe you are a member of the Trust Administration Class and you
have not:
• ReceivedIIMaccountstatementsatyourcurrentaddressanytimebetweenJanuary1,1985and
September30,2009andcontinuetoreceivestatements;or
• Received a payment as a member of the HistoricalAccounting Class. If you did, you will
receiveasecondpaymentautomaticallyasamemberoftheTrustAdministrationClass;or
• Filedaclaimformalreadyusingyourcurrentaddress.Ifyouhave,theClaimsAdministrator
will contact you.
YoumustfilloutaclaimformandmailittoIndianTrustSettlement,P.O.Box9577,Dublin,OH
43017-4877,postmarkedbyMarch 1, 2013 in order to receive a payment.
How Much Money Can I Get?
Members of the TrustAdministration Class will likely receive at least $800 or more. The actual
amount will depend on the number of claims and the costs of administration.
For a claim form or to update your contact information:
Call Toll-Free: 1-800-961-6109 or Visit: www.IndianTrust.com
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Vermilion
New Moon, new beginnings
A new lunar cycle can be a sign of hope and a fresh
beginning. The Bois Forte New Moon Supportive
Housing program (“Oshki Dibikii Giizis”) is
making that symbol more concrete for 14 new,
formerly homeless, tenants.
The attractive,
well-equipped facilities include 8 one-bedroom
apartments and 6 each of two- and three-bedroom
duplexes. The vision behind these residences is
to provide their tenants with a permanent home
as well as ongoing quality of life development
through various support programs. New Moon
is not a short-term overnight facility, and staff
members say there remains a definite, unmet
need in the community for an emergency shelter.
Currently, the closest emergency shelter is in
Virginia, MN which is about a 30-40 min. drive
from Lake Vermillion.
such as how to balance a budget, save for car/
house payments, etc. Cultural heritages classes
like crafting and storytelling are also possible.
The residents seem particularly excited about
cultivating a community garden, similar to the one
in Nett Lake, and cooking classes.
Lois
Connor-Graham
grew up on
Nett
Lake.
She moved
away at age
13 and has
lived much of
her life off the
reservation.
New Moon case manager Muriel After becomDeegan meets with resident Lois ing homeless,
Connor-Graham.
she
moved
around a lot
between relatives and other temporary housing.
When she heard about New Moon, Lois was eager
to apply for a place to call home. She said the staff
were very helpful in the application process and
she was able to move in this past November. New
Moon made it possible for Lois to return home to
the reservation where she enjoys visiting with the
Elders, seeing old friends and family, and being
with nature (she even saw a wolf on a walk “just
the other day”). Lois, who is very interested in
the community garden, cooking, and yoga classes,
said “I’m here to stay. I love it up here.” She works
as a Sales Associate at the Fortune Bay gift shop,
located less than a mile from New Moon. Very
appreciative of the strong sense of community on
the reservation, Lois commented that living here is
“so different” than the cities because “everyone’s
willing to help.”
but cannot fill all the needs experienced on today’s
reservations.” Native Americans are usually
unwilling to let their family members sleep on
the streets and will let them “double-up” in their
homes. While the state definition of homelessness
is broader, the more restricted federal definition
is slow to recognize this reality; there has in the
past been the misconception that “doubling-up”
is a matter of preference which should not be
considered a crisis situation. However, Wilder
Research has shed some much needed light on
this issue: “Overcrowding continues to be a
serious concern, with implications for personal
relationships, health, and children’s school
success, among other consequences.” Particularly
detrimental for children, “homelessness and overcrowding threaten their educational success, health
and mental health, and personal development.
Homelessness as a child is known to be associated
with an increased risk of homelessness later in
life.”
Single adults, couples, a grandmother with her
grandchild, and young families with newborns
make up the budding community at New
Moon. Tenants must qualify for admission and
be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Axel Holmes, the first tenant to move into New
Because New Moon operates on a “housing first
Moon back on June 29th, said that this is the first
harm reduction model,” neither sobriety nor the
apartment he has had “in a long time”: “It feels
presence or absence of a mental health condition
good to have my own place.” In the New Year,
are requirements for acceptance. The idea is that
he looks forward to staying in his new home
facing chemical dependency and mental health
which is “nice and quiet” and continuing to work
conditions is a long-term endeavor that is better
on the janitorial staff at Fortune Bay. Indicating
tackled once basic housing needs are met. Rather,
the New Moon staff members, he noted his deep
the criteria for moving into New Moon are based
appreciation of the “support from these girls. They
primarily on income and homelessness. Funding
help out a lot.” The good security at the facilities
for the program comes from a variety of sources
offers much needed stability and privacy. Pointing
including the federal grant subsidy ShelterPlusCare
out the fact that the caretakers of the facility are
and state funding through Minnesota Housing
Peter and Lori Drift, Axel smilingly remarked, “It
Finance Agency and Minnesota Department of
does help that the caretaker is the Chief of Police.”
Human Services. Theresa Drift, the Project and
Excited about the various programs at New Moon,
Tenant Coordinator for New Moon, said “Each
Axel noted with sober wisdom how important it is
tenant has their own goals. Our goal is to get them
for him to stay busy to avoid the dangers of chronic
into housing and then help them find out their
alcoholism. Already very experienced helping out
goals.” Some tenants are looking for jobs, others Lois is grateful for her relatives and friends who at the Nett Lake community garden, Axel is eager
want to go to school, and all want to establish a let her live with them, but expressed how much to get his hands dirty… in the soil.
healthy home for themselves and their families.
of a difference it makes to have her own home:
“Families don’t turn
The tenants recently had their first monthly you away, but you just
community meeting to foster relationships and plan want your own place.”
for themselves what kind of programming they
would like in the future. Current services include According to Wilder
case management to help clients in a personalized Research’s 2009 study,
The Wilderness Golf Course is open to cross
manner, involving anything from filling out paper Homeless and Nearcountry skiers during the winter months.
work for medical services to getting to town for homeless People on
groceries or medical appointments. There is also Minnesota
Indian
Trail maps are available at the front desk of Fortune Bay and in
a free yoga class offered at 3 pm every Thursday, Reservations,
“The
the Golf Course Pro Shop. There are no rentals so skiers must
which is open to the public. In the future, New existing
personal
bring their own equipment and agree to respect the course by
Moon staff hope to collaborate with Nikki Pieratos network of supportive
staying on the trails. There is no charge to ski the trails.
and those developing the Bois Forte credit union and clan members is a
to offer financial literacy classes, teaching skills vital cultural heritage
Get out and ski this winter!
FEBRUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Elders
Bois Forte Elders Meeting
Make the switch to electronic payments
for social security benefits
Meeting called to order at 11:40 a.m. by chair
Jerome Whiteman.
There is less than one month left to switch to
electronic payments for your Social Security,
VA, or other federal benefit checks. A new law
on behalf of the U.S. Department of Treasury
requires that all paper checks for federal benefits
now be received electronically. The deadline on
March 1, 2013 is approaching fast, but the process
to sign-up is quick, easy, and free.
Vermillion Center
November 13, 2012
Roll Call: All present.
Mission Statement read by Justin Boness.
Others Present: Marlene Farmer, David Farmer,
Gloria Drift, Rose Lein, Lorraine Villebrun,
Rose Hedlund, Marcy Drift, Olive Connor,
Karen Drift, LuAnn Drift, Andy Buckenaga, Tina
Stanley, Calvin Day, Bernie Oleary, Joey Chosa,
Phylis Boshey, Cecelia Warren, Elderly needs,
Terri Morrison, Health Nurse, jennie Rolland,
Transportation, Pete Drift Jr. , D.N.R. Karlene
Chosa, R.T.C., Lois Connor, Carol Burr, Housing.
Motion made by Justin Boness to approve minutes
of September 10, 2012 meeting with corrections,
second by Rose Lein. Motion Carried.
Motion made by Mary Strong to approve minutes
of October 8, 2012 meeting with corrections,
second by Gloria Drift. Motion Carried.
Carol Burr, Housing explains a new program
called Fy 2013 Hip from BIA, this program in not
a guarantee you will receive funds for your home.
The sooner an application is turned in the better.
The deadline is December7, 2012. You can get an
application from the housing office, give it a try.
A discussion on Elderly needs, changes maybe
made the process of the applications, such as dollar
amounts granted and what can be purchased. A hand
vote was taken and 12 hands were up for $600.00.
Fund for an application and cover three counties,
St. Louis, Koochiching, and Itasca for Bois Forte
Elderly 55 years of age or older for needs program.
William Whiteman , Reservation planner presented
maps of the new roads / streets to have Ojibwa
names. He wants Elderly input, which will be
proposed at the next R.T.C. Meeting.
Jennie Rolland presented the new schedule for the
Transit Lines bus routes.
Mike Bass, Contractor, explains the pow-wow
arbor for the pow-wow grounds.
Karen Drift suggests Bois Forte to add Native
American language sign to our Bois Forte signs
entering the reservation.
(cont. on page 7)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
There are several reasons for the change. The
first is that electronic payments will save taxpayers a lot of money, $1 billion over the next 10
years. Electronic payments are safer and more
convenient, eliminating paper waste and saving
you a trip to the bank. They are also more reliable
and always on time, rain or shine.
There are two convenient options to choose from:
(1) Direct Deposit – get your benefit payments
paid directly to your existing savings or
checking bank accounts; or (2) Direct Express®
Debit MasterCard® - receive a free debit card,
prepaid on payment day each month. Use your
card to make everyday purchases everywhere
Debit MasterCard® is accepted. You can make
purchases, pay bills, buy money orders and get
cash at thousands of locations nationwide.
The process of making the switch is easy. Here is
what you will need:
• Your Social Security number or claim number
• Your 12-digit federal benefit number
• Dollar amount of your most recent federal benefit check
• Your bank or other financial institution’s
routing number (can be found on a personal check)
• Your account number and type - checking or savings (can be found on a personal check)
Switch to electronic payments now before time
the March 1 deadline. To sign-up or for helpful
information on the change call toll-free at 1-800333-1795, or visit online at www.GoDirect.org.
Elder Trip planning underway
Planning for the 2013 Elder is underway. Committee members Jacque Wilson, Pam Hughes, Theresa
Drift and Vanessa Little have begun meeting regularly to plan a trip based on input from the Elders.
The committee hosted a table at the January 23 State of the Band to answer question and listened to
ideas from the Elders. Plans are shaping up for an August 2013 motor coach trip to the Black Hills.
A letter was mailed to the Elders in mid January requesting a preliminary commitment to help with
planning. If interested Elders did not receive the letter, please contact one of the following:
Jacque Wilson, 612-871-6618, [email protected]
Pam Hughes, 218/244-0633, [email protected]
Theresa Drift, 218/404-6209, [email protected]
Vanessa Little, 218/757-3261, [email protected]
Elder Maintenance Helpers
Bois Forte Elders can get a helping hand this winter. The Housing Division has temporarily hired new
employees to assist Elders with winter-related projects, such as putting plastic on windows, cutting wood
for home heating, and snow shoveling. These new Elder Maintenance Helpers are not contractors and
will not be doing any remodeling or home additions. Ron LaRoque and Vernon Steel are the Elder
Maintenance Helpers for Nett Lake. Milt Barto will be helping Elders in Vermilion. These temporary
employees have been hired for about 90 days to assist, especially while Bois Forte youth are busy in
school. Honoring and serving the Elders is a high priority for the Bois Forte community.
For more information or to request the assistance of the Elder Maintenance Helpers, please contact:
Patsy Adams in Nett Lake at 218-757-3253, or Kevin Strong in Vermilion at 218-753-4542.
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
The privilege of parenting
By Dr. Linda Grover
strengths as Native people. In doing the best we
can as parents and grandparents we honor the
With some concern in her lives and work of those ancestors, both those who
voice, one of my daughters survived and those who didn’t.
mentioned to me last week that
she is “still learning” how to From time to time as I pass family stories along
parent her two children, who to my young relatives I mention some of our
are 10 and 16. She seemed grandparents’ (and our parents’, and my own)
to be wondering if she should experiences and challenges. Sometimes these
have it all figured out by now. stories have simple and happy endings, more often
I am still learning how to parent, too, and as my they are complicated and filled with the untidiness
children and grandchildren journey through their of life here on Mother Earth; all are connected to
lives and adventures I learn something new every the lives of other extended family members and
day. Parenting (and grandparenting) isn’t always friends. And all have a common thread running
throughout: the survival of a people and the
easy, but it is always a gift.
continuance of our collective story and knowledge
Our ancestors experienced land loss, removal, through the oral tradition. Children are the gift
the boarding school era and relocation, events that makes this possible; one day they will become
that interrupted and damaged family life and the tellers of the story.
parenting. The resulting historical trauma has
stayed with us and continues to affect childrearing I replied to my daughter that she is a great mother,
today, yet in spite of tremendous disruption our and that we are all figuring things out as we go
tenacious ancestors maintained and passed on to along. It is important for her to hear this, I think,
us a profound appreciation for children and for and important for her to learn it for herself in her
our extended families. That is one of our greatest own life journey.
Happy February
Birthdays, Elders!
Robert Boshey
2-1
Darla Flett2-11
Jim Anderson 2-14
Norma Johnson
2-14
Gloria Love2-14
Bev Miller 2-17
Denis Drouillard
2-20
Daniel Connor
2-21
Stanley Day2-28
Karen Drift2-06
Eugene Goodsky
2-05
Cheryl Jensen
2-03
William King
2-22
Lucille Morrison
2-11
Mary Porter, Leech Lake 2-06
Virgil Sohm2-4
Isabelle Strong
2-05
Janet, Thompson
2-15
Raymond Geshick
2-20
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 60 YEAR OLD?
A TEST FOR ‘OLDER’ KIDS
When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in
early 1964, we all watched them on The ___
_________ Show.
‘Get your kicks, ____ ________ ____.’
‘The story you are about to see is true. The
names have been changed to ________ ____
_______.’
‘In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ___ _____
_____ __________.’
After the Twist , the Mashed Potato , and the
Watusi, we ‘danced’ under a stick that was
lowered as low as we could go in a dance called
the ‘_____________.’
Red Skeleton’s hobo character was named
_______ ___ ________.
And Red always ended his television show by
saying, ‘Good Night, and ‘_____ ________.’
The cute little car with the engine in the back and
the trunk in the front was called the VW. What
other names did it go by? ___ _______ & ___
__________.
In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about,
‘the day the music died.’ This was a tribute to
________ ___________.
We can remember the first satellite placed
into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called
___________________.
Nestle’s makes the very best _____________.’
Satchmo was America ‘s ‘Ambassador of
Goodwill.’ Our parents shared this great jazz
trumpet player with us. His name was ____
_____________.
One of the big fads of the late 50’s and 60’s was
a large plastic ring that we twirled around our
waist. It was called the _______ - _______.
CORRECTION
Correction to the January issue, page 4 story
on Native Report television program
interviewing Axel Holmes. Axel is a member
of the St. Croix Band in Wisconsin. He has
lived in Nett Lake since 1953.
(Elder Meeting Minutes cont. from page 6)
Please attend the Wild Rice Gathering Program
being presented at the Bois Forte Govt. center on
November 16, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.
Motion made by Mary Strong to adjourn meeting
at 2:50 p.m., second by Marlene Farmer. Motion
carried.
Next meeting at Nett Lake, December 10, 2012.
(Answers on page 14)
What takes a licking and keeps on ticking?
________ _______.
FEBRUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Youth & Culture
Ginibiiminaan (Our Water)
This year’s Great Lake Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission poster, GINIBIIMINAAN,
features nini (water), emphasizing the sacredness of Nini and our responsibility to keep it
pure.
Ojibwe artist, Wesley Ballinger, used the
central image of a woman for the poster
because within Ojibwe teachings, women are
the “keepers of the water.” Like water, women
are life givers. Our children are carried in water
prior to birth. The female image also reminds
us of the contemporary Water Walkers, founded
by women who journeyed around the Great Lakes, carrying water in their
copper bucket calling attention to the need to protect our waters.
The circles flowing down the river represent pollution from human
activities, such as mining and industrialization, those that threaten the
purity of nibi, our source of life and the lives of all plants and animals that
share this earth.
Water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth, coursing through her streams and
rivers like blood through a giant vessel. For earth to be strong and healthy,
capable of sustaining life for generations, we must keep that water clean.
For a copy of the Ginibiiminaan poster, contact the Great Lakes Indian Fish &
Wildlife Commission, PO Box 9, Odanah, WI 54861; phone 715-685-2150
or email [email protected]. You can also place your order at www.glifwc.org.
One copy of the poster is free. Extra copies are $2.50 with a $1.00 shipping
charge.
Daanis Chosa graduates from Indian Police Academy
On January 15, Bois Forte Band member Daanis a challenge. We really needed to study and ask
Chosa celebrated a milestone that few people questions.” Fortunately, she said the “amazing”
achieve: graduation from the United States Indian instructors were very ready to help the students.
Police Academy.
Not everyone was able to make the grade: of
The Academy was founded in 1968 to provide the 24 people who started the program, only 16
effective, professional law enforcement training graduated. “One person I became close with failed
for tribal police officers. The four-month program out the last week,” Daanis said. Her proud parents
is competitive and tough.
Karlene and Don Chosa attended the graduation
ceremony along with her siblings Leon, Dalene,
“A typical day began with formation at 5:30 a.m., Daebwae, her Uncle Joey and family friend Cord
followed by classes and physical training all day, Houle of Fond du Lac.
sometimes until 10 at night,” Daanis said. “We ran
two to four miles a day, swam and did weight training. Daanis said the best part of the experience was
discovering more about herself. “I learned I have
A lot of days I was sore climbing out of bed.”
the ability to keep calm and maintain my strengths
Although the physical aspect of the program during intense situations.”
was intense, Daanis said the hardest part was the
classes on law enforcement, case law, and the For one week after graduation, Daanis remained at
judicial system. “The legal aspects of training were the Training Center in New Mexico and completBOIS FORTE NEWS
ed a class on
Indian
Law.
She returned
to Nett Lake
on January 24
and will continue training,
riding along
with Officers
Brent Chosa,
Josh Villebrun
and
Marcus
Knifechief.
Daanis celebrates her January 15
graduation with her parents, Don
and Karlene, and younger sister
Daebwae.
Officer Chosa is excited to become the first female
officer in Bois Forte’s Tribal Police Department. “I
like helping out and being a part of the community,”
she said. “I have younger siblings, nieces and
nephews, and I want to make the community safer.”
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Boys & Girls Club Toy Party
Over two dozen kids participated in the Boys and Girls Club Toy Party, which was held Wednesday, December 19, at the Vermilion Wellness Center and
Thursday, December 20 in Nett Lake. Several staff members from the Duluth Boys and Girls Club helped out with the event, including Todd Johnson, Chief
Planning Officer, Tim McLoughlin, Director of Operations and Carla Charlton, Director of Resource Development.
Each child’s name was drawn to go up to one of two large tables to pick out a gift for themselves. “We were very pleased to take part in the Toy Drive as it
gives us a chance to give something back to the communities we serve,” said McGloughlin.
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
light 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.
FEBRUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Meet Cecile Warren, our new
Community Health Representative
My name is Cecile
(Barto) Warren and I
live in Orr, MN with
my boyfriend and I
have 3 grown children
and 1 grandson. I enjoy
fishing and ice fishing,
being outdoors, cooking,
riding
motorcycle,
gardening and being part
of a big family.
Cecile Warren
I was hired on October
22, 2012 as a Community Health Representative
at the Bois Forte Family Health Services, and I
am also the Bois Forte Elderly Needs Program
Coordinator and when I took over the program
there were some changes that they wanted made so
I worked on those changes and here they are: How
much assistance you can get went from $800.00
to $600.00, you can only request 1 item that is
listed on the application and if that item does not
reach the $600.00 limit you can’t request more
items to fill that amount, eligibility went from the
state of Minnesota to only 3 counties which are
Saint Louis, Koochiching and Itasca, and lastly
the applications will be determined as they come
in and no waiting for monthly meetings, as the
coordinator I will make sure they are eligible and
all required documents are with the application for
approval or denial.
Thank you everyone for welcoming me back
to help care for your community members and
especially the Elders, I previously worked as a
Community Health Representative from 19951999 and enjoyed it then and I am very glad to be
back doing what I love.
Call for Prosecution RFPs close Feb. 15
The Bois Forte Tribal Court is seeking proposals from attorneys interested in providing prosecutorial
services for the Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota 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 Wednesday s) each month. Arraignments and other duties are handled on
an “as needed” basis. Indian preference will apply. Proposals are due by February 15, 2013 and 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].
February Is American Heart Month
Heart attacks take a life every 60 seconds. When was the last time you thought about
your heart health?
If you’re over 40-years-old, a leading expert in cardiovascular care suggests that NOW
is the time to pay close attention to the factors which most often trigger heart attacks
and learn what you can do to reduce your risks.
Approximately every 25 seconds an American will experience a coronary event, and
every 60 seconds one will die as a result. Fatal heart attacks often
come without warning, but often they are preventable.
One key is lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy diet, no
smoking, and managing the stress in your life. Call the Bois Forte
Clinics if you would like more information and help on how to make
lifesaving lifestyle changes.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Credit Union update
Nikki Pieratos
The Bois Forte Band
of Chippewa & the
proposed
Northern
Eagle Federal Credit
Union would like to
issue a special thanks
to our friends at Hiway
Federal Credit Union
for
their
generous
donations!
Hiway Federal Credit Union is a credit union
based out of St. Paul, MN and was originally
chartered to serve employees of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation. They are now
almost $1 billion in assets and serve nearly
65,000 members across the metro area, the state
of Minnesota, and beyond.
Hiway CEO, Jeff Schwalen, recently donated
several PCs, a coin counter, and a coin wrapper
for the future Northern Eagle Federal Credit
Union’s use.
Hiway’s contribution to our chartering effort
is greatly appreciated and allows Bois Forte
to apply more of its start-up capital towards
programs and services that will benefit you as a
future credit union member.
Please visit www.hiway.org to learn more about
our benefactor and how they help members and
the community by, “Providing financial success
on the road to life.”
Stay tuned for future updates and please call with
any questions or ideas on how to make our future
programs and products better.
Announcing our Credit Union Survey
Winners!
On behalf of the proposed Northern Eagle
Federal Credit Union, I would like to share my
appreciation for everyone that filled out the latest
credit union survey! Your responses were used
to help us update our business plan and financial
projections which were submitted late last month
to the National Credit Union Administration
(NCUA). We are now on to the next round of the
chartering cycle!
I would also like to thank Fortune Bay Resort
Casino for its donation of the $50 BP gift cards
and Mary Strong for donating the beautiful
beaded earrings and suncatcher!
(cont. on page 11)
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Victim Services Update
What have we been doing?
For December one of our goals was to provide
domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse,
teen dating violence, and Elder abuse awareness
information along with mental health safety tips
to practice during the holiday season.
With this in mind
we held a Holiday
Basket Activity for
the community. Each
category had its own
information booth and
special gift basket.
Participants were given a
questionnaire to fill out.
Answers were hidden
within the informational
booths. There was a lot of
community participation
in both Vermilion and in
Nett Lake.
One of the many gift
baskets and booths offered by Victim services
to provide information
and safety tips to community members.
Victim Services was
proud to help promote
Stalking
Awareness
in
the
community.
We
developed
an
informational brochure
in which a questionnaire
was attached. Participants
received a drawing ticket,
silver ribbon, and pen
when they returned the
questionnaire to ether
our office or at one of
our informational booths
which were held January
29th in Nett Lake, January
30th in Vermilion. The
drawing for the winner
was held January 31st,
when they received a
safety basket with items
to increase their safety.
Bois Forte
VICTIM SERVICES
Are you being
If you or someone you
know is being stalked...
Our Victim Services Advocates
can assist with developing a
safety plan, filing for Orders for
Protection and/or Harassment
Restraining Orders, and
emotional support. All contacts
are private and confidential.
About us
Victim Services offers court
advocacy for battered women
and sexual assault victims,
emotional support, safety
planning, emergency shelter,
referrals, filing Orders for
Protection and Harassment
Restraining Orders, community
education and both one-to-one
or group support.
218-757-3295
800-223-1041
Along with providing an informational brochure
Congratulations to the and booths we also had KBFT 98.9 FM Bois
winners and thank you Forte Tribal Community Radio play various spots
promoting Stalking Awareness throughout the
for all who participated.
month of January. All in all the activity went very
January was National well and we received positive feedback from the
Stalking
Awareness community.
(cont. on page 12)
Month and Bois Forte
(Corey Strong cont. from page 3)
As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, Strong
also commuted to the College of St. Scholastica in
During his own childhood, Strong – the son of Duluth to earn his B.A. in business. He is currently
Wendy and Lewis Strong Jr. – spent a lot of time just five credits away from finishing his Master’s
outdoors. “I’ve enjoyed hunting deer, ducks, and Degree in Tribal Administration and Governance
harvesting wild rice and camping since I was a kid.” at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
“I think I have a unique combination of experience
out in the field, in management, and in tribal and
national government that I bring to the post of
executive director,” Strong said. He identified his
three biggest goals right now as strengthening
the Band’s financial reserves; improving
communication among tribal government programs
and services to increase their collaboration and
Strong became a Bois Forte conservation officer, efficiency; and improving the programs and services
and eventually was promoted to the Band’s DNR offered to Band members, in part by emphasizing
director in 1998. He has also served as a fire and personal communication and customer service
ambulance volunteer, trained at the U.S. Indian between RTG employees and those they serve.
Police Academy in New Mexico, spent two years
as a regional representative for the Great Lakes In his free time, Strong likes to coach kids’ sports
Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, and and – not surprisingly for a former DNR head –
was selected to serve on the RTC during 1997 to hunt, camp and harvest wild rice.
fill a vacant position.
Those experiences helped engender a love of nature
that Strong turned into a career. He earned his AA
degree from Rainy River Community College
and worked during the summers at Voyageurs
National Park where he built campsites, surveyed
the loon, fish and eagle populations, and enjoyed
beginning his day traveling to work by boat.
FEBRUARY 2013
Tobacco Prevention
Program
The tobacco prevention program provides
information about the difference between
traditional and commercial tobacco along
with help and support to those who wish
to quit the abuse of commercial tobacco,
such as cigarettes, cigars, chew and other
tobacco products.
We also offer referrals to clinics for
tobacco cessation aids such as nicotine
patches, gum and other medications; along
with developing specific quit smoking plans
and holding one-on-one meetings in person
or via telephone.
All meetings will be confidential.
If you are interested or have any
questions please call or email!
Marjorie Villebrun
Ph: 218-757-3295
Toll-Free: 800-233-1041
[email protected]
(Credit Union update cont. from page 10)
Thank you again for your generosity, especially
during the Christmas season.
After the drawing deadline, a randomized
lottery was made of the numbers associated
with the return envelopes (in-person and online
respondents were assigned a unique number).
Each person had a unique identifier, which is
how we were able to determine who completed a
survey and was eligible for the raffle.
Congratulations to all of the winners! We hope it
helped make your Christmas a little more merry.
Grand Prize (Apple iPad) - Terry Lightfeather of
Tower, MN
$50 gift cards - Daisha Goodbridge of Fargo, ND
and James Day of Suttons Bay, MI
Suncatcher - Cathy Chavers of Orr, MN
Earrings - Shirley Yadloski of Desert Hot Springs,
CA
---------------------------------------------------------Please stay tuned for future updates and please
call with any questions or ideas on how to make
our future programs and products better.
Nikki Pieratos: [email protected] or
218-757-3261 x 192.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Tribal Gov’t News & Reports
Notes from the “End of the
Road Radio”
(State of the Band cont. from page 1)
Hello again from WELY, End of the Road Radio. It’s
good to be into a new year isn’t it? Here at WELY
we are enjoying the local sports events, skiing,
snowmobiling, and of course, ice fishing!
People tune in to WELY daily to hear the community
events, so that they know what’s going on. They also
love hearing the Personal and Emergency messages,
or P&E’s, as we call them. Sometimes we get funny
notes from family vacationing here to their loved
ones at home and vice versa. And we love helping
people find their lost items, get rides to where they
need to go, and get their lost pets back.
Amy Paetznick
The main reason we have these messages is because
we are on the edge of the BWCA, and it’s the most efficient way for people
to get in contact with someone out camping. Whether it’s for fun or an
emergency, we make sure we broadcast their message so their friends and
family can hear it.
We’ve helped many families get their pets home too! Sometimes we
receive letters from people with pictures of them and their pet reunited. It’s
a wonderful feeling to be a part of this community and know that we’re all
doing our most to help each other out. That’s what WELY is all about. If
you have a personal and emergency message you would like us to air, please
call (218) 365-4444 or send an email to [email protected].
2013 reservation improvements
Until next time, stay tuned to WELY, End of The Road Radio, 94.5 FM,
1450 AM and online at www.wely.com.
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
• Total payments to Band members in 2012
totaled $6,417,653.
• A new medical and dental clinic will be built in Vermilion.
• The Band will aggressively pursue funds to plan and build a new Language Camp and Cultural Village.
• The new transit system will be expanded.
• More programming will be added to KBFT radio.
• Plans will continue moving ahead for a credit union.
1
2
2013 business changes
• Fortune Bay will update hotel rooms, add a coffee shop and steak house.
• The Y Store’s bait and liquor areas will be expanded, and a fast food business will be added.
• The Express Lube and car wash will be closed and the space used to expand the Band’s other, more profitable retail businesses.
3
Blood quantum
• The RTC will continue to push the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe to change its blood quantum requirement. Band members are encouraged to complete the MCT survey.
4
5
6
(Victim Services Update cont. from page 11)
Keep an eye out for our activities this month: Teen Dating Violence &
Healthy Relationship Awareness! For more information contact Panda or
Darla at Bois Forte Victim Services 218-757-3295/800-223-1041.
Bois Forte Victim Services offers services to domestic violence and
sexual assault victims, emotional support, safety planning, legal advocacy,
emergency shelter, referrals, filing Orders for Protection and Harassment
Restraining Orders, providing community education and both one-to-one or
support group sessions.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
(1) Kathryn Rock reapplies for a new
tribal ID; (2) The youngest guest
at the SOTB may have been 19-day
old Gabryl Buchholz, with his mom
Rachel Howe; (3) Officers Chosa and
Knifechief offered educational and
fun activities at the Law Enforcement booth; (4) Marty Connor and George Strong
distributed information on KBFT radio; (5) Rhieanna Connor receives a health test
from CHR Carrie Matthias; (6) Sue Cameron collects some information on the wild
rice program from Gordy Adams Jr. of the Small Business Development Program.
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 13 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Community News & Events
John “Bah-Bah-Ki-Ge-Shig” Boney
John Boney, “Bah-Bah-KiGe-Shig”, 61, of Redwood
Falls, MN, formerly of
Nett Lake, passed away
unexpectedly at the Cook
Hospital
on
Monday,
January 7, 2013.
He was born on March
11, 1951 at Cloquet,
MN, to James and Nancy
(Woodenfrog)
Boney.
He grew up in Nett Lake, attending Nett Lake
Elementary School and Orr High School. He
moved to be with family in Oklahoma, where he
attended Pawnee High School in Pawnee, OK,
then to Okmulgee High School in Okmulgee, OK,
where he graduated in 1969.
John “Bah-Bah-KiGe-Shig” Boney
John treasured spending time with family and
friends. He had a passion for all sports and solving
crossword puzzles. He enjoyed bingo, reading,
playing cards, bowling and going to the Casino.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death
by 2 brothers, Arnold Boney and Peter Boney Sr;
and by Karen Johnson in September 2012, who
was his companion of 18 years.
He is survived by 2 brothers - Kenneth Boney of
Nett Lake and James Boney Jr. of Eagan, MN; 3
sisters - Julia Wilde of Oklahoma City, OK, Irene
Boney of Roseville, MN and Mary Ann Juliano
of St. Paul, MN; along with numerous nieces,
nephews and friends.
SERVICES: Traditional Services were at
10:00 AM Friday, (Jan. 11th) at the Nett Lake
Community Center, where the visitation was after
4:00 PM Thursday. The Spiritual Leader was Bill
Blackwell. The casket bearers were: James Wilde,
Matthew Boney, Jeff Boney, Peter “Chief” Boney
Jr., Anthony Juliano, Preston Juliano, Kyle Juliano,
and John Juliano. The honorary bearers were: Bill
King, Vernon Boney, Michael Kleinbrook, Jason
Boney, Jim Morrison, Brad Johnson, Michael
Boney and Carlos Hernandez.
He furthered his education and graduated from
Chilocco Indian School in Chilocco, OK,
Haskell Indian Jr. College in Lawrence, Kansas,
Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,
OK, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree
in business administration in 1972. He also
attended the University of Oklahoma University
in Norman, OK. John worked as an accountant
for the Oklahoma Community Action Program in
Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Native American
Association at the Oklahoma University. A family Funeral arrangements with Mlaker Funeral Home,
member fondly recalls that “He was the first person Cook.
from Nett Lake to make the Honor Roll in the 7th
grade at the Orr High School”.
A Minute with Millie
Makwa Giizis Bear Moon. The snow is falling pretty fast, creating a world of
beauty outside. It’s time for snowmen, telling stories or reading a good book, if
one doesn’t have the gift of telling stories. The art of storytelling can be learned.
Same as anything, practice, practice, practice.
Millie Holmes
Thank you
We would like to say Mii gwech (Thank you) to
family and friends who supported us after the
recent passing of my husband, our step-father and
uncle, Leonard (Len) Thompson Jr.
Leonard passed after a brief illness on Thursday,
October 4, 2012, at the University of Minnesota
Fairview Medical Center.
We are grateful to the professionals who helped us
and want to publically say “Mii gwech: to Doctors
Inteveld, Johnston and Warren; all the nurses and
staff of the Cook Hospital; the Cook Ambulance
Service; the volunteers of the Bois Forte
Ambulance Service; Hibbing Fairview Medical
Center doctors and nurses; Virginia Ambulance
Service; North Memorial Life Flight; the many
doctors and nurses of the U of M Fairview
Medical Center, especially the fourth floor ICU
and main fifth floor; St. Mary’s Essential Medical
Center; and to Warren and Betty Mlaker for all
their help and support during this difficult time.
Family and friends are the greatest support when a
loved one is preparing to pass and so we say “Mii
gwech” to everyone who contributed support one
way or another: to Connie Harju for all her help
and support; to nephew, Travis Morrison; son,
Corey Strong; and niece Aimee Morrison, for
transporting Len from Minneapolis to Mlakers
Funeral home; and to little neighbor, Ian Villebrun,
for helping Len the last day he was home.
To anyone we may have missed, our hearts are
filled with gratitude,
Wendy Morrison Thompson, Corey (Christy
Swanson) Strong, Eric and Shelley Strong, Lewis
Strong III, Aimee Morrison, Rorie Thompson and
Keith (Butch) Roy.
In the old days, these things were taught by an Elder. Those “Elders” weren’t
always the gray haired. I think the best English word I can think of is “Mentor.”
Remember, in the old days, we didn’t have a “school room” with a teacher standing in the front telling us what to do. “Ask” if you
don’t know something generally gets us frustrated. Howsomeever, the secret of learning, the old way, is about to be revealed. Old
Indian trick.
One day, a woman wanted to make the little beaded dolls. She couldn’t remember how. So. She decided to visit someone who might
know. Whereupon, she made the trek to her relative’s house, carrying the doll her mother had made in the long ago, along with some snacks. She got right to
the point. She asked. She showed the item. The relative couldn’t remember right away. They asked another who just happened to be there in the room.
Whereupon, discussion, examination and a bit of history was put forward. After a bit of the refreshments had been eaten, a light bulb turned on. Peyote stitch.
The rest was remembered. Excitement. Beads were pulled out, a doll was whipped up and the relatives were happy. The woman trekked back home after
another hour of visiting, with a full belly and a full heart.
FEBRUARY 2013
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 14 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Community News & Events
Benefits of new Bois Forte
Transit System
There are numerous benefits to the new Bois Forte Transit System. Bus
riders don’t have to worry about the stresses of driving themselves. Dave
Steel, the new driver for the Transit System, is highly experienced, having
already driven the Head Start bus for years. Those who use public transit
systems can save money on gas and car maintenance. Riding together in
one vehicle helps the environment by using less fuel and reducing CO2
emissions. Taking the bus can also improve one’s fitness because transit
users typically walk to and from the bus stop. During bus trips, one is able
to use driving time for other things, like reading or resting. Using public
transportation is also an opportunity, if one desires, to build relationships
with other bus riders. Overall, the new Transit System better unites the
two districts, Nett Lake and Vermilion, making Bois Forte a stronger
community.
If you haven’t yet experienced the many benefits of the new transit services,
route information is available on www.boisforte.com and by calling Jeannie
Rowland at 218-248-0264.
ROOMATE IN EVELETH WANTED
RENT NEGOTIABLE
Three bedroom house, basement, laundry, new kitchen
appliances, large living, dsl, wi fi, Direct tv, unlimited long
distance, possible garage too! Rent one bedroom or share
the entire house. I have the utilities documented, pay for only
what you use. Price negotiable, $250.00 - $500.00. Deposit
required. No pets, no partying, no drugs.
Great house for an older established
person. Not looking for a companion
and I don’t want to babysit! Native and
GLBT friendly. Deposit and background
check required. Month to month or long
term 218-749-3053.
CRIME STOPPERS
Did you know that you can securely text Crime Stoppers with any
information you have about any unsolved crime?
ARE YOU SMARTER THEN A 60 YEAR OLD?
A TEST FOR ‘OLDER’ KIDS: ANSWERS
1. The Ed Sullivan Show
2. ON Route 66
3. To protect the innocent
4. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
5. The limbo
6. Chocolate
7. Louis Armstrong
8. The Timex watch
9. Freddy, The Freeloader and ‘Good Night and God Bless’
10. Beetle or Bug
11. Buddy Holly
12. Sputnik
13. Hoola-hoop
Mocassin Classes at
the Urban Office
You can safely and simply text “TIP262 plus your message” to
CRIMES (274637). Go to tipshelp.com for more information.
February 2, 3, 9, 10, 23, 24
Our guarantee: Contact with Crime Stoppers is totally anonymous
and secure.
All materials provided to Bois Forte enrollees.
You must register in advance.
Contact Jacque Wilson at 612-871-6618.
Find us: at tipshelp.com, call us at 800-222-8477 or text us.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
FEBRUARY 2013
Page 15 • Bois Forte News • February 2013
Quit Smoking in 2013
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking? Didn’t make
a resolution yet, but think you should? You don’t have to do it alone.
The most recent Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey showed that 340,000
Minnesotans actively tried to quit smoking in 2012. Experience shows
that having a support system greatly increases one’s chance of quitting for
good. There are timely resources for Bois Forte Band members looking to
kick the habit in 2013.
QUITPLAN Services offers free, personalized support for all Minnesotans
seeking to quit smoking. One of the opportunities this year is QUITPLANS’
“Together We Quit Program” which provides daily motivational text
messages and weekly emails containing quit tips. A recent study revealed
that receiving motivational text messages doubled hopeful quitters’ chance
of success. Enroll online at www.quitplan.com. In addition, the website
offers helpful quitting tools, informational articles including the latest
studies on tobacco use, and the option to connect online with a support
community of thousands of others who have chosen to quit tobacco.
QUITPLAN also has a helpline where you can speak to telephone coaches
who can help develop a plan that’s right for you. Eligible callers may receive
free nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum. 1-888-354-PLAN (7526)
The Bois Forte Health Department has valuable resources as well and is
eager to help tribal members who want to quit. For more information
contact Margie Villebrun at 218-757-3295. Don’t miss this moment of
opportunity to begin a healthier future in 2013!
Valentine’s Day by the Numbers
Dear Bridget,
Of all the days to
celebrate, this one
outshines the rest.
Here’s hoping that
your 16th is your
happiest and best!
You make us all very
proud, Auntie Miranda
and Tim, Uncle John and
Rae, Dad, Mom, Auntie
Lucille, and especially me!
With love, Grandma Edith
Happy 4th Birthday, Aubrey Rose!
Candy
1,177: Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced
chocolate and cocoa products, employing 34,252 people.
Flowers
17,124: The number of florists nationwide.
These businesses employed 75,855 people.
Jewelry
24,973: Number of jewelry stores in the United States in 2009. Jewelry
stores offer engagement, wedding and other rings to couples of all
ages. In February 2011, these stores sold $2.27 billion in merchandise.
“Please Be Mine”
2.1 million: The number of marriages that took place in the United
States in 2009. That breaks down to nearly 5,800 a day.
28.7 and 26.5 years : Median age at first marriage in 2011
for men and women, respectively.
53.1%: The overall percentage of adults who reported being married.
393: The number of dating service establishments nationwide as of
2007. These establishments, which include Internet dating services,
employed 3,125 people and pulled in $928 million in revenue.
FEBRUARY 2013
We hope you have the best day ever!
Love, Mommy & Daddy
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 16 • Bois Forte News • February 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.
What did you do with your Nelson Claim Settlement?
?
Pam Hughes
?
?
I visited my daughter, her husband, and 5 year old granddaughter at Marine Base
Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Family budgets can be tight for those serving in
the military, so we paid for some car repairs, bought groceries, household goods,
cleaning supplies, children’s clothing and of course, some Barbie doll clothes.
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.
Bill Whiteman
My check covered some overdue car repairs.
?
Corrine Whiteman
Name:
I splurged on Christmas gifts for my niece, my sister and my boyfriend.
Address:
City/ State/ Zip:
Date of Birth:
Signature:___________________________
Date: __________
_____Yes, I would like this new address
?
shared with the Bois Forte News
Please send us your email address if you’d like
to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in your
email box:
Ron Geshick
I made a significant deposit in the safe at Fortune Bay!
Millie Holmes
?
?
For some time I’ve wanted to invest in some new writing software for my computer.
So I bought the software and am using it for my newspaper column, blog, and a
book I’m working on.
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
March issue:
February 8
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 2013