Bois Forte News Bulk Rate Permit 8

Orr, MN 55771

VOL. 13, NO. 8 NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA, MARCH 1999 EDITION

Doris Writes to the Governor From Phyllis ... The following letter to Governor

Ventura was prompted by recent articles in which the governor was quoted in statements regarding sovereignty and treaty rights.

Sovereignty to me is defined as a sovereign nation that has the authority to govern its own and to manage it's own affairs.

Bois Forte is doing that. Sovereignty is not a gift from the Federal Government or the State of Minnesota. It is an inherent right of every American Indian Tribal Government.

Tribal leaders throughout Minnesota h;wc requested vanous meetings with the Governor, however, have been unable to do so, but instead have been declined as he doesn't meet with "Special Interest" groups.

We will continue to keep you informed as we work with the Governor on our common goal Df working for the people to improve daily lives of all Minnesotans including American Indians.

The Honorable Jessie Ventura 130 State Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Governor Ventura: I am writing to express my concerns

about your recent statements concerning tribal sovereignty and hunting and fishing rights reserved in treaties with the United States. Your statements reveal some fundamental misunderstandings about tribes and their relationship with the federal government, as well as the nature of treaty rights.

You have been quoted as having once said that, "No person in Minnesota is ever done learning." I wiU use that statement as an opportunity to give a short history lesson about our Band. We once owned millions of acres in northern Minnesota and' were completely self-sufficient within our territory. Even when the United States acquired our lands for their timber and minerals, we reserved the right to sustain ourselves as we always had through hunting, fishing and gathering. In 1889, when the federal government came to Lake Vermilion to secure the last of our lands, one of our leaders objected, saying that the loss of Bois Forte fands had resulted in a "curse of poverty" on our People. To overcome his objection, the United States made 'many promises and since then our tribal government has sought to hold the United States to those promises. That is the basis of our relationship with the federal government.

Today, like the other tribal govern-ments in Minnesota, we have relationships with not only the federal government, but with states, counties, and local govern-ments. It has been our experience that when our dealings with others have a

Doris lshmn, Chairwoman, Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Co11ncil

foundation in knowledge and respect, we have been able to achieve results which benefitted everyone concerned.

I understand that part of the "learning attitude" you counsel in your administration is to "challenge biases." My challenge to you is to commit to learning as much as you can about tribal governments and· treaty rights. On behalf . .

' of the Bois Forte Band, my commitment is to assist you and your staff in any way possible to learn the truth about our communities and government. We share an opportunity to enhance the tribal-state relationship and, in doing so, improve the lives of our constituents. Sincerely

Doris Isham, Chairwoman Bois Fo11e RTC

Updates on Progress •

in Vermilion Boozhoo everyone.

I want to give you some updates on the Vermilion Health and Social Center, and the Lake Vermilion area water and sewer extensi.ons.

First, the center. As you know, we've been working for a long time to get this much-needed facility built. We had hoped to have the center finished by last fall, but with construction, things rarely work according to plan -including contractors arid Mother Nature!

But now \\'C are mo\'lng forward. Bid specs were issued on February 8. and \\·e will get bids back from contractors and open them on l\farch 2. Then \\e·11 be ready to start construction on the ne\\' center. which \Yill h~l\ e a medical and dental clinic. an elderly nutrition program kitchen. community meeting space. and offices for social service staff. police. and other co 111 mun i ty ser\· 1ce prn\·iders.

Phyllis Boshey, District JI Representative

There's also been progress on the ne\\' water and sewer extensions. Last summer. we did Hardhat Road and Cemetery Road. This year. we plan to do fi\·e lots on Small Farm Point. and about 20 more on Whisky Point. After that. we'll tackle Tibbets Trail and Duffy Point in future summers.

1·11 keep you posted on these projects and others in the Vermilion area. I look forward to telling you more about the progress we' re making.

Constitutional Ref or1n ...

Several Proposals to Change Tribal ~einbership Requireinents

Editor:\· note: This is tlit' third in a series about proposnl dwnges to the Minnesota Chippewa Tri he's C< ms ti tution.

The original 19~6 .Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Constitution stated that in order for people to belong to one of the six MCT bands. they had to prove they were directly descended from someone on the MCT's current ce11sus role ... This w a s ca II e d Ii 11 t' a I d cs cc 11 t."

explained Mark Anderson. the Band"s attorney.

When the constitution was revised 111 1963. the lineal descent requirement was replaced with a hlood 111ia11t11111 requirement. That meant membt:is in the six bands had ttl possess at least one-quarter Minnesota Chippewa .. blood." or ancestry. This blood quantum requirement is still in use today.

·Continued 011 Page 7

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Anderson, Band Attorney

2 Bois Forte News Division Reports March ·1999

Planning News I received a phone call from Washington, D.C. about a week ago. A staff person from the Administration for Native Americans was calling to infonn us that the Band's application for funding the wild rice marketing program has been accepted. Just one catch: ·In our application we requested two years of funding for the program - AN A is offering one: Hmmm.

Af the time of this writing, I am preparing a i-evised budget and implementation time frame which I .wi'll then discuss with members of the tribal council. The ANA award offer is in the amount of $134, 777. The program is designed to fund a marketing director and support costs for tra.vel, equipment and the like to

·assisL.in boosting the Band's wild rice marketing initiative. No one is currently working on marketing wild rice full-time. To really get Nett Lake wild rice into the marketplace on a steady and competitive basis, complete attention needs to be paid to the program. That's the plan.

On another ANA note ... As we speak, so to speak, I am assisting the venerable Dr. Chris Holm in his application to this federal agency. Chfi.s is seeking funding to build ory the water quality p~ogram he and his fellow staffers have established over the past several years. It's always ·fun (if you consider grant writing a merry pastime) working with Chris on an application. He is a technical and scientific writer. So scientific, in fact, periodically I must say, "Oh yeah, what the heck did that mean?"

Chris is doing a fine job, ~owever, in laying out a three-year water quality program for the Band. It's impact will build on the water quality lab's monitoring ability, assist in improving the wild rice crop, continue the training experienced by Curt Goodsky and David Morrison, Jr., and a host of their benefits to the Band. These are rigorous grant applications, scrutinized 'and very competitive. His application will take about three months to hear on the results.

Just finished up providing some technical assistance to the Housing Authority. In a mighty team effort

Dave Danz, Reservation Planner

comprised of Laf Connor, Adrienne Zapata, and Jim Kochevar, we finally cranked out the annual report for the Indian Housing Block Grant. Whew! Not your walk in the breeze. Before we got into it, I figured it'd be a piece of cake. Surprise, surprise. Well, as with every tribe in the nation, it's our first one. Next year's will be chicken feed,_as the Old Guy would say.

Between now arn;l the next gripping issue, I will have completed the paperwork requirements for the housing rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant. We are gearing up to have all the

. administrative requirements behind us so when spring hits, we're ready to get out of the stai1ing blocks. Stay tuned.

A couple weeks back, the Old Guy, Priscilla and I went to see the Lady Braves stomp the Cotton girls basketball team. Quite a game.

· Lady Braves have quite a team. Hard 'working, tough ball handlers. You als? gotta be impressed with Brandon Benner and John Villebrun at their coaching finest. Look pretty sporty in those duds, too, men!

ThankYoU We want to thank everyone who helped make our 25th Anniversary party a success. The memory of the day will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you also to our wonderful children, Sidra, Roger, Angeline and April for making the day so ,,pecial. We love you all!

Joni and Sid Whiteman

JTPA I TERO Update When Axel peeks his head in the door and smiles, I know what it means - article time! Hello again! I'm finally beginning to get a better understanding of what my job requires and have been finding plenty of things to stay busy. I have cleaned out old forms and training materials from the file drawers in order to make more room for program records and client files.

Since the last article from the JTPA/ Joni Whiteman, JTPA Director

TERO office, I have received many • calls and inquiries about the TERO applications and updates. I will continue to recruit applicants for the construction planned for this spring

complete the regular RTC application and the JTPA application to determine your eligibility. Background checks must be completed for these positions as well. in Vermilion. Call me or send me a

note if you need an application or wish to update the one you submitted before-.

I will not be using the old/existing applications when I compile the list of potential workers for this upcoming project. So if you are looking for work or are interested in working on the Vermilion con-struction, please make contact with. me so your name will be on the list. The reason l am not going to use the existing applications is because most are more than a year old, and many have relocated or are in a permanent-employment situation now.

We have approximately 350 applicant files, and many are no longer in the area. I can't possibly make contact with all of these applicants, so I am asking you to contact me if you are interested in the Vermilion Construction Project. You can call and give me the update information over the phone. If I'm not in my office when you call, leave your name and a number where I can reach you and I will call you back. Or you can leave your name and address on my voice mail, and 1 will send you the necessary application. I want to get as many applicants and updates as possible so we have a good pool to pick from when construction is ready to begin. -

We have two JTPA positions coming up. One has already closed and will be interviewing very soon, and the other was recently posted. Be sure you watch the community bulletin boards for the job announcements. For these positions you must

The Head Start Program and the Elderly Nutrition Programs will both benefit from the JTPA-funded training program. These positions will start out at an agreed wage and will increase after successful completion of the training and 90-day probationary period.

If you have any questions about this you can give me a call at 2181757-3261. One more position is being developed, but I will wait until the next issue to announce it because we are still working on the details of the position.

I attended the Introduction to Supervision training held at Fortune Bay the week of February 15-19. It was an excellent training with a lot of good information. Supervising is not an easy job by any means. A person doesn't really think about all that must go into b~ing a successful supervisor or program manager.

. Did you notice that I said "successful" supervisor/manager. Just about any one is capable of supervising, but being successful at it is the key. A whole lot of dynamics go into the workplace and supervisors often set the pace for those dynamics. Learning how to use different techniques with different personalities in different situations is essential, yet difficult to master.

But we need to remember: "Practice make perfect." If not perfect, at least better! One day I hope to put this wonderful training into use by oecoming a supervisor.

March 1999 Division Reports Bois Forte News 3

Wellstone 's. Education Staff to Visit Nett Lake

Tribal Educ'ation Honor Students Announced

The Nett Lake School will be Educate America Act. States, The American Indian Education and hosting a visit by Senator Wells tone's education staff on March 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the school library. There will be a total of 99 similar roundtable discussions held throughout the state. Senator Wellstone's staff is soliciting input from educators, students and any other interested people about what they think works well in education today. The discussion is scheduled to last one hour and everyone is welcome to attend.

The agenda for the discussion includes a presentation on the federal role in improving education. There will also be a discussion about the things that work well and Minnesota's priorities. Calling for a "new century~ of citizenship," Senator Wellstbne announced a statewide education outreach initiative focused on improving America's educatfonal system.

"The continued security and prosperity of our nation depends upon the ability of Americans to overcome growing cynicism and apathy toward public service and civic involvement," said Wellstone.

Wellstone believes that getting more people involved in the effort to improve America's schools is one of the ways that we can renew the value of citizenship and love of country. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ES EA). the federal statute which authorizes funding for most federal K-12 programs. is scheduled to be reauthorized during the next session of Congress.

The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 was signed into law on October 20. 1994. This legislation reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 through 1999. It was funded at $10 billion per year and includes the Tit le I progr~q11 to prov idc compensatory education to eligible students.

An amendment to this year's reauthorization proposal will link programs to the Cloals 2000:

localities and schools will be given increased administrative flexibility in the management of their programs. There is a new focus on the use of technology in education, alternative management of public schools, and school safety. There will also be a greater targeting of students and schools with high needs, primarily through changes to the Title I allocation formulas.

On another federal front, President Clinton's fiscal year 2000 budget has cut Impact Aid funding and eliminated eligibility for students who do not live on federal property. In fiscal year 1999, Impact Aid received $864 million, but the President's budget would reduce the total funding amount to $736 million. In addition to cutting Impact Aid by about 15 percent, the

·President's budget would cut support to libraries, limit new Title I funding to failing schools. and freeze funding at below inflation levels for the individuals \\'ith

, Disabilities Education Act.

However. there is a loi1g road to he traveled before legislation is finalized and the NAFlS (National Association of Federally Impacted Schools) is ready for the annual budget battle and armed with the help of a number of influential members of Congress. Impact Aid dollars account for over 20 percent of the Nett Lake School District's revenues. sn the district is closely watchin.g the progress of the reauthorization process.

the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Committee members were invited to meet with members of Governor Jesse Ventura's administration on Wednesday, February 3.

At the meeting, Christine Jax, Commissioner of Children, Families and Learning, and Wayne Hayes, Policy Advisor to Lt. Governor Mae Schunk, expressed an interest in talking about their educational philosophy as it pertains to Indian education. They discussed this subject with the Minnesota Indian Affairs staff, along with superintendents, tribal leaders, and program directors from various bands.

The main purpose of the meeting was to find out if the governor made cuts in the scholarship program - he didn"t.

The scholarship director prai-;ed the Bois Forte Tribal Education program for securing S 165 . .265 <b

of Februan 3 for the current school year. Representatiws from Tribal Education are still negotiating fli_r fund-. for more students. .--\ final report \\·[JI be m,1de at the enJ l)f the school \·ear.

Congratulations Honor Students

.\frsLlhi Range Con11n11niry u11d frc/1nic£1/ College. \ /1gini£1 C£1n11>11.,·

The Bliis Fl)rte Tribal Education Department prnudly ;.m1wunces the

. Bois Forll..' students \dw 1.'arried 12

BOIS FORTE NE\VS Box 16

Nett Lake. 1\IN 55772 Phone: 218/757-3261

Editor: Axel J. Holmes. Sr.

Printed by Cook News-Herald Publishing Inc.

Joanne Donald, Tribal Education Director

or more credits during the 1998 fall semester and attained a, place. on the Honors list by earning a grade point average between 3.00 and 3.49.

Jacqueline Wilson , daughter of Jenny and the late Melvin King Sr. of Nett Lake, is in her first year and is majoring in liberal arts.

Terry Isham DeFoe. daughter of the late Joe and Carol Isham of Nett Lake. is in her second war and is \\ orking tcl\\·ard her associate degree.

Ct·c 11~!!.t' J. Strong. son of Rose' Iary and the late Terrance Strong of Nett Lake. ''"'b the recipient of the only High Honors award for the 1998 fall semester. George is majoring in business marketing and management. To receiw High Honors. a student must earn a GPA het\Yeen 3.50 to 3.7-l.

.\frsahi Range Community and frclinical College. £1·detli Campus

C!inr L. Milla. formerly of the Vermilion RcserYation. earned a place on the Honors list at the :\tesahi Range Community and Technical College. Eveleth campus. Clint is majoring· in carpentry and will graduate on May l l. 1999.

Unirersiry <fMi1111esota. Duluth

Patricia JoYCe Fairbanks. from Nett Lake. made the Dean's List for the llniwrsity of Minnesota. Duluth fall quarter. Patricia is the daughter of Gary .. Joe" Fairbanks of Cloquet and Marian Holmes of Thunder Butte. South Dakota.

4 Bois Forte News Division Reports March 1999

Nett Lake School Kindergarten News

The Kindergartenclac;s is excited for this new year. The students have been learning how to read simple books, and we are starting to learn our beginning sounds. Mrs. Fogelberg was very proud of all the children for their great report cards. The students have been learning our numbers up to l 0. Also, they have been studying about Eskimos and where they lived. We even made some Eskimos, Penguins and Polar Bears.

The children would like to share with you some other things that have been happening in our classroom:

Margi - We do a spelling test each Frida~.

Kendrea - We are guessing what's in the question bag. Someone brings something and we ask questions about it.

Kateri- We made a Valentine's cake when it was Valentine's Day.

The children will be studying about Nicholas - We had a Valentine's dental health this month and how party. I liked eating the cake. It was important it is to take care of our teeth. They have a pen pal class from Iowa (Mrs. Fogelberg's sister's Kindergarten class). The children enjoy receiving letters and pictures in the mail from them - they can even show you on the United States map where their pen pals live!

The children hope that since the ground hog did not officially see his shadow, winter may end early.

First and Second Grade News 1

The first and second graders are half-way through the school year

yummy.

Perry - We got a new reading book. It has funny words. ·

Coty - We've been learning about dinosaurs. We've been reading about them.

Christine - We' re going to have a store. We're getting stuff for it to learn ~bout food _and 111oney'. .. ;··

Krystal - We're learning about money. We' re learning how to count it. We do timed tests in math.:

and have been busy with a lot of Amber - We had an estimating activities. The first graders have _contest. . You have to put stuff in the progressed in their reading to their bag and who has the closest answer, first hard-covered book. This is they get the stuff. always a major event. The highlight of the second-grade class is that they Matt - We used water to balance. are now learning cursive writing. We used a fulcrum and buckets. I The students recently completed wrote a lot in iny journal.

•

Lending a Hand to Save a Life

At left, from left to right, RTC Chairwoman Doris Isham, Brenda Jyla, and Teresa Strong practice CPR as course instructor Diana Klakoski watches.

Below, from left to right, Dave Danz, Marilee Barto, and Donna Hoffer attempt to treat a long-bone injury.

four weeks of DARE with Officer Hayes. 'The chil~n enjoyed Hayes' lessons very much, especially aU the neat things he brought them.

John - We put stuff in the Who bag ' and try guessing. We' re doing cursive handwriting pages.

The students began their second Don - We're learning money in science kit - "Balancing and math. We're bringing boxes to Weighing." It is filled with a lot of school to set up a play store. fun, hands-on balancing activities. They are now planning a field trip Mike - We're writing a lot in our to the Cook swimming pool and journals. · -McDonald's. This was a big h.it last year and they're anxious to go again. Jeremy - We got our book orders.

•

... A Family Helping Families

MLAKERFUNERALHOME COOK, MN 55723

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY WARREN MLAKER

AVAILABLE DAY OR NIGHT: 666-5298 - • -~-- ---·

Recently, a group of Bois Forte Band members and RTC employees renewed their emergency medical technician training. These EMT volunteers covered several critical. first-aid areas, including bleeding control, shock management, bone ~and joint injury, and spinal immobilization.

Thanks to the volunteers who recently completed their renewal training: Marilee Barto, Dave Danz, Donna Hoffer, Doris Isham, Theresa Strong, Alan Connors, Jamie Connors, Les Connors, Marcelfa Connors, Mike Conn'ors, and Miranda Villebrun.

To become an emergency medical technician, volunteers must attend 28 hours of classes, take a state practical and written test, and complete 48 hours of continuing education.

Diana Klakoski, who teaches EMT and basic first aid at Hibbing Community College. is the instructor. If you are interested in being trained as an EMT, call Diane at 2181757-3584, or call program coordinator Bruce Sherman at 2 181262-7289.

March 1999 Division RejJorts Bois Forte News 5

Nett Lake Police .

Lt. Hayes Accepts Position at Spirit Lake Reservation

After serving in the Nett Lake Police Department for four years, Lieutenant Mike Hayes ·has accepted a position as Police Chief at the Spirit Lake Sioux Reservation (formerly known as Fort Totten

.Reservation) near Devil's Lake, North Dakota.

Lt. Hayes' final day of service at the Nett Lake Police Department was February 13.

"I would like to stay in Nett Lake, but I have to go with the job opportunity," said Mike. "I will miss the friends I've made in this community while working for the Bois Forte · Police Department."

Mike is originally from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. He is married to Rae, and is the

Lt. Mike Hayes

father of six-year-old Nicholas and four-year-old Alexander.

The !Joi~ Forrc News thanks Mike for four years of dedicated service. and wishes him good luck in his new position as police chief.

March Schedule for Bois Forte Medical Clinic

Wednesday, March 3 Tuesday, March 9

Wednesday, March I 0 Wednesday, March 17 Thursday, March 18 Tuesday, March 23 Wednesday, March 24 Wednesday, March 31

Scheduled Hours:

Carol, TVC Linda Lamb, Dietician Diabetic Clinic Ray, TVC Carol, TVC Kathy Jacklin, Audiologist Diabetic Clinic Dr. Knaak, TV C Ray, TVC

Dr. Knaak Carol Romnes Ray Ha~k

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dr. Holub, podiatrist. will he at the Nett Lake Clinic on April 20. Please call 757-3650 for an appoii1tment.

Public Notice ... EBT cards may now he used at MSC' Foods for food stamps. The system is up and running.

Elderly Medical Assistance The Medicaid Program, which is also called Medical Assistance, has programs available for Elders who are income eligible and meet asset guidelines, that will help you pay for Medicare Part B and prescription drugs. See your Tribal Health staff to discuss these programs.

For Bois Forte ,Elders who live in Minneapolis and St. Paul, there are p·rograms which can assist you with these and other needs. Indian Family Services (612/348-5788) is located in Minneapolis and assists Elders with transportation and supportive services. The Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) in Minneapolis has an American Indian Elder Dining

Program (6 l 2/87 l-0372). They serve meals Monday through Friday (they request that you sign up in advance for meals), and they also have a Senior Citizens Program (612/879-1746) that assists Elders with transportation and supportive services. MAIC also sponsors a Caregiver Respite and Support Program which is available to help Elders caring for spouses, family members or grandchildren. The Indian Health Board in Minneapolis hosts Elder Clinics and works with agencies that provide Diabetic Clinics and other preventive health education programs. I work with the above programs to organize a picnic, and we will host our Third Urban Elders Picnic this summer.

Reservation License Plates The Registrar's Office is now accepting applications for the special Bois Forte Band license plates. The

i plates. \\ hi,ch depict '.\Jett Lake and Spirit Island. are available only to Band menihers who Ji\'e on the resen«ttion.

Fees for the plates \·ary according to the year of the registered vehicle. So far. about 30 Band members have applied for the plates. according to Depllty Registrar Eileen Barney. For

IV"'ll more information. stop by , .___ ______________ __, the Registrar's Office or call Eileen at 800/221-8129.

Deputy Registrar Eileen Bamey shmvs <~ff the new Bois Forte license plate.

$ Indian Legal Assistance Program 107 West Fint Street 218-727·2881 Duluth. Minnesota 55802 FAX 218-720·6"'38

TOLL nu:E l.a88·249-320S

PROVIDING REPRESENTATION TO BOIS FORTE RESIDENTS IN:

CRIMINAL CASES (ADULT OR JUVENILE): In Tribal, Slate and Federal Court

CIVIL CASES (ST. LOUIS AND CARL TON COUNTY): Dependency/Neglect (CHIPS) Dissolution of Marriage Paternity' Child Support Public Assistance Tenninations Social Security Disability Unemployment Consumer Problems Wills

DULUTH OFFICE HOURS: MONOAY ·FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p,m,

BOIS FORTE OFFICE HOURS: THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH NETT LAKE: OLD HEADSTART BUILDING 10:00 • 11:30 a,m. VERMILLION: SOCIAL CENTER 1:30 • 2:30 p.m.

,LOW INCOME ELIGIBILITY BASED ON USDA FOOD STAMP GUIDELINES

6 Bois Forte News News March 1999

David Morrison Re-Elected M CT

Treasurer David Morrison, Sr., Secretary/ Treasurer of the Bois Forte Band, recently was re-elected by acclamation as the Treasurer of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's Tribal Executive Committee (TEC).

The TEC is made up of two representatives from each of the six Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) member bands. Bois Forte Chairwoman Doris Isham is our Band's other representative on the committee.

David said he enjoys his role with the MCT because it gives him the opportunity to work with o.ther tribal leaders. "Most of the big decisions come through the TEC meetings," he said. "I like being part of that process bec~use its giyes me the chance to serve our Band members and other Indian People as well."

David Morrison, Sr., Secretary/Treasurer

right now," he said. "I try to see as many games as I can."

Other hobbies include drawing pictures and listening to music, especially 50s <ind 60s tunes and country artists like Dwight Yoku!ll and the Mavericks:

Fortune Bay Offers Ojibwe Language Classes

From left to right, Ted and Jackie Wilson, Band Spiritual Advisor Gene Goodsky, Millie Holmes, Rhonda Zupancic, and Ruth Porter.

What: Free Ojibwe language classes at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino.

When: Tuesdays from 5:00-8:00 p.m. -' .. ,....... . , ~- .

Where: Fortune B~y Executive Board Room.

This will he David's fourth term as TEC Treasurer. He will continue to oversee the MCT's financial records and make sure the ·organization's audits are carried out properly. In addition, he will prepare financial reports for the TEC's legislative subcommittee and quarterly meetings.

A life-lo1~g resident of Who: Nett Lake. David has been married for more than 20 years to

Everyone is invited to attend. Classes are taught by Bois Forte Band Spiritual Advisor Gene Goodsky.

"/like being part rd a

commun if)~ reallv

knowing the people, and

Teresa. They have Why: three children: David,

Have fun and learn more about our culture.

.. '

Jr., age 2 I; daughter Erynn, age I 5; and son Darian, age 5... The kids are active in school, just as David, Sr. was when he attended Nett Lake Elementary and Orr High School.

g1vmg something -

back."

More About Morrison

As the "finance guy" for the Bois Forte Band and the entire Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, David spends his days looking at a lot of numbers. So what does he look at in his spare time?

More numbers.

David is an avid fan 'of the Lady Braves basketball team, so at night you can often find him watching the winning numbers mount on the scoreboard. "It's my favorite hobby

David has served on the RTC since 1990, and he has volunteered · for Bois Forte Ambulance for 15 years. "l like being part of a community, really knowing ·the people, and giving something back," he said.

River SI., Cook

The Comet Theater is closed for remodeling. We apologize for

any inconve-nience and we

look forward to seeing you at our

reopening April 30th

You don't have to attend class every week - come whenever you can! For more information, call Fortune Bay Resort .& Casino Public Relations Director Kevin Leecy at 800/992-7529.

Pelican Bay ORR, MN

Offering

• The Finest Meats in the North Country

• A wide selection of Groceries and more

• Deli featuring delicious Pizza and Chester Fried Chicken

• TOUCHLESS CAR WASH

• • Phillips 66 Gasoline \ \ \ I / /I

•oiesel ~ ..,,,.

• Laundromat and

-• • I I

• Banking Services with Mt. Iron First State Bank of Orr

I STORE HOURS: MON.-SAT. 5 A.M. TO 9 P.M., SUN. 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M'.

...

March 1999 News

Educational Contic Book Addresses Tribal Sovereignty

"Sovereignty Means Survival ... Our Foundation, Our Religion, Our Freedom"

In January, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe released Dreams ofLOoking Up, a 24-page educational comic book that teaches the meaning and importance of tribal sovereignty.

Dreams ojLooking Up tells the story of one Ojibwe family's discovery of its heritage, but both Indian and non-Indian students can learn from the comic book's important, timely message.

"Sovereignty is at the very heart of the lives and culture of American Indians," said Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Marge Anderson. "Our People continually face threats to our self-determination, largely because sovereign'ty is not fully undcrsto_od. That is why we've decided to address this vital issuc'in

importance of tribal sovereignty. "We need to to educate our youth and others about our sovereignty." said Doris. ''I'm glad the Mille Lacs Band chose to educate our children and the public in this innovative way. and I'm delighted that they're sharing it with our school."'

Dreams <f Looking Up is targeted at fifth-grade students. but all ages can learn from it. The Band has sent copies of the comic book. along with a teacher's guide. to all public and private schools in Minnesota.

Drrnms <f looki11g Up." The story centers on a yqung girl named Mary as she recounts

Doris Isham, RTC Chairwoman. ·conversations with her recently agrees with Anderson about the

Dreams of Looking Up, the Mille Lacs Band's newest educational comic

·book, discusses themes that are important to American Indians. The story centers on a young girl named Mary, who remembers conversations she had with her recently deceased grandmother. As Mary recalls the conversations, she and her family discover their People '.s heritage.

"Sovereignty is at the very

heart of the /i1·es und culrure (~fAmerican

l11dia11s."

deceased grandmother. Through the · Ojibwe oral tradition. Mary learns her People's history and beliefsfrom her grandmother and passes on these vital lessons to her family.

Copies of Dn'ams <~l Looking Up have been sent to Nett Lake School. Bois Forte News Editor Axel Holmes has limited copies available on a first-come-first-serve basis: call Axel at 800/221-8129. To order additional copies from the Mille Lacs Band, call 651/292-8062.

Bois Forte News

Membership Requirements Continued from Page 1 Now, some people within the six bands are suggesting that the blood quantum requirement be changed. Anderson said a number of alternatives have been offered, including:

• eliminating the blood quantum requirement and returning to lineal descent,

• reduCing or increasing the required quantum'-of Minnesota Chippewa blood, or

7

• keeping the one-quarter blood quantum require-ment, but not restricting it to Minnesota Chippewa blood. There are several other. blood quantum options. For example. any Indian ancestry cou\'d -he-· allowed. such as Na\·ajo or Seneca. Or any Chippewa ancestry (there are Chippewa tribes from Michigan to Montana) could qualify.

'There is no clear consensus on this issue yet.., Anderson said. "Some bands have expressed a preference that the entire MCT return to lineal descent, while others have suggested that each band set its own guidelines."

Currently. workgroups made up of members Jrom each of the six MCT bands are studying membership and three other major issues: land, form of government, and elections. You can make your suggestions for constitutional changes by writing to Wick-o at the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council, 5344 Lakeshore Drive. Nett Lake, MN 55772, o. calling her at 800/221-8129.

We' II bring you more information about constitutional reform next month, when we look at proposed changes to the MCT's form.of government.

8 Bois Forte News People March 1999

Cultural Diversity Abounds in. Orr More Than One-Third of Orr s Senior Class is International Students

In many small towns across the Midwest, diversity is virtually non-existent. But in the remote town of Orr, Band members Donna Hoff er and Angela Wright, in association with the f:ducation and Family Foundation for Foreign Study, have helped to create an interesting phenomenon rn their small community.

In this year's senior class at Orr High School, 8 of approximately 25 students are from foreign countries. Add that to the already di verse population oflndian and non-Indian students, and you get a very unique mix of youth - a combination extremely rare in a town of Orr's size.

Judy Pearson, principal at Orr High School, is often asked by neighboring schools why · Orr is so suc;cessful with this program. "I can't pass a Jaw to make people open their doors-itjust happens here," said Pearson. "This 1s a very generous community. Donna and Angela have had no trouble getting people to open their homes."

Donna and Angela are co-regi ooal coordinators for the EF Foundation of Foreign Study. Donna, who is also the executive director of the Bois Forte RTC, first became involved in the program when her son Tim began dating Yasmin, an exchange student · from Mexico.

After her positive· experience with Yasmin, Donna decided to host her own exchange student the following year. Donna's satisfaction with the program encouraged Donna's sisters, Angela and Annette, their 1·, .her John, and their spouses to host" students of their own.

Donna and Angela became increasingly involved in the program and were asked to become regional coordinators in charge of placing international st.udents in the community.

This year, Donna and Angela matched 11 international students with local families. "The community just loves these kids," said Donna.

The shared experiences are bringing the community of Orr closer together, according to Donna. "When the students get together to sociatize, it brings the host families together as well," she said.

Individual families are also feeling the positive effects . . "Hosting these students has encouraged my son David to broaden his horizons and has sparked an interest in him to travel to other countries," Donna said.

Donna said the relationships their family and other families develop with the students is very special and lasts much longer than their stay in the Uni tel States. In fact, Yasmin, the former exchange student who spurred Donna's interest in the program, came back to visit the Hoffer family and brought her older brother who loved the community so much that he extended his stay.

If you arc interested in hosting a student, call Donna at 2181757-3495.

Ab~ve, some of Orr's foreign exchange students hang out on the Hoffers' . trampoline. From left to right are Sam, from Italy; Gust, from Columbia; Diana and Midori, from Germany; Anna, from Brazil; Anders .. from Norway; Rqlael, ,fi-om Braz.ii; and Daniel, from Italy.

At left, the Hoffer family relaxes with international friends. From left to right are David Wardas; Rafael, from Brazil; Tim Wardas, Patrick, Bill and Donna Hr~fter; Julian, from Columbia; Anibal, from Mexico; and Gust, from Columbia.

"When the students get together to socialize, it

brings the host .families

together as well."

March 1999 . Tribal Council Bois Forte News 9

Reservation Tribal Council Minutes Minutes ofa regular meeting of the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council held on January 7, 1999, conference room, Nett Lake, Minnesota.

Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m.

Members present: Doris Isham; David C. Morrison, Sr.; Gordon Adams, Jr.; Ray Villebrun, Sr.

Members Absent: Phyllis Boshey

Others: Donna Hoffer; Mark Anderson; Vicki Holmes; Ellen King; Andy Datko; Joanne Donald; ·Dawn Benner; Jackie Villebrun; Wendy Morrison; Rick Anderson; Lafayette Connor; Chuck Whitmore; Dave Sterr; Judy Anderson; Joni Whiteman; Corey Strong; Dale Leecy; Gordon Warrick; Captain Richard Wilkie;' Chuck Day; Frances Isham; Teresa Morrison; Billie Mason

Phyllis Boshey, David Morrison, Doris Isham, Ray Villebrun, Sr., and Gordon Adams, Jr.

Moved by Gordon Adams, J.r.; seconded hy Ray Villehrun, Sr.: to approve the agenda. C_arried 3-0-0.

Phyllis Boshey arrives.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve the minutes of special meetings held on December I 0, 1998, Nett Lake, MN; December 14, 1998, Nett Lake MN; and December 23, 1998, Nett Lake MN. Carried 4-0-0.

'

Moved hy Phyllis Boshey; seconded hy Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to adopt resolution #85-99, grant application to the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund for funding archeological investigation and preservation planning for the development of ~i cultural museum and heritage center at Vermilion Reservation. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved hy Ray Villebrun. Sr.; seconded hy Gordon Adams. Jr.; to adopt resolution #86-99. establishment and bylaws of the Bois Forte Edutat ion· Advisory Committee. Carried 4:-0-0.

Moved hy Gordon Adams . .Ir.; seconded hy Phyllis Boshcy; to adopt resolution #87-99; new lease - Judy and Charles/\. Day. Carried -+-0-0.

Jackie Villebrun gives the Council a copy of the revised lease application form and resolution form along with the procedures to acquire a lease with Bois Forte that· she will be using. Jackie is to add subject to termination if lessee doesn't comply with the application.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded hy Ray Villebrun. Sr.: to adopt resolution #88-99. grant application to the Minnesota Futures

~ Fund to hire a consultant to work in welfare reform. Carried 4-0-0. (The amount for the consultant will be $5,000 instead of $5.520).

Chuck Whitmore gives a timber trespass repo11. Chuck Whitmore and Mike Connor investigated a trespass that occut1'ed sometime during 1993-95. The Potlatch Paper Corporation thought they owned the land according to St. Louis County records

,. and logged some of the timber. Chuck is recommending a letter he sent to them requesting l.5 of today's \'alue of the ti1~ber that was taken. and since this is the second trespass. stipulate all future sales with the reservation hL' coordinated with our Forestry division prior to cutting. and that should there he any further trespasses. the Council will consider prosecution. Mo\'ed hy Gordon Adams. Jr.; seconded hy Ray Villehrun. Sr.: to approve a letter lx' sent under Chairwoman Isham's signature seeking damage of 1.5 of today's value of the timber. Carried .t-0-0.

Moved by Ray Villchrun. Sr.; seconded hy David Morrisot_l. Sr.: to adopt resolution #89-99. 1999 Timlx'r I larvcst Plan. Carried .t-0-0.

. Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve $2,500 to Wayne Spragg to survey the Bois Forte Cemetery. The cemetery needs to be formally surveyed before legislation is sought to turn it over to Bois Forte. Carried 4-0-0.

Dave Sterr informs the Council of a project he is doing to inform Band members on each resen·ation of allotment lands and the situation of multiple heirs (some allotments ha\'C -+00 heirs). Dave Sterr will be sending out letters suggesting possible solutions to this. The Council concurred with his proposal and advised him to put :.in article in the Bois Forte New<o.

Lafayette Connor presents the Elderly Assisted Living Center Lease for approval to use. Mark Anderson has reviewed this and wants to revise it. Lafayette also has a release of financial information form and a release of medical information form he is requesting approval to use. l\1ark Anderson will also redo these fo1111s to make them more detailed and to make it dear that the fon11S will be used hy the screening committee to detennine kve 1 of assistance necessmy.

Lafayette Connor informs the Council there needs to he an advocate (payee representative) for the Elderly Assisted Living Center. Donna Hoffer and Lafayette will coordinate this with other RTC staff.

Lafayette Connor has a list/cost of furniture he is recommending for the Elderly Assisted Living Center.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Phyllis Boshey; to approve paying for furniture for the Elderly Assisted Living Center from the RTC equipment line item. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.;. seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to appro~e __ the contract with International Dispatch for alarm sen·ices at the Elderly Assisted Living Center. Carried 4-0-0.

Judy Anderson informs .the Council she was directed to get more information on the Head Start conference in Minneapolis that she had requested for approval for Head Start staff to attend. She had also asked to close Head Start/Day Care during that conference. Judy has the infonnation on this conference and also another conference in Memphis, Tennessee. Judy is now requesting approval to send half of the Head Start staff to each of those conferences so she wouldn't have to close Head Start/ Day Care. Judy is directed to bring this back when she clarifies who will be going to whaf conference.

Judy Anderson informs the Council that at an earlier meeting she presented two options for the Council to consider for the car that was in an accident. Judy felt option #2 was the better way to go at that time. Judy is now recommending to go with option # 1. Council concurs~

Judy Anderson informs the Council there will he an interpreter hired to work with a deaf parent. Judy is

Continued on Next Page

Bois Forte Newf; Tribal Council March 1999

Minutes ... Continuedfi·on, Previous Page

a:-.king if there needs Lo be a contract in place before the interpreter starts working. Mark Anderson states there should be one in place. Judy will draft one up and send to Mark for review.

Meeting is recessed at 12:05 p.m.

Meeting reconvenes at l :06 p.m. ·

Discussions were held regarding the Law Enforcement Program. In light of the President's Law Enforcement Initiative, the BIA has been mandated to restructure the Law Enforcement Division on a national basis. Pursuant to the President's Initiative, the BIA has placed Bois Forte in the position of either running our police department as a tribal program or giving it back to the BIA in its entirety to run. Where law enforcement dollars were specifically identified as Bois Forte's, it will now be placed on the TPA, which may.put it at risk for all BL\ and t rihally law operated enforcement programs. Several questions were raised regardrng funding. equipment. training. current staff. The Council directe<f staff lo address these questions and to bring this issue back for further discussion at the January 21 meeting.

Moved by Gordon Adams. Jr.: seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve the asset management agreement with Mr. Iron First State Bank for the trust accounts. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to approve paying the bill from West Group in the amount of $1, 900 for i terns in

in the amount of $3,000. Carried 4-0-0. This amount will be reimbursed from Fo1tune Bay.

Chairwoman Isham reads a letter from Gene Boshey, Sr., Housing Board of Commissioners Vice-Chairman, requesting postponement of any decisions in regard to the financial management of the Housing Authority until Joe Heard, CPA, has completed the closing statements. Chairwoman Isham calls for a motion to table the Housing Authority Financial Management agenda item. Chairwoman Isham calls for a motion again. _Moved by Phyllis Boshey to table the agenda item. Chairwoman Isham calls for a second. Chairwoman Isham calls for a second again. Chairwoman Isham calls for a second a third and final time. Motion dies for lack of a second.

Donna Hoffer gave a report on the financial accounting situation at Housing thar addressed several concerns raised by John. Larson in l11-, analy-,1-., ll! that account111g dcparlrnt~nl. \fo,cd by Gordon Adarns. Jr.: ';econded hy Ray Villehrun. Sr.: to accept Gordon Warrick ·s recommendations to transfer the Housing Authority's financial accounting to the Tribal Council accounting department as of October I, I 998. Carried 3-1-0. Phyllis Boshey silent.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.: seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve out of state travel for Darin Steen, Environmental Specialist, and Linda Tibbetts-Barto, Integrated Waste Program Manager, to attend the National RCRA (Solid Waste)

the law library. This is to come out of Conference in Washington, D.C. on the RTC budget. Carried 4-0-0. January 11-15, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; seconded by Phyllis Boshey; to approve the agreement with WDSE-TV to underwrite the production of a historical documentary program about the Ojibwe people. The amount is $15,000 with $5,000 paid now and the rest ($10,000) paid before January 1, 2000. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve membership to the National Indian Gaming Association

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve out of state travel for Dave Danz, Reservation Planner, and Donna Hoffer, Ex~cutive Director to attend the meeting for FY 98 ICDBG recipients at the Easteffilwoodlands Office of Native American Programs in Chicago, Illinois, on January 14-15, 1999. Carried 4-0-0. ·

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr. to approve out of state travel for Jackie

Villebrun. Leasing Manager, to Others: Donna Hoffer; Mark attend the Evaluation and Review of Anderson: Patti Wilkie Development Lease Proposals workshop in Phoenix, Arizona on January 19-21, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve a blanket out of state travel for Floyd Morrison, Frank Villebrun, Sr. and Joe Holstein to screen excess property. Carried 4-0-0.

Chairwoman Isham calls for a motion to approve out of state travel for F.rances Isham, Eugene Boshey, Sr., Adrienne Zapata, and Cindy Glasel or Lafayette Connor to attend the 5th Annual National American Indian Housing Council Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. on February 3-4, 1999. Chairwoman Isham calls for a motion again. Moved by David Morrison, Sr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve. Carried 4-0-0,

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve out of state travel for Eugene Boshey. Sr., Cindy GlaseL Adrienne Zapata. and Lafayette Connor ltl attend the United South & Eastern Tribes and the Eastern Woodlands Arca Regional Meeting in Tampa. Florida on February 15-19. 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve out of sate travel for Gordon Warrick, Comptroller, to attend the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting in Tempe, Arizona on January 13-14, I 999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; s·econded by David Morrison, Sr.; to adjourn the meeting at J:22 p.m. Carried 4-0-0.

Minutes ofa .\pecial meetin!( of the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council held on January 19, 1999, Sumac Room, Fortune Bay Resort & Casino, Tower, Minnesota.

Meeting called to order at 12:25 p.m.

Members Present: Doris Isham; David Morrison, Sr.; Ray Villebrun, Sr.; Phyllis Boshey

Members Absent: Gordon Adams, Jr.

Moved by Ray Villebrun,~Sr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to amend the motion of the purchase of furniture for the Senior Assisted Living Center to be "approved to purchase furniture from Sneiderman's in the amount of $8,842.55." Carried 3-0-0.

Moved by David Morrison, Sr.; seconded by Phyllis Boshey to adjourn the meeting at 12:26 p.m. Carried 3-0-0.

Minutes of a special meeting of the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council held on January 21, 1999, conference

·room, Nett Lake, Minnesota.

Meeting called to order at 9: 10 a.m.

Members Present: Doris Isham; David C. Morrison, Sr.; Gordon Adams, Jr.: Ray Villebrun, Sr.; Phyllis Boshey

Members Absent: None

Others: Donna Hoffer: Vicki Holmn: Lester Drift. Sr.: Andy Datko: Chuck Whitmore: Wendy Morrison: Joan Whiteman: Joe Holstein: Cathy Chavers; Corey Strong; Dave Danz: Gordon Warri~k; Lafayette Connor; Axel Holmes

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve agenda with the following

. ~

corrections: Judy Anderson - contract; Wendy Morrison - resolution; Donna Hoffer - Project 120. Carried 4-0-0.

Chairwoman Isham congratulates David Morrison, Sr. for being selected Treasurer of the Tribal Executive Committee.

Moved by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to approve the minutes of a regular meeting.held 9n January 7, 1999, Nelt Lake, Minnesota, with the correction to page 3, paragr.aph 6, to read "Where law enforcement dollars were ·specifically identified as· Bois Forte's, it will be taken o~t ofTPA, which may put it at risk for being distributed to other BIA and tribally operated law enforcement programs." Carried 4-0-0.

Continued on Next Page

March 1999 Tribal Council Bois Forte News 11

Minutes ... Continued from Previous Page

Moved by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve the minutes of a special meeting held on January 19, 1999, Nett Lake, Minnesota. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded • by Gordon Adams, Jr; to adopt resolution #93-99, Chemical Dependency Continuation Grant. Carried 4-0-0.

Andy Datko informs the Council the BIA now has a new process for putting land into trust. They are asking tribes to prepare land consolidation/acquisition plans before they accept any specific trust applications. Although this is not an absolute requirement, having a plan makes the process easier and quicker to put land into trust. Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to authorize the formation of a committee to consist of Mark Anderson, Andy Datko. Chuck Whitmore, Dave Danz. Bill Whiteman,' and Jackie Villebrun to draft a land consolidation/acquisition plan for the Tribal Council. Carried 4-0-0)

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to adopt resolution #94-99, submission of application to James Ford Bell Foundation for funding to assist in the development of the heritage center and cultural museum. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adam~, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to adopt resolution #95-99, submission of grant application for funding for the Title VI Program. Carried 4-0-0. The amount of this funding has been the same for the past 5-6 years. Cathy Chavers is to write a memo in regard to the amount so it can be brought up at the meeting with the lobbyist.

Cathy Chavers will be sending the Council a memo with the dates for the Elders meetings. They want someone from the Council at their meetings in case they have any questions.

Joe Holstein and Dave Danz ask if the Council wants to change the priority list for the reservation roads if they decide to submit the Road

Construction Contract application to the BIA. Currently the application shows construction to take place on the Forestry/Roads Compound Road. Other roads that could be worked on are the Farm Point Extension, Cemetery Road, Whiskey Point Road, and Strong Road. Council all are in concurrence to leave the proposal as is with the Forestry/Roads Compound Road as the number one priority.

• Joe Holstein informs the Council he will be posting the O'Leary Bridge closed to traffic due to its deteriorated condition.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Phyllis Boshey; to authorize Dave Danz to put the Vermilion Health and Social Center project out on bid. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to lower the TERO subcontract and job targ~ts from 50'i( lo 209< and eliminate the language on competitive bidding and negotiated contract on the Vermilion Health and Social Center project. Carried 4-0-0.

Dave Danz and Donna Hoffer give an update on their trip to HUD office in Chicago. Also. 20% of NAHASD.A funds can be used for administration costs and indirect costs. There are two late reports to HUD and environmental impact studies that need to be completed prior to the drawdown of NAHASDA funds.

Gordon Warrick gives an update on the accounting at Housing. Joe Heard was working on the accounting period from January I. 1998 - September 30. 1998. He didn't complete it because he found an entry that John Larson had giv~n him that involves the reversal of an accrual for the prior year. The audit for the prior year and the report for the prior year did not include those accrued expenses. If the entry was made. the audit would have to be redone. and the report to HUD would have to be redone. The entry was an oversight on the p:u1 of the auditor. The auditor is recommending to put the ent1y as expenses for this year and explain to the auditors and HUD what happened.

October 1, 1998 through this month Dave Danz is checking to see if Bois needs to be ptit on the computer Forte can get subsidized housing down here. Gordon expects to be• which might require charging 30%. able to do Housing's accounts · A decision on what to charge will payable and payroll starting next be made after Monday, after the week. Gordon wants to hire meeting on the tax-:-credit program. someone part-time to enter the transactions from October 1, 1998 through the end of this· month.

Moved by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to adopt resolution #96-99, requesting Bois Forte's 'share of the l 0% Administrative Fees at the Minnesota Agency, for the tribal forestry program. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to adopt resolution #97-99, requesting Bois Forte's share of the Administrative Fees and the Forest Cultural Fund at the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, for the tribal forestry program. Carried 4-0-0.

Chuck Whitmore presents two budget and use plans and two resolutions he will be presenting to the TEC. One is requesting the ·Minnesota Agency to release IO\~

Administrative Fees to fund the Bois Forte tribal forestry program for the allotment forester/forestry inter position. pickup. pine inventory. and beaver control. The other resolution is requesting the Minnesota Agency to release 25% Cultural Funds to fund the Bois Forte tribal forestry program, which the Council changed the priority list to be I) cleaning out Nett River. and 2) O'Leary Bridge Improvement.

Moved by Gordon Adams. Jr.: seconded by Phyllis Boshey: to adopt resolution #98-99. submission of grant application from the U.S. Department of Justice for the Violence Against Indian Women discretionary program. Carried 4-0-0.

Lafayette Connor asks the Council what the rental rate for the Senior Assisted Living Center will be. The rate earlier adopted was 20%. of income. but the rate charged at the other units is 30% of income. Also. in the other units there are adjustments to rental rate. Will the adjustments be applied to the Senior Assisted Living Center rental rates? Lafayette Connor and Dave Danz are to get more information on what the estimated rent amounts would be if all the units were changed to 20%.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to approve the contract with Evelyn Baldwin to provide sign la~guage services, pending legal counsel review with no major changes to the contract. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to table the request from Jennie Reyes for a contribution to increase the reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual involved in the hit-and-run accident of Derek ,John Brown. This is tabled until more information is received on whether or not the other reservations are contributing. Carried 4-0-0.

Discussion on the Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) is tabled until after this is discussed with the Fortune Bay Board of Directors.

Meeting is recessed at 11 :58 a.m.

Meeting reconvenes at l :00 p.m.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve membership dues in the amount of $500 to the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Phyllis Boshey; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to table resolution #99-99, smoke-free policy until an opinion poll with staff and community members is completed. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; to approve out of state travel for Sandra Ronning, Mental Health/ Chemical Dependency Technician, to attend the Understanding & Working with Client Resistance workshop in Superior, Wisconsin, on January 25-27, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; seconded by Gordon Adams, Jr.; to approve out of state travel for Jay

Continued on Next Page

12 Bois Forte News Fun Page March 1999

Minutes ... Continuedfrom Previous Page March 1999 Starwatch Knaak, M.D., lo attend Sixth Annual Primary Care Conference in Kuai, Hawaii, on March 14-18, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved hy Gordon Adams, Jr.: seconded hy Phyllis Boshey: to approve out of stale lra.vel for Dave Danz, Reservation Planner, lo attend the HUD Regional Meeting in Tampa, Florida, on February 15-19. 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.: seconded by Ray Villebrun, Sr.; lo approve out of state travel for Karen Drift, Lori Hawk, Clara Whiteman, Lesley Vezina, Shane Drift, and Shelley Strong; to attend the Region XI, Cluster Area Four Training Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, on ·February 22-25, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Chairwoman Isham calls for a motion to approve out of slate travel for Judy Anderson and Denise Mc-1-rison to· attend the Fifth Narional American Indian and Alaska Natl\L' Child C;irL' Conrcrcncc Ill s~1n Diego. California. on March 21-2...J.. 1999. Chairwoman Isham calls for a ITI<'' ion again. Moved hy Ray Vil:cbrun to approve. Chairwoman Isham calls for a second. Chairwoman Isham calls for a second again. Seconded by David Morrison, Sr. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.; seconded by Phyllis Boshey; to approve out of state travel for Frances Isham to attend the HUD Regional meeting in Tampa, Florida, on February 15-19, 1999. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams, Jr.;

•ccondcd hy Ray Villehrun. Sr.: lo r1pprove the cost for two students to attend the 1999 Project 120 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved hy Phyllis Boshey: seconded hy Gordon Adams. Jr.: to adjourn the meeting at I :53 p.m. Carried 4-0-0.

Mi1111tl's of' a special .. 111eeti11g r~f' the Bois Forte Reser\'l1tio11 Tribal Co1111cil lil'ld 011 Ja1111ary 25, 1999, DNR C01(/'en;11ce room, Nett Lake, Mi1111csota.

Meeting called to order at 4: 10 p.m.

Members Present: Doris Isham; David C. Morrison, Sr.; Gordon Adams, Jr.: Ray Villebrun, Sr.; Phyllis Boshey

Members Absent: None

Others: Donna Hoffer: Vicki Holmes: Jim Kochevar: Dave Danz: Frances Isham: Lafayette Connor

hr Deane Morrism1

Having hid farewell to Jupiter as it fell through the evening sky, Venus now sees Saturn out. The queen of planets also plays t'lpposite two full moons because March is the second "hlue moon'' month in 1999. Mars waxes bright in the cast, and on the 20th we welcome spring.

Just after sunset, the western sky (~rms a backdrop to a host of plai:ietary comings and goings. Venus continues to shine brilliantly, and white Jupiter sinks out of sight late in the month. Mercury climbs higher and comes within four degrees of Jupiter on the 5th and 6th, but then it, too, drops toward the sun. Meanwhile, Saturn also dives for the horizon, passing Venus on the 19th. A thin crescent moon will set off the planetary pair.

The best night to see all four planets may be the 3rd, when Mercury swins:s out as far from the sun as it

~ . gets during this appearance. Look

\l\l\ cd h) (i\lrdl1.n ,\dams: Jr.: 'i j:1~t ;1s the \\Cstcrn sky is_ darkening. scconlkd hy Ray \tllchrun. Sr.: to s~1turn \\ill he highest. lollowcd hy adoptrcsnlution#I09-99.supportor Venus . .Jupiter anLl Mercury. DcbraCnmDogforteacherlicc11scr Binoculars will help in finding in area of American Indian Language Mercury. and Culture. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon Adams., Jr.: seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to approve the submission of a tax credit application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the purpose of construction of ten (JO) new homes and rehabilitating ten ( l 0) existing homes. Carried 4-0-0.

Moved by Gordon .Adams, Jr.; seconded by David Morrison, Sr.; to adjourn the meeting at 4:27 p.m. Carried 4-0-0.

Mars rises in mid-evening. still following the bright star Spica into the sky. Our red neighbor is getting closer and brighter as Earth catches up to Mars In the orbital sweepstakes. In April we'll overtake Mars, an9 its brightness will peak. If you have a telescope, you may see that the northern hemisphere of Mars now points toward us. Mars' north polar icecap is shrinking, and the Martian summer is drawing to a close.

Share Your Pride The first full moon arrives about·) a.m. on the 2nd. The full moon of March has been called many names by the Algonquin Indian tribes between New England and Lake Superior. The worm moon harkens to the softening of the ground and the reappearance of earthworm casts a sure sign that robins will follow. Farther north, the moon was called the crow moon because the cawing of crows heralded the waning of winter. Or it was called the crust. moon because these days the snow acquires a hard crust from melting

Last year, the Bois Forte Band began publishing a semi-annual newspaper dedicated_ to the progress our ,People are making. Bois Forte Pride is filled with information about projects we have accomplished, and plans we have for the future.

The next issue of Bois Forte Pride will come out this spring, and we

want to make sure it is filled with stortes and photos about progress on and off the reservation. If there is a person or a project you are proud of, please let us know. Call Wick-o at 800/221-8129, or write to her at the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council, 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772. Mii gwetch !

"Two blue moons in a year can only occur (f the months H:ith extra moons are Januarv

and March."

hy day and freezing .at night. Another name, the sap moon, celebrates the beginning of the sap flow from maple trees.

The Milky Way hangs from north to south like a pale streamer in the evening sky. It cuts through the grouping of familiar winter constellations, which are now enjoying a last month of brightness before fading into the sunset. Coming in like a lion is Leo, the constellation whose front end resembles a backward question mark and is known as "the Sickle." Leo is framed by two striking star clusters. In front (westward), is the Beehive, also known as Praesepe (prce-S EE-pee). the manager. Behind Leo is Coma Berenices. B\lth cluslL'rs appL·;1r raint and hlllrt) to the naked eye. Otlt C0111C ;1Ji\C with countless stars when seen through binoculars.

Spring arrives with the vernal equinox at 7:45 p.m. on the 20th. when the sun crosses the Equator into the northern sky. At the time of the vernal equinox, the sun is moving northward at its fastest rate, and so the lengthening of days -especially earlier sunrises -becomes quite evident.

On the 31st we get our second blue moon of the year. The second full moon in a calendar month has come to be called a blue moon, probably because that color is_ so rarely associated with our usually pearly satellite. In January we had our first blue moon. Two blue moons in a year can only occur if the months with extra moons are January and March. When that happens, as this year, February has no full moon. We won't see another "double blue moon" year until 2018.

Starwatch is a moi:ithly guide to the night sky in the Upper Midwest. For a taped version from the University of Minnesota's astronomy department, call (612) 624-200 I.

March 1999

I - Venus L. Conner, Carlene A. Duncan, Louis D. Jordan, Linda G. Shykes, Joseph L. Stanaway

2 - Janet L. Autio, John V. Day, Mia F. Day, Christina Deegan, Bobby J. Drift, Mary J. Goodman, Nancy L. Graumann, Gina M. Lang, Brianna L. Norcia, Jessica R. Smith

3 - Gord~n Adams III, Loretta L. Emery, Laura J. Geshick, Curtis D. LaRoque, Philamay E. Lightfeather, Teresa L. Sam

4 - Rhiannon J. Conner, Mary B. Henderson, *Barbarina Hursh, *Barbarella Hursh, Justin B. Slinker

5 - Marjorie L. Cripe, Jonas J. King, Teresa M. Morrison, Darlene F. Nelson, Anthony· W. Sam, Alexandra M. Schuster, E. Lciis Siiro, Robert Strong Jr., Jacqueline R. Wilson

6 - Daniel L. Amitrano, Eugenia M. Boshey. Jeanette Deegan, Milton E. Geshick. Rachelle R. Isham, Davin M.S. Jenkins, Steven M. Mihelich, Charles A. McDougall, Robin L. Nordberg, Timothy L. Rowlett~, Roger L. Wakemup

7 - Sharon M. Day-Garcia, Loretta E. Holmes, Walter King, Sandra K. Van Vickie

. 8 - James J. Boshey, Frederick G. Brown, Tamara R. Chicag, Franklin A. Chosa, Patrick J. Connor, Jonathan H. Connor Jr., Ada M. Johnson, Jacqueline K. Koski, Lila Miller, John C. Negley, Lorraine L. Villebrun

9 - Brianne A. Brodeen, Athena H. Chosa, William W. Deegan, Alyssa R. Dickenson, Garrick J. Konczak, Tamara C. Lehti

10-•Wilma M. Andrews, Britanny R. Connor, Nestassja M. Deegan, Annette K. Geyer, *Chelsea L. Glassman, *Courtney M. Glassman. Randall L. Hawkinson, Derek B. Morrison, Clevdand Roubideaux

11 - John Boney, Raven M. Boshey. Diane M. Monetti, Tracey A. Porter. Davetta M. Sam. Judith L. Udovich

Happy Birthday Bois Forte News 13

March Birthdays 12 - Philip M. Brodeen, Janet M. Emberg, Craig A. Gilbert, Nyla J. Grummons, Amanda D. Haugen, Nokomis M. Ironwing-Samm.' David L. King, Bryon J. Lumbar, Vivian Proulx, Duane Ernest Roy, Nora E. Setterquist

13 - Elizabeth Gonier, Duane A. Huisentruit, Allen J. Isham, Brian W. Lumbar, Donald M. Villebrun

14 - Mark A. Anderson, Doris V. Isham, Ashlee A. Isham, Kimberly L. Leecy, Terrance F. Lightfeather, Richard A. Lumbar, Amy R. Miller, Robin K. Pishler, Keith W. Porter

15 - Joel A. Boshey, Donald L. Chosa Jr., Matthew G. Connor, David J. Connor; Richard D. King, Darryl L. Smith, Rocky E. King

16 - Simon W. Fisher Jr., Laura I. isham, Patricia L. Weikleenget

17 - David P. Farmer, Patricia M. Garbow. Billie J. Graham. Bertha J. Graue. Nicole R. Johnson. Christopher J. Lehti

18 - Christopher P. Franzen. Mahengun Godsky. John P. Hackey Jr., Tessa L. Jones. Emily E. Rummell, Sylvia M. Shaugobay

19 - Sharon M. Allan, Cordell J. Chosa, Ida M. Connor. Damon E. Day, Jeffrey L. Geshick. Axel J . Holmes Sr .. Kenneth ·W. Konczak. Micheala J. Leecy. Lisa H. Lyons. · Doris M. Newman. Scott A. Reetz. Anthony L. Rettke. Hazel Strong. George W. Toivonen. Irene M. Weiss

20 - Terrance L. Boshey. Richard E. Goette.•Terry E. Godsky. Lilian , S. Harding. Rachel A. Morrison. Aaron R. Ruwersma. Stanley Schuster Jr .. Jason L. Sherman

21 - Robert P. Adams. Adam C. Collins. Jean L. King. Roger D. Skinway. Earl W. Villebrun. Marjorie J. Villebrun

22 - Raymond C. Blocher. Diana Lynn McDougall. Dylan D. V. Sneno. Ryan W. Shock. Ronald L. Skinner

23 - Noreen A. Berlien, Jared W. Boshey~ Mary E. Fisette, Amber R. Geshick, Christopher T. Hill, Rodney B. King, Tanya E. Maynard, Daniel J. Morrison, Lorraine D. Peterson, Marvin S. Rich Jr.

24 - Joshua J. Fisette, Roxanne G. Hicks, Kathleen J. King, Raeanne L. Madison, Toni R. McMillen

25 - Ruth' Boshey, James D. Johnson Jr., Patrick M. O'Leary, Danelle M. Wilde

26 - Karen Fineday, Debra A. Mihelich, Marjorie Morrison

27 - Roger D. Brashears, Bobbett R. Cripe, Joyce M. Day, Shane G. Drift, James W. Holman, Eunice M. Kletschka, Donna M. Norton, Raymond E. Villebrun Jr., Debra R. Whiteman

28 - Jeffrey A. Anderson, Tiffany ' Z. Brooks. Bobbette S.

~v1cCaugherty. Duane S. Sa 111111.

James L Wilde

29 - Lavern D. Cameron. Christina J. Connor. Jeanna M. Day. Thomas

J. Drift, Denise G. Lumbar, Anna M. Mayotte, Anita L. Porter

30 - Charles A. Day, Benjamin D. Drift, Renee M. Gibbs, Susan C. Jenkins, Rose M. Lien, Lila Pete, Tanya M. Rocha-Hursh

31 - Peter L. Calder, Rose Jensen, Lorna L. Landgren, Mary E. Smith

Most popular day to be born? The 19th with 14, which includes the old editor's birthday.

The least popular? The 16th and the 26th with thfee each.

* Twins, evidently - two sets this month.

Shop Locally . it helps!!!

• •

M.S.C. Foods Nett Lake

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO

EARN A LITTLE EXTRA SPENDING MONEY

Temporary Jobs will be available TESTING DATES IN NETT LAKE ARE SCHEDULED FOR

FEB 16, MAR 2, & MAR 16 CALL JONI OR TERRY FOR APPOINTMENT TIME .

Pays SB.25 per llour I 32.Sc per mile

MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD. HA VE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA or GED

VALID DRIVERS LICENSE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION A MUST

REQUIRED TO TAKE A 30 MINUTE EXAM, CALCULATORS ALLOWED

U.S. CENSUS 2000 FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

JONI WHITEMAN TERO/JTPA COORDINATOR

BOIS FORTE TRIBAL RESERVATION PO BOX 16

NEIT LAKE, MN 55772 218n57-326I EXT 18

1-800-221-8129 EXT 18

TERRY FREED CREW LEADER FOR

CENSUS 2000 218/525-6319 OR

TOLL FREE 1-888-325-7733

LEAVE A MESSAGE IF TERRY IS NOT

AVAILABLE

-.

14 Bois Forte News Fortune Bay

Having a Blast! Vikings Join Thousands

of Snowmobilers for Arctic Blast Current and former Minnesota Vikings joined thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts as they invaded the are~ on February 13 to participate in the fourth annual Arctic Blast.

Arctic Blast, North America's largest snowmobile rally, is a charitable event that raises money for the Vikings Children's Fund. Fortune Bay Resort & Casino, Amoco, Arctic Cat, and the Minnesota Vikings were major sponsors of this year's event.

The snowmobilers swept through Babbitt, Ely, Tower, Cook, Vermilion, Hoyt Lakes , and Embarrass. Rioers who stopped in at least three towns earne4 a special Vikings gift and were eligible to win grand prizes at the eYcning party held at Fortune Bay Resort.

Although figures for this year·s event are not yet totaled. event

organizers expect to top the $30.()()() raised last year for local communities. "Pre-registration figures were up significantly this year," said Andrea Maple, manager of Fortune Bay Resort.

"This year's Arctic Blast was a great success," said Rick Anderson, general manager of Fortune Bay ' Resort & Casino. "Our staff did an outstanding job. We worked hard, had fun, raised money for children's programs, and dem~:m-strated the Bois Forte People's commitment to partner with others to attract more guests to northern Minnesota.

'"The Arctic Bla~t com-mittee was comprised of representatives from all seven communities, and Fortune Bay literally spent thousands of hours organizing the e vent.·· Anderson co ntinued . ''Their dedication to servi ng our communities has helped this event gro~ each year ...

~!" *: ~;~ :~ ~-: t-·S~, . . .;~­jl'~

•tt .. ~l ~ '•

March 1999

March 1999

Ida Connor Passes Away

Ida M. Connor, 82, Nett Lake, died Feb. 20 in the Uriiversity Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing. She was born March 9, 1917, in Nett Lake. Funeral services were held Feb. 23 at Nett Lake Commu-nity Center with Mark Salmela and Wally Olson officiating. Burial will be at N~tt Lake. Arrangements were by the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Mrs. Connor was a homemaker. She is survived by six soris, David (Dor-

othy) of Ir~ian Point, Daniel and Jonathan, both of Cass Lake, Greg of Minneapolis, Paul (Charlene) of Cass Lake and Lawrence (Marge) of Reno, Nev.; six daughters, Ruth Isham and Marybelle Isham of Nett Lake, Joyce (Rodney) Skadsheim and Lorraine Connor of St. Paul, Laura Isham and Esther Connor of Minneapolis; th~ee sisters, . Madge Dukes of Eugene, Ore., Susan O'Leary 0f Duluth and Pearl Soreyes of Cook; and numerous grandchildren, great~ grandchildren and great-great-grandchil-dren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; two sons, Henry and James; and two daughters, Gladys Goggleye and Gloria Connor.

. ' IN MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER,

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER, AUNT IDA MAE CONNOR

To my brothers and sisters, to my chil-dren, grandchildren and great-grandchil-dren, niec~s. nephews, cousins and aunts. Of who are all in my constant prayers.

Our mother was remembered in our sharing time. at the wake for her beautiful, tasty, fresh-baked bread, for her many lines of white clothes on wash day, the white scrubbed floors in the rooms that didn't have linoleum of our home, the huge break-

. fasts. I can also visualize the long neat pile of many cords of wood in the back yard cut by my brother Dave who is still a woodsman at this time. Little did I know that as we all worked together to get our chores done to achieve a few hours ,if free time that that would be a milestone in our lives. Our parents taught us to work. I pay trihutc to my father and motlwr for such an importailt lesson. The Lord says in Haggai 2:4. "Work, for I am with you." Pro".crhs I 6:3. ''Commit your work lo the Lord and all your plans will he t•stah-lishcd." Also, as we help each other (we may not be able to help all the members of the family at once). but hl'lp giwn to ont• person benefits the whole family.

We arc not alone. Jesus kfl us a rom-forter. 2nd Tht·ssalonians 2: I 6 says. "Now may our Loni ksus Christ himself and God our Father who loved us and gave us t'tt•r-nal comfort and good hope through grat't' comfort your ht·arts and t'slahlish lht•m in every good work and way.''

Love, your sisll'r Maryhcllc ·

..

Traditions Bois Forte News 15

Cultural Column ...

County Nallles Reflect Our Heritage

. ··~'" _? ··~· l ____ , __ J

Beltrami

Polk Clearwa r

• • Norman Mahnomen

Hubbard Becker

Clay

• Wadena

Todd

Douglas

Lincoln Lyon

Murray

Rock Nobles J~ckson

Many of you may kno~ that Koochiching County. where most of the Nett Lake Reservation is located. is named after a Chippewa word. ("Koochiching .. comes from the Chippewa word for Rainy Lake and Rainy River. which translates as "neighbor lake and river.") But did you know that the names of l .2 of Minnesota's 87 counties. including Koochiching. are dcrin~d frl)m Chippewa words'? They arc: '

Chippewa Count~· was named ~1ftcr cur People. "Chippewa:· as we know. is a French \'cr,, ion of thc word "'Chippewa ...

Chisa~o County wa~ namcd after the :ll'l'a's largest lake. Ki-chi-sago. which means ··targc" and "hwcly" in Chip1wwa.

Ckarwakr Count~' is 1tanll'll after thl' area's Clcarwatn Lake and

. Clearwatl'r River. The Chippewa name - clear watl~r - was inspirl·d

Manin

I e Koochiching

j r-----11 r---- , i

Cass

eCrow Wing

Morrison

Itasca

Aitkin

Faribault , Fr~eborn

St. Louis

~-Pine

! Dodge Ol_msted

Fll!'TINe

by the crystal clearness of the lake and ri\'er.

Crow \Ving Count~· is named after the Crow Wing Ri,·er. ·The riwr·s name is a fault\' translation of the Chippewa term for ··rawn ·s wing:·

Kanahel' Count~ l'l)llles from the Chippcwa word meaning ··si1ake ... The Silake RiYer runs through Kanahee Count\'.

!\lahnomen Count)· honor..; our Pcoiik."s sacrcd ,,·ild ricing traditil)(l. ··r-.tal11wmcn·· l'lHlles from the Chippcwa word meaning .. spirit.'.

!\lille L~u·s Count)' is named after the ~trl'a·s largest lakc. "Mille Lacs" is French for .. thousand lakes." whid1 is a rough translation of the Chippewa term .. evcrywhere lake ...

Otter 'fail Count~' is name~i after till' Otter Tail Lake and River. The Oth.'r Tail Lake deriwd its name fwm t'hl' Chippewa words

describin!!: a lon!!: and narrow sarn .. .. har shaped. not surprisingly. like ar, otter·s tail.

Red Lake County honors Red Lake and Red Riwr. which are locarcd in the county. The name was de ived from our People· s description z f the . lake ·s Clllor at sunset.

Roseat: County is named af:.. · the Roseau Lake and Roseau Riv,_ and 1s de ,·< ,·ed from Chip ·wa referen1 '<.'S to the many reeds , . the bodies of water.

\Vadem~ County refers to ai old trading post in the area. and c nes from the Chippewa word me<" ing "a little round hill."

l1~(orma1ion taken frcm1 S ate Counties: · Minnesota Srnte Government Series 3, pub/ishc i by tire Minnesota House of Rt'J'n.'sentatfres Public /11.fomwtion Office.

16 Bois Forte News Traditions March 1999

Getting Ready for Sugarbushing As the snow melts away and the sap begins .to flow,

. .

our vital Chippewa tradition continues

N ext month marks the beginning of a Chippe~a tradition that has a long

history and remains an important part of our culture today. Sugarbush -is .a translation from Chippewa to English that describes the trees and the land where our People make maple sugar and syrup.

According to Bois Forte Band Spiritual Advisor Gene Goodsky, sugatbushing usually begins around the first new moon in April. Goodsky said he knows it's time to begin preparations for the sugarbush when the first crow is ' seen. ·

The sap starts to come when the moon is in its first quarter, and "doughnuts" of earth can be seen around the base of the maple trees as the snow melts away.

Flat taps made of cedar are put into the trees' trunKs, and containers are olaced underneath them to collect ~ he sap that drips out. The >ugarbush gets into full swing around the time of the full moon, and the taps remain in place until

"The sap s_tarts to come when the moon is in its first quarter, and 'doughnuts' of earth can be seen around the base of the maple trees as the

snow melts away. "

the ground thaws. When that happens, the sap turns dark or cloudy and becomes less tasty ..

Next the buckets of sap are poured into a large pot or cauldron and

bojled over an open flame. The sap turns into a thick syrup, which is strained and returned to the pot for boiling. To make maple sugar, some of the syrup is transferred to a trough

At left, in this photographfrom 1905, a Chippewa woman boils sap. On its way to becoming maple syrup, the sap is boiled after it is collected from the trees.

Below, in this photograph/mm 1925, a Chippewa woman collects sap from a maple tree. The sap is drained through flat taps made of cedar.

(Photographs courte.\j of the Min1HH16M---· Historical Society)

and .worked with a paddle until it forms granulated sugar.

Gene said Band members are welcome and encouraged to be part of the sugarbushing process. "We need help cutting and hauling wood, tapping th~ trees, and boiling the sap," he said.

If you'd I ikc to take part in

sugarbushing, call Gene at 2181757-3102.