INSIDE
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 4988
2015
State of the Band
Thursday,
January 22, 2015
Page 7
Page 8
Page 12
CHANGE SERVICE
REQUESTED
Bois Forte
NETT LAKE, MINNESOTA - January 2015
VOL. 38 NO. 1
www.boisforte.com
Northern Eagle Federal Credit Union celebrates
its first year in business
In January, Northern Eagle Federal Credit Union
will celebrate its first year serving the Bois Forte
community. Since its grand opening and ribbon
cutting ceremonies at its offices in the new Bois
Forte Tribal Government Building and Fortune
Bay Resort Casino, Northern Eagle has come
a long way in the last year. It grew by over 350
members and has deployed over $250,000 in
consumer loans and vehicle loans. The credit
union’s hallmarks have been its Credit Builder
Program and its Financial Education counseling
and workshops. Through its programs, Northern
Eagle has served 120 persons with one-on-one
budget, debt counseling, and credit building
services. The credit union is still looking to grow
its membership and expand its ability to provide its
members with the financial services to promote a
wise use of savings and credit.
Northern Eagle offers its
members:
• Savings accounts and special savings accounts
• Personal loans, including auto and emergency loans
• Credit repair and healing loan program
• Money orders and cashier’s checks
• Direct deposit: A great
way for out-of-area members to build savings, NEFCU branches are conveniently located in the Government and Community
where they can send a Services Center in Nett Lake and the lobby of Fortune Bay Resort Casino.
portion of their payroll, social security, or other funds electronically to their account to create (cont. on page 3)
special savings or an emergency/rainy day fund.
Bois Forte honored by MAICC
The Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce selected the Bois Forte Band as the recipient
of its prestigious Eagle Award during an award ceremony at Mystic Lake on December 5.
The criteria for the award is, “An existing American Indian business or tribe that portrays effective
skills in management, marketing and accounting techniques. The business is willing to utilize their
resources to continue learning and improving, as they share their expertise to empower and motivate
others to do the same.”
Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy and District I Representative
Karlene Chosa accepted the award on behalf of the Band.
Others on hand to celebrate included Leon Goodsky,
Samara Strong, Don and Daebwae Chosa, Charles Geshick,
Arlene Chosa and Jacque Wilson.
According to MAICC Board Chair Jon Otto, the award
Bois Forte received is called the “eagle award”, because
“The eagle strives high and has the ability to see the big and
the little things it needs to sustain itself. It has the vision to
see the whole picture, and the ability to communicate that
vision to others.”
BOIS FORTE NEWS • 5344 Lakeshore Drive, Nett Lake, MN 55772 • Visit us! www.boisforte.com • JANUARY 2015
(Above) Kevin Leecy, Charles Geshick,
Jacque Wilson, Samara Strong and Arlene
Chosa, attended the MAICC award ceremony
along with Leon Goodsky, Karlene, Don and
Daebwae Chosa who were not in the photo.
(Left) Karlene Chosa and Kevin Leecy
accept the Eagle Award from the American
Indian Chamber of Commerce as Master of
Ceremonies Roland Hill looks on.
Page 2 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
State & National News
White House holds Tribal Nations Conference
In early December, representatives of 566
federally recognized tribes were invited to attend
the 6th annual White House Hold Tribal Nations
Conference in Washington D.C.
discuss major issues facing Indian Country, including
respecting tribal sovereignty, upholding treaty and
trust responsibilities, improving access to capital and
credit, and protecting Indian women and youth.
Bois Forte Chairman Kevin Leecy and
approximately 250 other tribal leaders from across
the country engaged with President Obama, Vice
President Joe Biden, cabinet officials, and the
White House Council on Native American Affairs to
The conference also hosted the first-ever group
of White House Youth Ambassadors. The 36
Indian youth joined tribal leaders during breakout
sessions and panels, and participated in leadership
development programs.
Young people were a big focus of the conference:
the White House released a new Native Youth
Report that reviewed challenges facing Indian
youth and offered recommendations for the future,
and President Obama announced the launch of
Generation Indigenous, or Gen I, a new initiative
to remove barriers between Indian youth and their
opportunities for success.
President Obama addresses Tribal leaders in
Washington, D.C.
Tribal Chairs Karen Diver of Fond du Lac, Kevin
Leecy of Bois Forte, Darryl Seki of Red Lake, and
Melanie Benjamin of Mille Lacs participated in the
White House sponsored Tribal Nations Conference.
• Transportation and infrastructure improvements
• Expanded access to health care
• Tribal renewable energy projects
The White House also presented a broad range • Restoration of tribal homelands
of other projects and initiatives to benefit Indian
As these projects move forward, the Bois Forte
Country, including:
News will follow up to give you the latest
information.
• Education partnership grants
We need your help
If you know any of the individuals listed below, please have them call the Enrollment
Office at 218-757-326, ext. 162.
BONESS, VIRGINIA
BOSHEY, MARY FRANCES
CHAMBERS-RAMOS, AJA
CHOSA, KYLE LEE
CONE, KODA LEE
FOREMAN, LORI
GLASS (BUNKER), CARLOS ALONZO
GONZALES, VIRGINIA ANN
HILL, RACHEL
JORDAN, FRED MITCHELL
MANVILLE, PAULINE
NEVITT, DIANE VAUGHN
SANDERS, DIANE
STRONG, ALLISON ROSE
THOMPSON, DOROTHY GESHICK
TOLRUD, THOMAS JOHN
VIVIER, ALEX
If you know that someone on this list is deceased, please send documentation of death
(memorial card, obit, death certificate, etc.) to:
Bois Forte Enrollment Office
5344 Lakeshore Drive
Nett Lake, MN 55772
Mii gwech for your help.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2015
Page 3 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
RTC News
Call now to lock-in lower
propane charges
Band members and employees are
encouraged to call Ferrellgas at
800-450-5701 or 218-326-1292 to
sign up to take advantage of lower
propane prices the RTC negotiated
with Ferrellgas.
New Moon Now
Accepting Applications
New Moon Supportive Housing—located at 1224 White
Pine Circle in Tower, MN is accepting applications for
future openings and is designed to benefit low and
moderate income families.
Band members who live outside of
the reservation will qualify for the
reduced propane costs if you live
in an area that Ferrell serves.
If you are not sure what service area you live in, contact Ferrellgas at the
numbers above to see if you can order propane at the reduced rate negotiated
by the RTC.
This housing community is designed to meet the needs of
individuals and families who are experiencing long-term
homelessness. Complex has 1,2, & 3 Bedroom units. This
property has fully accessible units.
Counseling, case management services, advocacy, support
services and cultural activities on-site. Income Restrictions
Apply and we accept Section 8 Vouchers.
(Credit Union anniversary cont. from page 1)
For more information and an application please contact
D.W. Jones Management, Inc at 218-326-5314, 888326-5314, MN Relay 711 or www.dwjonesmanagement.
com<http://www.dwjonesmanagement.com>
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Prepaid debit cards: Used by out-of-area accountholders as a means to access their funds
• Financial education and one-on-one counseling
• Per capita counseling for youth about the receive their “18 Money”
Northern Eagle is also hoping to roll out
checking accounts and online banking to its
entire membership in 2015. The credit union
is currently piloting those services with its
staff and Board of Directors. Typically, new
credit unions must wait much longer before
they are allowed to offer advanced services.
Equal Opportunity Housing
Hannah Hildebrand, daughter
of NEFCU employee Wendy
Short, volunteered to help at the
Spending Frenzy workshop offered
for youth.
In addition to Bois Forte Band members, credit union membership is
available to non-tribal members who are part of the immediate household
(child, spouse, partner) of a Band member. Furthermore, the credit union is
also open to ALL employees of the tribal government, Fortune Bay Resort
Casino, C-Store, Y-Store, radio station, and Nett Lake School and all those
within the employees’ household. The credit union’s policy is “Once a
member, always a member!”
“Northern Eagle is committed to its mission of assisting the members of the
Bois Forte community (which include our employees and their families) in
their goals to achieve financial independence and security. We are working
towards that, one member at a time,” shares Nikki Pieratos, Northern
Eagle CEO. “We are equally excited about the developments coming in our
second year and having more time to visit our members at events around the
community, including our sponsored financial education workshops. Our
members regularly tell us that we have helped them build their credit score
which allows them access to affordable credit—especially for purchasing
vehicles and homes—and that we provide them hope for the future.”
JANUARY 2015
Get Ready. Get Set.
ENROLL TODAY!
The MNsure 2015 open enrollment period is now open
through February 15, 2015.
Enrollment is available year-round for consumers
eligible for MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, and
members of federally-recognized Indian tribe. However,
descendants of enrollees without insurance or those
who may want to change plans have to enroll during the
enrollment period.
Band members and descendants with questions are
encouraged to contact Cathy Chavers at 218-757-3295
ext. 212.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 4 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
2014: Year in Review
Highlights of 2014
Before beginning a new year, it’s good to look back and appreciate some of the work of the previous one.
Indeed, 2014 was a busy time for Band members with significant accomplishments achieved and new initiatives
launched to build a stronger 2015. Here are a few of the highlights.
Winter
• After three years of planning, Bois Forte celebrates the grand opening of Northern Eagle Federal Credit Union with branches in Nett Lake and Vermilion
• The 2014 State of the Band – Healthy Progress - was attended by more than 500 Bois Forte Band Members.
Spring
• Bois Forte celebrates the grand opening of Tim Horton’s café and bakery at Fortune Bay
• Big Woods Transit is awarded a Federal Transit Administration grant
• Remodeling of The Ledge and Y Store is underway
• Eighteen Band members were on the Primary ballot for three seats on the RTC
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2015
Page 5 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Summer
• Band members re-elect Tribal Council incumbents Brandon Benner, David Morrison and Ray Toutloff to four-year terms
• Summer Powwows are celebrated on refurbished grounds in Nett Lake and Vermilion
• Native Veterans are honored with a plaque on the State Capitol Mall
• The annual Urban Office picnic draws several hundred Band members
• The long awaited Native American mural in Virginia is unveiled
Fall
• For those willing to work hard, the rice harvest was good. Local school children attended the annual DNR Rice Camp.
• The Bois Forte hosted “Children in Crisis” Summit brought tribal, state, and county representatives together to work on strategies for improving children’s lives
• The beautiful new Vermilion Health and Dental clinic opened to rave reviews and new opportunities for better healthcare in the community
JANUARY 2015
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 6 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Elders
Sky Sisters: A Book, and a Memory
As an old friend and I walked
together at the mall, talking
about many interesting
things and enjoying the
company, he mentioned a
woman he knows who told
him that the smell of ironing
brings back so many strong
memories. One that is very
vivid to her is the scent of
Dr. Linda Grover
hot cloth and steam rising
as she ironed her brother’s
Army uniform before he left home. The rest
of the story, what happened next in their young
lives, returns to her when she irons.
“Think of that,” he said, “what just that one
thing – the smell of ironing, – can bring back;
so many things, if you think about it.” And he
was right; there are so many.
When I was a girl, the ironing board was set up
at the bottom of the stairs, in the middle of the
house. Mornings, we took turns pressing out
skirts and dresses, and my dad’s paint shirts. My
dad was a house painter; every day he wore a
clean white dress shirt that was neatly ironed by
one of his daughters. These shirts, bought used
at the Goodwill or Used-a-Bit, got to be pretty
full of paint after a few wearings; we learned
that old paint specks could be ironed right over,
but larger and fresher smears could melt into the
iron. For those we turned the shirt over and used
an old dish towel as a pressing cloth underneath.
We liked doing this little task for our dad.
What else does thinking about that ironing smell
bring to mind? Learning to iron by pressing
handkerchiefs when I was little, and my mother
giving me two nickels for the work (I was proud
of the pile of hankies and of earning money, too).
My sister draping a skirt over the ironing board
to hem, the iron sputtering steam. Stubbing my
little toe on the ironing board leg as I ran down
the stairs ready for school, my mother telling
me to be more careful. A girlfriend who got up
early winter mornings to iron because it felt so
good to warm up there in the kitchen with the
iron hissing and the coffee pot belching on the
stove. Learning to sew with the “press as you
go” method, which made for a neater garment
and actually saved time and work. The sprinkler
bottle, which was a used pop bottle with a
nifty little cork/sprinkler. Do you remember
“sprinkling” clothes?
And now I can add this memory of walking with
an old friend at the mall, enjoying each other’s
company, when he asks about the things that
trigger memories and tells me about a woman
who – when she irons – remembers when her
brother left for the Army.
A Minute with Millie
Millie Holmes
Greetings, all. How many
times have I sat watching
the night sky?
Many
times, my friend, many
times. I sit, watching the
dawn sky. I see stars, the
moon. Other times, it is
completely black outside.
I think about the sun, soon
to be seen coming over the
horizon.
I think about the eclipses we’ve had during the
year just past. I’d checked out a few of the
pics and time lapse videos. One posted on the
National Geographic site got me thinking about
eclipses. Eclipses and times past.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Many of the nights I watched flying lights above
me. And, no, they weren’t airplane lights. I
know what those are. It was the comets flying
about, with their long tails. I used to think these
were the dragons of myth. Flying so high, all I
could see were their tails. And it’s still so easy
to think of dragons flying hither and yon when
I see the lights with long tails. Which brings
me back to the eclipses.
The time lapse video I saw, showed the moon
entering into the earth’s shadow, then went into
infrared while it was in the shadow, then back
to black, then the moon peeking back out. Sort
of like the dragons I thought of when I was a
kid. All playing hide and seek.
Happy January Birthdays,
Elders!
Rosemary King
1-1
Shirley Benner
1-2
Marge Holmes
1-2
Joseph Gonier
1-3
Roger O’Leary
1-3
Char Lewis1-7
Pat Runningbear
1-7
Cheryl Slayton
1-7
Rosemary Berens
1-20
Jerome Whiteman
1-24
Marcella Connor
1-29
Phone Assistance
Program
The Minnesota Department of Human
Services have joined with the Mille Lacs
Band of Ojibwe and Wisdom Steps to
provide no cost telephone equipment
for Minnesota residents who have
difficulty using a regular telephone
due to hearing loss, speech or physical
disability.
To qualify for assistive telephone
equipment, you must:
1. Have phone service or
applied for service
2. Be a Minnesota resident
3. Have a hearing loss, speech or
physical disability
4. Be at or below the state median
income guidelines
For more information contact
1-800-657-3663, visit the website
www.tedprogram.org or email
[email protected]
JANUARY 2015
Page 7 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Youth & Education
Update from the Superintendent
Happy, Healthy New Year
families! We are refreshed
from our Christmas break,
and ready to begin 2015
with renewed vision and
vigor! This will be an
exciting year for all of us
at Nett Lake as we have
lots of “new” going on.
We are looking forward
to receiving new iPads
Superintendent and
Principal Steve Thomas for our Students. We’ll
be using regular iPads for
the younger students and iPad minis for our older
students. This is an important piece to our new
curriculum planning that we will be working on to
improve our school’s proficiency status. The teachers
are excited, the students will be excited, and I foresee
the parents and the community proud for what we are
trying to accomplish to improve learning.
We will also be setting a new focus in the area of
“total well-being”. Studies have shown if a child
is troubled, those troubles - left unaddressed - can
potentially inhibit learning. It is natural to experience
the growing pangs that come with developing into
maturity. It is all the more helpful to have your
learning environment (school) as a resource to
bridge some of those difficult times. The Teachers,
Paras, Counselor and Myself are all working to keep
connected with the children and their needs so that
they can reach their highest potential for learning.
Parents can do wonders in this area as well, and we
look forward to working together!
Another new program on the horizon for our
students is a sort of safety net program for those
students who are falling behind or who have
difficulty with homework completion. This will
be directly after school for about an hour to give
personal tutoring and homework help to students
who we believe, and whose parents believe, can
use that help. We have also added more paras
in the classrooms to help recognize those who
are falling behind in understanding the material.
Comprehension of school work is vital to
successful learning, so if we can create a pattern
of progress in the areas needed, complete success
will be the outcome.
I would like to give a few recognitions, as well.
First, I would like to give a warm welcome to our
new school board member, Jane Villebrun! We all
look forward to working with her. And a special
thanks to Ruth Porter for her two years of important
service to our children as a board member.
I would also like to give our sincere gratitude to the
Minnesota Department of Education Advocates in
Reading and Math proficiency, who are there in
our support to become the best school we can be.
Our ultimate goal is to become a “Reward School”,
which would rank us at a high level of proficiency.
It would be an honor, and will take extreme focus
and hard work, but we are motivated and excited
to meet this challenge!
Wish us the best and let’s band together in this
endeavor!
Every Child Deserves a
Head Start in Life!
$
College financial aid
forms due soon
College deadlines for the federal
government’s financial aid form, the FAFSA,
can be any time from February 1 to April 1 for
both new and returning students. But it’s in
your best interest to submit the FAFSA as soon
after January 1 as possible.
The FAFSA relies on tax information from the
previous year, so it’s helpful to have your
tax return already completed. However, if
you don’t, you can still file the FAFSA using
estimated numbers and then go back later
and update your FAFSA with final tax numbers
once you’ve completed your tax return (the
government offers an online tool--the IRS
Data Retrieval Tool--that allows you to import
your tax information directly into your FAFSA).
The FAFSA captures two data points: the
financial picture of both the parent(s) and the
student for the previous year.
Even if you don’t think your child will qualify
for need-based federal financial aid, you
should consider submitting the FAFSA if:
(1) you want your child to be eligible for an
unsubsidized Stafford Loan (a non-needbased federal student loan available to any
student); and/or (2) you want your child to be
considered for college need-based aid.
Contact the education office if you have
questions 218-757-3124.
November’s Students of the Month
The following Nett Lake School students were honored in November
for the many ways they display leadership skills.
Congratulations to the students for their hard work!
Bois Forte’s Head Start programs in Vermilion and Nett Lake are
accepting students. Children must be three years old by
September 1, 2014 to enter the program.
For more information, contact:
Christine Bloom Lundemo or Vondalee Carr (218) 757-3265 or
[email protected] or [email protected]
Why Head Start?
Prepares children for Kindergarten success in reading, writing
and math • Safe, healthy learning environment • Attention to
medical, dental and nutritional needs • Opportunities for
families to get involved
JANUARY 2015
Back Row: Jaida Lambert, Francis Littlewolf, Miigizi, Mr. Thomas,
Davonte Boshey. Front Row: Serena Jensen, Danessa Morrison-King,
Victor King, Scott Morrison, Alex Whiteman, Brynn Chosa,
Jordanna Lambert. (Not pictured: Brian Swinson)
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 8 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Culture
Pipe repatriated to Heritage Museum
In 1961, Jerry Stromberg was a university student
working at Nett Lake to gather information for
his master’s thesis on acculturation. He lived
in a “gypo” structure with Band member Ernie
Landgren, and the two became friends.
The pipe Jerry Stromberg brought home to Bois Forte.
important artifact that had been well used.
With Stromberg’s approval, Reser contacted Bill
Latady at the Bois Forte Heritage Museum. In
addition to being the museum’s curator, Latady is
also the Band’s tribal historic preservation officer.
When Reser asked if the Band would like the pipe
returned, Latady responded with an emphatic yes.
So in early December – 53 years after it left the
area – the pipe was reunited with its community.
“We are so pleased the pipe is home where it
belongs, with people who know how to care for
it,” said Heritage Museum Executive Director
Rose Berens. She said that the pipe’s spirit wanted
to come back to Bois Forte, and added that she
was grateful to Stromberg for carrying the pipe
until now.
Rose Berens, Bill Latady, Ray Toutloff, Bev Miller,
Pat Zellmer, Brandon Benner, Rhonda Zuponcic,
Jerry Stromberg, Ray Reser and Ruby Boshey gather
for refreshments and a photo after the ceremony for
the return of the pipe.
Stromberg held onto the pipe over the following
decades as his career took him around the world.
Now retired, he divides his time between his
Chicago home and his cabin in Iola, Wisconsin.
To mark the pipe’s return, the Band held a
ceremony attended by Stromberg, Reser, UW
Biologist Pat Zellmer, Heritage Museum staff,
and RTC members Dave Morrison, Sr., Brandon
Benner, and Ray Toutloff. (Kevin Leecy was in
Washington D.C. for the Tribal Nations Conference
covered on page two, and Karlene Chosa was at
the Quiz Bowl, which is on page 9.) Also at the
ceremony was Austin Landgren, the grandson of
Stromberg’s old gypo-mate Ernie Landgren.
Recently, on a visit to the Iola Historical Society
Museum, Stromberg met Dr. Ray Reser, the
director of the Museum of Natural History at the
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Stromberg
showed the pipe to Reser, who said it was an
The ceremony was led by Vern Adams, who said
that while a wait of 50-plus years is a long time
for people, it is not a long time for spirits. “Things
work out the way they’re supposed to if we’re
patient and we cooperate.”
On a visit to Pelican Lake, Stromberg saw an old
abandoned fire pit. When he looked closer, he saw
the stone portion of a pipe.
Vern Adams led the ceremony for guests, neighbors
and staff.
Sacred vs. commercial tobacco – do you know the difference?
Commercial Tobacco
Traditional Tobacco
• In Minnesota, five of the six leading causes of death among American • Tobacco:
Indians are related to commercial tobacco use: cancer, coronary - Ojibwe/Anishinaabe – Asemaa
heart disease, diabetes, stroke and lower repiratory disease.
- Dakota/Lakota – Can-sa-sa
• 48 percent of American Indian men and 40 percent of American Indian • Traditional tobacco is for spiritual, cultural and ceremonial use, and it women in Minnesota report current cigarette smoking.
ensures the continuance of the Native way of life
• Secondhand smoke from commercial tobacco is harmful to nonsmokers
• Traditional tobacco is used:
and contains known toxins and cancer-causing poisons.
- To honor and welcome guests.
• The tobacco industry commonly uses cultural symbols and designs to
- To communicate with the Creator or Spirit World.
target racial or ethnic populations, including American Indians. American - As a sacrifice to the Great Spirit.
Spirit cigarettes have been promoted as “natural” tobacco and the package - As an offering to those asked to pray or share wisdom.
features an American Indian smoking a pipe.
For free help to quit commercial tobacco, contact Linda Tibbetts Barto, [email protected],
218-757-3295, ext 284 or Rebecca Adams, [email protected], 218-757-3295 ext. 280 or
quitplan services at 1-888-354-7526 or visit quitplan.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
JANUARY 2015
Page 9 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
What people are saying about the Anishinaabe Language Tables...
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Forte Anishinaabe Language Tables
Thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council,
Language Tables are regularly available for those who are interested
in learning our Anishinaabe language.
Karen Drift
The language tables meet four times a week
in both Nett Lake and Vermilion.
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QUIZ
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Nett Lake RTG Bear Room
Monday through Thursday
12 noon to 1 p.m.
Vermilion Bois Forte Heritage Center
Monday through Thursday
12 noon to 1 p.m.
Language Table will not be held during Tribal Council or
Elder Committee Meetings.
Please contact Donald Chosa at (218) 757-3261, ext. 202 or cell
(218) 404-6170 or at [email protected] to RSVP so we
have an idea how many will be attending. Transportation can be
arranged by calling Big Woods Transit at (218) 757-0280
or toll-free at 1-888 757-1540.
The Anishinaa
be Language T
able has
been a wonder
ful opportunity
for me to
learn my langu
age. So much w
as lost in
my family due
to the boarding
schools
and most of th
e cultural and
la
nguage
knowledge was
suppressed for
se
veral
generations. It
is a privilege to
live
and work in th
e community, to
re
gain
the language a
nd to pass it to
m
y
grandchildren.
Jennie Rowlan
d
Bois Forte was well represented at the 3rd Annual Quiz Bowl held on December 3, at Fortune Bay
Resort & Casino. Students from Northwoods, Nett Lake and Vermilion Charter School fielded teams
that competed against teams from Fond du Lac, Circle of Life, Greenway, International Falls and BugO-Nay-Ge-Shig. Mii gwech to students and coaches pictured below, Virgil Sohm and Katie Laitenen for
helping and Pam Hughes for organizing the event.
Vermilion Country School: Marshall
Boshey, Orion Dagen, Megan Ruzic,
Elijah Chavez and Advisor Ryan Bajan
Northwoods Team: Back row: Adrianna
Day, Advisor Harvey Thompson, Tyla
Adams. Front row: Tyler Drift, Kristina
Isham, Leon Chosa and Kiana Sargent
JANUARY 2015
Nett Lake Team: Advisor Don Chosa,
Sean Morrison, Anthony Drift, Kara
Drift and Daebwae Chosa
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 10 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Community News & Announcements
Introducing Dr. Mary Owen
Supporting students seeking medical degrees
My name is Mary Owen. I am from the
Thunderbird House of the Wooshketaan (shark)
clan of the Auk Kwan tribe of the Tlingit Nation
of Southeast Alaska. Until July of this year I was
a full-time family physician at my tribal clinic in
Alaska. In July I moved my family to Minnesota
to take the position of Director of the Center of
American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH)
in the University of Minnesota Medical School,
working closely with Associate Director, Dr. Anna
Wirta-Kosobuski, a Bois Forte Band member.
Dr. Mary Owen
About 40 years ago an Ojibwe elder named Ruth Meyers and Dr. Bob
Posos, a UMD medical school professor and others recognized the need to
increase the number of Native physicians both in Minnesota and nationally.
They lobbied the state legislature to create a center whose mission was to
advance the health of Native Americans by helping Native students of all
ages navigate the educational system, especially in the areas of science and
math. More specifically, the aim of CAIMH has been to provide support to
students pursuing a medical doctorate degree.
Education has been at the forefront of CAIMH work for the past 40 years
but research has always been the other half of our mission. The Center was
created to advance the health of Native people by helping Native students
become doctors and also by providing research that helps decrease the
health disparities of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We are just now
working to advance this half of our mission by going to tribal communities
and asking what research is important to tribal leaders.
For the past two years the Center has funded a science project at Bois
Forte for elementary-aged children, managed by Don Chosa, Bois Forte
Language/Cultural Coordinator. The aim of the project is to use culture
to engage young people in education and while teaching them about
their own history. Mr Chosa held a language immersion camp for forty
students at Johnson Lake Camping Area where students learned survival
skills including building a traditional Ojibwe shelter, gathering plants and
preparing traditional foods.
While we have not had any Bois Forte medical students yet, we are
beginning to see more Anishanaabe and Dakota students from Minnesota
and are eagerly anticipating the time when we have students from all the
Ojibwe bands.
Bulletin Board Postings
Wanted!
Please remember to send in postings to
the monthly bulletin board.
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Big Woods Transit continues
to grow
Editor’s note: Big Woods Transit Coordinator Jennie Rowland held
community meetings in Nett Lake and Vermilion in December to listen to
community members on the transit system. For those who weren’t able to
attend the meetings, Jennie answered questions for Bois Forte News readers.
What is the park-n-ride? How does it work?
The park-n-ride is a set location where you can leave your car and bus will
pick you up at that location and take you into work, etc. For example, Big
Woods Transit has a designated park-n-ride locations at The Dam Restaurant
at the intersection of Hwy 53 and County Road 23 (Nett Lake Road) and also
at the parking lot at Zups Grocery in Cook, MN. Riders leave their cars at
either of these locations and ride the bus into work in Nett Lake, returning at
the end of the day. See Migizi and Makwa Routes on the Big Woods Transit
website: www.bigwoodstransit.com
What is the dial-a-ride? How does it work?
Our dial-a-ride program will pick you up where you are and take you to
where you want to go. It is best to call at least a day ahead as the drivers
have usually left on their route by 8:30-9:00 in the mornings. This route runs
between Nett Lake and Virginia six days a week, travelling via Vermilion on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Riders can be picked up or dropped off anywhere
along the route. See Wabooz and Vermilion Routes on the website.
The on-demand route operates on very short distances around the Village
of Nett Lake, Palmquist housing area, Orr and perhaps even as far as Cook.
See Kekek Route.
How would someone schedule a ride?
Please call dispatch at: 218-757-0280 or toll free at: 888-757-1540. On
weekends you may be referred to the driver’s cell phone number or the
dispatcher’s cell phone number.
What does a ride cost?
Transit fares are listed on the website. Since the bus fares vary with the type
of route or the distance travelled it is best to ask or check with the dispatcher
what the cost of your trip will be. Ten ride tickets, single ride tickets and
four ride tickets are available for purchase at a discount at the RTC reception
desk in Nett Lake,
the VSC reception
desk in Vermilion
and at the Fortune
Bay gift shop.
More next month
on Big Woods
Transit from Jennie
Rowland.
JANUARY 2015
Page 11 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Burdell “Birdie” P. LaRoque
Burdell “Birdie” P. LaRoque, 80, Nett Lake,
passed away on Friday, November 28, 2014, at the
Cook Nursing Home.
He was born on November 4, 1934 at White Earth,
Minnesota. He grew up in the Rice Lake/Bagley
area and graduated from Bagley High School,
where he played basketball.
He was married to Noreen Villebrun. Birdie, as
he was known, honorably served his country in
the U.S. Navy. He lived in Nett Lake most of his
life. He worked for the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Committee in many
capacities including the Bois Forte Sawmill and in maintenance for the Bois
Forte Housing for many years. He enjoyed going to Tribal Pow-Wows,
loved country music, traveling, and trying his luck at the casinos.
Burdell P. LaRoque
He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis LaRoque and Genevieve
Steinart; a son, David Paul LaRoque (1981), his step-father, Gerald Steinart
Sr.; a brother, Gerald Steinart Jr.; a sister, Lorene Matfield; and his former
wife, Noreen Villebrun.
Birdie is survived by his special friend, Mary Porter of Nett Lake; 3 sons,
Ronald LaRoque Sr. of Nett Lake, William LaRoque of Nett Lake and
Michael (Jean) LaRoque of Waubun, MN; 3 daughters, Charlene Brown of
Redby, MN, Florene LaRoque of Nett Lake and Lori (Peter) Drift of Nett
Lake; 3 brothers, Dale (Lorraine) Steinart and James (Becky) Steinart,
both of Grand Rapids, MN and William Steinart of Blaine, MN; 2 sisters,
Joan (Wayne) Launius of Little Rock, AR and Yvonne “Bonnie” Brown of
Northfield, MN; numerous special grandchildren, great grandchildren; and
many nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday at the Nett Lake
Government Center, where the Wake will begin after 5:00 PM Thursday. Fr.
Daniel Debano will be the officiant. The casket bearers will be the grandsons:
Ron LaRoque Jr., Pete Drift Jr., Jimmy John Barto, Coty LaRoque, Mike
Smith, Adrian Brown, Derrick LaRoque and Kenneth Villebrun. The
honorary bearers will be all the other grandchildren. Military honors will
be accorded by the combined honors guards of Bois Forte, Orr American
Legion and the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars. Interment will be in the Nett
Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
January Cooking Classes
with Rene Barto
Come join the class and make Vegetable Lasagna,
soft no-yeast bread sticks and coconut macaroon cookies.
Wednesday, January 14
12:00 p.m.
Nett Lake
Community Center
JANUARY 2015
Thursday, January 15
12:00 p.m.
Vermilion
Community Center
Chi Mii gwech from
the Morrison family
We want to express our sincere gratitude for your support and expressions
of good wishes for Teresa in her recent Liver Transplant surgery.
We received the long awaited call on the evening of October 31st
that there was a potential liver donor. After arriving at Rochester
early that morning, we learned that the liver donation was a good
match and so the surgery took place on November 1st. Teresa had a
few complications over the following few days but the doctors at the
Mayo did an excellent job of resolving them.
We arrived back home in time to enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday
with our family. Since that time Teresa has made great strides in her
recovery, you may have seen her at the Fitness Center where she
exercises almost daily and continues to gain her strength back.
We will forever be in gratitude to the generous gift of life from the
donor and his family. Unfortunately, thousands die every year waiting
for a donor organ that never comes. You have the power to change
that by simply checking the donor box on your Driver’s License.
Again, thank you on behalf of the Morrison family.
Dave and Teresa Morrison
Join us for a great
time and good cause.
BENEFIT FOR PAM HUGHES
COOK VFW
206 1st Street SW, Cook, MN
Saturday, January 17, 2015
2 - 6 p.m.
SILENT AUCTION · BINGO · DRAWINGS
Monetary donations are being accespted at the
Embarrass Vermilion Federal Credit Union.
Attn: Pam Hughes Fundraising Account
505 Main Street, Tower, MN 55790 or
Frandsen Bank and Trust, 415 Main Street, Tower 55890
BOIS FORTE NEWS
Page 12 • Bois Forte News • January 2015
Bois Forte regularly sends out important
information in the mail. 1854 Treaty Info.,
community meeting notices and RTC
announcements are examples of items that are
regularly mailed. It is essential that we have
your correct mailing address so that you can
receive this information.
If you have moved recently, or are not receiving regular mailings, please fill out the
change of address form below and mail to:
Angie 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 News.
Name:
Address:
City/ State/ Zip:
Date of Birth:
Signature:___________________________
Date: __________
_____Yes, I would like this new address
shared with the Bois Forte News
Please send us your email address if you’d like
to begin receiving the Bois Forte News in your
email box:
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, 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.
The February Bois Forte News will arrive midmonth in order to include
coverage of the State of the Band.
Deadline for
February issue:
JANUARY 12
Submit material to:
Bois Forte News
1101 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #507
Lilydale, MN 55118
651-260-2420 phone; 651-452-1640 fax
[email protected]
Tribal Council
Kevin W. Leecy
Chairman
David C. Morrison, Sr.
Secretary/Treasurer
Karlene Chosa
District I Representative
Brandon Benner
District I Representative
Ray Toutloff
District II Representative
JANUARY 2015