Lac Courte Oreilles News

Barb Baker-LaRush is taking place in the Mississippi River Walk 2013. A portion of her sponsorship came from the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board.

You can read more information on the Mississippi River Walk Facebook page.

Click here to read more coverage from TwinCities.com

Click here to read more coverage from Elk River Star News

From a press release issued by Mississippi River Walk:

A group of Indigenous Women will carry a copper pail of water from the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota to the place where the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.

The women walkers and supporters will leave Lake Itasca State Park on March 1 following a traditional Ojibwe water ceremony at 7:00 am and will continue walking each and every day until they reach the Gulf near New Orleans on or around April 29th.

The Water Walkers will draw attention to the peril the river faces due to pollution. The Mississippi River is the second most polluted river in the United States. Toxic chemicals from municipalities, farms and corporations are taking their toll on the river. By the time a drop of water reaches the “dead zones” near the mouth of the river, the water is nearly depleted of oxygen. We can stop this and the walkers intend to educate people along the way as to what they can do.

“We want the walk to be a prayer,” Day says. “Every step we take we will be praying for and thinking of the water. The water has given us life and now, we will support the water.”

To learn more or participate: Join the Mississippi River Water Walk 2013 Facebook Group.

Donations to support the walk can be sent to Indigenous Peoples Task Force: Water Walk. 1335 E. 23rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55404

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board will host a public hearing and prescription drug abuse panel presentation on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the LCO Convention Center.

Speakers slated to present include Dr. David Brown, M.D., from the Cleveland Clinic; John Vaudreuil, U.S. Attorneys Office; Dr. Dawn Wyllie, Chief Medical Officer, Bemidji Area IHS Office; Gail Nahwahquah, DHS Intercultural Program Coordinator; and Ted Hill, Ho-Chunk Health Center Pharmacist. Panelists represent a cross-section of expertise on a national, regional and local level.

Other speakers will present on local issues and Lac Courte Oreilles community initiatives. The event will be moderated by gaiashkibos and will include a question and answer period.

For more information, contact Dianne Sullivan, Prevention Education Coordinator, (715) 634-8934, ext. 306.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board met with the Hayward Community School District Board of Education on February 26 at the LCO Convention Center. The two boards discussed items pertaining to enrollment of LCO students in the district, with special emphasis placed on Act 31, which requires public schools in the state of Wisconsin to teach cultural aspects of Native American history within the state.

"We are making strides in education at Lac Courte Oreilles and our desire is to keep moving forward," said Lac Courte Oreilles Chairman Gordon Thayer.

An ad hoc committee of Governing Board and School Board members was formed to focus attention on raising awareness of Act 31 and how the tribe can assist with developing cultural programming to make sure the Act's teaching requirements for public schools is consistent with the history, tradition and culture of Native Americans in Wisconsin.

According to LCO Tribal Attorney James Schlender, some parents in the state were upset that schools were required to teach Native American history and culture, but that those teachings, he noted, don't always portray accurate representations of Native American history. He stated the purpose of Act 31 is to also show how the tribes and non-native communities have come together in mutual understanding.

Speaking about the significance of forming a joint committee of Governing Board and school district board members, Chairman Thayer emphasized how the committee can advise and lead the rest of the state when it comes to implementing Act 31 standards.

"I hope that through our joint meetings, together we could set the benchmark for Act 31 for the rest of Wisconsin. I believe we have the opportunity to do that," he said.

Named to the ad hoc committee, which is slated to hold its first meeting March 26th, were: School Board members Don Semler, Stacey Hessel, Lynell Swenson, Kim Rumler, Schools Superintendent Craig Olson; and from LCO: Doug Baker, Larry Kagigebi, Mic Isham and Booki Wielgot.

Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board Secretary and Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) Chairman Mic Isham has been named to the newly-formed Great Lakes Advisory Board by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 14th.

The Great Lakes Advisory Board will provide feedback directly to the EPA on how best to protect the Great Lakes, the largest surface freshwater system on Earth. The board will support implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

On behalf of 16 federal agencies, the EPA named Isham to a two-year appointment to the board, joining 17 other professionals from across the U.S.

“GLIFWC's Board of Commissioners nominated its Chairman Michael J. Isham, Jr. to serve on EPA's Great Lakes Advisory Board because of his proven passion for and commitment to the protection and sustainability of the Great Lakes ecosystem,” said GLIFWC Executive Administrator James Zorn. “The Board recognized his extensive experience and leadership regarding a wide range of natural resource, environmental and land use issues. For nearly 20 years, Mic has been involved in tribal and intertribal natural resource management programs and has also dealt first-hand with complex biological and scientific issues, such as toxic pollution contaminating natural resources, particularly relating to mining and mercury pollution; fish and wildlife management issues related to population dynamics, methods for establishing and monitoring species populations; and invasive non-native species issues.”

Noting Isham's strong values as a member of the Anishinaabe community, Zorn added, “the Board was confident that Mic would bring Anishinaabe values to the Great Lakes Advisory Board, thereby helping to ensure the viability of healthy natural resources for generations to come. He not only understands the issues, but knows how to develop solutions to better protect the Great Lakes ecosystem and to address the problems plaguing it.”

Other tribal leaders also voiced support for Isham's nomination, including Lac du Flambeau Band of Lakes Superior Chippewa Indians President Tom Maulson, who said, “Mic's voice — from a traditional Anishinaabe viewpoint and from his wide breadth of on-the-ground and leadership experience — will offer the Great Lakes Advisory Board both a necessary tribal perspective on issues facing the Great Lakes region and unique framework for solutions.”

“I am proud to accept nomination to the Great Lakes Advisory Board because the Great Lakes are a crucial ecosystem not only to the great tribes of Wisconsin, but also to non-native people as well,” said Isham. “The Great Lakes are sacred to the values we hold and to the traditions we practice and my participation on the Great Lakes Advisory Board will assure these values are upheld through the protection of this resource for generations to come.”

EPA considered candidates from a broad range of interests including business, agriculture, foundations, environmental justice groups, youth organizations, environmental groups, academia and state, local and tribal representatives.

“Protecting the Great Lakes is important for the health and well being of millions of people,” said EPA Acting Administrator and Acting Interagency Task Force Chair Bob Perciasepe. “I'm pleased to announce the membership of the first-ever Great Lakes Advisory Board. The scientists, business leaders, public servants, and representatives of non-profit organizations who make up the Advisory Board will help us build upon the success we've already seen and move forward into the next phases of Great Lakes restoration and protection.”

The Interagency Task Force is in the process of scheduling next steps for the Great Lakes Advisory Board this spring.

The Great Lakes provide more than 30 million Americans with drinking water and support a multi-billion dollar economy. In February 2009, President Obama proposed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. GLRI funds are being used to accelerate cleanup work in the 29 remaining AOCs identified by the U.S. and Canada under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

The ninth annual State of the Tribes Address will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in the Wisconsin State Assembly at the Capitol Building in Madison. Gordon Thayer, Chairman, of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, will be delivering the speech.

The events for the day include a Native American drum and honor song on the east wing steps of the Capitol, beginning at 12:15 p.m., followed by a Veterans Color Guard. The invocation before the speech will be given by Dennis White, K-12 Administrator of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School. Students Joshua Martin, Ryan Bunker, Jr., Nicolette Trepania, and Heather Martinson will lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance, speaking in both English and their native Ojibwe.

The State of the Tribes Address will be presented to the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate in joint session. The event has become a regular feature of the spring legislative sessions, offering an opportunity for the eleven federally recognized Native American tribes and the Wisconsin Legislature to refresh their relationship and explore areas of mutual governmental interest. Along with the address highlighting the current and developing state of the tribal governments and the reservation communities, the event provides an opportunity for discussions between tribal governing bodies and members of the legislature about legislative priorities. Thayer sees this as an important linkage between governments.

“The tribes and the State of Wisconsin enjoy an unusually cooperative relationship in a lot of areas, and while we all may not agree on everything, I believe there is always great value in maintaining open and frank dialog between all branches of government,” he said.

The Assembly Speaker concurs: “This is an excellent opportunity for our governments to come together to better understand the needs and the challenges that we face,” said Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).

In the spring of 2012, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School applied for and received a grant to launch a pilot preschool program through the Striving Readers Literacy Grant. A team at the LCO School discussed what would be most beneficial to our community and how we could reach the largest number of preschoolers. Some of the concerns were that the LCO Reservation is a large area and has several smaller communities. Many families may not have access to reliable transportation to enable them to get their children to preschool programs. This means that some of the 0-5 year olds living on the reservation may not be enrolled in a preschool program.

We decided our goal was to try to get at least one hundred books into the hands of each preschool age child before they entered kindergarten! We know children who have access to at least one hundred books before entering kindergarten are more prepared to succeed. This is the thought that inspired the Roamin’ Rez Resource Center!

Each week the Roamin’ Rez RV visits every community on the reservation to deliver learning kits to all preschool children. The children come onto the RV with their parents and receive a kit. Each kit includes a book, a Reale Book and a learning activity. We spend time reading the books and playing the activity with the family. Then the kit becomes theirs. They can play with it as often as they like and the best thing is if they lose a piece the family can still return to the RV next week with no awkward feelings.

Within the first week of using the RV, there were 80 children enrolled. The number of children and the comments about how their children loved the books and played with the activities, let us know this resource was just what the reservation needed. The number just continues to increase and currently we have over 160 children receiving kits. So if you see the van in your community stop in!
For further information on this program, feel free to contact Tonia Cody in the Family and Child Education (F.A.C.E.) Program here at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, 634-8924 ext. 299.

Lac Courte Oreilles Chairman Gordon Thayer delivered the State of the Tribes Address at the Wisconsin State Capitol April 9th.

Thayer urged Wisconsin legislators to improve communication with the state's tribes, primarily speaking about the mining issue and tribal declarations for the 2013 spearfishing season. He also encouraged lawmakers to consult with the tribes before major decisions that impact resources are made.

Lac Courte Oreilles will establish a harvest camp at Old Plummer Camp Village off Moore Park Road in the Penokee Hills three miles east of the Ashland/Iron County line along the south side of Highway 77.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Harvest and Educational Camp is on county land and covered by ceded territory hunting, fishing and harvesting rights. The entire titled region that Gogebic Taconite (Gtac), RGGS, LaPointe Mining owns on the 22 mile ore deposit is enrolled in the State Forest Management Tax Credit program and is therefore guided by state agreements with the tribes regarding harvesting. Check with your tribal conservation department about harvesting permits. Some sections on the west end are in national forest lands, and others in Iron County are entirely surrounded by county lands.

The camp will be overseen by several LCO harvesters organized loosely by Melvin Gasper and Felina LaPointe. Harvesting on public lands is not constrained to just treaty harvest but includes harvestable products by non-Natives as well. We will be looking to include elders and youth, school, college, AODA, language immersion, rehab and business development programs — asking the question, how can we learn about the ancient Cahokia history of the range, Ojibwe village and burial locations, and the mining that has occurred over the course of 1,200 years including the geography, topography located there. What can be harvested, from berries to iron wood and used or bartered to assist in making a moderate living as defined by courts under treaties with the Chippewa. Many of us are also descendants of past Allottees in the area. Researchers have so far located over 150 Indian Allotments on the ore deposit issued from 1858 through 1887. For example, John B. Corbin had an 80 acre allotment near Copper Falls State Park. We want to know how this land was disenfranchised from our relatives.

We are encouraging a strong LCO delegation to the Copper Falls State Park event May 24-26th and will be contributing to the feast being held there on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26. I emphasize that LCO people are not in charge of any other camps along the 22 mile long Penokee Range this summer, nor their security.

The main task of this LCO camp at Plummer will be to host LCO members and other guests, at their request to stay on or near the camp, or any other trail camps that LCO might set up. That will be up to those doing inventory of resources, trail blazing, archaeology work and harvesting. Several people have already requested harvesting permits for birch bark, iron wood, ginseng and other products they are identifying. LCO has declared its intent to harvest one of the nine walleye available on nearby Lake Gallilee. Deer and other hunting permits are available for the region. The LCO Camp will include a wall tent with medical supplies, kitchen, stove and cots, elder resting, maps, and work schedule. Several wigwams will be constructed in the same vicinity for use as lodging, storage of trail tents and equipment. Donation of the same materials, non-perishable goods, tents, shovels, hatchets, axes, lighting, screening, carving knives, camping bowls, etc. will be taken at both the Trading Post at LCO and the Penokee Hills Education Project offices in Ashland, Wisconsin.

LCO Harvest Camp Agenda/Mining Impact/Planning/Consultation Dates:
Tuesday April 30th 11:30-1:00pm LCO Tribal Office Peter Larson Room
Friday May 10th 3:30-5pm LCO Tribal Office Peter Larson Room
Wednesday May 22nd 3:30-5pm LCO Tribal Office Peter Larson Room
Friday May 24 Penokee Hills Fundraiser at Bad River Casino/Set Up Copper Falls
Saturday May 25 Copper Falls State Park/Camp Plummer
Sunday May 26 Copper Falls State Park/Camp Plummer (Summer schedule guided by Camp Plummer)

For gemeral information on the Harvest Camp contact Paul DeMain at 715-634-5226 Ext.1. For camping, tribal harvesting and hunting permits for the Penokee Range continue to consult with your local conservation departments for guidance.

Directions

Head north on County Highway E from LCO casino = 2 miles.

Turn right on WI 77-E = 27.7 miles to ClamLake.

Turn Left onto Co Hwy M/Co GG = 0.2

Turn Right on Co Hwy GG = 19.4 miles to Mellen, Wisconsin

About 10 miles from Clam Lake note Iron Ore Deposit on right side - this is the Western End of 22 mile long Ore Deposit.

Highway GG will take you to Main Street in Mellen.

Turn Right on Main Street, then left on Lake Street/Hwy 77 East.

If you stay on Lake Street, it will take you on the BACK side of the Ore Deposit and back to Hwy 77.

Stay on Hwy 77 going East towards Hurley, Wisconsinfor 7.5 miles.

Turn Right on Moore Park Road about 3 miles after Iron/Ashland CountyLine.

Moore Park Road goes up hill, take a right then about 1,000 feet of straight road,

CampPlummer is on right hand side before next sharp left. Going straight takes you to Tylor’s Fork.

Barbara LaRush of Lac Courte Oreilles joined others from across the nation to participate in the 2013 Mississippi River Walk, a long-distance trek to raise awareness of water quality issues. Starting in Lake Itasca State Park in Minnesota on March 1, walkers traveled the length of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.

LaRush was recognized May 15th at a ceremony in the Peter Larson room of the Tribal Office. The ceremony included a luncheon with an Honor Song by the LCO Badger Singers and plaque presentation by the Tribal Governing Board.

Lac Courte Oreilles held its election primary Saturday, May 18th, where six candidates were chosen to advance to the general election June 15.

As certified by the Election Committee, those advancing to the general election are:

Incumbant Michael "Mic" Isham, 317 votes
Incumbant Russell "Rusty" Barber, 220 votes
Brian Bisonette, 177 votes
Norma Ross, 153 votes
Lorraine Gougé, 133 votes
Gaiashkibos, 113 votes

These candidates advance to the general election ballot being held for all citizens of Lac Courte Oreilles on June 15th.

To read candidates' statements, please visit the Official Lac Courte Oreilles Facebook page (click here) or for general election information visit the Lac Courte Oreilles Government website (click here).

In previous General membership meetings I indicated the tribe would conduct a tribal wide audit that has not occurred since 2006. It was stated by the Tribal Governing Board that if the audit revealed serious deficiencies or possible fraud, a forensic audit would be ordered. The Tribal Governing Board followed through with that pledge.

On Friday May 24th the Tribal Council was provided a briefing by the auditors of Midwest Professionals who indicated they have reason to believe Tribal Governing Board signatures were copied and used. As a result of the discovery, the auditors of Midwest Professionals have recommended a forensic audit. By reviewing documents it is assumed the copied signatures were used to conduct unauthorized money transfers of federal and non-federal funds to other accounts and the forensic audit will reveal where funds went.

The auditors were requested to examine money transfer documents after photocopies of Tribal Council signatures were discovered taped inside of a file cabinet of the former executive directors office. A copy of the letter from Midwest Professionals is in this newsletter (also located below). The Tribe is now soliciting bids from firms that specialize in this type of forensic audit. In addition we are conducting a professional search for a Chief Financial Officer for the tribe, this will take about four months to complete.

We have serious concerns with regard to past money management practices of the tribe that must be addressed. It's a fact! A tribal wide audit was not performed in seven years. And, because of the problems associated with the Tribe's money management practices and the serious financial internal control issues, the tribe had been operating in restricted status with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for many years. Over the years the tribe lost in excess of one million dollars of bounced check charges of unauthorized transfer of funds. I use the word “unauthorized” because the funds were often transferred using photocopied signatures. The forensic audit will reveal where the funds went. The former Chief Financial Officer resigned in 2012 under frustration that he was not provided the authority to carry out best practice accounting principles.

Bad accounting practices of the past cannot be continued nor tolerated, however we are taking appropriate steps to address the issue and bringing back financial stability to the tribe. To date, we made considerable progress in restoring the financial health of the Tribe.

With regard to the Tribal Health Center, assumptions are made by the Clinic Finance Office that the tribe owes 1.2 million to the clinic for funds that were sent over in prior years. However, after detailed review by the former interim CFO a CPA from the Clifton Larson Allen Firm specified the funds are not in the tribal accounts and were presumed to be dispersed into other accounts to cover shortages. The forensic audit will uncover this discrepancy as well. This problem is also part of the same problem which involves the photocopied TGB signatures on unauthorized tribal government funds transfer forms. I will not belabor this matter. However, there are many rumors now that the election is near and issues and facts must be placed on the table for open review.

With regard to the clinic operations, I will summarize where we are at:

Following the termination of the doctor, (the former Chief Medical Officer), for excessive drug prescribing, much unrest evolved at the clinic and we are taking steps to provide stable operations. The former Health Director (gaiashkibos) was placed on paid investigative leave by the now defunct health board. The investigation revealed that no wrong-doing was determined to have been done by the former Health Director, however his contract expired and it was not renewed. The Governing Board subsequently contracted with him to undertake a capital campaign for a new 35,000 sq. ft. clinic and help improve 3rd party billing.

A New Health Director was hired and assumes his position on June 4th. His name is Gregg Duffek. He will be introduced in the July issue of the Newsletter. The new physician was recently hired and he will start part-time service in June and come on board full time in July as the Chief Medical Officer. Another doctor will begin his full time service in August. Three other temporary doctors will serve the clinic during June and July. In lieu of a health board, the clinic will have a professional medical advisory team to assist in providing Best Practice Clinic Operations.

On Memorial Day a great turn out of tribal members and guests celebrated the second phase dedication of the Veterans Memorial. A special tribute was paid to the World War II Veterans who occupied the front row during the celebration. I express my sincere appreciation to the planning team and Sara Balbin, including LCO Development for a great job. The final dedication will be held on Veterans Day in November.

Two incumbents and one new member have been elected to the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board June 15th.

Michael "Mic" Isham Jr. and Russell "Rusty" Barber, both incumbents, were re-elected to serve on the Tribal Governing Board. Norma Ross will fill the seat previously held by William Morrow. All will serve a four-year term.

Following are the vote totals:

Mic Isham: 644 votes
Rusty Barber: 489 votes
Norma Ross: 428 votes
Brian Bisonette: 417 votes
Lorraine Gougé: 393 votes
Gaiashkibos: 243 votes

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board held a swearing in ceremony for the three winners of the 2013 elections. Michael “Mic” Isham, Rusty Barber and Norma Ross were sworn in by the Honorable Sheila Corbine during a July 2nd ceremony at the LCO Convention Center.

After a welcome song by the Badger Singers and Invocation by Jerry Smith, the new members were seated and an election of officers was held. Isham received the only nomination for Chairman, and Barber also received a sole nomination for Vice Chairman and were seated without a vote needed. Norma Ross and Larry Kagigebi both received nominations for the Secretary/Treasurer seat and a vote was held in Ross' favor 4-3.

Each Tribal Governing Board member delivered an address to a crowded convention center of over 300 family, friends and community members. Each asserted the need to support one another and make the Lac Courte Oreilles community strong.

Click here to read Isham's full inaugural address

by Iva Bunker, memo to LCO TGB June 8, 2013

Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to stop participating in the problem, beginning July 1; I will no longer be a participant of the Lac Courte Oreilles Urban Office. The office is a wonderful, visionary idea that was in the back of our minds for many years, but because it is so visionary, not everyone on the Reservation can see it, the office is essentially an extension of our tribal sovereignty to our urban members.

Since July 1, 2011, when we opened the doors; our members came and showed their support; we have over 750 members in the Twin City and seven county-metro area and I understand it takes time to get broader participation as we had back in 1995 with the LCO Chapter, but I know that they care about the LCO Office being here. When called on I was available to help where I could. Since opening we have issued over 100 tribal IDs and numerous replacement cards, there have been requests that were genuinely in need that our budget could not handle, however, I was able to refer out to agencies that could help. I am also trained as a LCO Indian Child Welfare Act expert witness for tribal cases held in Hennepin County. On numerous occasions Tribal Staff parked their vehicles at our secure parking and got rides to the airport thus saving costly parking.

Despite current Facebook references to me not assisting with a member and her husband I did offer to help hold a fundraiser for her husband here, but she choose to go to LCO and do it there. It is my understanding that they are receiving help from their insurance company and getting the resources they need now. There are members who come from the Reservation to our office seeking help either for emergencies or non-emergencies for instance last Thursday, June 6, a couple came to see me for help getting back home, she apparently lost her wallet, I filled their gas tank and they were grateful that we were here for them. Earlier that morning a young man came in because he has been sleeping in his car and he has been homeless, we referred him to a shelter until we can get him permanent placement through another program and he received advice on how to apply for a school and another program that would help expunge his felony and help finding a job to get him by.

Since 1995, I have been issuing GLIFWC hunting tags and now I will no longer be doing this for LCO members including other Tribes (Red Cliff and Bad River) this means hunters will have to buy a state tag or go to the Reservations.

Currently, LCO member Gordon Coons has his art on our walls and he has done this since we opened to showcase Tribal member art work, what is now hanging is part of a traveling art show and will be taken down in July.

As for the $90,000 dollar rumor, it has been over 31 months (since we've opened) this averages $27,900 a year, which is on the low end of running a program here in Minneapolis. This amounts includes: market rate rent of $2,025.00 at $24,300 a year and includes added services such as phone, long distance, internet, a receptionist and copies, we would not get this rental rate in another facility. With regard to my salary before retirement I was at $55,000, my current salary for the Urban Office with no benefits is $1,187 per month or $14, 244 a year not to mention the fact that I received no salary for the first several months of operation; this is definite savings and at this amount we are definitely underfunded for the 31 months of operation, we are comparable with the five other Tribal offices located in the Twin Cities. As you recall, I was at the meeting in January 2013 (Martin Luther King Day) where the budget was discussed for the Minneapolis Office, the Chairman's salary of $55,000 was deemed a donation along with the Tribes donation of $15,000 reduced from the previous year of $20,000.

Out of this experience, I learned no matter how you try to do the right thing there will always be attacks on the integrity and accountability of our service to tribal members. Over the last decade or longer the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe lost its reputation as Pride of the Ojibwe, until two years ago our financial situation was at the brink of collapse and since the “turn around” as a member, I was once again very encouraged and proud of our leadership, however, we let the selfish attacks by a handful of members dictate our vision. I have since lost my passion and dedication to keep the Urban office open under my leadership thus, it is my feeling is to take the office out of the line of fire, thereby eliminating those targets of unfounded controversy and negativity. Thank you for your support for this office.

Hello, I am Gregg W. Duffek and I have been appointed the new Tribal Health Center Director. I began work here at LCO on June 03, 2013 and it is truly an honor to work in a Tribal facility.

I am an enrolled member of the Stockbridge Band of Mohican Indians. My wife and I have 5 adult children and 4 granddaughters who make me remember what is important in life.

I have over 20 years experience working in Indian Health & Human Services. I have a Masters Degree in Business with an emphasis in Healthcare. I come here to help.

I have served on many local, regional and national health groups including Great Lakes and Bemidji Area Office focus groups to better healthcare for Tribes in and out of Wisconsin. I have served on the Wisconsin Legislative Special Committee on Tribal Relations to advance legislation for Wisconsin Tribes and have always fought to make it better for all Tribes not just one.

I helped form the Tribal Aging Directors Association and provided guidance to the Tribal Income Maintenance Directors to help them form their own association, so we could all be heard by the state to make equal access to medical care and other services for Tribal Communities.
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This is the same vision I have for the delivery of healthcare here at LCO. If it is available for one it must be available for all and with the limited amount of funds we get from the federal government and other funding sources we bill it is more important now than ever for us to pull together and use our limited resources well.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Sawyer County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting that occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Officers responded to the scene on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation to find a deceased individual with gunshot wounds.

On behalf of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board, Chairman Michael Isham released the following statement about the incident.

“The events of August 7th that resulted in the death of a young man on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation are tragic and touch every family of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe and our entire community,” said Isham. “Many members of the LCO community knew the families involved in this untimely tragedy and we all share in the pain they feel.”

The deceased individual located at the scene was 26-year-old James A. Hamilton of Stone Lake, Wis. The shooter, a 29-year-old Hayward man, called 911 from the apartment where the incident occurred. He was taken to the Hayward hospital and Sawyer County Jail before being released. An autopsy was performed on Hamilton by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner in St. Paul, Minn. Sawyer County authorities suggest the shooting may have been in self defense.

“Even though we don't know many of the details leading up to the incident, it is still a sad day when a family suffers such loss,” Isham added. “Our hearts go out to the families of those involved and on behalf of the Tribal Governing Board, we will look to assist in the investigation any way we can.”

Further details will be released by Lac Courte Oreilles as they become available. The case remains under investigation.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department will be out in force along with hundreds of other law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin for the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Crackdown on drunken drivers from August 16 through Sept. 2.

Drunken driving is one of the most prevalent and deadly crimes in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Last year, 223 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Wisconsin. There were nearly 27,000 convictions for drunken driving in the state last year.

“Drunken driving is entirely preventable. You can designate a sober driver or find an alternative way home. But if you make the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired our officers will be on the lookout, and we will arrest you,” says Chief of Police Timothy DeBrot. “The devastating consequences of a drunken driving arrest include major embarassment, expensive penalties, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and possibly jail time. Driving drunk will be a decision you will regret the rest of your life, if you are lucky enough to live.”

To help prevent drunken driving, the Zero in Wisconsin traffic safety initiative has a free “Drive Sober” mobile app, which includes features like “Find a Ride,” blood alcohol estimator and designated driver selector to help you get home safely and achieve zero preventable deaths on Wisconsin roadways. The Drive Sober app can be downloaded by visiting zeroinwisconsin.gov.

These past few months seemed to have flown by fast so when Lonnie asked me for a Chairman's report I really had to sit and pause to reflect on the work we have been doing since inauguration. I certainly don't want this newsletter to be a Chairman only publication so I will try and keep it short. Also the Tribal Governing Board is going to change the format for this newsletter and make it more about news and information from the community and less about political issues. For example we want to see 2 pages from the Health Center, Housing, Conservation, etc. The Tribal Membership needs to be informed about what is happening at all our entities and the newsletter is one area where we can do that.

Strategic Planning
Tribal Governing Board members Rusty Barber, Norma Ross, Don Carley, Gary Clause, Larry Kagigibi and myself along with Elders Council members Marilyn Tribble, Faith Smith, Marie Kuykendal, and Dewey Isham engaged in 3 days of strategic planning on behalf of the Tribe. I believe a separate article is being written about our planning session so I won't take your time up writing too much about it. I would like to say however that it was extremely important to take the time to do it.

We are not done yet. We have several more sessions to go since the Tribe has grown so much since the last time this was done. When we have a draft strategic plan complete the Directors of the programs will get a copy for them to add their comments and suggestions.

We will be making the draft strategic plan available to our membership for their comments and suggestions as well. We will take comments in writing, email, or by phone. The comment period will be the standard 30 days. Those comments/suggestions will be read and considered before the Tribal Governing Board votes on the final approval. That officially approved document will be the guiding light for our programs and entities into the future.

Meetings
Our Tribe as well as all the other Tribes in what is now known as Wisconsin, shares many of the same trials and tribulations. Mining, Employment, Prescription drugs, Economic Development and so many more issues we struggle with everyday. Chairmen and Councils are constantly meeting with various Federal/State and Tribal agencies to try and address all our issues.

To try and have a greater impact with the various agencies we have formed the Chippewa Federation. We believe the Federal Govt. has used the divide and conquer strategy on the Tribes with great success. We now want to “undivide.” Together we have a louder voice, more resources and more experience on which to rely to fight all our fights on all the various battlegrounds.

So far the Chippewa Federation consists of the 6 Ojibwe bands in Wisconsin but the hope is to begin to reach out to Ojibwe in Minnesota, Michigan and elsewhere.

The potential economic benefits can be huge as well. For starters we have taken action to extend each other's tax rebates to each other. This means we won't just be giving the gas tax exemption to LCO members but to the other Ojibwe members as well. When we are in Bad River they will extend their gas tax rebates to us. This will hold true for room tax, cigarettes, etc. It's a start.

Governor Walker
I as well as Tribal councilmembers Rusty Barber, Norma Ross, Don Carley and Gary Clause attended a Tribal leaders meeting with Governor Walker. Many of the issues that I wrote of earlier in this report were discussed. Governor Walker brought all of his cabinet officials so they could commit to listening, and working on our issues.

I have met with Governor Walker a few other times and in my opinion this was one of the better meetings. Only time will tell if the meeting will bear any fruit but I have to say there was great back and forth debate. There is no doubt in my mind that we got our opinions and issues heard.

Sympathies
In a small community like ours any loss of life is felt by all of us. Today as I write this report the funeral notice for Lillian Corbine is on the front desk just as the one for James Hamilton's funeral was taken down. Our sympathies go out to all those families that have lost loved ones. We are essentially one big family and each loss hurts us all. If we all reach out to the families with hugs and an ear to listen we can help relieve them of a little bit of pain, loss and anger.

I could write for several pages more as there is so much happening but after a certain point no one will read it anyway. If you see me in Wal-Mart or on the football field I am always willing to talk so feel free to approach me with any questions.

Miigwetch
Mi’ew

Waadookodaading is an Ojibwe language immersion school chartered by the Hayward Community School District located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation. Although PreK to 5th grade enrollment at Waadookodaading is small, program impact continues to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote an endangered language. Currently, 51 young language learners now attend Waadookodaading, and as this number of learners increases, so does the likelihood that Ojibwe language will survive well into the future.

There are many struggles involved in operating any school in this day and age, but an indigenous immersion school has a special set of challenges — a shortage of licensed teachers with the requisite language abilities, a dearth of reading materials written in the Ojibwe language, and continuing professional development to grow language proficiencies of instructors. Among many other needs, the most significant challenge overall is lack of space.

Since its inception twelve years ago, adequate classroom and office space for Waadookodaading has been a continuous struggle. The school started at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School (LCO), and from there, to the Hayward Community School, and back to the LCO Ojibwe School where it has once again outgrown its available space. The school has not been able to grow beyond 5th grade without additional classrooms.

Waadookodaading has occupied two modular buildings, one classroom and one office at the LCO K-12 School for the past three years. For the 2013-2014 school year, Waadookodaading will have 61 students and will need six classrooms. Only four classrooms within the modular buildings will be available. Additional office space is also needed because three administrative staff share on small office. The LCO School has been generous but now needs more space to meet its growing classroom needs.

A community meeting held on April 29th at the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Office discussed plans to meet short-term needs. Some suggestions included utilizing several FEMA trailers, building a structure near the modular classrooms, adding rooms on to the WOJB radio station, and renovating a part of the old Boys & Girls Club building.

Waadookodaading met with Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board on May 20, 2013 and asked for the Tribe's help. Also in attendance were Dennis White, Craig Euneau and Terry Barber of the LCO K-12 School. The Tribe approved construction of a 76 x 42 building which will belong to the LCO Schools, to be utilized by Waadookodaading until they can move into their own building. During the summer, tribal crews have been laboring away in the hot sun to finish the project by the beginning of the school year. Staff and families of Waadookodaading sincerely appreciate their hard work.

Waadookodaading is not supported by annual allocation of contract dollars, nor receives state aid for education.

The school receives some pass through dollars from the Hayward Community School district, but must raise its own operating funds from federal grants, private foundations, and other miscellaneous donations. To build its own school building, Waadookodaading must undertake a capital campaign to raise approximately $8.3 million dollars.

A little over a year ago, the Jump River Electric Cooperative Board of Directors purchased 4.72 acres on the Cooperative's service lines with plans to build a new Hayward office and outpost building. This land is located on the intersection of County Highways B & K in Sawyer County, next to Subway.

Shortly after purchasing the land, a building committee was formed and they began work on designing a new Hayward office building and pole shed. Architectural Design Group (ADG) from Eau Claire was hired by the Cooperative to work with the committee in creating the building plans. ADG has designed several cooperative buildings, including Barron Electric headquarters in Barron and the Siren outpost for Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.

Bids were sought with local businesses being awarded the bids where possible. On August 14, a ground breaking ceremony was held and construction will begin in the next month.

The Cooperative's existing outpost is currently located on Highway 63 in Hayward, which is a distance from their service territory. Improved safety, providing more timely service to their members, and reducing future transportation expenses are just a few of the benefits Cooperative members and Hayward area employees will experience with this move.

Entering on and existing off of Highway 63 with the Cooperatives bucket trucks has raised some safety concerns in the past. The board also felt that this new location would improve the overall response time to members as Cooperative employees respond to outage calls or simply perform their daily maintenance work since this new site places them immediately within their service territory. Reducing transportation cost also becomes a reality with this relocation.

The Cooperative's headquarters office and shop is located on the north side of Ladysmith on Highway 27 and will remain as such. At some point in the near future, the existing Cooperative's Hayward office and outpost building will be for sale.

Baker-LaRush Participates in Mississippi River Walk

LCO Tribal Governing Board to Host Prescription Drug Abuse Panel, Public Hearing March 30th

Tribal Governing Board Meets with Hayward School District Board of Education

U.S. EPA Names LCO Tribal Governing Board Secretary and GLIFWC Chairman Mic Isham to New Great Lakes Advisory Board

Chairman Thayer to Deliver State of the Tribes Address at Wisconsin State Capitol

Roamin’ Rez Literacy Program Visiting LCO Communities

WITH VIDEO: Chairman Thayer Delivers State of the Tribes Address to State Legislators at the Wisconsin Capitol

LCO to Establish Harvest Camp at Penokee Hills

LaRush Recognized for Participation in Mississippi River Walk 2013

Primary Election Results from May 18th

Chairman Announces Results of Lac Courte Oreilles Audit; Investigative Forensic Audit to be Ordered

Three Elected to Tribal Governing Board in General Election

Governing Board Members Sworn in at July 2 Lac Courte Oreilles Inauguration

Bunker to Leave LCO Minneapolis Urban Office

New Director for Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center

Tribal Governing Board Statement on Fatal Shooting at Lac Courte Oreilles

Tribal Police Department to Crack Down on Drunken Motorists During Sober Driving Campaign

Chairman Mic Isham's August Tribal Update

New School Building to be Occupied by Waadookkodaading

Jump River Electric Cooperative Breaks Ground on New Facility at Highways B & K