AAnniisshhiinnaaaabbeegg TTooddaayy

A Monthly Chronicle of White Earth Reservation

Vol. 26 No. 2 White Earth, Minn. [email protected] Wednesday, February 3, 2021

White Earth RBC seeks management and ownership of White Earth State Forest Established in 1943, the White Earth State Forest encompasses approximately 160,000 acres of land throughout the eastern portion of the White Earth Reservation. In the early 20th century, the land was heavily logged and several wildfires left the landscape burned and barren. The Minnesota Legislature established the White Earth State Forest to reforest the area, preserve and protect habitat, and enhance recreational opportunities. Recently, the White Earth Reservation Business Committee, in conjunction with the White Earth Department of Natural Resources, began the process to restore management and ownership of the Forest to the White Earth tribal government. White Earth will seek legislation to return the land to the White Earth Reservation, to be managed and overseen by the White Earth Natural Resources Division. “Tribal governments have come a long way since the 1940s,” White Earth RBC Chairman Michael Fairbanks said. “Through our Natural Resources Division, we have Submitted photo the expertise and sophistication to manage these lands just as well if not better than the state.” The White Earth RBC recently met with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Council to discuss intertribal economic development. From left are White Earth Secretary/Treasurer Alan Roy, Flandreau Treasurer The attempt is part of White Earth’s overall strategy to restore Ryan Kills-A-Hundred, White Earth Chairman Michael Fairbanks, Flandreau President Tony Reider, its land base within the Reservation, which was decimated over the Flandreau Secretary Neldie Montoya, Flandreau Trustee John Schreider, Flandreau Trustee Richard years of allotment and even into the reorganization period of the Jones, Flandreau Vice President Cindy Weddle, and White Earth District I Representative Ray Auginaush. early 1900s. Restoring the White Earth State Forest to the Reservation would ensure that the land is managed and owned by its rightful owners, the White Earth people. White Earth RBC meets with Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal “These are our homelands. We are best suited to protect, honor Council to discuss commerce and economic development and preserve our land and our natural resources,” concluded Fairbanks. Members of the White Earth RBC met with the ing. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Council on Jan. 11 in “We are stronger when we can work collabora - More information will be available as the tribal government Flandreau, S.D. tively,” White Earth RBC Chairman Michael continues to work with Minnesota DNR and the Legislature on the The meeting discussed intertribal commerce and Fairbanks said. “Exchanging ideas and working return of the White Earth State Forest. economic development. Representatives from White together will help all our people.” Earth toured a project the Flandreau Tribe is develop - N E 4 D M D 1

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r o T r S e R t S P P e U D new Clearwater County Attorney

District I Representative Ray Auginaush recently met with r

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P Director Mike Thompson, WE Police Lieutenant Jeremy Cossette, Clearwater County Attorney Katherine Lorsbach and District I Representative Ray Auginaush.

Photo by Tanya Vold 2 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Anishinaabeg Today #MaskUpWhiteEarth and give the teachings a voice

The Anishinaabeg Today (AT) is the offical publica - By Dave Snetsinger transmission-prevention stuff, we can save a hundred lives tion of White Earth Reservation and is published once a and of our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family in the next month. Editorials and articles appearing in the AT are Dr. Carson Gardner few months. Masks work. Have the guts to mask up White the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily White Earth Emergency Operations Center Earth Nation. reflect the opinion or attitude of the AT staff or the White COMPASSION —We Anishinaabeg know that talking Earth Reservation Business Committee. The Seven Great Teachings are an Anishinaabe guide on the talk but not walking the walk is not mino-bimaadiziwin. The AT reserves the right to reject any advertising the path of mino-bimaadiziwin, living life in a good way. Living life in a good way means both talking the talk and or materials submitted for publication. The submission They apply to everything. They have helped the walking the walk. We can and should think and talk about of articles, and photos is encouraged, however, they are Anishinaabeg survive and thrive in many tough times. Those saving lives from COVID. But walking the talk means subject to editing for grammar, length, and malicious/ teachings are as old as Winniboozhoo stories, and yet as new wearing a mask whenever we’re out and about. Masks work. libelous content. The Editor makes the sole decision of as the comfort needed to face today's internet news. It has Saving lives is Anishinaabe kindness. Walk the talk. Mask what is published in the AT and will not assume any been harder to live life in a good way during this COVID up White Earth Nation. pandemic, for many reasons. Is it normal to wonder what the responsibility for unsolicited material nor will the AT RESPECT —You and I may not always agree in an Seven Great Teachings can say, specifically, about COVID guarantee publication upon submission. Deadlines are argument. But we know each other, our families, our history, survival? Of course it is. No one can speak for the Seven strictly enforced! Deadline dates are printed on Page 2 and our choices. I respect you even when I don’t agree with Great Teachings. But here are a sample of words shared on in each issue. you. I wear a mask because I respect you and want to do White Earth lands, during the past year. Encouraging each The AT is distributed at no charge to all postal what I can to protect you. I hope you wear a mask because other is kindness. And kindness is the foundation of mino- patrons living on White Earth Reservation, and by mail you respect me and want to do what you can to protect me. bimaadiziwin. Giving kindness a voice is a way of honoring to White Earth Reservation members (who request the Let’s both respect each other and keep each other safe. the teachings. newspaper) living within the United States. One per Masks work. Mask up White Earth Nation. TRUTH —Right now, masks are still more effective household. The cost of a newspaper subscription is $12 than vaccine. Distancing and hand washing help make HONESTY —People don’t like wearing these masks. per year for non-members (including descendants) liv - masks work even better. Vaccine does work, but it’s not here It’s hot, it fogs up glasses, and it slides out of place a lot. We ing off the reservation. The AT can be read online for yet for everybody. If 90% of our White Earth community all hope we can quit wearing masks soon. But, honestly, I no cost at www.whiteearth.com. wear masks whenever out and about, we can cut down want to be a part of saving the lives of our elders and our For more information call 218-983-3285 Ext. COVID case-rates and death-rates by up to 90%, even before neighbors and family with diabetes, emphysema, kidney dis - 5903, email: [email protected], fax: 218-983- the vaccine gets here. We Anishinaabeg face the truth and ease, and other chronic health problems. So, I wear the darn 3641, or write to: deal with it. Masks work. Mask up White Earth Nation. mask whenever I’m out and about. Masks work… honestly. WISDOM —Our elders carry the cultural and spiritual Mask up White Earth Nation. Anishinaabeg Today wisdom of our Anishinaabe Nation. We all need that wis - HUMILITY —Some people think masks make them PO Box 418 dom, now and in the future, to live Anishinaabe life in a good look dumb. Others think masks are a “hoax.” Some think White Earth, MN 56591 way. Our elders are vulnerable to serious illness and death they’re too good to wear a mask. Some people think mask- Member of the from COVID. If we mask up we can help protect our elders, wearing is too darn frustrating. Some even think masks steal v Native American Journalist Association so their wisdom can help our Anishinaabe nation face the their freedom. I think I’m not too uppity to do something v Minnesota Newspaper Association future. Wearing a mask is a wise choice. Mask up White simple and practical, that can save the lives of my family, Earth Nation. friends, neighbors, and co-workers. I don’t care what people WER Business Committee COURAGE —Some people make fun of us for wearing think of me for wearing a mask. I’m doing what I can to masks. We Anishinaabeg know how to deal with heckling. save lives. Masks work. Mask up, White Earth Nation. We do what we know is right, no matter what the hecklers Give the teachings a voice, Gaa-waabaabiganikaag Michael Fairbanks say. If we all wear masks when out and about, and do other Anishinaabeg. #MaskUpWhiteEarth. Chairman Leonard Alan Roy Secretary-Treasurer People living in poverty have different perspectives Raymond Auginaush Sr. District I Representative By Evelyn Bellanger Personality : In poverty, personality is for entertain - Pine Point, Minn. ment. Sense of humor is highly valued. The middle class, it Kathy Goodwin is for acquisition and stability. Achievement is highly val - District II Representative People living in poverty, middle class or the wealthy ued. The wealthy, it is for connections, financial, political, Cheryl “Annie” Jackson view things in different perspectives; on money, food, world social connections are highly valued. District III Representative views, friendships, possessions, personality, family struc - Family structure : In poverty, tends to be matriarchal, ture, etc., etc. Here they are written about what some people middle class, tends to be patriarchal and the wealthy, Editor can resonate with, some things are obvious, and to others, depends on who has money. it’s still hidden. The Hidden Rules Among Classes, an article Social emphasis : Poverty, social inclusion of people that was written by Ruby Payne. Gary W. Padrta s/he likes, middle class, emphasis is on self-governance and Money : Those living in poverty view money is to be self-sufficiency and wealthy, emphasis is on social exclu - used and or spent. Those of the middle class, view it as to sion. Future Issues * be managed and for the wealthy it is to be conserved and Clothing : In poverty, clothing is valued for individual invested. style and expression of personality. Middle class, it is valued Deadline Issue Date Food : Those living in poverty ask; did you have for its quality and acceptance into norm of middle class. enough? And the middle class will ask, did you like it? The Label is important. The wealthy, clothing is valued for its Feb. 24 March 3 wealthy is concerned with, was it presented well. artistic sense and expression. Designer is important. World view : Living in poverty, people see the world in Time : Poverty, present most important. Decisions March 31 April 7 terms of local settings, the middle class, it is seen in terms of made for moment based on feelings or survival. Middle national settings and the wealthy sees the world in terms of class, future most important. Decisions made against future April 28 May 5 international settings. ramifications. Wealthy, traditions and history, most impor - Friendships : Those living in poverty say; who is that? tant. Decisions made partially on basis of tradition and May 26 June 2 The middle class it’s introductions and handshakes, for the decorum. wealthy, one needs to be introduced by one of their acquain - Education : In poverty, its valued and revered as June 30 July 7 tances in their circle of friends. abstract but not as reality. Middle class, crucial for climbing Possessions : In poverty, it’s people, middle class it’s success ladder and making money. Wealthy, necessary tra - * Deadline and issue dates subject to change things and the wealthy it’s one-of-a-kind objects, legacies, pedigrees. See Understanding Page 14 Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 3

News From Chairman Michael Fairbanks

Aaniin Boozhoo Gaa-waabaabiganikaag Niminwendam Waabaminaan! Namebini-Giizis! Anishinaabe Dengwechigaans Biizikan. Weweni- sago-na. Greetings White Earth Nation, I am Happy to See You! It is already February, the Suckerfish Moon! Everyone Be Safe, Stay Safe, Mask Up.

Here it is, February, with spring around the cor - ner. This past month has been momentous on several levels. There is optimism with a new administration under President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris and the President’s appointment of Congresswoman Deb Haaland, the first Native American woman to the Cabinet-level position of Secretary of the Interior, which includes the Bureau of White Earth’s Ordinance. Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Tiny Homes Project, also known as Avivo These two agencies have tremendous impacts in Village, is moving forward, with White Earth leader - Anishinaabe Country generally, and White Earth ship and staff supporting the program to temporarily Nation specifically. I am ecstatic. house our people. In partnership with Avivo, we are Regionally and nationally, the Covid-19 pandem - developing wrap-around services and programs to ic is still threatening our nations on and off the reser - address the barriers that individuals have in getting vations. As the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, we have and maintaining permanent housing. These program been the number one Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in developments include billable services, creating rev - combating it through our Emergency Operation enue to sustain and expand the program. Center (EOC). The White Earth Indian Health Center As we proceed into 2021, please stay safe. We and White Earth Public Health Program has vaccinat - must continue to take precautions to prevent the ed many of our members already. I hope that we will spread of covid. Remember, you are not only protect - all see the worst of this pandemic behind us. We need ing yourself, but your friends and family, particularly, to continue wearing our masks, practice social dis - those whom because of their health or age, may be tancing, and get tested regularly. particularly vulnerable if they become infected. Be I am happy to report that White Earth’s Medicinal safe, my relatives! Cannabis Ordinance was passed last month after a Baamaapii wiingezin. public comment period. Passage of the Ordinance Miigwech bizindawiyeg. asserts White Earth’s sovereignty and allows for the Gigawaabamininim naagaj. development and implementation of a Medicinal Cannabis program that will begin to address the health Take it easy. and wellness of our citizens, many of whom suffer Thank you for listening to me. You can reach the Anishinaabeg Today from chronic and other health conditions that See you all later. at 218-983-3285 Ext. 5903 or Medicinal Cannabis will help alleviate. email [email protected] A program coordinator has been hired, and she is currently developing the program in accordance with Chairman Michael Fairbanks COLA staff are working nonstop to get ready in the event of a Learning Model change

Dear Circle of Life Academy, know your transportation intentions and needs. 2. All students will receive regular education on age- Thank you for waiting patiently for an update on the sta - 2. Each family will be asked to commit to a quarantine appropriate COVID-19 best practices. tus of hybrid or in-person instruction at Circle of Life protocol, and a signed copy of that commitment must be For the staff : Academy. Although Governor Walz made the metrics for returned to the school in order for your child to attend hybrid 1. All staff will start by receiving two adult face shields reopening advisory, the mandatory portions of ‘guidance’ or in-person. and cloth face masks. have increased the burden on local school districts across the 3. COLA will provide face shields, facemasks, and all 2. All staff will start by receiving two boxes of rubber state. We receive revised instructions on a weekly basis; other related COVID-19 PPE to every student (see more gloves, one box of sanitizing wipes and enough plexiglass however, ultimately any change in our current Learning details below). We will kindly ask that you send your child plastic barriers for all desks within their classrooms and/or Model is at the discretion of our Interim School Board (i.e., to school with one of our proper fitting face coverings. If you office spaces. Tribal Council). need one that fits your child, please contact the school to 3. All staff have been offered bi-weekly COVID-19 In the event of a Learning Model change, COLA staff request a mask. testing (i.e., either saliva or nasal swabbing). have been working nonstop the last few days to assess how 4. If, due to quarantine needs, our school transitions 4. All staff were offered COVID-19 vaccination, start - these guidelines impact our reopening plans that have been between different Learning Models, there will be a learning ing on Jan. 20. under development the past three weeks. I want to extend a break of two or up to five days that our staff will need to pre - 5. All staff will set-up their classrooms and/or office huge thank you to the staff I serve, for their hard work and pare for the change. When this occurs, it will likely be on spaces to meet the six feet apart social distancing mandate. creative thinking. short notice, and we will effectively need to close school for For the school building : In the event our Interim School Board supports and that frame of time. Multiple ‘snow days’ if you will. Thank 1. The school has installed and implemented a single approves a change in our Learning Model, there will be four you in advance for your understanding. point of entry to the school building to ensure proper things we need from you to help us prepare for an opening of With the above shared, here are all the steps COLA has COVID-19 mitigation check-in procedures are followed. hybrid or in-person instruction: completed to ensure the safest learning environment possi - 2. The school has installed and implemented a cutting- 1. Bussing will be a limiting factor for the school’s abil - ble. edge hands-free thermal imaging temperature screening sys - ity to operate. If you can provide transportation for your For the students : tem. child on a consistent basis, it will help us immensely to serve 1. All students will start by receiving two age-appropri - more children. Please contact the school office and let them ate face shields and cloth face masks. See COLA Page 17 4 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Just a reminder that the ONE-Call Center is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and is staffed with professionals to answer general questions related to COVID-19. The ONE-Call Center also provides supportive services including constituent services, mental health, and nursing.

Area communitiOesp isoeide Eanp iidnecmreiac se in overdoses

Editor’s note : This joint release was sent to zations and treatment providers. There are also media outlets on Jan. 16. The total numbers may online resources available for addiction through the have changed. Minnesota Department of Health. If you believe a family member may be abusing opioids, common Recently, many communities in northwestern symptoms of opioid abuse include: drowsiness, Minnesota have seen a significant increase in opioid uncontrollable cravings, frequent flu-like symptoms, related overdoses and deaths. Specifically, law change in sleep habit and isolation. You may notice enforcement within the communities of Beltrami small folds of tin foil, small plastic baggies, random County, Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, prescribed pills or the disappearance of your own Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the City of Bemidji prescription medication. These observations should have responded to 62 overdoses since Dec. 1, 2020. not be overlooked and you should seek help. Ten of those overdoses have resulted in fatalities. Additionally, we all recognize that addiction is While law enforcement works to find those people real and powerful. Overdose deaths are preventable. responsible for bringing these harmful drugs into our The U.S. Surgeon General has emphasized the communities we also need help from the public to importance of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone. end these preventable tragedies. For family and friends of people who have opioid use Over the last decade the opioid epidemic has disorder, it is important to know how to use naloxone tragically affected individuals, families and commu - and keeping it within reach can save a life. Although nities. Tribal leaders, law enforcement officials, pub - we do not condone the use of illegal drugs, if you lic health and community partners have taken steps to must use, make sure someone is with you. An opioid help people overcome their addictions and to save overdose results in the slowing of the respiratory sys - lives. An example is that law enforcement officers tem and in some instances it can stop your breathing. from these communities are all trained and equipped Without the immediate intervention of someone else with the lifesaving medication naloxone. This has the results can be fatal. Minnesota’s Good Samaritan resulted in saving more than 100 lives in our commu - Law, statute 604A.05, provides immunity from pros - nities. However, the significant increase recently ecution for those individuals who call for help when may be attributed to synthetic opioids or fentanyl someone else is suffering from an overdose. The goal which naloxone has little effect upon. It is important of this statute, and ours, is to save lives in our com - to know that these drugs can be fatal upon the first munities. use. Working together the leaders of the Leech Lake If you, or someone you know, is suffering from Band of Ojibwe, the White Earth Nation, the Red opioid addiction it is important to know there is treat - Lake Nation, Beltrami County and the City of ment available in our communities. You can seek Bemidji seek to save lives and end the cycle of addic - help from health care providers, public health organi - tion that has tragically impacted our communities. Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 5

News From Secretary-Treasurer Alan Roy Rez Briefs

My fellow Anishinaabeg, Holmes Theatre wants your ideas There have been many changes since the last The Holmes Theatre and the City of Detroit Lakes are gathering time I wrote an update. As a Tribal official, I’m hum - input on Arts & Culture in the DL area. Please take a few minutes bled by everyone’s support and cohesion as we pro - and share your ideas at: https://forms.gle/eqidqTrfLEKdT7P66. tect our communities from COVID-19. Each of us Thank you for participating in the survey! have a tremendous responsibility to care for one another and our progress clearly shows that this is the WE Urban Office has moved case. This month’s update is a little different but I do White Earth Urban Office has moved from 214 West Franklin want to provide a range of updates so that we can all Avenue to 1730 Clifton Place, Suite 100, in Minneapolis. The bring in this new year with hope. phone number is 612-813-1590 and the office is open Monday to First, I want express my family’s appreciation Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are open by appointments only. for friends and community. All of our Elders and Waubun School Forest updates families have endured this pandemic with patience. If you can, please call your neighbors just to say The Waubun School Forest is open for skiing, sledding, snow - hello and to let them know that we are together in shoeing and walking. School rules apply on the property. Please spirit if not in person. limit your time in the building to 10 minutes mask, distance, and use sanitizer when entering. You will need to bring your own water Second, the Tribal Council authorized up to stabilizing force in my life despite war, plague and and mask. If this is your first visit it may help to watch the video $500,000 for Tribal small businesses, $2,000 for personal misfortunes. I count the blessings all around that is on the Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Schools web site. each member affected by the pandemic, and provided my life and family and I feel truly blessed. Choose Menu and then School Forest. Call 473-2575 if you have a each community council $25,000 to assist with com - I recently proposed to renew my marriage and question. The Location is 2541 State Hwy 113 (9.2 miles east of munity related COVID response. This is a first time Waubun). the Tribe has provided direct allocations to individu - vows to Henny. She accepted. Our first vow was spe - als or businesses in several years. White Earth Nation cial. This one will be filled with even more joy. A ceremony will be held at some time. WE Cultural Division offering traditional medicine is one of the most protected communities in the state The White Earth Cultural Division is offering traditional med - with our testing and vaccine rollout. We are doing Since 2008, our family has been blessed. We icine for individuals that need medicine in these changing times. well. have grown stronger together. Such a wonderful gift You may contact: [email protected] or call the Third, at the Special Meeting held Jan. 20, the of family and blessings we have received in all these EOC center at the Shooting Star Casino and request to get a hold of Tribal Council passed a $16 per hour minimum wage years. Merlin Deegan. raise for workers across all of White Earth Nation Please join us as we celebrate our love for one owned commercial entities, gaming and within its another. I hope that you find joy and peace in your Circle Back Program referrals governmental unit. This directly benefits hundreds of lives as we rebuild our lives and nation. If anyone needs to get a hold of the Circle Back Program to workers and their families that work for the White My family and are actively assessing all options make a referral or to schedule a comprehensive assessment for ado - Earth Nation. Affected workers can expect the regarding our future. As of this moment for 2022 or lescents, call 218-983-4693 or Ext 4693 or email leslie.fain change to take effect on March 26, 2021. Please con - anything sooner, we have not yet decided if we are @whiteearth-nsn.gov tact Human Resources for additional information and running for any office. This would include Tribal, for official updates. State or Federal. White Earth Car Seat Prevention Program • Is your child in need of a car seat? I’m both honored and thankful to bring you this Our family may transition from public life to pri - • Are you wondering if your child needs the next stage car seat? news and for the actions of our Chairman and vate life where we can fully experience the joys of • Let us help to secure your child’s future in the correct car seat! District Representatives for prioritizing the needs of parenting. Henny and I thank the thousands of sup - • We are available for car seat education Monday through our workers and their families. The Tribal Council is porters for believing in us. Rest assured, if or when Friday; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. a very progressive body that prioritizes the needs of we decide which direction we will go, we fully Please call Danielle Darco at 218-936-3285 Ext. 1324 or its people. intend to commit to that decision all the way. Bryanna Chilton Ext. 1259 to help answer any question you may In many respects, White Earth Nation has now Finally, I wish the Biden-Harris administration have or to schedule an appointment. surpassed State and Federal efforts for raising the Godspeed and I send my family’s wishes for a uni - minimum wage. The decision to raise the minimum fied future. The poet Amanda Gorman captures the Anishinaabeg Today Readers wage for workers reflects a key value of the Tribe: spirit of our time with these words that have inspired Please let us know if you recently moved, or have moved in the supporting workers and their families. The decision so many towards building a positive future: past few years so we can cancel your old address. Many papers also reflects the frugality and sound management of And yes we are far from polished are still being sent to old addresses! Call the Anishinaabeg the Tribe’s affairs and finances in recent years to Far from pristine Today at 218-983-3285 Ext. 5903 or email today@whiteearth- make such a bold decision. But that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is per- nsn.gov. The greatest economic agents for White Earth fect Nation are good paying jobs and healthy families. We are striving to forge a union with purpose Fourth, I fully support individual entrepreneurs To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, charac- related to the Tribe’s efforts in building a medical ters and conditions of man cannabis program. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us But what stands before us On a personal note, this month marks 37 years My family sends its prayers and asks for bless - since I was brought into this world. I’ve spent about ings to all that call our nation home. a third of that time with 12 years of marriage and 11 years of being a father. Raising a family has been a Alan 6 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

White Earth Secretary/Treasurer Report

SECTION I – FINANCIAL REPORT ed in proprietary funds, which are reported the same Overview way that all activities are reported in the Statement of The RBC’s finances are reported annually Net Position and the Statement of Activities. In fact, through a Statement of Net Position and Statement of the enterprise funds (a component of proprietary Activities. The most recent available statements are funds) present the same information as the business- found in the RBC’s Audit Report. These statements type activities reported in the Tribe-wide statements provide information about the activities of the Band as but provide more detail and additional information, a whole and present a longer-term view of the Band’s such as cash flows. We use internal service funds (the finances. other component of proprietary funds) to report activ - The Statement of Net Position presents informa - ities that provide supplies or services for the Band’s tion on all of the Band’s assets and liabilities and other programs and activities – the cost of the Band’s deferred inflows and outflows of resources, with the general, medical, and workers compensation insur - difference reported as net position. Over time, increas - ance – which are then allocated to the various tribal es or decreases in net position may serve as a useful units and funds. indicator of whether the financial position of the Band The governmental fund financial statements is improving or deteriorating. The Statement of report the Band’s operations in more detail, showing Activities presents information showing how the how these services were financed in the short term as Tribe’s net position changed during the most recent we as what remains for future spending. fiscal year. All changes in net position are reported as Governmental fund financial statements also report soon as the underlying event giving rise to the change the Band’s operations in more detail than the Band- occurs, regardless of the timing of related cash flows. wide statement by providing information about the Thus, revenues and expenses are reported in this state - Band’s significant funds. ment for some items what will only result in cash General Fund flows in future fiscal periods (e.g., earned vacation The General Fund includes departments that leave). operate more for the good of the Band members than In the Statement of Net Position and the to make a profit. Departments such as education and Statement of Activities there are two kinds of activi - public safety are directly involved with the Band ties: members. Other departments are indirectly involved Governmental Activities – Most of the Band’s with the Band members but perform functions for the governmental activities are reported here, which Band’s overall good. include general government, health services, educa - As reported through audits, Special Revenue tion, human services, public safety, conservation of Funds were administered through: General natural resources, transportation, economic develop - Government, Health Services, Education, Human ment, culture and recreation, and community services. Services, Public Safety, Conservation of natural Shared taxes, charges for services, interest on invest - resources, Transportation, Economic development, ments, governmental contracts and grants, and trans - Culture and recreation, Interest, and Public works. fers from the business-type activities finance most of The approved Fiscal Year 2021 RBC General the governmental activities. Fund Budget was authorized at the September 2020 Business-Type Activities – The Band’s gaming Regular Meeting. and retail sales are reported here. Fees charged to cus - Fiscal Year 2021 – Quarter 1 tomers is what primarily finance these activities. Reporting the revenues and expenditures for the Fund Financial Statements Band’s most recent finances will be generated quarter - The fund financial statements provide detailed ly as substantial changes occur between reporting information about the most significant funds – not the periods. For example, revenue and expenses arrive Tribe as a whole. The RBC establishes funds by reso - infrequently on a monthly reporting basis. This stan - lution to help it control and manage money for a par - dard applies to all funds and activities. Moving for - ticular purpose, or in order to demonstrate that it is ward, the Band will report the Band’s finances with meeting legal responsibilities for using certain grants significant changes highlighted at Regular Meetings. and other money. The two fund types – governmental The Band’s most recent finances can be found below. and proprietary – use different accounting approaches. As with any monthly report the numbers will change Governmental Funds – Most of the Band’s basic significantly. To better reflect the actual finances of services are reported in governmental funds. the Band, Quarterly Financials will be provided for Governmental fund presentation focuses on how the Quarter ending in December, March, June, and money flows into and out of those funds and the bal - September of each year. The unaudited preliminary ances that are left at year-end and are available for numbers are subject to change as the numbers are spending. These funds are reported using an account - finalized. ing method called modified accrual accounting, which For governmental activities, overall year to date measures cash and all other financial assets that can from October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020—the first readily be converted to cash. Governmental fund quarter of fiscal year 2021—combined revenue was information helps you determine whether there are $94.8 million, and expenditures were $26.6 million. more or less financial resources that can be spent in On December 31, 2020, cash on hand was $94.1 mil - the near future to finance the Tribe’s programs. We lion. However, $92.4 million is considered Other describe and reconcile the relationship (or differences) Governmental Funds; $47.1 million of these funds between governmental and business-type activities belonged to Behavioral Health while the General Fund and balances reported in the Statement of Net Position was $1.7 million. and the Statement of Activities and governmental White Earth Nation has a Facebook page! funds and proprietary funds financial statements. Collective expenditures during this period were $26.6 million. Other Governmental Funds were $23.5 Proprietary Funds – When the Band charges Visit us for the latest COVIN-19 updates: million, and the General Fund was $3.1 million. customers for the services it provides – whether to www.facebook.com/WhiteEarthNation outside customers, members of the Band or to other units of the Band – these services are generally report - See Report Page 14 Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 7

White Earth Nation Medical Cannabis Update White Earth Council of Elders By Richard Tallbear, Westerman Consulting spasms, PMS and diabetic neuropathy. and The majority of the medical conditions indicated By Lucille Silk, Chairperson Esther Ames , Project Manager for Waabigwan by our survey respondents are not qualifying condi - White Earth Reservation Council of Elders Mashkiki. tions under the State of Minnesota program and the survey data of tribal membership who face barriers to We have already started our second month in the New Year On Aug. 16, 2020, in a referendum vote, the citi - qualifying and/or participating in the state program with no end in sight for the Covid-19 virus. We are eager to get zens of White Earth voted to allow the White Earth validated the need for a White Earth Nation Medical most of our Elders vaccinated to prevent them from contacting Nation to explore and develop a Medicinal Cannabis Marijuana program that addresses the specific medical this terrible disease. program. Subsequently an Ordinance was developed needs of the tribal members. We are losing our Elder population at an incredible rate from and put out for public commentary, which was then The survey results also provided demographic adopted by the Reservation Business Committee. It is data, product preferences and the estimated the number many diseases and the grief our communities are suffering is important to understand what the Ordinance does and and amount of products needed to address the identi - unimaginable. It is so difficult to not be able to accompany a loss does not do, against the framework of why Medicinal fied community health needs of our tribal members. with families when restrictions prevent our being together as we Cannabis is needed on the White Earth Reservation. The second step in our process was to consider normally gather to grieve. A death in our Anishinabe culture The first step in planning for the White Earth med - how to adequately address those needs and medical affects us all, since we are all related. Please know that Elders ical marijuana program was to gather community conditions with specific cannabis cultivars. We also are suffering in silence for your loss of a loved one. member data by developing and administering a wanted to ensure the legitimacy of the White Earth Many requests come to our Elder Council for assistance and Medical Marijuana survey that took place this fall. Medical Cannabis program by working with the indus - we do our best to contact those Programs that should address This survey provided valuable information that will be tries most reputable and experienced experts in med - them. It is sad to note that many of our Elders did not get their used to plan and develop the White Earth Medical ical cannabis and research. Marijuana program and demonstrate that the State of Waabigwan Mashkiki, LLC has contracted with windows covered with the plastic to hold in their heat. Also, Minnesota’s Medical Marijuana program does not ade - cannabis genetics industry leader BioAgronomics many minor repair needs did not get the attention required. It is quately serve the health needs of the White Earth Group from Los Angeles and Native American hard to believe that some of our Elders are still living without Nation membership. The survey had over 500 respon - cannabis industry consultant Richard Tall Bear to water and sewer, nor have electricity. My heart is heavy for those dents and confirmed the need for a program that assist Waabigwan Mashkiki, LLC with every aspect of individuals! specifically addresses the health problems and needs our startup, including the design and construction of It is so important to get the Elder Affairs Commission re- of a Native American population. Some of the more our fully automated light deprivation greenhouse, activated, which should help with addressing many of the needs pertinent survey results were. indoor artificial light grow, organic production plans of our Elders. A new meeting has been set up for the first Twenty-seven percent of respondents currently and certification, and the development new varietals Wednesday of February. use cannabis to treat a medical condition while only through a breeding program that will be exclusively 3% of respondents are registered patients in the owned by the White Earth Nation. Once again we must relay messages from our Elders stating Minnesota Medical marijuana program. This tells us BioAgronomics Group is an international consult - that they are not receiving the needed health care that they that a significant number of tribal members are at risk ing company founded by Robert C. Clarke and Mojave request from Indian Health Services. The main issue has to do legally by using marijuana for a medical condition. Richmond. Focusing on assisting companies to navi - with dental care. As we all know, as an Elder, our teeth or lack When respondents were asked why they do not gate the complexities of the evolving cannabis indus - their of, is an important need for us. At times, we suffer with a take part in the Minnesota Medical marijuana program. try, BioAgronomics Group brings decades of experi - tooth ache and need immediate care. Many times, we end up los - Thirty percent of respondents said their health issue is ence and expertise in all areas of the cannabis industry. ing the tooth. With the loss of these teeth, we cannot eat many not listed as a qualifying medical condition as defined From food, fiber and medicine to the infinite pos - foods so our nutritional needs then become a problem. Securing by the state program. Twenty-seven percent of respon - sibilities of manufactured products, BioAgronomics an appointment for dental care is difficult or unable to acquire. dents said the state licensing process is too complicat - Group assists companies to focus their efforts into ed. Ten percent of respondents said the distance to the building teams that embody company goals and aspi - Many of our families are still not getting their bill paid by state dispensary was a factor. rations. Skilled with R&D, commercial cultivation and IHS and thus lose their credit and often have their taxes taken away. Some Elders are still having problems in getting their When asked what specific health problems product development, we bring our years of experience respondents have and wanted to treat via medical as well as a vast network of colleagues from the medicine. For example they get a 28 day supply so when a week- cannabis, over 50% answered either pain, anxiety, cannabis industry to help create successful outcomes. end comes around, they have to go without for a few days. “We are honored to be working on the Waabigwan depression and stress. Between 30% and 40% of Believe it or not, it is not always that easy to make another respondents answered insomnia, PTSD, ADD/ADHD Mashkiki cannabis cultivation facility, breeding pro - gram and to be providing our plant genetics as well. trip to get the medicine. For those that have to take time off and migraines. Between 20% and 30% of respondents work, it becomes a problem. Most that are working are barely answered arthritis, nausea and addiction. And, between making a living to shelter, clothe, and feed their families, so take 10% and 20% of respondents answered muscle See Cannabis Page 22 those things as important. We want to thank White Earth Home Health for all the test - ing they have been doing in our communities for the Covid-19. Also, for attempting to get our Elders vaccinated and with the WE Investment Initiative opens tax sites second follow-up. life is short so we try to make the most of it. White Earth Investment Initiative has opened receive their returns virtually and complete their God Bless the Water Protectors, you are an absolute asset to their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites. The review and e-file authorization via videoconference. our Reservation! Shooting Star Casino tax site will be open Mondays Visitors to the tax site are required to wear through Thursdays, until March 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 masks and practice social distancing. WEII personnel Thank you to our Historian for her wonderful articles each p.m. The Pine Point site (community center) will be will be following all federal, state, and local COVID- month. We must know our History and appreciate its importance open Fridays only, through Feb. 19, from noon to 6 19 guidelines, including frequent cleaning of tax sta - in moving forward with our Tribe. p.m. Appointments are required and can be made by tions. Taxpayers are asked to reschedule their tax Please keep the ill and less fortunate in your prayers and visiting weii.website or calling 800-752-6579. appointments if they are not feeling well. never forget our Veterans for their bravery and continued service To keep taxpayers, tax volunteers and staff as “We are very excited about opening the tax sea - to our Country. safe as possible, tax operations will operate in a son and serving our clients,” said Sue Trnka, VITA semi-virtual way during the filing season. At their Director for WEII. “2020 was a challenging year, but Happy Valentines’ Day to All. Is there a Rehab for gossip - appointment, taxpayers will provide identification, our volunteers and staff are well-prepared to help the ing? I don’t need it, but I’ll tell you who does!!! Laughter is still complete intake forms, and provide copies of their community file their returns as efficiently as possi - the best medicine... tax documents to VITA staff and volunteers. Returns ble.” will be prepared within seven business days. Taxpayers should be sure to bring their photo Lucille Silk, Chair - 218-983-3768 Taxpayers will need to return for a second appoint - IDs, originals or copies of Social Security cards for Lawrence Crowell, Vice Chair - 218-252-9390 ment to review their returns with tax site personnel all persons listed on the tax return, and all tax docu - and sign a form authorizing WEII to e-file their ments (e.g., W2s, 1099s, etc.) along to their first Stephanie Williams, Secretary - 218-983-3121 return. Alternatively, taxpayers could choose to appointment. 8 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021 February is National Heart Month

By Katie Hoban RDN, LD (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating Registered Dietitian plan. Most healthy eating patterns can be adapted White Earth Public Health based on calorie requirements and personal and cultur - al food preferences. With February being Nation Heart month let’s Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods. focus a little on Heart disease by the numbers and The right number of calories to eat each day is ways to live a healthy life for a healthy heart! based on your age and physical activity level and Heart Disease by the Numbers in the United States whether you're trying to gain, lose or maintain your • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for weight. You could use your daily allotment of calories men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic on a few high-calorie foods and beverages, but you groups in the United States. probably wouldn’t get the nutrients your body needs • One person dies every 36 seconds in the to be healthy. United States from cardiovascular disease. Limit foods and beverages high in calories but • About 655,000 Americans die from heart dis - low in nutrients. Also limit the amount of saturated fat, ease each year—that’s one in every four deaths . trans fat and sodium you eat. Read Nutrition Facts • Heart disease costs the United States about labels carefully — the Nutrition Facts panel tells you $219 billion each year from 2014 to 2015. This the amount of healthy and unhealthy nutrients in a includes the cost of health care services, medicines, food or beverage. and lost productivity due to death. As you make daily food choices, base your eating The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle pattern on these recommendations: Recommendations • Eat a variety of fresh, frozen and canned veg - A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons etables and fruits without high-calorie sauces or added to fight cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you salt and sugars. Replace high-calorie foods with fruits may think! Remember, it's the overall pattern of your and vegetables. choices that counts. Make the simple steps below part • Choose fiber-rich whole grains for most grain of your life for long-term benefits to your health and servings. your heart. • Choose poultry and fish without skin and pre - Use up at least as many calories as you take in . pare them in healthy ways without added saturated • Start by knowing how many calories you and trans fat. If you choose to eat meat, look for the should be eating and drinking to maintain your leanest cuts available and prepare them in healthy and weight. Nutrition and calorie information on food delicious ways. labels is typically based on a 2,000 calorie per day • Eat a variety of fish at least twice a week, espe - diet. You may need fewer or more calories depending cially fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (for exam - on several factors including age, gender, and level of ple, salmon, trout and herring). physical activity. • Select fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1%) dairy • If you are trying not to gain weight, don’t eat products. more calories than you know you can burn up every • Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated day. vegetable oils to reduce trans-fat in your diet. • Increase the amount and intensity of your phys - • Limit saturated fat and trans-fat and replace ical activity to burn more calories. them with the better fats, monounsaturated and • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate phys - polyunsaturated. If you need to lower your blood cho - ical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activ - lesterol, reduce saturated fat to no more than 5 to 6 ity (or an equal combination of both) each week. percent of total calories. For someone eating 2,000 Regular physical activity can help you maintain calories a day, that’s about 13 grams of saturated fat. your weight, keep off weight that you lose and help • Cut back on beverages and foods with added you reach physical and cardiovascular fitness. If it’s sugars. hard to schedule regular exercise sessions, look for • Choose foods with less sodium and prepare ways to build short bursts of activity into your daily foods with little or no salt. To lower blood pressure, routine, like parking farther away and taking the stairs aim to eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium instead of the elevator. Ideally, your activity should be per day. Reducing daily intake to 1,500 mg is desir - spread throughout the week. able because it can lower blood pressure even further. Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food If you can’t meet these goals right now, even reducing groups. sodium intake by 1,000 mg per day can benefit blood You may be eating plenty of food, but your body pressure. may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. • If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That Nutrient-rich foods have minerals, protein, whole means no more than one drink per day if you’re a grains and other nutrients but are lower in calories. woman and no more than two drinks per day if you’re They may help you control your weight, cholesterol a man. Fergus Falls and blood pressure. • Follow the American Heart Association recom - 218-736-5673 mendations when you eat out and keep an eye on your Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that empha - *Licensed in Minnesota and White Earth Tribal Courts sizes: portion sizes. • a variety of fruits and vegetables Live Tobacco Free • whole grains Don’t smoke, vape or use tobacco or nicotine • low-fat dairy products products — and avoid secondhand smoke or vapor. • skinless poultry and fish Many more tips for living a healthy life can be A message from White Earth WIC • nuts and legumes found at the American Heart Association website • non-tropical vegetable oils (www.heart.org/en/healthy-living) – where the above WIC is still open! Call to schedule an appointment today. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, red meat, tips were found. The website also includes a long list All appointments are being completed via phone. sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. If you choose of a variety of recipes – so check it out! And see what to eat red meat, compare labels and select the leanest you can do to be a little bit more heart healthy! You can reach WIC Monday - Friday cuts available. Don’t forget to check out the Heart Healthy from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 218-204-0399. One of the diets that fits this pattern is the DASH Recipes on Page 14. Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 9

WERAS presents EMT class on White Earth THE DOCTOR’S CORNER By Dr. Carson Gardner Fran is teaching everything: from scene-size-up White Earth Health Medical Director safety, patient assessment, COVID era personal pro - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease tective equipment, and safe lifting techniques, to bag- WERAS is teaching an EMT class at the White valve-mask ventilation, CPR, and stroke, heart attack, Earth Tribal and Community College this winter. Kim and trauma rescue. Students meet with Fran online Tamara Smith, FNP-C Turner of the WETCC team made the cooperation pos - two nights a week for three-hour-long classes; then White Earth Health Center sible; and Fran Carlson, NREMT-P, WERAS’s para - gather in person at WETCC on scheduled Saturdays medic manager, is teaching the class. for hands-on skills training. The group hopes to begin Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, Fran obtained teacher certification from the all face-to-face teaching as soon as COVID safety and is a term that refers to a group of lung diseases that can interfere with Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board, developed a teach - vaccination allow. The goal is for them all to be ready normal breathing. Causes of COPD include smoking, air pollution, ing curriculum, and helped perfect a hybrid online/in- for license testing by spring 2021. and occupational exposures. COPD includes health problems such as person teaching technique in high-risk COVID pan - But all this is not new for WERAS. White Earth chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic asthma. Other diseases demic times. Ojibwe Nation got in on ambulance EMS care right at linked to COPD are cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, scarring of the Kim offered WETCC cooperation, an online the beginning. And what was the formal beginning of lungs, and bronchiectasis. learning platform, and scholarships for the first class of emergency medical services in the USA? The first Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchi or students. Several new EMT students are now hopeful recorded modern-day, successful resuscitation with airways. It results in increased production of mucus that blocks the to finish, test nationally through the National Registry what we know as CPR chest compressions didn’t hap - airway. These changes may result in shortness of breath, frequent of Emergency Medical Technicians, and become fresh - pen till 1960. The mnemonic for resuscitation, “The infections, and chronic cough. Emphysema is a chronic lung condi - ly-licensed White Earth EMT’s. But, hey, what’s a A,B,C’s,” wasn’t even invented till 1962. The tion in which the air sacs (alveoli) may become destroyed, collapsed, “WERAS,” anyway? Is that a word in Ojibwemowin, National Highway Safety and Traffic Act of 1966 overstretched, or narrowed in the lungs. Alveoli collapse on breath - the language of the White Earth Anishinaabe/Ojibwe established the Department of Transportation authority ing out and trap air in the sacs, which results in breathlessness people? to mandate the first actual national curriculum for because less oxygen enters the blood vessels in the lungs. Well, yes and no. It should be! WERAS is an training ambulance personnel—which didn’t train or Unfortunately, the damage to the air sacs is permanent. Asthma is a acronym—a word made up from the first letters of allow EMT’s to do CPR/defibrillation in the field. It chronic inflammatory lung disease. Characteristics of asthma other words. It stands for White Earth Reservation was 1967 before the world medical community even include swelling of the lining of the airways, excessive production of Ambulance Service. But it stands for a lot more than considered that CPR and defibrillation could best be mucus, mucus plugs, and tightening of airway muscles, making it just that. Like “Warriors, Educators, Rescuers, And done at the scene of the crisis, rather than in a hospital. hard for air to pass through the airway. Servants” of the people; and “Worn-out (rear) Ends By the late 1960s doctors began to admit that CPR Your doctor may order a pulse oximeter, pulmonary function Riding Ambulance Seats!” Here on the White Earth should be done in the field, by non-physician EMS test (PFT), 6-minute walk test, chest x-ray, or computed tomography Reservation, WERAS also means, “I didn’t think I was care providers. The first community CPR training sys - (CT) of your lungs to confirm the diagnosis of COPD. The goals of gonna make it to that hospital, but those WERAS tem in the world began in 1970, in Seattle. The first COPD treatment include reduction of your symptoms and improve - EMT’s and paramedics were right on it, pulled me successful entirely community-member-led resuscita - ment of quality of day-to-day life. Besides ordering pills and through, and got me there in one piece. Miigwech tion happened on a Seattle golf course in March 1973. inhalers, we also send people with advanced COPD to pulmonary Manidoog.” The first program to train EMT’s to perform defibrilla - rehabilitation. Here are some exercises that you can do at home: But the WERAS crew, like ambulance profession - tion in the field didn’t begin until 1980! So, enter 1. Pursed-Lip Breathing . This type of breathing will help you als all over Turtle Island, are aging. There are much WERAS. exhale better and remove trapped air from your lungs. To perform more grey and white hair, aches and pains, and canes Back to Ardette Bisson. You see WERAS has the exercise, relax your neck and shoulder muscles first. Then, and braces seen at crew meetings nowadays than in been alive and saving lives on White Earth lands since breathe in slowly through your nose (count to 2 or 3). Then, pucker 1999—when an eccentric, bearded, middle-aged fami - 1978. Ardette, Warren at that time, as an LPN, who your lips as you would do if you were blowing on a candle. Breathe ly doctor with a bad Ojibwe accent, recently joining trained at “the technical college “in Detroit Lakes and out slowly and gently, twice as long as you breathed in. White Earth IHS from Park Rapids, got assigned the got her LPN degree “in the ‘60s.” She worked as an 2. Diaphragmatic Breathing . The diaphragm is a dome-shaped job of medical director. LPN for years and she may even have worked at the muscle just below your lungs and participates in breathing. Try not “New blood” in EMS ambulance agencies is White Earth Reservation hospital. But she had been to use your chest, shoulder, or neck muscles when breathing, but needed to carry lifesaving emergency 911 response born there, as was her oldest daughter. In the mid- focus on breathing with just your diaphragm. Sit or lie on your back healthcare traditions on deeper into the 21st century on 1970s, there was “a notice in the paper” about the and relax. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Make sure your Gaa-waabaabiganikaag. Fran Carlson decided to fin - RTC—the reservation tribal council— wanting volun - stomach moves out. Then, breathe out through pursed lips. Your ish a circle, to reach for a dream, and complete the teers to start an ambulance service on the reservation. stomach should move in. work started and continued by Carol Turner, Frank Ardette thought that was a good idea and volunteered. 3. Huff Cough Technique . Mucus build-up is a common prob - Stech Jr., and DeVon Green—all in the honored tradi - She ended up being willingly drafted as the first direc - lem for people with COPD. Coughing is the body’s normal response tion of WERAS managers—all the way back to to clearing the airways. The huff-cough technique can help people Ardette Bisson. See EMT Page 23 cough up mucus effectively. Sit in a comfortable position. Inhale a little deeper than you would for a normal breath. Use your stomach muscles to blow out the air in three even breaths while you make the sounds, "ha, ha, ha," as if you are blowing onto a mirror to make it steam. Finally, I would like to remind patients with breathing problems to stay as physically active as you can tolerate. Plan your physically demanding tasks for the time of day when you have more energy. Focus on breathing; do not hold your breath; use your “rescue” inhaler before exercises. Use oxygen if prescribed during activity, but increase the flow rate only if your doctor told you to do so. Stop exercising if you develop chest pain or discomfort, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Remember: smoking cessation is the most important factor in the prevention of COPD. If you smoke, get help to quit: join a tobac - co cessation program at the clinic or online program. Ask your provider to prescribe medication for tobacco cessation. Ask your family members to quit smoking. Don’t allow smoking in your home, in your car, or around you. Don't use e-cigarettes or vaping products since they have harmful side effects, some of which are unknown at this point. Try to stay away from things that may affect Submitted photo your breathing, such as burning wood, smoke, heating fuels, dust, vapors, fumes, and other chemicals. The WE Reservation Ambulance Service and the WE Tribal and Community College are teaming up to teach an EMT class. Bruce Engebretson, EMT, shows off a new White Earth ambulance. 10 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

White Earth Doctor finds hope, resilience in connection despite pandem ic One-Call Center By Dan Gunderson patients and their families through this terrible dis - The One-Call Center is currently in operation as a Minnesota Public Radio News News ease, he said, has been just as critical in helping the part of the Emergency Operation Center for the White people mounting the tribe’s response to COVID-19 Earth Nation. It is available to assist callers and respond Dr. Carson Gardner has been a physician for more maintain their sense of community — even at a dis - than four decades. tance. to emails to provide resources and supportive services But watching the coronavirus pandemic unfold “Some of the most important times of the day are with a nurse, mental health and human services worker over the past year has reinforced his belief that simply the unscripted five or 10 minutes after a meeting, available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. listening has great value in the practice of medicine. where we just share something humorous, or some - “Caring about people,” he said. “That’s always, I thing frightening, or something frustrating, and then White Earth/Mahnomen County One-Call Center think, been the most important thing for me personally talk about it for a while,” Gardner said. — listening to people who have health care needs and + Nursing + Mental Health + Human Services Within the group, it’s Gardner’s job to be the 218-936-2774 // [email protected] concerns and emergencies, and have fears and hopes voice of science, while respecting the vital role of cul - and confusion, and hearing what they're asking and tural beliefs in fighting the pandemic. then responding to what they're asking.” The recent death of a well-known elder, he said Contact the One-Call Center if you or someone you Being heard is important for worried patients and would normally have brought a thousand people know need resources or contact info for : families — and for the people on the front lines who together for a multiday funeral. But now, in this time are helping them. of limited interactions and social distancing, it’s an Covid19 Triage # Gardner is medical director of the White Earth event that was limited, to prevent coronavirus spread. Nursing/Home Health Services Nation’s tribal health department, and one of the peo - Gardner writes poetry as therapy in his downtime, Mental Health Services ple who has been leading the fight against the coron - and in the midst of his days spent focused on the latest avirus on the tribe’s northern Minnesota reservation White Earth DMV Services coronavirus science, the most effective testing meth - Food Assistance for months as a member of its COVID-19 response ods and the logistics of coronavirus vaccine distribu - emergency operations team. tion, he turns to traditional spiritual beliefs for Community Council contacts Native nations in Minnesota were able to manage strength and comfort: “Debwewin, nibwaakaawin, Emergency Energy Assistance the early months of the coronavirus pandemic with zoongide’ewin, zaagi’idiwin, manazoonidiwin, Employment Services relatively few cases and deaths. But that all changed in gwayakwaadiziwin, dabaadendiziwin, mino- Veteran Services early fall, when cases and deaths began to surge. As of bimaaduziwin” in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe last week, the White Earth Reservation has reported language. Elder Services White Earth Homeless Resources more than 600 total COVID-19 cases since the pan - “Here it is in English: Truth, wisdom, courage, demic began. compassionate love, respect, honesty, humility, living Enrollment Contacts But there is hope: The White Earth Nation is well life in a good way,” he said. Substance Abuse/Rule 25 Assessments into its vaccination program — it was one of the first Holding fast to those principles is how Native General COVID-19 Questions communities in Minnesota to begin vaccinating — communities have survived hundreds of years of General Questions Relating to WE Programs and case rates have begun to slow. The reservation’s tragedy, Gardner said — and they offer the best hope COVID-19 response team meets a couple of times a for getting through the losses suffered, and the losses day to manage everything from testing to delivering yet to come from this pandemic. meals for elders. “We will grieve the loss of our friends and family, “And while we’re social distancing and mask- and our respected leaders, but we will not be discon - wearing, we still talk to each other,” Gardner said. nected from the river of Anishinaabe life,” he said. “We talk about problems and frustrations we laugh “We will continue on. Doesn’t make it hurt any less — together we cry together.” we will be angry and sad and shocked. We’ll go And the listening that has been critical to helping through the stages of grief and loss, but we'll go on.”

You can reach the AT at [email protected] Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 11

White Earth Financial Services & COVID19 Wiidookodaadiwin – “We Assist Each Other” Closed to the public until further notice

Staff available: Monday-Friday / 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Phone: 218-935-2359 or toll free: 1-844-282-6580 Call volume is at a high level, please leave your name and DOB with a brief message of your questions. Your concerns are very important to us. We strive for same day/next day return call. Family Cases contact : Tina Swenson Ext 3265, Annie Erickson Ext 3309, Jeana Ketter Ext 3291, Jennifer Scott Ext 3313, Lori Savoie Ext 3274 Adult Cases contac t: Shellie Racer Ext 3307, Lori Drift Ext 3312, Christy Wadena Ext 3709 Aged, Blind, Disabled contact : Crystal Fineday Ext 3306 Administrative Assistant : Aimee Hisgun Ext 3715, Wendy Johnson Ext 3305, Teresa Kappedal Ext 3715 Concerns or comments : Financial Service Manager, Amy Littlewolf Ext 3290 Mailing Address : PO Box 100, Naytahwaush, MN 56566 DROP BOXES AVAILABLE: ***We have five fax locations to receive documents*** Naytahwaush Sports Complex : 218-936-3104 Mahnomen Backgrounds Office : 218-936-2508 Detroit Lakes Workforce Center : 218-844-5811 Bagley Financial Services : 218-694-6507 White Earth Financial Services : 218-983-4294 IMPORTANT: SNAP/Cash/Emergency Applicants Internet users/online applications : Applymn.dhs.mn.gov No internet/no problem : Call our office and we will guide you through the appli - cation process. If you have any questions regarding Public Assistance programs and the appli - cation process, please let us know. Miigwech and stay safe

February Food Distribution Calendar

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5

Home Deliveries RL, Bagley, Ponsford, NTW

No Distribution

8 9 10 11 12

Home Home Deliveries Deliveries Mahnomen, White Earth Waubun No Distribution

15 16 17 18 19

Closed Home Deliveries for Detroit Lakes Presidents Day No Distribution

22 23 24 25 26 Inventory Home Delivery Dates Subject to Change! No Distribution

Office hours: 8 to 4:30 Distro hours: 9 to 3:30 Lunch: 12 to 12:30 Phone: 218-935-2233 Fax: 218-935-2235 12 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021 New staff join WE Initiative Investment team Wellness Navigators and Community Support Heather Anderson of Also, WEII Community Officers Complete Suicide Intervention Training Mahnomen has joined the staff of Services Coordinator Sue Trnka White Earth Investment Initiative has been accepted to a three-year On Jan. 13, community support officers and wellness navigators as Lending Assistant. term as a member of the for the White Earth Reservation completed the safeTALK training Heather has a bachelor’s Minnesota Homeownership increasing their knowledge and skill set regarding suicide prevention degree in finance from Center Program Advisory and intervention techniques. Minnesota State University Council. Council members pro - Trainees were taught lifesaving skills which include learning to Moorhead and prior experience vide input on programs, services, recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and how to con - in banking and accounting. Her and other matters. They also nect them to help and support. Preventing suicide is a community primary duties include providing Heather Anderson advise the Center on trends, Gavin Schmidt effort. Each individual can make a difference, and together, a group customer service and processing needs and goals. of trainees creates a safety network for those in need. consumer loan applications at the Ogema office. White Earth Investment Congratulations to Karen Jones, Cole Thompson, Dustin Keezer, “Heather grew up in the finance industry and has Initiative is a private, nonprofit Ralph Goodman, and Craig Bower for successfully completing the experience working with the tribe – a good fit for our Community Development workshop and earning a SafeTALK certificate! team,” CEO Julia Nelmark said. Financial Institution serving In other staff news, White Earth Investment Native Communities in Initiative (WEII) has hired Gavin Schmidt as Minnesota, particularly the White Monthly Mental Health Connection Groups Program Assistant for the White Earth Tax Site. Earth Reservation. For more White Earth Mental Health, in collaboration with the White Gavin has an accounting degree from the University information go to www.weii.web - Earth Tribal and Community College, is conducting monthly culture of Minnesota-Crookston and prior accounting experi - site. WEII is an equal opportunity group activities. The group activities are free and open to all ages. ence. employer, lender and provider . Sue Trnka Participants have the option to attend the monthly group in-per - son or virtually using Zoom. Individuals that attend the Mental Health Connection Group participate in a cultural teaching, activity, Mahnomen County is vaccinating a higher percentage of or craft. The purpose of the group is to increase cultural learning, connect with community members, and understand how culture can residents against COVID than all counties in Minnesota play a role in nurturing positive mental health. The MH Connection Group has conducted the following activi - By Robin Huebner soon after, developed a plan to deploy the vaccine ties to date: traditional medicine education and making tobacco Forum News Service when it became available. pouches and moccasins. The latest group activity was held in both They got the word out through a vaccine educa - Mahnomen and Pine Point communities where participants made MAHNOMEN, Minn. — One northwestern tion campaign, which included articles in the tribal dream catchers. Information regarding future monthly activities will Minnesota county is outperforming all others in the newspaper, social media posts and videos. be posted on the White Earth Nation Facebook page with registration state when it comes to administering the COVID-19 By the time the vaccine was ready, the issue was - instructions. Youth are highly encouraged to participate. vaccine. n’t convincing tribal members to take it. Any youth or young adult under the age of 24 that attends the Mahnomen County, situated entirely within the “Our problem was deploying the vaccine effi - group activity in-person or virtually, will be entered into a drawing confines of White Earth Nation, leads the way with ciently enough as we started so that there wouldn't be for a $25 gift card! If you have questions or would like more infor - 19.4% of its population having received at least one any waiting lines,” Gardner said. mation about the MH Connection Group activities, please contact dose of the vaccine, according to data as of Jan. 25 Early on, Norman-Mahnomen Public Health, a Judy Simpson, Mental Health Crisis Coordinator, at 218-983-4703. from the Minnesota Department of Health. consolidated program managed by Norman County Vaccination rates for its neighboring counties which serves people of both counties, assigned one of thus far are as follows: Norman at 10.3%, Clearwater its public health nurses to the effort. at 7.7%, Becker at 6.7% and Polk at 6.5%. The unit provided vaccinations in Norman The second best rate belongs to Olmsted County, County and some areas of Mahnomen County that it home to Rochester and the Mayo Clinic, where could cover better than the tribal health department 14.6% of the population has been vaccinated. could cover, Gardner said. The robust response in Mahnomen County and Agreements with non-IHS providers, including on White Earth could be due, in part, to having access Sanford Health and Essentia Health clinics, further to multiple vaccine sources. boosted the effort. Dr. Carson Gardner, medical director on the “We have that benefit of all those different reservation, said the White Earth Indian Health sources and together, that has a powerful effect on Service (IHS) clinic received an allocation early on getting vaccine out into the community into the arms from the National Indian Health Service. of our citizens,” he said. White Earth and other tribal nations have also On White Earth, front-line health care workers, received vaccine doses from the state separate from tribal elders and other patients in high-risk groups what other counties, including Mahnomen, have were offered the vaccine first. Later, tribal and county received. public health nurses held mobile vaccination clinics Gardner said just as important, however, was the in villages on the reservation. advance planning, extra hours of work, agency coop - Also, home health nurses were trained in giving eration and community spirit that has taken place. COVID vaccinations and when the time came for “We made a case for the science of vaccination, weekly, biweekly or monthly visits, they’d call and we also made a case for the Anishinaabe values,” patients ahead of time to say they could receive the Gardner said, values which include truth, wisdom, vaccine. courage, compassion, love, respect, honesty and “We had very little resistance or hesitancy,” humility. Gardner said. Vaccination is critical for American Indians The COVID-19 risk system on White Earth, on a because they are three times more likely than non- 10-point scale, had been pegged at 10 for months. Hispanic whites to contract COVID-19, according to This week, it could drop below seven, Gardner said. the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. During the worst week in the counties that share American Indians who test positive also tend to land with the White Earth Nation, 16 people died of be younger, and their death rate overall from COVID COVID-19. Last week, there was one death, he said. is nearly twice that of white people, the CDC said. Also, clusters of COVID cases among employer - Gardner said White Earth formed a COVID response emergency operations team last March, and See Vaccinations Page 24 Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 13 Last Tango at the Red River

By Winona LaDuke arrested if she came to the site, and in her report, once com - Honor the Earth Executive Director plete she expressed outrage at the lack of transparency, con - sultation, and destruction of cultural properties. There are It’s an amazing competition to be the last Tar Sands many more cultural sites, both from the ancients and the pre - Pipeline. Enbridge wants to win. It already did. The last tar sent peoples, near the Mississippi River, Willow River and sands pipeline was Enbridge’s Alberta Clipper, completed Savannah Portage- all of those places were recorded hun - across Leech Lake, Red Lake and Fond du Lac in 2015. On dreds of years ago on Midewiwin scrolls. Jan. 21, newly elected President Biden cancelled the Being hasty means that people get killed - like Jorge besieged KXL pipeline. The pipeline cannot meet a climate Villenueva who was crushed by a forklift at the Hill City test - in other words, you can’t shove 800,000 barrels a day construction site. Being hasty means that you start throwing of tar sands oil through a pipe, burn it, and save the planet. in pipe as fast as you can, although that pipe may be corrod - Nor can Line 3 - its’ 915,000 barrels a day. Gov. Walz has ing. At least, that’s what we saw on the Willow River, and we committed to a 2030 100% renewable electricity goal, just a see in pipe yards all throughout the north country. month after the approval of Line 3, WHOSE CARBON https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11102020/pipeline-coat - FOOTPRINT IS the equivalent of 50 new coal fired power ing-keystone-xl/ Put it this way, most of the pipes which plants. That’s puzzling. Enbridge is putting in the ground have been sitting out in In the meantime, Enbridge is barreling ahead. pipe yards for five years, getting turned over and repainted Unloading more OUT OF STATE workers in the north with a special anti-corrosive. WHAT ARE WE TO DO? country. It’s a frenzy of wiindigo action in Hubbard, Cross our fingers? After all, the Keystone XL , brand new Clearwater, Cass, Wadena, Aitkin and Carleton Counties. pipeline, spilled 383,000 gallons of oil into Lakota territory, There have been OVER 50 arrests, thousands of people because of anomalies and welds. gathering, and hundreds closing down company worksites in New pipe is not as good as No pipe. remote places in the north woods, not to mention the shut The HDD down at Fond du Lac worksites in late January. The Enbridge wants to cross the rivers 69 or so times in ARREST numbers are rising. The fact is that Enbridge has northern Minnesota. That means dirty oil will move far. the police, the money and the pipes, but we have the people The Mississippi gets crossed two times, the Red River, Little - tens of thousands of water protectors, and they are showing Red River, Clearwater, Crow Wing get crossed - they feed all up, across the north, and in major rallies throughout the state. the lakes. The Shell River gets crossed four times. With the cancellation of Keystone, the world is looking at Remember that the Kalamazoo River Spill lasted for l7 hours the single largest tar sands pipeline proposal in the world, before the company noticed it AND ACTED. And that was and opposition is mounting. After all, being the Last Tars not a remote river, like, the Willow for instance. Sands Pipeline doesn’t get you a tiara from Mother Earth. Rhetorical question: Who are you going to bet on, the What’s the Rush? pipe or the river? That’s some tricky stuff, as we watch Pipelines are being cancelled, and the fairy dust is wear - rivers meander, and in places like Bad River, where the ing off. On March 23, Enbridge will face the Ojibwe, the Mashkiziibii has eroded the soil all around the pipe, leaving state and citizens groups in Minnesota Court of Appeals. it exposed. As Paul DeMain, an investigative reporter in That will likely overturn the permits for Line 3. Donald Wisconsin notes,” Line 5 threatens to cut thru the meander Trump is gone and Biden is in. That’s a whole other problem on the Bad River after years of river bank erosion, and was for Enbridge. The Courts are not in favor of pipeline pro - exposed entirely at Denomie Creek where a hunter discov - jects, and Enbridge wants this pipeline operational before the ered the suspended pipe hanging along the eroded bank.” court shuts them down.” In 2020, two more pipelines were That’s a problem, and that’s what happened at the cancelled - the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Constitution Yellowstone River in Montana. https://www. theguardian. Pipeline. Poof, three gone. com/environment/2015/jan/24/yellowstone-river-oil-spill- On March 23, the White Earth and Red Lake Nations, pipeline along with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Honor This is tricky stuff. It turns out that you can’t do a river the Earth and Sierra Club will seek to file to overturn the crossing with the High Directional Drill, or HDD, with ice route and certificate of need the PUC had approved. The on the river. That means, no drill till spring. Enbridge wants basis: l) no spill analysis for Lake Superior, 2) no climate to cross the rivers now. By Dec. 11, the company had applied change impact analysis, 3) no meaningful Anishinaabe for permit waivers to cross the Red River, the Clearwater, impact assessment, nor treaty rights consideration and 4) no Red Lake River and Middle River - while the ice was on the plan B (like no pipe). The environmental impact statement is river. Correspondence from the MPCA’s Helen Waquiu surely lacking. The Trump administration did not even do an found: the The 401 Certificate stipulates that Enbridge must Environmental Impact Statement for Line 3, relying on the not conduct HDD stream crossing construction activities at faulty one by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The streams covered with ice, unless that activity has been pre- responded to Enbridge’s Bobby Hahn: “At this time, we are legal holes are pretty big. Additionally, there’s a federal approved by both MPCA and MDNR. To date, we have not unable to authorize HDD during winter conditions, due to court appeal, filed by Earth Justice, the same law firm which approved any such crossings. Enbridge did submit a request concerns regarding the ability to promptly and effectively filed the DAPL and Keystone cases. We have a good shot in to both MPCA and MDNR, asking us to allow it at certain respond to any potential inadvertent release during winter court. ice-covered streams; however, following, that request, conditions...” Fingers crossed. What Enbridge hopes is that, like the Dakota Access MPCA and MDNR told the company that we did not envi - Red Lake Stands Tall Pipeline court case, the company will already be pushing oil sion approving any such activities. That’s the current status Enbridge is betting on the crisis of this pandemic and through the pipe, and they won’t have to stop. That’s why she wrote in an email on Jan. 28. the legacy of the Trump administration’s brutality to tribes, they are rushing. That’s why we are facing policemen and Enbridge’s Bobby Hahn wrote an optimistic note to the to pitch a good deal. The Red Lake Nation has not taken the DNR officials. MPCA’s Melissa Kuskie and all, on Dec. 30. bait, and we are grateful. Red Lake has a strong trespass case Being hasty means you make mistakes. Take for “Enbridge is ready to discuss and can have our experts - 50 years or so of Enbridge on their land, sort of a problem. instance, the cultural resource assessment on this pipe. That available …Based on current Project schedule and consider - And, as well as the l863 treaty territory and a lot of water to was completed by Fond du Lac, under contract, and rushed. ing the necessary upfront time to prepare and finalize HDD be worried about. There is no cultural resource monitor out ahead of this pipe, plans, Enbridge is hopeful to understand if these crossings This October, Enbridge met with tribal officials and laid as the permit requires. Instead, Tania Aubid and I found a will be approved by 1/15. Enbridge is also finalizing a sec - out promises of $500,000 for a rebuild of pow wow grounds stake in the middle of our waaginoogan, our lodge, as it sat ond request package and we expect to submit soon. This in Ponemah, $50,000 for daycare programs, $l00,000 for the on the banks of the Mississippi. While we asked for the cul - second request will request a response by 2/1 to be able to radio station, community investment at $465,000, or so, tural monitor, none appeared, and no one from Fond du Lac align schedule in consideration of the Project restriction peri - according to the Confidential Settlement Negotiations mem - or Enbridge has ever spoken to the two Midewiwin women ods...” orandum which got leaked to tribal members. More than who built that lodge. The Tribal Historic Preservation offi - Thus far, it appears that the Minnesota Pollution Control cer from White Earth, Jaime Arsenault was told she would be Agency will not grant these permits, as Melissa Kuskie See Pipeline Page 21 14 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Report from Page 6 Heart Healthy Recipes

The unaudited preliminary numbers are subject to of $1.7 million. Bagley Casino has a net income of change as the numbers are finalized. $167k. Heart Healthy Chicken Mandarin Special Revenue Funds Shooting Star Casino cash on hand on December Ingredients The Special Revenue funds are used to account 31, 2020 was $27.7 million. The cash on hand at the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for the activities of various federal, state and other close of the last fiscal year, September 30, 2020 was 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 ounces each), all grant programs. This has been reported as Other $22.2 million. After Shooting Star Casino capital visible fat discarded Governmental Funds synonymously. The expenditure improvement projects and CARES Act transfers from 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil of grant funds is legally restricted to specified purpos - White Earth RBC cash has increased by $5.5 million. 2 teaspoons light tub margarine or butter es. Program expenditures are budgeted on a basis of Despite a substantial reduction in revenue versus 1/2 cup fresh orange juice each respective program’s fiscal year, which varies by the prior year, Shooting Star net income is running 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice program, and generally may or may not coincide with ahead of the prior year due to a reduction in expenses 1-11-ounce can mandarin oranges, packed in juice, drained, juice the Band’s fiscal year. directly tied to revenue and other expense controls. reserved As reported through audits, Special Revenue The unaudited preliminary numbers are subject to 2 tablespoons honey Funds were administered through: General change as the numbers are finalized. 1 1/2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce Government, Health Services, Education, Human EOC BUDGET REPORT 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Services, Public Safety, Conservation of natural EOC Cares Act Funds Allocation: Instructions resources, Transportation, Economic development, • EOC Cares Act (041000-3063) Awarded 1. Put the flour in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken in the flour, turning Culture and recreation, Interest, and Public works. $2,025,000 and $500,000 for Cleaning and PPE sup - to coat and lightly shaking off any excess. Transfer to a plate. Gaming plies 2. In a large skillet, heat the oil and margarine over medium-high heat, Consolidated revenue for Mahnomen, Bagley and Remaining funds are roughly $412,919.14. swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the chicken for 1 minute on each side all other gaming revenue for the 1st Fiscal Quarter, • Food Shelf Feeding Our Families Cares Act (the chicken won’t be done at this point). Transfer to a large plate. ending December 31, 2020 was $18.5 million. The (041000-3064) Awarded $1,314,000 Remaining 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, consolidated expenses through the 1st Quarter were Funds are $506,150.93 juice from the mandarin oranges, honey, soy sauce, and ginger. $15.7 million. Consolidated net income was $2.8 mil - • Elderly Nutrition Cares Act (041000-3065) 4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken. lion, Mahnomen is at $2.7 million and Bagley is at Awarded $1,944,000 Remaining Funds are Reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or $168k. $533,431.15 until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Add the mandarin The budget through the 1st Fiscal Quarter was oranges 5 to 10 minutes before the chicken is done. $17.2 million of revenue and $17.3 million in expens - SECTION II – FISCAL VIOLATIONS AND Yield : 4 servings – 1 chicken breast halve. Each serving is 259 calo - es for a budgeted net loss of $113k the quarter. Fiscal RECOMMENDATIONS ries, 25 grams Carbohydrates and 199 mg sodium (these totals could Year to Date Revenue was $1.3 million higher than Annual Audit all vary depending on ingredients used). budget while expenses were $1.6 million lower than Quarterly Highlights budget resulting in net income being $2.9 million • Issued $2,000 to members from CARES Heart Healthy Almond Snack Mix higher than budget. Allocation Ingredients The Bagley Casino for Fiscal Year 2021 through • Proposed $15 per hour minimum wage for 1/3 cup whole, unsalted almonds the 1st Fiscal Quarter ending December 31, the prop - Tribal entities 2/3 cup whole-grain cereal squares erty earned $1.9 million in revenue with expenditures • Provided $5,000 per qualified small business 1/2 cup low-fat granola (without raisins) 1/4 cup dried apricot halves, cut into pieces or 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup sweetened, dried cranberries Understanding from Page 2 Instructions dition for making and maintaining connections. The ways of the mind and the way the world 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds in a single layer on Destiny : For those in poverty, believes in fate, turns. This was written a while back and with global an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly cannot do much to mitigate chance. Middle class technology and being able to see the world in a larger toasted, stirring once or twice to ensure even baking. Transfer to a plate believes in choice, can change future with good choic - view, some could argue about a perspective. to cool completely. es now. Wealthy, noblesse oblige. 2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients. Stir in the cooled almonds. Language : Poverty, casual register, lan - guage is about survival. Middle class, formal Yield : 4 servings – ½ cup each. Each serving is 174 calories, 29 grams register, language is about negotiation. Carbohydrates and 72 mg Sodium. Wealthy, formal register, language is about Recipe Tip : If all the snack mix isn’t likely to be eaten on the day you networking. make it, we recommend using the golden raisins. The moisture of the Love : In poverty, love and acceptance dried apricots may cause the cereal to lose its crispness over time. Be conditional based upon whether individual is sure the almonds are completely cooled when you add them to the mix; liked. Middle class, love and acceptance con - otherwise, they will make it soggy. ditional and based largely upon achievement. Wealthy, love and acceptance conditional and Storage Tip : Almond Snack Mix can be stored at room temperature in related to social standing and connections. an airtight container for three to four weeks. Driving forces : Poverty, survival, rela - tionships, entertainment. Middle class, work, achievement. Wealthy, financial, political, social connections. Howah Ads Humor : In poverty, it’s about people and sex. Middle class, it’s about situations. Wealthy, it’s about social faux pas. Happy 19th Birthday Happy Birthday Nellie Tiana Rae We all love you wishing you a great day - February 9th We all AT Readers love Due to the Pandemic and a very busy you so holiday season, many papers were much late or did not reach you. sister! Just a reminder that you can read the current and back issues on our website Feb. 2nd at www.whiteearth.com . Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 15 16 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 17

COLA from Page 3

3. The school has installed and imple - 9. The school has placed poster mented state-of-the-art HALO-LED air reminders of social distancing and masking purification system, which purifies every up throughout the entire school building. cubic centimeter of air throughout the entire 10. The school has placed “6 Feet school building. Apart” floor reminders throughout the 4. The school has installed and imple - entire school building. mented a front-line video surveillance sys - Folks, the last 11 months have been tem, remotely accessible by White Earth hard on everyone. I know that we all just Police Department, throughout the entire want a normal life again and, hopefully, that school building and grounds. can happen with wide scale vaccinations. In 5. The school has installed and imple - the meantime, we must stick together, grant mented hands-free water fill stations and receive grace, and remain diligent for throughout the entire school building. what I expect to be another rough few 6. The school has installed and imple - months in the battle against this virus. mented free-standing hand sanitizing units Circle of Life Academy has always been a throughout the entire school building. family. A family complete with function 7. The school is in the process of and dysfunction, with love and frustration, installing and implementing hands-free great victories, and great sorrows but plumbing throughout the entire school together we are a family, a community. building. Please take care of yourself and each other 8. The school has designated a rotation and be gentle with both. of custodial and maintenance team mem - bers to daily sanitize, with current best- practice misting sanitation technology, In partnership, You can reach the Anishinaabeg Today at [email protected] throughout the entire school building. Superintendent Jenna Leadbetter 18 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Obituaries

Orion Ray Olson Sr. Susan Joy Annette-Wright After a hard-fought battle with Covid-19 pneumonia it is with devastating sadness, Orion Susan Joy Annette-Wright, 57, of Cass Lake, Minn., passed away Dec. 6, 2020, at the Ray Olson Sr. left this world on Dec. 22, 2020 at Essentia Health Hospital in Virginia, Minn., IHS Hospital in Cass Lake. at the age of 86. Susan was born Dec. 30, 1962, in Bemidji, Minn., to Harold and Joyce Annette. She Orion grew up on his family’s farm in Northome, Minn., leaving school at a young age grew up in Pine Point, graduated from Park Rapids High School, and to help out with chores on the farm. He moved and lived around that area before settling as an adult made her home primarily in Minneapolis. She just recent - down in Cook, Minn., with his wife and family. His entire life was ly moved to Cass Lake. always involved with working hard in the woods in the Northome, Susan was gifted with her hands and enjoyed sewing blankets Effie, Crane Lake, Orr, Ely, and Echo Trail area besides other places and making Native American arts and crafts. She was also an excel - where he logged. He was a very diligent logger and worked many lent baker. Susan looked forward to travelling to different casinos long hours and days to provide for his family in all the harsh elements and liked to play online interactive games as well. while working up north. Orion was pretty darn good at what he did She is survived by her mother, Joyce Roy; children: David running his chainsaw and the skidder. He was one dedicated and Joshua Martineau and Tawni (Rob) Annette-Vodnik; special tough logger that’s for sure. nephews, Ricky Smith and Elijah Annette; grandchildren: Lilliana, He was also very skilled in mechanics and tore out motors of Ciera, Isaiah, Evelyn and Tucker; siblings: Carol Smith, Harold many cars before dropping in a newly rebuilt one. He eventually Annette, Emily Annette, Michael Annette, Lori Gamache, Anthony retired from logging and settled up north in the Virginia and Britt Annette, John Annette, William Annette, Sara Annette and Russell Gray; as well as numerous area. He liked to go out to eat at various restaurants around town and other relatives and friends. also out to places for a good cup of coffee. He really enjoyed taking a road trip to Northome Susan was preceded in death by her father, Harold Annette Sr.; brother, Matthew “Tim” to visit with his nephew, George Olson Jr., who he was very fond of. Orion loved his kids Annette; and her very special step-father, Gerry Roy. and grand-kids very much and loved when they would come to visit, which always left him Visitation was held Dec. 12 at the Pine Point Community Center. teary eyed. Orion loved to laugh and joke around while playfully teasing you. He was always Interment: Breck Memorial Cemetery. a very kind, quiet, sweet, tender and goodhearted man who will be very missed and thought of with many beautiful memories. Orion was preceded in death by his parents, John Alfred Olson and Olive Mae Fergus Kenneth Louis Mitchell Olson of Northome; brothers, Alfred Clinton Olson, George Clayton Olson Sr. and infant unnamed baby boy Olson; sisters: stillborn Olive Julia Olson, infant Lillian Mae Olson and Kenneth Louis Mitchell, 77, “Waabigoniigabo” which means “Standing Flower” of Cass unnamed baby girl Olson of Northome; daughter, Diane Joyce Olson; and granddaughter, Lake, Minn., journeyed to the Spirit World on Dec. 28 from the Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Dakotah Krystal Marks of Duluth, Minn. He was born to Mary and Bert Mitchell on May 5, 1944, on the Leech Lake Reservation. He leaves behind five daughters: Maxine Olson of Bagley, Minn., Debra (Leon) Olson Ken who is affectionately known by many and sometimes only as Grampa Crabby lived of Moorhead, Minn., Sharon, Lynda and Nicole Olson of Duluth; son, Orion Olson Jr. (Kim) a life of giving and sharing. He spent his life always working to provide for his family and of Bemidji, Minn.; ex-spouse and love of his life, Rose Hooper of Duluth; and friend, Jeanette the many others that he cared for. After living in Minneapolis he moved back home to the Johnson of Britt. Orion is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two Leech Lake Reservation, accquired his degree through the Leech great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lake Tribal College while single handedly raising his children, Jesse Burial will be in Northome in the springtime. and Joni. After he married his wife Sharon Enjady-Mitchell they Arrangements: Range Funeral Home of Virgina made their home on East End Cass Lake. Together they raised their children and numerous others thru foster care and sometimes “just because they had nowhere to go”. The house was always full!! Working hard right up to his retirement at Bemidji State University, Kennedy Hill Sr. Leech Lake Housing and his favorite was working as a driver trans - Kennedy Hill Sr., 52, of Naytahwaush, died Jan. 19 at Sanford Health Center in Fargo, porting the Elders and community members to their appointments Kennedy Hill, the son of Milferd and Esther (Paul) Hill, was born Feb. 7, 1968, in around the state. He did this until his retirement and freed up time for Duluth, Minn. Throughout his childhood, Kennedy moved around with his family living in him to do his true passion! Kansas, Oregon, and Alaska. When he was a teenager, he moved to In his rare and limited spare time Grampa Crabby really enjoyed the White Earth Reservation to make his home. taking his daughter Joni around to any powwow that she wanted to attend and his favorite He met Betty Oppegard and they began a lifelong relationship. story was when she won first place at Ponema Powwow. He is well know for his candid ways Together they raised 10 children, all of whom Kennedy was very of dancing and his umbrella hat, crow hat, socks hanging hat and of course stopping to do the proud of. They lived in Bemidji, Minn., for a time where Kennedy Macarena dance “for the ladies”. When not at powwows he truly enjoyed traveling to various was employed in maintenance with the Bemidji school system. He ceremonies and just plain visiting anybody and everybody. He always had a stash of medi - attended college, specializing in auto mechanics. They lived in vari - cines and other objects for anyone who may need them at any given time. Many will also ous communities but stayed in the northern Minnesota area. remember when he founded the annual Mother’s Day Feast at the powwow grounds, founded Kennedy greatly enjoyed the many years he worked at the Shooting the Gift of Love Christmas Toy Project, The Red Lake School Healing Run, the Denise Star Casino and later at Balstad Farms. Due to failing health, “Grama Duck” Memorial Run and many many other random acts of kindness to just spread Kennedy retired early and has made his home with his daughter for joy, love and healing. the past few years. Grampa’s greatest drive to live a long life was to greet his son Jesse as he made his way Kennedy had a fun and energetic personality. He always kept busy and loved to have fun. back home. Kennedy proudly liked rock and roll, drinking beer, playing cards, and going to the casino. Family that welcomes Kenneth to the Spirit World are his wife, Sharon Enjady-Mitchell; He also spent many hours simply hanging out with his friends, who he called “his brothers.” son, Trevor Bernard; parents, Mary and Bert Mitchell; granddaughter, Tanya Skinaway, sib - Known to be a little feisty, Kennedy often teased, joked around, and debated with nearly lings; aunties and uncles; and numerous other relatives. everyone. Above all, he fiercely loved his family and treasured each of his grandchildren. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his children: Jesse Tapio of Fairbault, Minn., Kennedy is survived by Betty; daughters: Heather (Larry) Oppegard, Mayakala Dana (Dave) Skinaway-Sam and Dalene Skinaway both of Mille Lacs, Joni (Ivan) Tapio of Rabideau, Kendra (William) Sehlstrom Hill, Amber Hill and Applonia (Anthony) Hill; sons: Minneapolis, Susan Moffett of Shakopee, Marilyn Westbrook and Gail Boswell both of Red Keith Oppegard, Scott (Chelsea) Oppegard, and Kennedy “Ken” (Shelby) Hill Jr; mother-in- Lake; special sisters, Bernice Mitchell-Diver and Bev Lee; special brothers, Ron Lee and law, Nona Townsend; brothers, Milferd Jr. (Millie) Hill and Floyd Hill; brothers and sisters- Willis Burnette, 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, many family members and friends. in-law: Sharon Porter, Melissa Clark, Brian Clark, and Chris Clark; and many grandchildren. A traditional service was held Jan. 2 at Kenneth’s home in Cass Lake, MN. Waa-maa - He was preceded in death by his parents, Milferd Sr. and Ester Hill; daughters, Debra and jaa’iwed is Steve Jackson. Pallbearers for Kenneth were Charles Stone, Jr., Jeffrey Mitchell, Beth; brothers, Keith and Merle; brother-in-law, Sonny Porter; and sister-in-law, Karen Daniel Isham, Tim Whitefeather, George Boswell and Ivan Guernsey. Alternate pallbearers Townsend. were Steve Stone, David Sam and Trent Barthorpe. His honorary pallbearers were Bev and A traditional service was held Jan. 25 and continued until the time of the funeral on Jan. Ron Lee, Bernice Mitchell-Diver, Susie Ballott, Ellen Adams, Willis Burnette, Charles Stone, 26 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. Sr. and Jesse Tapio. Interment: Island Lake Cemetery in Lengby in the spring. Interment: Boy River Cemetery at Boy Lake, Minn. Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Arrangements: Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, Minn. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Online condolences: www.northernpeace.com Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 19 Obituaries

Anthony Ray LaGue Sr. Richard A. Littlewolf Anthony LaGue Sr., 64, of Waubun, died unexpectedly Jan. 19 at his home. Richard A. Littlewolf, 62, of Naytahwaush, died Jan. 11 at Sanford Health in Fargo. Anthony Ray LaGue, the son of Alvin and Frieda (Keezer) LaGue, was born Jan. 16, Richard was born Feb. 28, 1958, in White Earth to William and Edna (Emerson) 1957, in White Earth. He spent his life living in the Big Elbow Lake Village area, east of Littlewolf. Waubun. Over the years, Tony worked various jobs. He enjoyed working outdoors and His childhood was spent growing up in the Naytahwaush area and he attended school spent much of his time hunting, fishing, ricing, leeching, logging, in Mahnomen. After his schooling, Richard entered the workforce, where he worked a vari - and trapping. He also was a journeyman carpenter and worked con - ety of jobs. In the early 1980s, he furthered his education with car - struction, drove logging truck, beet truck, and was employed with pentry and electrician classes. Richard became his mom’s main care the Shooting Star Casino. giver after the death of his father in 1986. He continued working and yet was able to provide loving and compassionate care for his On Nov. 2, 1982, Tony was united in marriage to Lorna mom with the utmost of patience. Richard also worked in security Wichern. During their marriage, the couple was blessed with two at the Shooting Star Casino for a few years before he became dis - children, Ann and Anthony Jr. They later divorced and Tony met abled and was no longer able to work. Marcie Pope. Tony and Marcie married and welcomed children, Richard had a great sense of humor and always seemed to ter - Donny and Sarah. Tony also had a close relationship with Jason rorize his nieces and nephews with much love! He truly treasured Fagre, Angela and Kevin Soyring whom he loved like children. his grandchildren and the times he was able to spend with all of Tony treasured his family and enjoyed spending time with them. them. He also had a love for animals, especially his dogs, truly He especially looked forward to having coffee with his brother, Gary Sr. every morning. man’s best friend. In his spare time, Richard enjoyed ice fishing, Tony had the best sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh with his jokes, sto - hunting, playing cards and sports, mainly basketball. Although gone from this life to soon, ries, teasing and pranks. He was loved by many and always had a large number of visitors he will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. that he welcomed into his home and could visit for hours. He was known as “Uncle Tony” Richard leaves behind a daughter, Angela (Mark) Holm of St. Francis, Minn.; grandchil - not only to his nieces and nephews, but also to so many special friends and relatives. dren: Julia, Amelia and Mark Jr.; brother, William Littlewolf of Minneapolis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Tony is survived by his children: Ann (Bob Chastek) LaGue, Anthony “Buddy” He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, DesiRae Auginaush; his parents; and 12 (Chelsea) LaGue Jr. of Ogema, Donny (Emerald Spencer) LaGue of Mahnomen and Sarah siblings. (Jason) Spencer of Mahnomen; son at heart, Jason Fagre; brother, Gary LaGue Sr. of A private family service was held Jan. 15 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Elbow Lake Village; sisters, Carol LaGue of Elbow Lake Village, and Judith (Darell) Mahnomen. Conklin of Mahnomen; 13 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preced - Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. ed in death by his parents; brother, Dale; and granddaughter, Josie LaGue. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Funeral services were held Jan. 25 at the Assembly of God Church in White Earth. Interment: Vernon Anderson Memorial Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Charlene Renee Brown Charlene Renee Brown, 65, of Redby, Minn., left this earth on Jan. 14. She was born Aug. 6, 1955, to Hazel Brown and Burdell LaRoque in Red Lake, Minn. Gordon “Skhin’ Boswell Charlene loved to be around her family. She had a beautiful and loving heart, and she opened her heart and home to those in need. She loved spending time with her kids and Gordon Boswell, “Skhin (young man)” of Detroit Lakes, formerly Ponsford, jour - grandkids. She loved visiting friends and made talking easy. neyed to the Spirit World on Jan. 4 at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes at the age of 66. Charlene had a heart that was more precious than gold and always had an ear to confide in. She was the go-to person for her family and Gordon was born Dec. 10, 1954, in Ponsford to Andrey Ellis and John Ladeau. His friends. She loved reading books, being on her phone, going to the stepfather was Sheldon Ellis. Skhin was the second oldest of 10 children. He received a casino. She also loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports. hockey scholarship and attended parochial/military school at Charlene attended Red Lake High School, Forestry School and Shattuck St. Mary’s. In 1972-1973, he was on the crack squad and Nursing School. She worked numerous jobs before starting work for graduated high school at the age of 16. Following which, he served the Red Lake High School as a paraprofessional, where she stayed a three-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of for many years before retiring due to health problems. Corporal. He traveled all around the United States while in the Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Burdell Marines and worked as military policeman in California and LaRoque and Hazel Brown; uncles, Edward “Pat” Brown and Okinawa, Japan. Clarence “Bunny” Brown; auntie, Winifred Juarez; brothers, David Skhin then went on to have 12 children, whom he loved all Paul LaRoque and Richard Leland Brown; and her daughter whom she missed dearly, Alana dearly. Anyone who knew him well, understood his kids meant Lee Brown. everything to him. He enjoyed living a quite life in Minneapolis Charlene will be greatly missed by the love of her life, Delwyn “Dosh” Spears; children: and on the White Earth Reservation. He worked at the casino in Adrian (Karen) Brown, Desmond Brown, Dustin Brown, Ashley (Andrew Sr.) Brown, Tasha security and various other jobs. Skhin loved to bead and make keychains. He also enjoyed (Shane) Brown, Evon “Chicki” (Joseph Sr.) Brown, Delwyn Brown and Kelsi Brown; sib - attending sweats and pow-wows. He lived a very traditional lifestyle and taught Midewin lings: Sandra Brown, Allen (Linda) Brown, Annette Brown, LeeAnn (Michael) Cobenais, basics through his example, in which he lived his own life. Skhin was a very kind, patient, William (Angela) LaRoque, Michael (Jean) LaRoque, Ronald “George” LaRoque, Lori and loving man who was very modest and frugal. (Pete) Drift and Florene LaRoque; granddaughter, Chelise Desiree Brown, whom she helped He is survived by children: Brale Greene, Jillian Palmer, Desiree Weaver Wadena, raise; and 43 grandchildren. Jordan Day, Leila Day, James Day, Reggina Roberts, Gordon Basswood, Josh Basswood, A service was held Jan. 23 at the Redby Center in Redby, Minn. Pastors George Ross and Tim Brown led her celebration of life. Shania Basswood and Shequaya Basswood; grandchildren: Angelina Zerna, Daycion King, Pallbearers were Brian Brown, Vincent Brown, Virgil Brown, Adrian Brown, Delwyn Ava Day, Ciara Ortiz, Henry Day, Janeisa Poitra, Madison Day, Mariah Lee Bigbear, Brown, Dustin Brown, Daniel Barrett, and Tyrell Brown. Alternates were Tyler Brown, Dannaca Bigbear, Dancycia Bigbear, Elsie Garcia Roberts and John Roberts; sisters: Andrew Kingbird and Perry Drift. Cheryl “Pud” Boswell, Mavis Thunder-Boswell, Lori Ellis, Annette Ellis and Pam Ellis; Honorary pallbearers were All of her brothers, sisters and grandchildren: Jan Roberts, and brother, Vince Ellis. Rose Cournoyer, RuthAnn Donnell, Bev Libby, Jean LaRoque, Jean Donnell, Mary “Mully” He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Ellis; father, John Ladeu; stepfather, Brown, Crystal Schoenborn-Cobenais, Emily Cloud, Ruth Whitefeather, Margo Loud, Tanya Sheldon Ellis; daughter, Victoria Day; brothers, Neil Ellis and Doug Ellis; and nephews: Brown, Karen Anderson, Harlene “Rae Rae” Spears, Phyllis, Dacia, Stephanie and Theresa David “Joe” Boswell, Nathan Boswell and Dillion Goodsky Sr. Juarez, Donna Yellowbird, Delwyn Schoenborn, David Dudley Sr., Tyrone Beaulieu, Duane A traditional service was held Jan. 11. “Ole” Spears, Devin Anderson, Shane Garrigan, Mike Cobenais and Al Pemberton. Interment: Fort Snelling National Cemetery Interment: Redby Episcopal Cemetery. Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Arrangements: Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker, Minn. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Online: www.whisperingpinesnorth.com 20 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Obituaries

Clark Lee “Froggy” Goodwin Earl George Fox Clark Lee “Froggy” Goodwin, 68, of Ellsworth Wis., died unexpectedly Dec. 5 as the Earl George Fox, 78, of Bagley, Minn., died Jan. 11 at McIntosh Senior Living in result of an ATV accident. McIntosh, Minn. Earl was born Aug. 10, 1942, in White Earth to George and Louise He was born on April 7, 1952, to Frank and Delores Goodwin in Williston N.D. After (Gagnon) Fox. moving to Ellsworth with his family, Clark began grade school in Ellsworth and graduated Earl was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and a paratrooper. After he was honorably dis - from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1972. Clark served his charged, he married Carol LaFriniere. They resided in Milwaukee country in the U.S. Navy and later in the U.S. Army. and Minneapolis. He worked as a mechanic and in manufacturing. Clark logged many miles over the road as a truck driver for sev - After returning to the Bagley area, Earl made a living as a land - eral years. He was very active in the Rod and Gun Club, the scaper and in the logging industry. American Cancer Society, the VFW, the American Legion, and an He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Fox of Bemidji, Minn.; ATV Club member. Clark enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, as brothers, Richard (Lorraine) Fox Sr. and Louis (Leah) Fox Sr. of well as playing cards and billiards. He also enjoyed working around Bagley; granddaughters, Amy (Shawn) Wick of Golden Valley, the yard, spending time with his family, his many nieces and Minn., and Josie Miller of Bemidji; special niece and nephew, nephews, and helping friends and neighbors. Maria (Ross) Hvezda and Louis Lee Fox Jr.; and many other nieces, Clark is survived by his significant other of 30 years,Tammy nephews and other loved family Larson; children: Jenena McHenry, Bobbie Gean Goodwin, Jessica (Chris) Goodwin, Brandie (Casey) Elders, Cassie (Adam) Tadej, and He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Joe Chase (Karlie) Thomas-Goodwin; grandchildren: Zachary, Jakobi, Bracin, Hunter, Morgan, Auginaush, Norman Auginaush, George Auginaush, Alfred Raymond Fox, Ernest Fox and Logan, Jettsyn, Devin, Dakota, Tristin, Allysha, Ashten, Brayden and Israel; great-grand - Robert Fox; sisters: Susan Headbird, Dorothy Stevens, Isabelle Thompson, Evelyn Jean Fox daughter, Alalah; sister, Diane (Eric) Makela; brothers, Frank (Lila) Goodwin and Rodney and Carrie Fox. Goodwin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family funeral services were held Jan. 23 at the Cease Family Funeral Home Chapel in Clark was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; and many other family mem - Bagley. bers. Interment: Samuel Memorial Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held in the To honor Clark Goodwin, a Celebration of Life was held Dec. 11 in Ellsworth. Honorary Spring. pallbearers were Chase Thomas-Goodwin, Jenena McHenry, Bobbie Gean Goodwin, Jessica Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Goodwin, Brandie Elders and Cassie Tadej. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Interment: To be determined by family at a later date. Arrangements: O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth. Andreas Marcel “Smiles” Poler Andreas Marcel “Smiles” Poler, five and a half months old, of Mahnomen, journeyed Verna Louise Basswood to the Spirit World on Jan. 2 from his home. Verna Basswood, 73, of Mahnomen, died Jan. 12 at her daughter’s home surrounded by Andreas was born July 14, 2020, in Detroit Lakes to Andrew Sargent Sr. and Iona Poler. family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Baby Andreas always had a smile for everyone. He was such a good baby who loved to kick Verna Louise Bonga was born Nov. 27, 1947, to John and Mary (Wadena) Bonga in Park and play. He was loved by many and all who got to know him. He Rapids, Minn. As a child, she grew up and attended school in the Ponsford area. touched so many lives in his short time here. Verna married Rolland Basswood and the couple made their Andreas is welcomed to the Spirit World by his great aunt, home in Ponsford and raised three children. Following Rolland’s Sylvia Ortley; great grandmother, Louise Westbrook; honorary death, Verna moved to Minneapolis, where she lived for several great grandmother, Beverly McAllister; and great grandfather, years. In 1996, she moved back to the White Earth Indian James Poler. Reservation to be closer to her family. Those he leaves behind to cherish his memories are his mother, Verna had a caring, generous, loving heart and always put oth - Iona of Minneapolis; father, Andrew of Mahnomen; brothers, ers before herself. She displayed great patience and loved helping Andrew Sargent Jr. and Daniel McKenzie III of Mahnomen; pater - others, forever seeing the good in everyone. Verna loved spending nal grandparents, Linda Dooley of Mahnomen and James “Jim” time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grand - (Mallory) Sargent of Mahnomen; maternal grandparents, Gary children. In her spare time, she enjoyed car rides, trips to the casino, Poler of Red Lake, Minn., and Melody Ortley of Mahnomen; great crossword puzzles and reading romance novels. grandparents, Douglas and Deborah Sargent of Mahnomen; auntie, Cassidy Sargent; uncles: Verna is survived by her children: Suzanne Basswood of Jamison Sargent, Brandon Sargent and Tyseon Humphrey; special cousins, Dustin Rock and Mahnomen, Rolland “Jude” Basswood (Sherry Bissonette) of Moorhead, Minn., Rex Jason Rock; and many other family members. Basswood and Redfeather Sturdevant, both of White Earth; and many grandchildren and A traditional service was held Jan. 8 at the White Earth Community Center. Michael great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary; husband, Dahl was the Spiritual Advisor. Pallbearers for Andreas were Travis Thompson, James Rolland; son, John Bonga; two sisters and six brothers. “Jim” Sargent, Brandon Sargent, Tyler Tibbets and alternate, Scott Yost. His honorary pall - A memorial service was held Jan. 21 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in bearers were Mindy Dooley and Mallory Oien. Mahnomen. Interment: White Earth Traditional Cemetery. Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. Arrangements: Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, Minn. Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Online: www.northernpeace.com

Donald Gene Keezer Donald Keezer, 66, of Waubun, died Jan. 10 at his home under they were always side by side. He enjoyed garage sales, playing the board game Monopoly the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. for hours at a time, car rides and loved dogs, always spoiling them with the best of care. Donald Gene Keezer was born Feb. 5, 1954, to Leoba Keezer Bimbo will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. in White Earth. He was raised in Detroit Lakes and also attended Donald is survived by his significant other, Sheila Kern; stepdaughter, Britany (Mike school there before joining the work force at Swift’s Turkey Plant. Holmquist) Kern all of Waubun; cousins; and numerous friends. He received the nickname “Bimbo” in his younger years and was He is preceded in death by his mom, Leoba; grandparents; brother, Ronald Keezer; and lovingly known as Bimbo by many. Donald lived and worked in many aunts and uncles. various places throughout his life, before moving to Elbow Lake Funeral services were held Jan. 15 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. Village three years ago. Interment: Vernon Anderson Cemetery in the spring. Donald met Sheila Kern and the couple spent many wonderful Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. years together. Sheila lovingly cared for Donald and over the years Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 21

Obituaries

Leona (Vanoss) Maack Wayne Timothy Goodman Leona (Vanoss) Maack, 77, passed away on Jan. 2 surrounded by her loving family. Wayne Timothy Goodman, Waabishki Gekek of the Bear Clan, completed his life on Born on Dec. 17, 1943, in Racine, Wis., she was the daughter of the late Leon and earth Jan 28. Mary (Lanphear) Vanoss. Wayne was born Nov. 21, 1993, to Timothy and Nicole (Burnette) Goodman and spent On Nov. 6, 1965, Leona was united in marriage to Terry Maack at Sacred Heart the majority of his life on the White Earth Reservation. As soon as Wayne could walk he dis - Catholic Church in Racine. She was a faithful member of St. covered his true passion for powwow dancing and singing. He held Peter’s Catholic Church and was the custodian at the church for 16 numerous titles as both Junior and Senior Braves and a Champion years. She was an enrolled member of the White Earth Ojibwe Contest Dancer. His truest pride and joy are the titles of son, brother, Tribe. uncle and nephew. Wayne will most often be remembered for his Lee leaves behind many joyful memories for all who know her ability to visit and relate to anyone of any age, always bringing and was known for her love of life, her dreams for her children and laughter and a confident ear. When hanging with his friends he was her love of family. A homebody at heart, Lee enjoyed working in always listening to and making his own music. He will forever be the yard and spending time at home. She liked her Coca-Cola and known for his smile, laughter, visits, hair and as “that boy that can reading a book at night. She especially loved spending time with dance!” her grandchildren and great grandchildren and would host the fam - Wayne’s memory and legacy will be carried on by his mother, ily for Christmas and Easter dinners. Nicole Goodman; sister, Ashley (Donavin) Fineday; brothers: She is survived by her loving husband, Deacon Terry Maack Devan (Brittany) Goodman, William “Billy” Goodman, Darius (Destiny) Pierre and Tayvin Goodman; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. of 55 years; children, David (Amy) Maack and Richard (Kelly) Maack; grandchildren, First in line to welcome Wayne home is his dad and best friend, Timothy Goodman; Maria (Kiondre) Graham and David Maack II, Stephanie Maack and Jonathan Maack; grandpa, Ronald Coleman; cousins, Gina Goodman and Ashleigh Mountain; and other rela - great-grandchildren, Kai and Tanner Graham; and siblings, Leon Vanoss and Judy Schutts. tives from around the powwow country! In addition to her parents, Lee was preceded in death by her sisters: Mary Lou King, Traditional funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Onigum Madeline Wampole and Veronica Smith. Community Center with spiritual leaders Mike Dahl and Melvin Goodman. A wake began Funeral services honoring Lee’s life were held privately. Entombment was held in Tuesday at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex and continued at the Onigum Community Holy Cross Cemetery in Racine. Center on Wednesday. Casketbearers are Will Gagnon, Chase Gagnon, Hawky Lafrainiere, Damien Thompson, Pipeline from Page 1 3 Devan Goodman, Donavin Fineday, Emil Hanks and Darius Goodwin. Honorary casketbear - ers are Mary Gagnon, Lew Murray and all his family and friends. that, Enbridge would sign a power purchase getting a seventh pipe. Enbridge is after all, Interment: Old Agency Catholic Cemetery. agreement for l2 megawatts of solar power, the largest energy consumer in Minnesota. Arranagments: Cease Family Funeral Home. to be owned by Red Lake Nation, along with And, finally, the best jobs for the future are Condolences: www.ceasefuneralhome.com Allete/ Minnesota Power. All of that would going to be in decommissioning old power Enbridge’s Line 3. pipelines- there are hundreds of thousands of In return, the Red Lake Nation would miles of old decrepit pipes endangering Robert “Scrub” Goodwin Sr. within five days, “withdraw from the groundwater throughout the continent. Robert “Scrub” Goodwin Sr., 70, of Naytahwaush, passed away Jan. 21 at his home. Minnesota Court of Appeals case” (to over - Enbridge should offer that training program. Robert Charles Goodwin was born Dec. 11, 1950, in White Earth to George and Florence turn the environmental impact statement and Our day in court is coming March 23. (Turner) Goodwin. He attended school in Naytahwaush and then Mahnomen, graduating the certificate of need) and publicly commu - The Water Protector Movement is growing, with the class of 1969. Soon after graduation, Scrub furthered his education at Bemidji State nicate their opposition to unlawful protest - and spring is coming. The last tar sands University. ing, resistance or actions against Line 3 pipeline tiara goes to Enbridge for sure - it’s As a young man, he entered the workforce and began his career replacement in the l863 treaty territory. All for the Alberta Clipper. Now we want pipes with the White Earth Reservation. His career with Human Services of that was parlayed, apparently by Eugene for people, not for oil companies, and we and Employee Training would span 38 years and close with his Bugger MacArthur, Enbridge’s ally from want a just transition . retirement on May 1, 2013, as the Director of Employment and White Earth. Today, on the banks Training. Over the years, Scrub worked passionately and diligently of the Red River, a Treaty Camp to put in place programs that are still being utilized today at the stands, overlooking the river Workforce Center. He worked hard and was well respected by many crossing, which Enbridge is in his field. Scrub also spent many years on the Rural Minnesota making a move on. I’m going to CEP Board. bet on the river and the people, On Dec. 6, 1980, Robert was united in marriage to Kathy Roy not the company. Sam Strong, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush. They made Tribal Secretary Treasurer from their home in Naytahwaush and raised three children. Red Lake can often be seen at In Scrub’s younger years, he was an avid duck hunter, coached and played baseball and camp. was a volunteer for the Twin Lakes Fire Department. After retirement he was known for his Just Transition Facebook posts, that his friends and family looked forward to each morning. Scrub enjoyed What we need is a way out watching old westerns with his wife and reading. He also found great joy spending time with of this mess. Red Lake Nation his dog, Sweetie. Above all, Scrub loved spending time with his family. He was happiest should put up 12 megawatts of when he was grilling for the large family gatherings. He will be greatly missed by many. power without having to sign a Scrub is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy of Naytahwaush; son, Robert Jr. deal with Enbridge. You should (Tiffany); daughters, Tara (Thomas) Mason and Amber (Greg) Blue all of Naytahwaush; not have to sacrifice an ecosys - grandchildren: Coreen (Gerilyn) Roy, Alex Mason, Veronica Roy, Olivia Mason, Carmen tem to have adequate drinking Mason, Carla Mason, Michael Mason, James Mason, Cali Mason, Brenden Blue and Amira water, and tribal health care pro - Goodwin; great-grandchild, Wilton Bailey; sisters: Ann (John) LaVoy of Naytahwaush; grams. The point is that the Gloria “Tudy” Nepstad of Mahnomen and Lois “Petey” Olson of Naytahwaush; brothers-in- party’s over, and no one needs a law, Terry (Diane) Roy, Phoenix and Tim Roy of Naytahwaush; and many nieces, nephews tar sands pipeline, even if it’s and cousins. powered by wind and solar. (The He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Charles “Butch” Goodwin, George Keystone project offered a l00% “Dode” Goodwin, Lyle “Pokey John” Goodwin, Carol “Jeanie” McDougall and Juanita renewable plan, just before the Ortiz; brothers and sister-in-law: Barbara Morth, Ronald Roy and Jerry Roy. project was cancelled). A private family service was held Jan. 25 at the Anderson Family Funeral Home. Fortunately, it seems that Interment: Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery (Naytahwaush) in the spring. Enbridge has a lot of money, and Arrangements: Anderson Family Funeral Home of Mahnomen. could finance big solar, without Online: www.andersonfamilyfh.com 22 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

WE TRIBAL COURT WE TRIBAL COURT WE TRIBAL COURT WE TRIBAL COURT CHILDREN’S COURT CHILDREN’S COURT TRAFFIC COURT TRAFFIC COURT In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: In the Matter of Jodie Rae Britt; DOB: In the Matter of Naysia Lynn Thompson; 03/09/1981 DOB: 10/30/1982 Any Man Coming Forward as the Father of Any Man Coming Forward as the Father of the Child of Mari Clark the child of Emelita Sargent Summons for Appear in Court Summons for Appear in Court Summons of Petition and Hearing Notice Summons of Petition and Hearing Notice Court File No. T20-0062 Court File No. T20-0704

Court File No. CC19-0989 Court File No. CC19-0425 YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on February 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. an Initial February 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. an Initial YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on October YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on Hearing on the traffic citation will be held at Hearing on the traffic citation will be held at 28, 2020, a Petition to Transfer Permanent September 24, 2020, a Suspension of Parental the White Earth Tribal Court at 35500 Eagle the White Earth Tribal Court at 35500 Eagle Legal and Physical Custody was filed with the Rights Petition was filed with the White Earth View Road Ogema, MN 56569. You are View Road Ogema, MN 56569. You are Tribal Court regarding your child in file White Earth Tribal Court regarding your child asked to contact Court Administration at asked to contact Court Administration at CC19-0989. A pretrial hearing on the matter is in file CC19-0425. An admit/deny hearing on 218-983-4648, ext. 5757 to receive a copy 218-983-4648, ext. 5757 to receive a copy scheduled for February 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. the matter is scheduled for March 4, 2021 at You are asked to contact White Earth Tribal 1:00 p.m. You are asked to contact White of the citation. If you fail to appear for this of the citation. If you fail to appear for this Court Administration located at the RTC in Earth Tribal Court Administration located at hearing, the Court may find you in default hearing, the Court may find you in default White Earth, Minnesota at 218-983-4648. If the RTC in White Earth, Minnesota at 218- and/or held in contempt of court. and/or held in contempt of court. 983-4648. If you fail to appear for this hearing you fail to appear for this hearing the Court Dated : January 27, 2020 Dated : January 27, 2020 may find you in default and enter an order. the Court may find you in default and enter an order. Please contact Court Administration to Please contact Court Administration to Dated : Janaury 27, 2021 make arrangements to appear by phone make arrangements to appear by phone Dated Veronica Newcomer : Janaury 27, 2021 due to Covid-19. due to Covid-19. Attorney for WE Indian Child Welfare Veronica Newcomer Attorney for WE Indian Child Welfare

Cannabis from Page 7 WE TRIBAL COURT WE TRIBAL COURT CHILDREN’S COURT CHILDREN’S COURT Cannabis has a unique ability to play an inte - rial conditions as he continues his work to In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: gral role within our daily lives and we are preserve Cannabis landraces and heirloom excited to respectfully assist the White Earth cultivars. Rob is the author of several books Emelita Faye Sargent Vincent James Hawks Nation.” and continues to publish in peer-reviewed Summons of Petition and Hearing Notice Summons of Petition and Hearing Notice Mojave Richmond has explored the journals as well as writing for several cannabis realm since his early days in cannabis industry magazines. Court File No. CC19-0425 Court File No. CC19-0425 California. In the early 1990s Mojave settled Due to the nature of the industry, and to YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on October YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on October in the Netherlands, became involved in their ensure proper regulatory oversight, White 28, 2020, a Petition to Transfer Permanent 28, 2020, a Petition to Transfer Permanent newly emerging cannabis industry, and Earth leaders felt it best to start by only Legal and Physical Custody was filed with the Legal and Physical Custody was filed with the began breeding what would become award allowing a tribal program to grow and culti - White Earth Tribal Court regarding your child White Earth Tribal Court regarding your child winning cannabis varieties. Throughout his vate the product at the outset. This model in file CC19-0425. An admit/deny hearing on in file CC19-0425. An admit/deny hearing on many years in the Netherlands, Mojave car - allows White Earth to develop an appropriate the matter is scheduled for March 4, 2021 at the matter is scheduled for March 4, 2021 at ried out extensive research on various culti - regulatory structure and has the added bene - 1:00 p.m. You are asked to contact White 1:00 p.m. You are asked to contact White Earth Tribal Court Administration located at Earth Tribal Court Administration located at vation techniques and plant breeding. fit of and has the added benefit of protecting the RTC in White Earth, Minnesota at 218- the RTC in White Earth, Minnesota at 218- As laws began to relax in the US, individual band members from potential 983-4648. If you fail to appear for this hearing 983-4648. If you fail to appear for this hearing Mojave moved back to California and criminal liability. As the industry develops the Court may find you in default and enter an the Court may find you in default and enter an presently works internationally focusing and expands on White Earth and throughout order. order. company visions, developing production the nation, White Earth will be adaptable and strategies and designing cultivation facilities. flexible. Dated : Janaury 27, 2021 Dated : Janaury 27, 2021 Veronica Newcomer Veronica Newcomer Mojave continues to breed and develop criti - Recently, there has been feed back from Attorney for WE Indian Child Welfare Attorney for WE Indian Child Welfare cally acclaimed cultivars offering specific some Tribal members who are disappointed therapeutic attributes without compromising with the direction that White Earth is taking agronomic viability. Mojave’s visions for the with this Ordinance. It needs to be remem - future, combined with his valuable experi - bered that this is the beginning of a process, ence, present unique perspectives for the and that while it may not at present meet the WE TRIBAL COURT cannabis business sector. wants of those individuals, it does begin to CHILDREN’S COURT Mojave is a frequent contributor to address the health and legal needs of the Attention Cannabis Business Times magazine and has White Earth Nation, with regards to the In the Matter of the Welfare of the Child(ren) of: appeared in various books, articles and mag - development and implementation of a viable Rex Sullivan Robbins, Jr. AT Readers! azines. White Earth Tribal Medicinal Cannabis pro - Summons of Petition and Hearing Notice You MUST update your address Rob Clarke has devoted his entire pro - gram. and name with White Earth fessional life to the study of the Cannabis It is important to understand that in pro - Court File No. CC19-0989 Enrollments even if you updated plant and human-cannabis relationships. Rob ceeding with development and implementa - your address with White Earth worked with HortaPharm BV in the tion of White Earth’s program, that leader - YOU ARE HEREBY notified that on Licensing (IDs), White Earth Election September 24, 2020, a Suspension of Parental Netherlands from 1993 through 2003 as a ship is committed to transparency with not Rights Petition was filed with the White Earth Board, or the Anishinaabeg Today plant breeder, cultivation consultant and liai - only White Earth citizens, but also with our Tribal Court regarding your child in file son to the academic community, and set up state and federal partners, so that our pro - CC19-0989. A pretrial hearing on the matter is Call White Earth Enrollments licensed research and production glasshouses gram can be successful and a model in scheduled for February 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at 218-983-4643 in the United Kingdom for GW addressing the diverse and chronic health You are asked to contact White Earth Tribal Pharmaceuticals and Merck Generics. His disparities that exist on our Nation. Court Administration located at the RTC in ** Please let the newspaper know if primary responsibility was transferring We will continue to provide periodic White Earth, Minnesota at 218-983-4648. If appropriate knowledge and skills to compe - updates as we move forward with setting up you fail to appear for this hearing the Court you recently moved so we can cancel may find you in default and enter an order. your old address. Many papers are tent managers and workers. our grow infrastructure and our unique still being sent to old addresses! Spanning the past three decades Rob organic medical cannabis provider frame - Dated : Janaury 27, 2021 traveled extensively throughout Eurasia doc - work. We will also update everyone when Veronica Newcomer Call the Anishinaabeg Today umenting traditional Cannabis production the website is up and running, so that you Attorney for WE Indian Child Welfare at 218-983-3285 Ext. 5903 or and use. His additional research interests will have more information about the prod - email [email protected] include breeding low-THC industrial hemp ucts and the timing of their availability read - varieties suited for semi-tropical and equato - ily accessible on your smart devices. Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Anishinaabeg Today 23

CITY OF MAHNOMEN PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY WORKER The city of Mahnomen is seeking a full-time benefited Utility Worker for the city’s Public Works Department. The position is open until filled with a first review date of Feb. 26, 2021. To find out more information about the position or to obtain an application packet, please go to www.mahnomenmn.org or contact 218-935- 2573. The hiring range is $16.93 to $22.02 per hour.

Lake Grove Township Monthly Meeting Notice Notice is hereby given to the citizens of Lake Grove Township, County of Mahnomen, State of Minnesota, that the monthly Township meeting will be held February 16 . The meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m. at the Jerome Wolbeck residence.

Lori Tibbetts, Clerk Town of Lake Grove

Sugar Bush Residents Notice of Township Filing/Election Notice is hereby given to the residents of Sugar Bush Township that the annual filing for election of officers In Need of opened January 1, 2021. The following positions are to be filled at the election on March 16, 2021. Septic Pumping? SUPERVISOR / 3-YEAR TERM If you need your septic system pumped call TREASURER / 2-YEAR TERM the White Earth Public Works Department at 218-983-3202. If you wish to file for candidacy please file with the township clerk or 218-849-0882. The deadline for fil - Enrolled elder (55 years & older) - $25 ing is January 15, 2021 at 5 p.m . Enrolled member (54 years & younger) - $80 Janice Chilton, Clerk Non-enrollee (any age) - $115 Sugar Bush Township Non-White Earth Businesses - $120 (Must live on White Earth Reservation) Attention New Homeowners & Existing Homeowners You can reach the AT at [email protected]

If you are in need of a Well and Sewer System from Page 9 for your house/ trailer home you can contact EMT White Earth Water & Sewer for an application as we receive grants. tor of the fledgling White Earth Ambulance Service. She White Earth Ambulance Service, there was a medical trans - had to go back to school and take the new U.S. Department port vehicle—“that old station wagon”—, driven by Gene, Requirements to qualify for the grants are: of Transportation EMT course, which she did in 1976. one of the maintenance men at the old IHS clinic, and some But her task was more heroic than just that. After she of his fellow workers. It was pretty rudimentary transport— * Tribal Enrolled member had passed her EMT course and become certified, she con - as an anonymous tribal employee quipped, a ride in that sta - tinued studying and soon became both a certified EMT tion wagon was “like the washboard from hell!” But it—and * Reside on the White Earth Reservation instructor—just like Fran is now—and also a certified first its drivers—got the job done before standardized EMT train - * Show proof of land (Land Deed/Tribal Land aid instructor. Then she taught first aid classes in reservation ing and formal ambulance vehicles were available on the agreement) and proof of homeownership communities and also taught all the first White Earth volun - reservation. teers their EMT course so they could join the new White In Anishinaabe communities, life goes around in a circle * 18 years of age or older Earth Ambulance Service—the classes were conducted right dance. Another circle-dance round has now been completed. here on the White Earth Reservation. Fran Carlson and Kim Turner, in cooperation with WETCC * Must have electricity, heat source, and interior Ardette was both recruiter and drill sergeant, and she and WERAS, made our current White Earth EMT class a plumbing to the home remembered Andy and Phyllis, Miles, Ted, Lee, Peggy, reality. And WERAS crewmembers continue to save lives Kathy, Bonnie, and Dave, with others as well, as some of the during the COVID pandemic. * Income verification pioneers of WERAS. Ardette proudly recalled WERAS get - Let’s all say miigwech’s to the longtime WERAS (some existing home owners grants require) ting its Minnesota license in about 1976, sometime between EMT’s and paramedics who serve our communities—and to April and August. Other sources vary, with the first-license the new EMT’s coming along. And, of course, to the spirits Contact us at 218-983-3202 range sometime between 1976 and 1978. of those like Ardette, who got it all started and kept it going. Ardette also recalled that before she helped start the Dance on for healing, WERAS. 24 Anishinaabeg Today Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Solar Power Mahnomen Dec. Students/Staff of the Month RREAL partners with WE Tribal and Community College The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) experience. has partnered with the White Earth Tribal and With the instructions from the RREAL team, the Community College to provide a solar power educa - interns are building a solar power unit that will power tion program and internships. This partnership is a the WETCC Customized Education and Extension pilot program for basic electronic and alternative ener - building and have the ability to sell energy to Wild gy training. Rice Electric company in the future. The course is segmented into classroom lectures, video and practical hand on lab activities. The curricu - This course is currently housed under the White lum will direct the intern into a solid fundamental Earth Tribal and Community College’s Customized understanding of basic electronics and component Education program but hopes to spring board into a level solar equipment and design: each class segment fully accredited Electronic and Solar Technology building a level of knowledge, understanding and Program.

Mahnomen School officials Submitted photo recently announced their December Students and Staff of The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) has partnered with the White Earth Tribal and Community the Month. College to provide a solar power education program and internships. Top : Front row from left are Francisco Puga, Craig Bower, Annual Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Milani Jensen. Back row from left are Kaleigha Bjerk, Tate Ose, Iyan & Hemp Conference is set for March 5-7 Swenson, Maci Nickaboine, Wyatt Alverado-Hintz. Not pictured: Elijah Kier. Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Great Gather and discussion with film director, Sanjay Lakes Indigenous Farming and 4th Annual Rawal. This year we will feature demonstrations, arts Middle and right : Vicki Indigenous Hemp Conference on March 5-7. This and crafts for youth, Saturday night entertainment, Haverkamp, Amy Houdek and virtual event is sponsored by the White Earth Land and will hold space for networking! Dale Blue. Dale passed away unexpectedly but has left us with Recovery Project and Anishinaabe Agriculture Confirmed presenters include Dani Pieratos and his kind words and smile. He was a true gentleman and will be Institute. Corey Goodbird (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa), missed . The theme this year is: Giigikendamowin Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Patrick Bagami-ayaa Wiinibwaakaawin, Let the Knowledge Yawakie of People’s Food Sovereignty Program, of Our Past Become the Wisdom of Our Future . Winona LaDuke, Cherylin Spears of Red Lake, Mary Rekindle old relationships, develop new rela - Jane Oatman of THC Magazine, Roman Viskocyl, tionships, and learn from one another through a wide Kevin Finney, White Earth 4H, and many more! array of breakout sessions including topics and dis - cussions from our three tracks: A) Policy, Law, and For more information and to RSVP Tribal Sovereignty, B) Materials Economy/ Value- added Products, C) Regenerative Farming/ [email protected] | [email protected] Traditional Ecological Knowledge. 218-375-2012 We will open our conference featuring the film,

Vaccinations from Page 12 sand families that used to be common are diminishing. sures, which include the #maskupWhiteEarth cam - “All the indicators individually are suggesting paign. together that we're in a much safer place than we were “We’re still reminding people that what will save a month or six weeks ago,” he said. the most lives between now and spring is masking up, Still, they’re not letting up with prevention mea - stepping back and washing up,” Gardner said.