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| Red Lake Net News Michael Barrett P. O. Box 80 Redby, MN 56670 Telephone: 218-679-5995 |
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| Jourdain's State of the Band Address 2009 |
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| Boozhoo, Nindinawey maganidug
Niija anishinaabedug, Niminwendaan omah Waabaminigook noongom Beshig Niigaaniigawbow nin dizhinikaaz, makwa nin dodem. Ni miigwitchiiwendam noongoom. Ni mii gwitch iwitigozii Mino Bimaadiziiwin Translation Hello all my relations, and friends. It is good to see everyone here today I am thankful for today, and the gift of life that we are blessed with. My name is Floyd Jourdain Jr Tribal Chairman of the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation “One standing in front” is my Indian name Minawa “Ogema bitoo” “Running leader” Is another name that I was given by one of our reservation elders? I am a Bear Clan member To my Colleagues in Tribal Government, Secretary Beauleau, Treasurer Seki, Red Lake Representatives –Donald May Jr, and Donald Desjarlait. Ponemah Representatives –Glenda Martin, and Gary Nelson. Redby Represntatives – Alan Pemberton, and TomWestbrook. Little Rock Representatives – Richard Barrett, and William Green. Hereditary Chiefs, William King, Greeting Spears, John Sumner, Gerald Spears, Alexander Gillespie, Samuel Smith, and James Loud. And our spiritual advisor: Eugene Stillday It is an honor to stand before you to deliver the 2009 Red Lake Nation State of the Band Address. I thank all of you for the work that you do for the Red Lake Nation, and your respective districts. To our distinguished guests, tribal leaders, friends, and visitors. Thank you for honoring us with your presence here today. To our Veterans in attendance, and those serving in the military throughout the world. Miigwetch for your dedication, and service. To our elders in attendance. Boozhoo, thank you for being here today. To our royalty, and our youth. Howah!! Chi kinaagozii yag! Looking good!! You make us proud when you carry on our anishinabe traditions. And also, thank you to the Red Lake singers for honoring us with the drum, and the appropriate songs this morning. To my family, my wife, parents, friends and to my staff. Thank you for your encouragement, love, and support. I would like to thank all of the agencies, and programs for coming today to share your resources, and knowledge. Your efforts are appreciated by the Tribal Council. We feel that it is important to recognize your efforts, and the good work that you offer to our reservation.Miigwetch! And chi miigwetch, fellow band members from all of us on the Tribal Council, and our staff members, for the opportunity to serve the people of the Red Lake Nation. This report to the people will summarize some of the accomplishments from last year, and will outline priorities for 2009. But, before I deliver this years address, and set the agenda for this year, I along with the rest of the Tribal Council would like to make a very special acknowledgement regarding the passing of former Councilman, community elder, and tribal spiritual leader Tom Stillday Sr. Tommy J as many of us knew him has been an inspiration and a mentor for so many of us through out his life. Tom committed his life to the betterment of others, and continuously stressed the importance of Indian traditions, customs, and spirituality in all of our lives. An advocate of education, he dedicated much of his time to serving on numerous organizations, and committees designed to better the quality of life for all people, especially the children. Tom served as a military veteran, a school board member, a Tribal council man, and was recognized throughout Indian country as a deeply spiritual man who’s willingness to pass on the sacred teachings of the Ojibwe was greatly revered. Many Indian, and non Indian people, and organizations sought his advice. In 1997 Tom Stillday was unanimously elected by the Minnesota State Senate as the 1st non Judeo -/Christian spiritual leader at St Paul to serve as Chaplin, a very distinguished and esteemed position that was applauded by every single Minnesota Senator. Prior to that, this honor had never been bestowed upon any American Indian. Tom had a great respect for all prayer, and all religions. At Tribal Council meetings Tommy J opened each meeting with a pipe ceremony, and a plea to the creator to help guide us as tribal leaders in our decision making process as is customary with the Red Lake people. His message was to never forget as Indian leaders to incorporate our traditional customs, and practices into our everyday thought process. To considers things carefully as we do the work for our nation. “Smoke your pipes, and pound your drums in the community” were his instructions to the rest of us. “This will help our people”, we have to do this.” Tom Stillday will be missed by the Tribal Council, but we feel proud to have known him.We feel good about today. It is not a sad day for us. We are beneficiaries of his wisdom, teachings, stories, sense of humor, and mild mannered common sense approach to leadership. He was happy to see progress, and encouraged the council to do the best that we could to make positive strides. He was happy when the people were happy. We will do our best to carry on, and preserve the teachings that he passed on to us all. Today, we honor the memory of Tommy J. Our friend, our brother, our comrade. To his wife Marylou, and the rest of the Stillday family. Thank you for sharing him with us. Would the family please come forward, and accept a gift in honor of Tommy J. At this time I call on the Red Lake singers to render a Chiefs song. STATE OF THE BAND ADDRESS Over the course of the past year the Tribal Council has been very busy with numerous projects, and issues. Our 2009 agenda is even more progressive, and ambitious as last. Some of the areas we have been working on include public works, housing projects, infrastructure improvements, land use planning, Tribal waste management, legislative lobbying, and treaty research. POLITICAL ACTION Native vote mobilization was a huge success last year as Red Lake band members once again set new records in voter turnout, and played an important role in helping to elect the first African American President of the United States. Barrack Obama. We look forward to better results, and improved government to government relations during the Obama administration. We must never let the United States of America escape the responsibility of honoring our treaties, and agreements that our ancestors entered into as sovereign Indian nations. A person of color occupying the nations highest office is not only historic, but to Indian people it also signifies hope that in America just maybe the racial barriers that have negatively affected Indian people throughout history can finally be overcome . All of a sudden it is not beyond belief that someday hopefully one of our own indigenous people will reach the same heights. To those young people in attendance today. Our message to you is to never abandon your hopes, and dreams. This election proved that in this day, and age, anything is possible. The Red Lake political education committee reported record numbers of registered voters in 2008 as compared to the last Presidential election. Once again The Red Lake vote was instrumental in Sending U.S. Congressman Colin Peterson, back to Washington, D.C. and State Representative Brita Sailor back to the state capital In St Paul. We also factor heavily in the final outcome of the United States Senate seat that is yet to be decided. Our political power also weighed heavily in the outcomes of many local races that were decided by Red Lake voters. Recap In 2008 Red Lake gaming retired debts on 7 clans Thief River, and set new record revenue highs at all three of our properties. Red Lake broke ground on a beautiful new casino/hotel/conference center that is scheduled to open it’s doors in December of this year. Public safety saw sweeping law enforcement action that dealt a serious blow to illegal drug trafficking on the reservation while reservation programs ramped up their efforts in the treatment of addictions. At our annual Drug, and gang summit that was held earlier this week Public safety reported declines in drug trafficking, methamphetamine abuse, and gang activity on the Red Lake reservation. This is proof that our efforts to address these issues are working. Alcohol, and prescription medication abuse continue be a problem for our tribe. The Red Lake band recently established a new treaty research department that began the task of documenting the bands entire paper history, and transforming it to a digital format for historical, legal, and educational purposes. Our Ojibwe language is officially in a state of crisis. We estimate the there are as few as 300 fluent language speakers remaining within our tribe. Our official tribal enrollment number is 9,397 members. The Cultural preservation Department recently completed a year long study, and developed a 5 year plan to recover, and protect our endangered Ojibwe language. This brings us one step closer to establishing a language immersion program on the reservation focusing on children, and families. Tribal Government On a national level, Red Lake lobbied extensively in Washington D.C. for the passage of the Indian health care improvement act, anti drug and crime legislation, increased law enforcement, and tribal courts funding. We also pushed hard to address violence against women in Indian Country, and to secure a Ponemah youth facility. We adamantly opposed the merciless budget cuts imposed on our tribe by the Bush administration which proved to be the most disastrous administration in regards to Indian policy in the modern history of federal Indian relations. On a brighter note, we received news yesterday that the Ponemah Community will receive 475 thousand dollars to help construct a multi purpose facility in that community. We continue to fight aggressively on a national level for more self governance resources to address the unmet needs of all of our tribal members. In fact next week we will travel to Washington D.C. for meetings with legislators regarding our issues. Most recently we have worked hard to assure that the Red Lake Nation is included in the American Recovery and Investment Act passes by congress, and signed by President Obama. Approximately 2.8 billion will go to assist tribes with shovel ready projects with the intent of creating jobs in Indian country. Recently Joe Garcia, President of the National Congress of American Indians pointed out that 8 of the 10 poorest counties in America are home to Indian reservations. Most of America is only now experiencing the economic hardships that tribes have unfortunately been experiencing for decades. Much of today’s Report will focus on the economy, Gaming, and investing in the future of the Red Lake Band. But, first I will revisit some of last year’s agenda. Red Lake fisheries The Red Lake fisheries are in its second season of full operation since recovering from the collapse of the fishing industry in the 1990’s. As was agreed by the Tribal Council and band members the fisheries would start slow, and build over the course of a few years. Since opening our doors last year we have purchased over 800 thousand dollars worth of fish from our band members. The amount we paid in wages last year was 425, 514 dollars. When operating at full processing capacity the fisheries employs 45 workers. One million, two hundred, and twenty five thousand dollars were paid out last year by the Red Lake fisheries in salaries, and checks to fisheries employees, and fishers. Still we have experienced slow downs in production in the bitter cold, and in the hot summer months. This has resulted in us having to cut back on staff during these slow times. Our labor and production costs far outweigh the amount of revenue generated by fish being brought in. As with any business, if you spend more than you take in, the business does not profit. We are simply not taking in enough fish through hook, and line to sustain the business in terms of providing significant employment for our band members. This year we will supplemental the hook and line harvest with a strictly controlled and regulated netting operation at the Red Lake fisheries that will begin this June. This does not signify a return to commercial fishing. The only harvesting by net will be done out of the red lake fisheries. We will continue to fish hook, and line, and purchase fish directly from band members. A tightly regulated netting operation will consist of the Red Lake fisheries hiring band members to set, retrieve, and process fish all out of the fisheries in Redby. This will allow us to employ additional people at the plant, and to meet our quota if we fall short again this year. All harvesting will be scientifically monitored by our tribal DNR to assure safe harvest levels, and also tribal conservation will assure that harvesting is in strict adherence to tribal conservation laws. Last year the quota was 820 thousand pounds of Walleye. This year it will remain the same despite the fact that in 2008 we took only half of the allowable quota for the year. 222 thousand pounds were taken in the winter of 2008 and 219 thousand pounds in the summer months. Combined this equals 441 thousand pounds of fish. 100 thousand pounds was harvested by hook, and line in March of last year, so fishers, get ready. We anticipate the same trend this year as last. This means that fish catches are about to really pick up in the next several weeks. Black markets We are sad to report that black-market fish sales are hurting our business as well. We have confirmed reports of illegal fish sales both on, and off the reservation. This is even with the Red Lake fisheries offering a competitive price, and increasing the slot limit to 20 inches. The allure of quick cash is apparently too strong for some. We have a weekly payroll, and our hours of operation are limited, although we do remain open on the weekends. Same day cash is something we can’t offer at this point. Our fish checks are disbursed on Mondays. Illegal fish sales are apparently taking place on the weekends, and after the fishery closes. Based on the amount of registered fishers, and the amount of fish brought in we can estimate that thousands of dollars of product is being sold on the black-market. This indicates to us, that if we as a tribe went back to full scale commercial gillnetting the results would most likely be the same as what caused the collapse of the lake in the first place. We cannot afford to repeat the same mistake twice. Infrastructure This summer the United States Air Force will assist the Red Lake Band in developing water, and sewer lines to the south boundary of the reservation, and as far west as the Circle pines community. Also, 2009 will mark the completion a 1. 6 million dollar federal economic development administration grant project to complete a new waste water treatment facility at Red Lake. Both of these projects will bring much needed improvements to the quality of life for reservation residents. Tribal waste management We are pleased to announce that this year; under a 1.7 million dollar grant from the United States Department of Agriculture we will finally be able to build new waste collection sites in all reservation districts. This is tremendous news, and much needed improvement in our approach to solid waste disposal. Care for the environment, and the public health of our band members in regards to waste disposal has been high on our list of issues to address in recent years. Completion of these sites is scheduled for January 1st 2010. Work on this project will begin this summer. This will include a new truck maintenance building complete with garage, and provide waste collection facilities in each district that will clean up our existing sites that are susceptible to animals such as bears, dogs, and also illegal dumping. In the future our transfer station Director will also pursue funding for recycling centers in all reservation districts as well. Economy Tribes across the United States have been keeping a close eye on the national, state, and tribal economies. Red Lake like other tribes has not been immune to the recent economic hardships that the rest of the country is experiencing. Two areas of concern for the Red Lake band are the Red Lake Bands investment portfolio and our gaming enterprises. Our report is both encouraging, and concerning, Recently the tribe’s investment managers reported to the Tribal Council that we had experienced losses in our investment portfolio. This is concerning to us because a good portion of our investments are derived from forestry settlement funds intended to reforest our tribal lands. Although I won’t disclose in today’s forum specific details regarding the tribe’s investments, I will say this. The Red Lake bands permanent fund is intact, and under close observation by our Treasury Department. I encourage those band members who want additional information, and detail to visit the Tribal Council for more specifics on our investments, or to attend our General Council meetings that are open to all band members. Financial experts and investment mangers who advise the tribe have been in close contact with us as we make our way through the current national recession the entire country is experiencing. The research we have accessed shows that historically whenever there was an economic crisis in America; it was followed by a rebound in the national economy, and the stock markets. This is based on historical fact, data, and economic trends, from throughout the 20th century era of the great depression all the way to current times. The first inclination on the part of investors is to cut losses, and run. To bail when times get tough. One thing is certain, that the economy goes up, and down. Those that manage effectively in down times are usually winners when the economy rebounds. We are currently analyzing, and tracking our investments daily utilizing some of the countries best financial managers, and experts, to insure that we are in the best possible position to make the necessary decisions that protect the interests of the Red Lake Band. We have invested in the future of the Red Lake band, and in the generations yet to come. The Red Lake Band members can be assured that we will monitor our investments closely. Local economy On a local level our tribal economic situation is encouraging, and more optimistic. Red Lake Gaming Red Lake gaming continues to provide one of the tribes primary sources of revenue. We currently have 862 employees, and we continue to be one of northwest Minnesota’s most successful businesses. This is even in the midst of a struggling national economy. In fact, in 2008 Red Lake gaming posted its best year in history with record revenues for 2008 surpassing 2007 by 9%. 2007 was our previous record. Red Lake gaming continues to out perform the national trend in gaming that has seen declines in overall revenues nationwide. Our success is attributed to a total team effort by everyone involved. This includes the people who work hard in our properties everyday to the management, and board members who stress efficiency, and constant improvement in all aspects of the business. We have so many things that we have yet to improve on, so we feel that Indian gaming at Red Lake has yet to reach it’s full potential. With a new Red Lake casino coming online this year there is an aura of excitement among the gaming employees, and within our tribe. After conducting feasibility studies and market surveys, the Gaming board, and tribal council reached out to band members in Tribal member surveys, community meetings, and public forums to see if we should relocate and expand the Red Lake casino. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Especially alluring is the prospect of a multi purpose community based facility that will serve many local needs in addition to creating employment opportunities. With conference space, a hotel, a restaurant, and a beautiful design culturally specific to the Red Lake Nation, This casino will provide an additional touch of class, and uniqueness to our already beautiful reservation. Calls are already coming in by guests wanting to book rooms for the opening that is scheduled for December of this year. Wood stone construction of Bloomington Minnesota was awarded the construction Bid, and a DSGW architect of Duluth, Mn was assigned the job of designing the new Red Lake casino. Both are excellent companies with extensive experience with tribes, and Indian gaming. Why build now? The best time to capitalize on construction projects is when companies are hungry for work. Now is the opportune time to get more bang for our construction buck. In tough economic times there are excellent deals to be made, which translates to reduced construction costs. At a cost of 18 million dollars, we will be able to do things with this project that otherwise would have cost a considerable amount more even a few short months ago. We are optimistic that the economy will rebound. And when it does we will open our doors to even better revenues than we are experiencing now. Our goal is to provide a better overall gaming experience than our closet competitors, and to provide a much needed shot in the arm to our local economy. This is part of a 30 million dollar loan package that will enable the Red Lake Band to accomplish many things through investing in our future. With the money we are able to pay off existing loans for the law enforcement/tribal court complex, new reforestation greenhouse, ponemah police station, and the Ponemah elderly nutrition center. All of these projects are scheduled for completion within the next several months. Red Lake is also in the process of finalizing the purchase of the new Red Lake urban embassy building in Mpls for our urban members. Located in south Mpls, this facility will serve many purposes for our band members who reside in, and around the Twin Cities. Although not a part of this loan package I want to mention also that we have also improved our urban offices in the Duluth area, and our band members there recently celebrated the grand opening of a nice facility that Red Lake band members can be proud of. We also have purchased additional land for the Red Lake Band in Warroad Minnesota. We are always looking to increase our land base. All of these projects plus the new casino are included in this plan designed to invest in the future of the Red Lake nation. Diversification of gaming revenues This year Red Lake gaming will put place increased emphasis on diversifying gaming revenues so that the band will expand our ability to explore other economic opportunities outside of gaming. Ultimately we would like to encourage, and support small business and our local economy by providing loan opportunities for band members. Investing in our local economy and supporting small business owners will keep the money circulating in our communities. This year we will make a conscious effort to support these initiates. Tribal Stimulus package In December of 2008 the Red Lake Tribal Council voted unanimously to initiate an economic stimulus package, and distribute 2 million dollars to our band members. With nearly 10 thousand members we were able to provide a stimulus check of 200 dollars to all band members at Christmas time. Although such payments are not supported by all band membership we felt that due to economic hardship, the distribution was justified, and welcomed by the majority of the band members. It also provided a 2 million dollar economic boost to the entire area’s economy including the Bemidji area. Although we will not be able to do this every year, we hope to utilize a percentage of Tribal fisheries proceeds for tribal distributions to all band members in the future. Recovery and Reinvestment Act The Red Lake Nation is currently taking action to access economic stimulus money through the 2.8 billion dollar Indian nation’s portion of this act recently approved by congress, and signed by President Obama. We have numerous shovel ready projects that over time have accumulated on the shelves, but were not immediately fundable. This is one of the requirements of receiving the stimulus money. Red Lake, because of comprehensive long range planning is in a good position to capitalize on Indian countries portion of the economic stimulus, and reinvestment act. Our planning, and grant writing departments are working together to go after these stimulus funds. As recent as yesterday, we have “so far” received notification that Red Lake will be the recipients of several opportunities through this act including 1.2 million in housing block grants, and eligibility for up to 300 thousand in additional community development housing block grants. The housing authority is submitting in national competition with other tribes for 25 additional homes in Red Lake’s existing walking shield village. This includes 12 two bedroom units, and 13 three bedrooms. If we can secure the funding, construction of these homes will begin immediately this summer. With stimulus money secured already, Red Lake housing will utilize existing plans to construct 8 new homes in the Ponemah district. Construction will begin this summer. Red lake will also see a 2.7 million dollar increase in reservation roads construction funds, and is seeking additional BIA stimulus money for bridge repair, and road maintenance. Our Cap, and Weatherization program will receive 750 thousand in stimulus money for weatherization improvements on 140 homes. The Red Lake schools will receive an additional 400 thousand dollars in Impact aid dollars to assist in school improvements, and hopes to receive additional help to complete a 40 million dollar school improvement project that the state of Minnesota has been unable to fund. Public health including IHS and comprehensive health are applying for health information technology funding, and resources to complete a 10 million dollar hospital improvement expansion project. Also, we are seeking assistance in completing a 3.5 million dollar dialysis unit at our public health facility. Red Lake head start is also in a position to receive additional funding under existing formulas. Tribal transit is also submitting applications under the stimulus plan. Red Lake will also seek funding under this plan to address environmental projects through the EPA that will enable us to address leaky fuel storage tanks on the reservation that need to be removed. Public safety is in the process of applying for numerous competitive grants under the plan that will enhance our ability to Improve our law enforcement efforts. Tribal economic development bonds and tax credit financing for a new government center is being explored under this plan by the Red Lake band. There are Social service grant opportunities available under this plan in the areas of TANIF emergency funds, vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and child care development. Under the food distribution on reservations, portion there are grant opportunities in the areas of nutrition services for American Indian elders, and special supplement set asides grants for women, infants, and children. In the area of telecommunications there are grant opportunities to develop red lake’s existing broadband technology, and to pursue areas of telemedicine, and distance learning. We fully intend to submit for these additional resources through the agencies of which they will flow through to tribes. Some we will have to compete for, but we are ready utilize the recovery plan to our full advantage in order to bring a much needed boost to our tribal Nation. I would like to thank Tribal planning, and all the agencies involved for submitting the information for today’s report. Other non stimulus housing projects In 2009 Red Lake housing will see the completion of 20 units in the Redby district, 30 new rent to own homes in Littlerock. Complete with geo thermal alternative energy capability. 15 three bedroom energy star rated units in the Red Lake highlands. These are home ownership mortgages that are signed sealed, and occupied by new owners. 5 student built houses.3 constructed by Northwest Technical College, and 2 by the Leech Lake Tribal College. Four were sold by Housing Finance, and one was used to replace a home destroyed by fire. Seven supportive housing duplex units varying from one to four bedrooms will be constructed this summer, and will be located in all four districts. Three additional walking shield homes at the existing Ponemah site will be built as well. Construction on these units is scheduled for this summer. Other reservation projects 3.4 Million dollar forest development center This is a huge development for our tribe. The objective of the new forestry center is to restore 50,000 acres of pine as per our forestry settlement of the 1990’s Our tribal nursery will be capable of producing 1 million seedlings per year. Completion date: August of 2009. This project marks the rebirth of the great pine forests on our tribal lands. The greenhouse will also serve educational purposes for children, and band members. This is why it is located near the elementary school. Justice center complex Completion date: March 2009. 3 million dollar project Will house law enforcement/Tribal Courts/ detention facilities, and staff. Police sub station at Ponemah Completion date: April 2009 Part of overall justice complex package. Will enable public safety to provide consistent police presence in Ponemah community. Ponemah elderly nutrition building Completion date: April 2009 Improved nutrition services for Ponemah elderly Wastewater Treatment project Cost 1.6 million dollar project. Federal economic development administration Completion date July 2009 Assure the health, and safety of reservation residents and the natural environment of the Red Lake Nation. Remedy infrastructure needs. I would like to thank all of the reservation grant writers, Program Directors, Tribal planning, and the tribal executive administrator for a job well done in securing several million dollars in grant funding for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa. Events: This year the Red Lake band will conduct a series of community forums on health care, enrollment, and sovereignty. A summit on tribal sovereignty is in the planning stages, and a summit on public health is also on the horizon. This is the 4th year of the Red Lake nation youth gathering. This event will take place in early April in the Red Lake schools. The tribal school collaborative continues to emphasize school safety, and has initiated anti bullying measures, and staff training within the Red Lake schools. School violence has gone down, and there are many good things happening for students within the Red Lake schools. There has also been a strong emphasis on increased student support services. Improvements in the quality of education, and test scores by Red Lake children is always top priority. The tribal council is committed to helping the schools in anyway we can to improve the education system. As you can see there is a lot going on with our tribal nation. Our report today we hope gives our band members an idea of the state of the Red Lake Nation. As a Tribal Council we are exited about the next several months. We are very progressive tribe as we have been throughout our history. We thank you for your support, and we look forward to a very busy, and productive 2009. On behalf of the entire Tribal Council Chi Miigwetch: Mii, iiw |