Tribal Governing Board Announces Education Scholarship

The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board is pleased to announce the availability of education scholarships to qualifying tribal members. Scholarships are funded by proceeds from the LCO Youth and Education Golf Classic which is held on an annual basis to raise money for education and youth activities. The scholarship application period is from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, and is open to graduating high school or adult continuing education students. Scholarship application guidelines are available at the front desk of the Tribal Office.

Three Elected to Tribal Governing Board in General Election

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

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

Following are the vote totals:

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

Tribal Governing Board Meets with Hayward School District Board of Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Healing Statement from the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board

On Monday, July 23, 2012, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board met and discussed the terrible actions that cut through the heart, soul, spiritual and cultural beliefs of our community. Malicious and disgraceful acts of destruction to cultural and religious sites will not be tolerated, we will prosecute to the fullest extent and the Tribe reserves the right to prosecute under Tribal law. We will work close with the Tribal law enforcement, Sawyer County Sheriff and community members to bring the perpetrator to justice.

We will allocate financial assistance to restoring the Big Drum building and lend available resources to make this happen. We are grateful to the Ho Chunk Tribe, Lac Vieux Desert and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for their financial pledge to help in the restoration of the building. Also we applaud the community support that has come forward to help in the restoration process. We further extend a helping hand to the other individuals who lost property in this wanton destructive act.

This terrible act was a traumatic and painful blow to Lac Courte Oreilles and tensions run high but let this not divide our community. Some many hurt longer than others however as we work through the grief and loss, let's remember to strive for a spirit of unity and healing. May our creator grant us the wisdom and ability to coexist with respect, tolerance, and love.

Community Meeting — July 30, 2012 at 12 p.m.

On Monday, July 23, 2012 the Tribal Governing Board Met with a few members of the Elder Council and community in regard to the desecration of the Big Drum Building and other ceremonial sites. The Council and participants determined another meeting inviting the Lac Courte Oreilles Community must occur and should focus on healing and rebuilding our community spirit.

The community meeting is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2012 at the Tribal Pavilion; a light lunch will be served. In the event of rain the alternate site will be the Peter Larson Room in the Tribal Office. Tribal member employees will be allowed work release time to attend the community meeting.

The purpose of the meeting is solely to establish steps toward healing our community. If you have other topics or concerns they can be addressed at the General Membership meeting at 9 a.m. on August 25, 2012 at the Casino Bingo Hall.