1854 Treaty Authority's Ziigwan (spring) newsletter, AVAILABLE HERE!

It features an update on both the Governor's AND Tribal wild rice task forces, as well as this year's changes to the 1854 band member BWCAW access policy. Don't miss the announcement for our summer natural resources-focused youth camp, and catch the newly approved 2019-2020 1854 Ceded Territory fishing seasons. Check out some thoughts and announcements on iskagamizigan (sugarbush) as we start to "think spring".

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to give us a call!

1854's Resource Management Division is hiring two (2) Invasive Species Aides, and two (2) Fish and Wildlife Aides. These are seasonal/temporary positions. Application materials (including application for employment) are due April 12th!

by Division Director, Darren Vogt

Although we continue to be busy with some field activities, winter is the time to summarize all our projects from the past season. All annual reports from our projects can be found on the 1854 Treaty Authority website, but here are some highlights from our time taking care of things in the woods and waters…

2018 Harvest Results

In 2018, 20 Ceded Territory moose permits were issued – ten to Bois Forte and ten to Grand Portage hunting parties. Eight total moose were registered in 2018: five taken by Grand Portage and three by Bois Forte. The total number of deer permits issued in 2018 (134) was the lowest ever. Deer hunter success was also low in 2018, with only 33 deer registered in the Ceded Territory. Five bear permits were issued, and zero bear harvested. Trapping harvest of furbearers continued to be low, with five trappers registering a total of 40 marten and 2 fisher. Further details on the 2018 harvest results can be found in the harvest report posted on our website!

Our primary responsibility of 1854’s biologists is to manage and report on hunting and trapping seasons. In 2018, harvest in the 1854 Ceded Territory by Bois Forte and Grand Portage members included 33 deer and 8 moose. More information on these and other species can be found in the 2018 Big Game and Furbearer Harvest Report. Some of our other project work are summarized in the 2018 Small Mammal Survey Report, 2018 Monitoring of Moose Habitat Restoration Sites Report, and the 2018 Wolf Project Report.

We continue to be active on the water conducting a variety of fisheries surveys. Electrofishing assessments for walleye were completed in both spring and fall on inland lakes and is summarized in Spring Adult and Fall Juvenile Walleye Population Surveys. Our staff identified twelve (12) larval lake sturgeon in 2018 indicating natural reproduction occurring in the St. Louis River - read up in the 2018 Larval Sturgeon Drift Netting Summary. Trawling surveys were completed on the St. Louis River to track fish species diversity and abundance (2018 St. Louis River Estuary Bottom Trawling Survey Summary Report).

Environmental Biologist, Tyler Kaspar, assesses walleye and small mouth otoliths

Beginning in 1998, the 1854 Treaty Authority has tracked wild rice abundance on a group of lakes and rivers each year. Looking at the trend across time, the total abundance index (acreage and density) in 2018 was the lowest since the program began! If you want the skinny on the below average crop in 2018, read the full report: Wild Rice Monitoring and Abundance in the 1854 Ceded Territory (1998-2018). We also are involved with restoration efforts which is summarized in the St. Louis River Estuary Wild Rice Restoration Monitoring (2015-2018). It appears that impacts from geese and higher water levels continue to slow restoration success. Finally, we monitor wild rice growth and water quality issues downstream of a mining operation discussed in the Sandy Lake and Little Sandy Lake Monitoring (2010-2018).

Our energetic resource management team pitched into a handful of environmental projects this past field season. Unfortunately, an Eastern European ballast water hitchhiking zooplankton was identified in the Duluth/superior Harbor and the mouth of the St. Louis River by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2017. Since the identification of Bloody Red Shrimp (Hemimysis anomola), 1854 has collaborated in population sampling surveys to monitor its status. Check out the results in Summary of Bloody Red Shrimp Sampling in the St. Louis River Estuary 2018. All other extensive invasive species work is highlighted in Invasive Species Summary Report 2018. Information from fish tissue analysis for mercury is included in the Analysis of Walleye and Smallmouth Bass Tissues for Mercury 2019 Technical Report. We continue to implement a variety of projects related to climate change; The 1854 Ceded Territory Climate Summary 2017-2018 summarizes phenological indicators over the past seasons.

1854's Resource Management Division is hiring one (1) Invasive Species Technician, to lead aquatic project activities. This is a temporary position, funded for one year. Applications are due March 29th! Read the vacancy announcement.

The 1854 Treaty Authority is developing a youth activity book which will focus on contemporary and historical practices of maple sugar harvesting. We are now seeking proposals for an illustrator to work with a cultural/language author to complete this educational tool. Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. on February 28^th, 2019.

Read the Request for Proposals.

Contact Cultural Preservation Specialist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with any questions. Miigwech!

The numbers are in and we are happy to share the 2018 Big Game and Furbearer Harvest Report! It's a great day to cozy up next to the fire with this fine read...

Climate Generation wants YOU to attend the Talk Climate Institute in Duluth, MN, March 25-26, 2019.

They are offering full and partial scholarships to attend! Apply on their website.

The 1854 Treaty Authority will host Nenda – Gikendan Noopiming gaye Nibiing (“seeking knowledge in the woods and place of water”) July 29th through August 2nd, 2019. This week-long, FREE camp is designed to provide Native American high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of natural resource management, and purse related college majors and careers. Participants will spend time in classroom sessions, field trips, and work alongside professionals in fish and game monitoring and survey activities. Incoming 10-12th grade, college-bound students affiliated with a tribe in Minnesota, Michigan and/or Wisconsin, are encouraged to apply. Check out some of the cool stuff we have planned: Draft Camp Itinerary!

See the program flyer. Read the camp FAQ's for more information. 

Download the application materials.

Applications are due THURSDAY MAY 30TH, 2019.

University of Wisconsin is seeking a tribal student to assist in a Manoomin Education and Outreach project. Read the job description.

The application deadline is 5:00PM, January 22nd, 2019.

The 1854 Treaty Authority is hosting Cultural Crafting, a continuing education/public outreach winter series at our Duluth-office.

Hey Teachers!

Are you seeking materials to fulfill cultural curriculum standards? The St. Louis County Historical Society (SLCHS) has put together a Lake Superior Ojibwe learning guide. It was developed as an interpretive supplement to the Ojibwe Gallery in the 4^thfloor, St. Louis County Historical Society Museum at the Duluth Depot, but it breaks down a TON of cultural information on its own. The guide includes a historical timeline, explanations of the styles and techniques employed in crafting of moccasins and baskets (items on display at the exhibit), and interpretation of the treaties that changed the way of life for the Ojibwe in the Lake Superior basin. The guide is a practical resource for an introduction to the Ojibwe language, and clarifies why different names are commonly used for the same group of peoples -- “Chippewa, Ojibwe, and Anishinaabeg”. It even comes with a content review “worksheet”!

It is available on the SLCHS website, or download a copy from the 1854 Treaty Authority webpage.

The 1854 Treaty Authority’s Biboon (winter) newsletter is HOT OFF THE PRESS (…or fresh in your e-mail IN box). 

This edition highlights some of our resource management work, including an update on the Wolf Project, and dissolved oxygen/ temperature monitoring on Lake Vermilion. Find out about upcoming opportunities, like our Duluth-office winter program series, a reminder for the 2019 youth camp, and classroom presentations offered for tribal schools in February 2019. Check out an article on the different styles and uses of aagim (snowshoes)! 

As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call.

READ IT HERE

Have you registered a deer through our online registration system this fall? Please double-check that you received an email confirming your online form submission. Confirmation emails are sent automatically from Google Forms <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please call our office to make sure your online registration went through!

The Bois Forte Heritage Center hosts "Ojibwe, Fire, & Pines", on Thursday November 29th, 2018. Meet at 3pm for a tour of the museum, a presentation, and an evening meal.

The 1854 Treaty Authority is honoring Veterans Day on Monday November 12th, and our Duluth-offices will be closed. We will open again to normal business hours on Tuesday November 13th, from 8am-4:30pm.

Chi Miigwech to all who have served!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY AT THE DEPOT

Celebrating Ojibwe history and culture

Duluth, MN, November 24, 2018–The St. Louis County Historical Society, in partnership with the Depot Foundation, the 1854 Treaty Authority, Bois Forte Tribal Council, and the Historic Union Depot Corporation, presents Native American Heritage Day. November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month and this event will seek to celebrate local Ojibwe history, art, and culture.

The event will include food by B&B Market, light refreshments, music by Burntside Lake, children’s activities, as well as artwork by Carl Gawboy. The Lake Superior Ojibwe Gallery will also be unveiling its ‘Storyteller’s Corner’ which showcases a museum-safe, yet realistic, wigwam as an interactive experience for children. Also premiering will be the Society’s Hill of Three Waters mural which is located in the Small Fesler Gallery.

The event will take place in the Great Hall of the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center—located in the Depot—at 506 W. Michigan Street. The event will run from 11am to 3pm.

This event is free and open to the public. It is suitable for all ages. Also make sure to check out events happening in the railroad museum!

For a detailed list of activities, or if you would like more information about this event, please visit our Facebook event page @stlouiscountyhistoricalsociety or call 218.733.7586.