PCHC Achieves Accreditation
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For the past five years, the Peter Christensen Health Clinic (PCHC) has been working to position itself to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Kara Schurman-Maulson, Quality Improvement Coordinator, joined the Clinic in May 2017, and has been very focused on moving the PCHC forward in the accreditation process. Accreditation is a process of review that allows healthcare organizations to demonstrate their ability to meet regulatory requirements and standards established by a recognized accreditation organization such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation reflects a clinic's dedication and commitment to meeting standards that demonstrate a higher level of performance and patient care.
"The accreditation certification is not tied to Indian Health Services (IHS), and recognizes that we are as good - or better - than other organizations," said Randy Samuelson, PCHC Clinic Director.
The AAAHC accreditation shows that the PCHC has met the nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set, and distinguishes the PCHC from many other outpatient facilities through its adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety.
According to the AAAHC, "The 1095 Strong is a transformational movement and call-to action spearheaded by the AAAHC to equip ambulatory leaders with the best of what they need to operationalize quality practices. The three-year, 1,095 day, period between accreditations is a critical time when ambulatory health organizations, with help from proven experts, can develop the kind of everyday habits that enable leaders in the industry to provide the utmost in quality care to their patients. Organizations, such as the Peter Christensen Health Center that earn AAAHC Accreditation, embody the spirit of 1095 Strong, Quality Every Day, an ongoing commitment to high-quality care and patient safety."
Ambulatory health care organizations seeking AAAHC Accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors - physicians, nurses, and administrators - who are actively involved in ambulatory care. The survey is peer-based and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services. The PCHC collaborated with IHS, the White Earth, Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee health clinics.
"We are grateful for the support we received from IHS, the White Earth, Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee health clinics. We are also very grateful for the support of the Tribal Council, the Health & Wellness Advisory Committee, the community, the Family Resource Center and our employees," Kara said. "Our patients, the community and our staff deserve to have the best, and this accreditation shows that we can be the best of the best."
"Our staff has done a great job in adapting to incredible changes in a relatively short amount of time. Every employee had their part. I see their pride in their work, and that carries over to the patient," said Julie Poupart, Clinical Manager.
The Clinic's journey isn't done. The certification is for three years, and the team is already moving forward to insure they are ready for the next accreditation process.
"In preparing for this certification, we reviewed and updated our policies, procedures, standards, consistency, and patient and employee safety. We'll maintain this, continue looking for ways to improve, and continue to incorporate the feedback we receive from our patients and the community," Kara shared.
Congratulations to everyone at the PCHC!
For more information about the PCHC's accreditation achievement, contact Randy Samuelson or Kara Schurman-Maulson at 715-588-3371. Photos available on Dropbox.
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Golden Eagle Farm's Berry Update
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Ethan Sennett and Jesse Moore are keeping busy at the Berry Farm. A quick tour on Wednesday shows the plants are doing well, and Ethan thinks we'll be picking next week.
View Ethan's update -
 The Berry Hotline is active, and you may call 715-588-3485 anytime to hear updated reports.
The Forestry Department has also launched a Facebook page, and Ethan and Jesse will provide regular berry updates throughout the season!
Leah looks forward to seeing everyone soon! |
Update from Industrial Hemp Meeting, Referendum on Tuesday
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 The final public information meeting regarding the Industrial Hemp Control Ordinance was held in the Tribal Council Room last Saturday.
President Wildcat and Council Members, along with five Tribal Members attended. Andrew Adams, the Tribe's Attorney, explained the ordinance and answered a variety of questions asked by the community members.
The draft copy states, "The ordinance will increase the Tribal government's ability to control cultivation and sales within the Reservation, and provide an important source of revenue for the continued operation and strengthening of Tribal government and the delivery of Tribal government services."
The Tribal Licensing and Regulatory Authority will oversee licensing, employee licensing, cultivating, processing, testing and sales licensing as outlined in the draft.
The ordinance calls for cultivators to apply for a license and renew it annually, ideally in the fall months. They must also be able to pass a background check with no felony convictions related to controlled substances.
- They must be at least 21 years old, with no prior drug felonies in their background.
- Land areas designated for hemp cultivation must be registered and GPS coordinates must be provided. Cultivated hemp must have a THC concentration of .3 percent or less, on a dry weight basis. Crop testing will be done at a designated lab, to be determined later.
- Processing must be done on the reservation in enclosed facilities approved by the Tribal Licensing and Regulatory Authority.
- To sell hemp products, a business must apply for and obtain a sales license. Employees selling products will be required to carry their license at all times. Employees must be 21 or older with no felonies, and no misdemeanors in the last 10 years related to controlled substances.
Mr. Adams explained the difference between hemp and marijuana, as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill, and noted that the Ordinance has been modified as a result of questions and public comment at the first public information meeting held on May 18th. Some of the these changes include:
Licensing
- Cultivators must be incorporated under tribal law, or be a Section 17 corporation.
- Applicants, if occupying a Tribal leadership position, must not have been convicted of any felony related to controlled substances within 10 years of the application date.
- A "fit for commerce" certificate must be obtained prior to transporting any Industrial Hemp from the Registered Land Area.
- The business must be organized and licensed under Tribal law or under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act.
- The use of Industrial Hemp products are prohibited at each Registered Land Area.
Sales
- Anyone importing or selling hemp products within the boundaries of the reservation is required to obtain a sales license from the Tribal Licensing and Regulatory Authority.
Copies of the revised draft are available at the Tribal Center. The Tribal Council determined that a referendum will be held so Tribal Members may vote on the new ordinance.
The Referendum will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. Polls will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Results will be posted on the Tribe's Facebook page as soon as they are available.
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UM-Twin Cities Students and Faculty Study Manoomin
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A group of students and faculty from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities were in Lac du Flambeau to participate in Pore Water Sampling training for four days last week. The training was just one part of an ongoing partnership between the University and the Lac du Flambeau Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Program. The students have been working with the Tribal Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Program for over a year. The University's Kawe Gidaa-Naanaagadawendaamin Manoomin Project has a defined research protocol and established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tribe. Their ongoing research project is designed to study the cultural and ecological dynamics of Manoomin (the Food that Grows on Water). The goal of the project is to protect Manoomin using scientific research and traditional knowledge. "We wanted to offer our visitors a cultural Manoomin experience, so they could gain a better understanding of what Manoomin means to our people. In the process, we learn from them; we want to learn how to collect scientific samples to see how it's done so one day we can do it ourselves. This is an example of how we are tying traditional, ecological knowledge with modern science," said Eric Chapman, Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Program Manager. The students collected samples and data from two sites on the Bear River, and put a data gauge in the Bear River to measure daily water levels. Pore sampling involves collecting a core sample of sediment from the shore sites where Manoomin grows. The samples are then treated with a nitrogen compound and frozen in a chamber, which enables the researcher to identify seeds dating back several years, depending on the organic matter levels in the sample. "We're trying to gain baseline data to monitor changes in the chemistry of pore water samples. For instance, if a mine opened at the Lynne or Penokee sites, there's potential for impact to the water on this reservation. We also hope to track climate changes and how it's affecting water chemistry and vegetation," Eric said.
Last Thursday, a round table discussion was held at the Natural Resource building to share what the students learned and how it will benefit them in the future. The discussion was culturally based. Joe Graveen, Wild Rice Cultural Enhancement Technician, and Gerry Mann from the Tribal Natural Resource Department, along with John Johnson, Sr., the Tribe's Voigt Task Force Representative, Greg Johnson and Bobby Williams, Cultural Advisors, and Willie Wildcat, Rice Chief, shared Manoomin stories with the group. Joe and Bob showed the group how to make and use knocking sticks, and Greg showed them how to make birch winnowing baskets at the Tribal Campground. A feast was also held. The food was blessed by Bobby. Wild rice, fish, maple syrup and fry bread were donated by some of our harvesters. The group then did a presentation to the Tribal Council in the afternoon to provide an update on the project. Eric shared, "Our program was started when we noticed a decline in Manoomin on the reservation. There have been some reseeding efforts to bring it back. Some have been successful, and because of the results, we felt the need to have a permanent Wild Rice Program. We also want to emphasize the importance of Manoomin to the Tribal Members. A lot of the youth don't know the migration story, that Manoomin is a medicine and a gift from the Creator. We put together a proposal for the Tribal Council, who approved the program and we're in our third year now. We do educational things such as showing how to make rice knockers, and provide information on what the program is working on. We have a Manoomin feast in August before harvest time to gather community comments."
The University researchers approach the research with respect for cultural meaning and historical significance to the Tribe. "We hope they will be back in early August to do additional sampling," Eric said.
"Our University of Minnesota team was honored to be invited to Lac du Flambeau," said G. -H. Crystal Ng, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. "We were received with great hospitality, and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn some more about your culture and to share some of our methods for testing the water and sediments in Manoomin lakes and rivers. It is our hope that our work together can help to restore and protect your sacred Manoomin."
Eric thanks everyone who assisted in hosting the students and faculty from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities including Bob Williams, John Johnson, Jr., Bill Bodeau, Gerry Mann, Greg Johnson, David Peterson, Lyle Chapman, Kristen Hanson and Wayne Wolfe. |
Lake Associations Make Donations to AIS Prevention Program
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The Shishebogama Gunlock Lake Association group generously donated $3,400 to the Tribal Natural Resources Program to support Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention under the Clean Boats, Clean Water Program.
"There are boat landing inspectors at their landing, and the money they are donating is for us to provide them with an inspector to help monitor traffic and make sure no plants or animals are being transported on boats. We are free of Eurasian Milfoil and Curly Leaf Pondweed on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation, thanks to the boat landing inspectors we have here," said Celeste Hockings, Water Resource Program Manager.
The Fence Lake Association generously donated funds to help pay the annual fees for the boat landing camera, which records and monitors boats.
"Thank you to both the Shishebogama Gunlock Lake Association and the Fence Lake Association for your donations. It helps us keep our lakes clean so our fishing and resources aren't harmed by invasive species," Celeste said.
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Deanna Maulson Earns Certification for Substance Abuse Counseling
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 Deanna Maulson, Client Services Coordinator for the Family Resource Center, has earned her certification in Substance Abuse Counseling from Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. She will transition to working in the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Program as a Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training.
She is a 2011 graduate of Lakeland Union High School. She attended UW-Oshkosh before moving back to Lac du Flambeau, where she worked as an intern and as the Tribal Benefits Specialist at the Peter Christensen Dental Clinic. She then transferred to the Family Resource Center, where she was the Receptionist.
She decided that she wanted to work with people after one of the AODA counselors suggested she return to school. "LCO College has the AODA Certification Program, a cohort program that involves a year of intense study. Classes began in January 2018, and I completed the program in December 2018. I officially graduated in May of this year. I am now waiting for my license so my services can be billable. That should be coming any day now," she said.
Deanna balanced a heavy class schedule with full-time work. "I have a lot of support from my significant other, and I'm motivated by my two children." She's continuing to take classes at LCO College, pursuing a degree in Social Work.
"So far, I have been doing OWI assessments," she said, "I'll be helping Patrick Day with clients and finding in-patient facilities for clients. As part of my clinical hour requirements, I will be interning with counselors while they are with clients and observing how a group therapy meeting is run."
In her spare time, Deanna enjoys spending time outdoors, doing activities with her children, berry picking and fishing. "I am focusing my extra time by making my home more comfortable, as I've just recently moved to a quiet neighborhood."
"I look forward to helping people in Lac du Flambeau. If you are looking for a counselor, I am available and I understand what you've been through."
Deanna is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. She may be reached by email or by phone at 715-588-1511.
Congratulations Deanna!
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Region 5 Tribal Operations Committee Meeting Held in Lac du Flambeau
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The Tribe hosted the Region 5 Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meeting at the Lake of the Torches Convention Center last week. Staff from several Tribal Natural Resource programs, Tribal leaders, and high-level staff from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attended.
President Joseph Wildcat, Sr., welcomed everyone and provided information about Lac du Flambeau and our Natural Resource Program.
"There was a series of issues that were discussed at this meeting. We discussed partnerships, environmental policy and air association, to name a few. The whole idea is to provide opportunities for high-level staff from the Environmental Protection Agency and high-level Tribal leadership and staff to meet and talk about environmental issues in front of decision makers," said Larry Wawronowicz, Tribal Natural Resources Director.
Because of the Treaties in the Ceded Territory, the EPA has a fiduciary responsibility that water, air and land standards are set to provide hunting, fishing and gathering opportunities for Tribes.
"When the EPA is making decisions, they have to consider the Tribes in the region, and that their decisions will have an impact on Indian Country," Larry continued. "RTOC provides communication opportunities. It's a decision-making program between EPA and Tribal staff. There are 36 Tribes in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, and many attended the meeting. It provides a forum for Tribes to talk about environmental issues."
RTOC is a partnership between the federally recognized Tribes in EPA Region 5 and the Region 5 office. "The RTOC enhances the protection of human health and the environment in Indian Country, and facilitates implementation of Tribal environmental protection programs," according to the EPA RTOC Charter. There are three meetings each year; one is held in Chicago, and the other two meetings are held in Tribal communities.
Topics covered included lead exposure, grants, environmental policy and technology, air quality management, pesticides and emergency response in the event of pollutant spills and discharges.
"Based on previous discussions, an action matrix was developed. It tracks the status of commitments and deadlines discussed at previous meetings. One of the important things we discussed was the Treatment as a State applications and why it's so hard for Tribes to get that status. Now it's been brought forth, and will be discussed at the next meeting," Larry added.
Visit the website for more information about the Region 5 Tribal Operations Committee.
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Getting to Know Your Tribal Government
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Did you know there are 21 Committees, Commissions and Boards (CCBs) that report to the Tribal Council?
In this ongoing series, we explain each of the groups represented in the CCBs. This week, we are featuring the Judicial Committee.
What does the Judicial Committee do?
The Judicial Committee shall be charged with advising and assisting the Court in evaluating the administrative structure of the court system, including recommending appropriate changes in the administration, methods of operations and developing an annual budget. The Committee shall also assist in staffing recommendations, including the number of judges, and dispute resolution mechanism.
The Judicial Committee carries out the duties assigned to it by the Tribal Council, including but not limited to:
- Recommending candidates for appointment by the Tribal Council for the appointed Judicial positions of Chief Trial Judge, Associate Trial Judge, Appeals Judge, Prosecutor and Clerk of Court.
- Annually review the operation of the departments under the Judicial system appointees and make a report to the Tribal Council.
- Act as an advisory board when requested with regard to the operation of the court system.
- Hear complaints for violation of Tribal Code, Chapter 83, Code of Ethics for the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Court personnel.
- Assist in the development and recommend to the Tribal Council the adoption of codes relevant to the Judicial system.
How often and when does the Health & Wellness Advisory Committee meet?
The Judicial Committee meets as necessary, up to two times monthly, and may schedule special meetings as needed.
If you are interested in joining a Committee, Commission or Board, please see the list of CCB vacancies below in the Serve Your Tribe section of this newsletter.
Any Tribal Members interested in a vacancy should submit a letter of interest and resume by the deadline as stated. Vacancies with background check requirements must have a completed Release of Information form submitted along with a letter of interest or resume.
All submissions must be made to the Tribal Operations and Enrollment Department directly or by emailing Suzy Burgess.
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Constitution Committee Meetings
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YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED AND VALUED
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PFS Community Assessment Survey
The Tribe is conducting a survey as part of the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF PFS) Grant. This program uses the premise "Culture is Prevention" to prevent underage drinking and prescription drug misuse and abuse.
This survey is voluntary. If you choose to take it, you may skip any question you don't want to answer.
The survey includes a number of cultural questions, as well as questions about alcohol and prescription drug use and consequences.
Your answers are confidential, and no one will connect your answers with your name or other identifying information. To help us keep your answers confidential, please do not add your name on this survey.
This is not a test, so there are no right or wrong answers. Check the most appropriate answer when answering.
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Tribal Register - Please Share Your Input
The Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Archaeology Program has been centered on surveying Tribal lands to find physical representation of history.
The Tribal Register was originally going to concentrate on historic and archaeological sites found that way. However, that is only a portion of the history of the community.
In two meetings, we were able to introduce other categories (important people, events and natural resources) to find information that the community felt was as, if not more, important than the physical sites.
We can't work with all of them at once, so we are asking for guidance rank the list according to top, medium and lowest importance so it's not just THPO staff making the determinations.
This is the history of the community, and will be part of an overall program that also includes the oral history project that Lauren is doing now.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)
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The Inter-Tribal Task Force (ITTF) is comprised of representatives from the 11 Tribes within the State of Wisconsin. The ITTF approves of an Annual Work Plan that directs all activities and events of five work teams: 1) Labor and Business; 2) Real Estate and Jurisdictional Issues; 3) Safety, Signage; 4) Transit; and 5) Shared Resources. Each of these work teams have developed and assist in the delivery of a variety of respective workshops, training events, conferences, one-to-one technical assistance, access to subject matter experts and related resources.
The selected consultant will produce a written Marketing/Outreach/Promotions Plan for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Inter-Tribal Task Force (ITTF) designed to build awareness of, access to and potential increased use of all of the resources available through the ITTF - including but not limited to the resources available on the ITTF website, periodic workshops and training events, and the annual Wisconsin Tribal Transportation Conference.
Due date is June 28, 2019. View RFP. |
The deadline for written inquiries is June 28, 2019. Proposals are due July 5, 2019.
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The deadline for written inquiries is June 28, 2019. Proposals are due July 17, 2019.
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NAIG Basketball Tryouts - June 29th
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Tribal Members - Fence Lake Home For Sale
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 With the Independence Day holiday quickly approaching, ReadyWisconsin is encouraging everyone to celebrate safely.
"Whether you are taking a family trip, hosting a backyard cookout or setting off fireworks, safety should be your top priority," said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. "It's especially important to remember that fireworks can be extremely dangerous, even when used properly."
In 2018, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said 16 people were hospitalized and 91 visited emergency rooms in the state due to fireworks-related injuries. Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says an average of 280 people go to emergency rooms with fireworks-related injuries every day in the weeks leading up to the July 4th celebration.
The easy way to keep everyone safe is by watching free community fireworks shows. However, if you choose to set off your own fireworks, please consider these tips:
- Only buy legal fireworks that are allowed in your community and buy from reliable sellers. Make sure you are following local ordinances.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks and establish a safe zone around any area where fireworks are being set off.
- Adults igniting fireworks should always wear eye protection, never hold fireworks while lighting them, and never have any part of their body over a lit firework.
- Used sparklers should be placed in a bucket of water. Spent sparklers can burn hands or pierce into feet.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Always have water (a garden hose or a bucket) ready in case of a fire.
- Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves and flammable materials. Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people or animals.
- Keep your pets indoors to reduce the risk that they will run loose and get injured.
- Be considerate of your neighbors - especially those with pets or young children.
In addition to fireworks safety, ReadyWisconsin offers these additional tips:
- While you are out celebrating, remember to drink plenty of water. Limit your alcohol use and never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
- If you are traveling, make sure you have an emergency kit in your car with items such as bottled water, snacks, and a cell phone charger. Check 511Wisconsin for traffic-related information using the free mobile app or online at www.511wi.gov.
- Never leave a child, disabled person or pet in a parked car - even briefly. Temperatures can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day the temperature inside a car, even with windows cracked slightly open, can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
- If you are cooking outdoors, remember to set up grills away from your home or any structure that can catch fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and keep a child-free safe zone around the grill while it's hot.
- Spending the day outdoors? Make sure you know the forecast before you head out. Carry a battery-operated weather radio so you can receive alerts about severe weather in your area.
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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors
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Family Circles Registration and Facilitator Training Now Open
The annual registration for Cohort #4 and for the Family Circles Facilitator training is now open.
The Fall Family Circles weekly sessions begin August 14th and continue through December 18, 2019. To register, email Brian Jackson or call 715-588-3838.
The 2019 Family Circles Facilitator Training will be with Master Elders Dr. Sonny Smart and Ernie St. Germaine from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on the following Wednesdays and Thursdays: June 26-27, July 10-11, July 24-25 and August 7-8. The Trainings will be held at the Gikendaasowin Education Department at 562 Peace Pipe Road.
If you are interested in becoming a Family Circles Facilitator, email Brian Jackson or call 715-588-3838.
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Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Activities
Click on an image for details
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
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June 2019
Click on an image for details
Northern Woodland Indian Art Show
June 28th thru June 30th
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Native American Liturgy
June 30th
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July 2019
Click on an image for details
Health Start Program
July 1st
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Downtown LDF 4th of July Festivities
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LDF Fitness Center
Hours on July 4th
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Conversational Gathering
Mondays - July 8th to August 26th
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Family Movie Night
July 12th
Riverview Park - Eagle River
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Bear River Powwow
July 12th thru July 14th
at the Bear River Powwow Grounds
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Well Child Clinic
July 11th
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Journey to Well Being
July 16th
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LDF Business Development Corporation:
Other Employment Opportunities:
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Other Employment Opportunities:
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 Share your good news with the community!
If you have something you wish to share in the weekly e-newsletter, please email us.
Please forward your information by Wednesday afternoon.
The weekly e-newsletter is sent every Friday morning, and shared on the Tribe's Facebook page.
Thank you!
Kim Swisher and Abbey Thompson
Office: 715-437-0090
Email: [email protected] |
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