Marne Kaeske

*Bois Forte and Grand Portage band members can contact the 1854 Treaty Authority to share their thoughts/comments or ask questions:
Morgan Swingen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
1854 Treaty Authority, Wildlife Biologist
(218) 481-7010

Public input period starts in January, two public meetings scheduled for February

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in coordination with other Tribal entities, local governments, landowners and other stakeholders, has kicked off public engagement on the Northeast Omashkooz (elk) Restoration and Management Plan.

Consistent with direction and funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023, the Minnesota DNR is working to support the Fond du Lac Band in restoring elk to the Fond du Lac Reservation and the surrounding portions of the 1854 Ceded Territory. The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa also retain treaty rights and cooperate in co-management in this ceded territory, and the 1854 Treaty Authority has been participating in restoration planning efforts in support of those Bands. Throughout the restoration effort, the DNR will also maintain or increase elk populations in northwest Minnesota.

"There is exciting and important work underway to reestablish elk in northeast Minnesota," said Sarah Strommen, Minnesota DNR commissioner. "We're looking forward to working with Tribal partners to enhance the important ecological and cultural benefits that elk provide in Minnesota."

Over a period of years, the Fond du Lac Band prepared a proposal and conducted feasibility studies for restoring elk to the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding area. The 2021 proposal calls for moving 100-150 elk from northwest Minnesota in small increments over the course of many years. The Minnesota DNR supports work to advance this proposal, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of existing herds in the northwest. Other considerations important in the project include landowner and other public support as well as supporting the health of other big game populations.

The effort to establish elk in the northeast is considered a restoration because tens of thousands of elk historically lived throughout most of Minnesota. Currently, a small population of elk roams lands in northwest Minnesota owned and managed by private landowners, the Minnesota DNR, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, this area overlaps with the Red Lake Nation's 1863 Old Crossing Treaty boundary.

An elk coordination team including individuals from Tribal, state, county and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, is planning the restoration work, which includes public meetings that will inform a new northeast elk restoration and management plan.

To ensure elk populations remain stable in northwest Minnesota, only a sustainable number of elk will be captured and moved to the northeast each year. State elk harvest and elk translocations will be balanced during this time to ensure that neither unduly affects the elk population in the northwest. The first round of elk releases in northeast Minnesota is being planned for spring 2026 and captures and releases would continue until a self-sustaining herd is established.

"The Fond du Lac Band has been working patiently for the last 10 years to bring omashkooz (elk) home," said Mike Schrage, FDL wildlife program manager. "This process has been about restoring a native species, providing future elk hunting and viewing opportunities, and reestablishing a species adaptable to a wide range of future climate scenarios."

The Fond du Lac Band's proposal and feasibility studies are available on the Fond du Lac Band website (fdlband.org/services/resource_management/wildlife/index.php#outer-796).

Public information and input opportunities

The DNR and the FDL Band are conducting a variety of engagement activities to help inform the restoration and management plan. From Jan. 23 to Feb. 28, the DNR and the FDL Band invite public input on the scope of the forthcoming plan. Later this fall, a draft of the Northeast Omashkooz (elk) Restoration and Management Plan will be available for public comment before being finalized.

Opportunities for people to help inform the scope of the Northeast Omashkooz (elk) Restoration and Management Plan include:

Attend the online public meeting on Monday, Feb. 10 at 6-8 p.m. The access link is available on the DNR elk management webpage (mndnr.gov/elk).
Attend the in-person public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Room 195, 2101 14^th, Cloquet, MN.
Complete an online questionnaire available on the DNR elk management webpage (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-northeast.html) by Feb. 28.
Submit comments by email sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Feb. 28.

Throughout the restoration project, questions and comments are welcome and can be submitted via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More information on elk research and management, and a sign-up for the Minnesota DNR Elk Notes quarterly email newsletter, are available on the DNR elk management webpage (mndnr.gov/elk). People can also sign up for the Elk Notes newsletter at any of the public meetings.

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262 Hits

Jan

15

Cultural Events at the Ely Winter Festival

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Moccasin Games & Hand Games at the Ely Winter Festival

Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum

1500 Bois Forte Road

Tower, MN

218-753-6017

The Bois Forte Heritage Center and the 1854 Treaty Authority are helping to host the Moccasin Game and Hand Games as led by Terry Goodsky to take part in the Ely Winter Festival. They are being held at the Ely Folk School on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 8:00am to 10:30am. Moccasin Games are intended only for men to play but the Hand Games are open to all. Please join us for some fun! Gii comma giizhi dah omah "Let's have fun here!"

779 Hits

Jan

13

Vacancies: Biological Aide

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

The 1854 Treaty Authority is hiring! We are looking for some motivated individuals to join our Resource Management crew for the 2025 season. Check out the Biological Aide vacancy. Application materials are due by February 7th, 2025.

The general organization application can be found here.

958 Hits

Dec

11

Snowmobile Safety Training, Grand Portage, 1/4/25

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Register Here: https://forms.gle/VKJAcWGFD54VNbZ49

2106 Hits

Dec

10

1854 News, Biboon 2024-2025

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

1854 Treaty Authority's Biboon 2024-2025 Newsletter is now available.

Included are reminders on all things winter: ick thickness safety, some code revisions, and unattended line notification. Learn what YOU can do with invasive buckthorn in your backyard. With much gratitude we say farewell to an instrumental player on our resource management team - miigewch Tyler, for your hard work over the years.

1854 hosts snowmobile safety in Grand Portage just after the new year - sign up today!

Weweni,

1854 Treaty Authority

READ IT HERE

2161 Hits

Dec

06

Rivers of the North Shore Map

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

The Grand Portage Band published a map of the Ojibwe names of the major rivers and other important traditional harvest areas on the North Shore. Copies are now available free of charge at the 1854 Treaty Authority office. The map is also available online with audio files of the Ojibwe words:

https://www.nps.gov/grpo/learn/historyculture/north-shore-place-names.htm

Detailed information about the history and background of the Ojibwe names can be found at:

https://openrivers.lib.umn.edu/article/rivers-north-shore-ojibwe-dialects/

2186 Hits

Dec

03

Superior National Forest Reminds Visitors of Annual Passes and Winter Recreation Opportunities

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Annual Passes & Winter Recreation Opportunities

Duluth, MN – November 21, 2024– While many recreation facilities and activities on national forests do not charge an entrance fee, visitors that enjoy recreating across a variety of public lands may benefit from purchasing an annual pass or Interagency America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreation and Lands Pass Series Pass.

The passes are valid for almost 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers. Most interagency passes are available through the USGS Online Store. Passes include the Access Pass (Senior and Military), Lifetime Pass (Senior and Military), Fourth Grade Pass, Access Pass and Senior Pass. Passes can be purchased in person at these pickup locations or ordered online at the USGS Online Store or by phone (888) 275-8747 and received by mail.

For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/passes-permits/recreation

Winter recreation on the Superior National Forest is a fun way to get fresh air, exercise, and explore public lands without the crowds. From skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, winter camping, dog or kick sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing--the list goes on! The best adventures are made with planning and preparing for destinations within the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Practicing winter Leave No Trace Principles such as knowing snow and ice conditions, using a map and compass, preparing for extreme weather, hypothermia, and more, can help keep visitors safe and preserve the unique landscape for future recreation. For trips into the BWCAW, self-issue permits are required for day and overnight use. Read the winter camping and exploring section of the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide on page 11 for more information. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has additional information on ice and cold-water safety: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

Option of America the Beautiful Passes Available for Purchase.

Two young skiers enjoying the Superior National Forest. Photo courtesy of M.C.

###

Find out more about the Superior National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/superior and follow us on X/Twitter @SuperiorNF, on Facebook and Flickr (photo credit: Superior National Forest) #superiornf

The Superior National Forest is managed in Five (5) districts, with a Supervisor's Office:

Supervisor's Office, Duluth: 218-626-4300
Gunflint District Office, Grand Marais: 218-387-1750
Kawishiwi District Office, Ely: 218-365-7600
LaCroix District Office, Cook: 218-666-0020
Laurentian District Office, Aurora: 218-453-8650
Tofte District Office, Tofte: 218-663-8060

2332 Hits

Nov

21

Voyageurs Conservancy Vacancy: Facilitator to Lead Co-stewardship Discussions

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Voyageurs Conservancy seeks a skilled facilitator to lead a series of four multi-day workshops that will support conversations about co-stewardship at Voyageurs National Park (VOYA) with 18Tribal, 7 First Nations communities and the Métis Nation of Ontario, the National Park Service, and Voyageurs Conservancy. The facilitator will work with the National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy working group, as well as an Advisory Committee that will be formed during the course of the project, to plan and facilitate conversations with the participating Tribal and First Nations, National Park Service, and Voyageurs Conservancy.

2488 Hits

Nov

08

KBFT 89.9FM Presents the 2024 Mino Mashkiki (Good Medicine) Music Fest in Celebration of Native American Heritage Month

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Virginia, MN – KBFT 89.9FM Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio is proud to present the 2024 Mino Mashkiki (Good Medicine) Music Fest, a vibrant celebration of music and culture in observation of Native American Heritage Month. The event will take place on November 15th from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia, MN.

This year's festival boasts an impressive lineup of artists, promising an evening filled with diverse musical performances:

Bobby V will kick off the night with original music from his new album "Storyline."
Itz Lil Lee will bring a fresh new track "City Life" & feature his latest CD Bimadiziwin."
War Bonnet will rock the stage with their latest release "Eagle's Eye."
Special Guest Annie Humphrey will perform songs, speak and present to her powerful new project "Fire In The Village."
Headliner Keith Secola, the legendary Native American music icon and Iron Range Award-winning artist, will close the night with his classic indigenous vibe, offering an engaging evening of song, insight, and community.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia, MN
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
Amenities: Light food and beverages will be provided until supplies last.

The Mino Mashkiki Music Fest is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of good medicine through music, fostering unity and cultural appreciation. This event highlights the rich musical heritage of the region and brings together diverse communities to share in the healing power of song and dance.

Sponsors: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their generous support:

The Minnesota Legacy - Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
The Virginia Human Rights Commission
The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

For more information, please contact:

George Strong, General Manager, KBFT 89.9FM @ 218.248.0167 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About KBFT 89.9FM Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio
KBFT 89.9FM is dedicated to serving the Bois Forte community by providing a platform for cultural expression, education, and entertainment. Through events like the Mino Mashkiki Music Fest, KBFT aims to promote cultural understanding and unity.

4240 Hits

Nov

08

KBFT 89.9FM Hosts Misaabe Cultural Experience 2024

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Virginia, Minnesota - KBFT 89.9FM - Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio is delighted to announce the Misaabe Cultural Experience 2024, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This extraordinary event will take place at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center (ITMEC) and will feature cultural speakers, performers, and tribal programs from the Bois Forte Reservation.The Misaabe Cultural Experience 2024 is aimed at the general public, particularly those interested in learning more about Native American life from past to present. Topics will cover history, art, cultural practices, and lifestyles, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Native American heritage. Special Presentations Include:

James Vukelich: Renowned speaker on Native American history and culture
- Wednesday 12:30pm ITMEC Ballroom
- Wednesday 6:00pm ITMEC Ballroom
The Woodland Sky Dance Company: Showcasing mesmerizing traditional and contemporary Native American dance.
- Thursday 6pm ITMEC Ballroom
Ogimawaab Sutherland: Esteemed cultural leader with insights into tribal practices and modern life
- Wednesday & Thursday during day sessions

Local high school student groups are especially invited to attend and experience the cultural richness firsthand. This event is a unique opportunity to deepen understanding and appreciation of Native American traditions.

Event Details:

Date: November 13th and 14th

Time (Day Sessions): 9:30am to 1:30pm

Time (Evening Sessions): 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Location: Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia, Minnesota

Admission: FREE and open to the public

Join us in observing Native American Heritage Month with the Misaabe Cultural Experience 2024. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to participate in this celebration of Native American culture and community.For more information, please contact KBFT 89.9FM at 218.248.0167.

About KBFT 89.9FM

KBFT 89.9FM - Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Through community events, educational programs, and media productions, KBFT 89.9FM aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Native American traditions and contemporary issues.

2679 Hits

Nov

07

Vacancy: Environmental Specialist

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

The 1854 Treaty Authority is hiring an Environmental Specialist. Application materials are due by December 13, 2024.

The application can be found here.

2181 Hits

Oct

30

Bois Forte Whitefish/Cisco Netting Clinic, 11/16-17

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Registration is REQUIRED: https://forms.gle/xsr1xs7vrvdJ518K6

2747 Hits

Sep

04

Manoomin Camp

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

3365 Hits

Sep

04

1854 News, Dagwaagin 2024

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

1854's Dagwaagin 2024 Newsletter is now available!

Fall harvest is upon us! Included in this issue you will find information on manoomin conditions and season dates. Hunting and trapping registration station locations, special youth deer hunt information, and numerous hunting-themed giveaways are within. Hunters: please consider participating in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring program and help us track the health of waawaashkeshiwag.

Test your knowledge on our conservation code, grow your Anishinaabemowin knowledge, and catch up on all the adventures the Education/Outreach Division had during niibin. Congrats to 9 new hunters as they take the field this fall with their firearm safety/hunter education certifications!

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Weweni,

- the 1854 Treaty Authority

READ IT HERE

3160 Hits

Aug

25

Two-day Event on the 'Past, Present and Future of the BWCAW' and 'Evolving Land Ethics' to be held in Ely, MN

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

The Aldo Leopold Foundation and the US Forest Service – Superior National Forest are presenting a public symposium to celebrate and advance the evolution of land ethics and conservation on September 19-20 in Ely, Minnesota.

The first day, September 19^th, will begin at the Minnesota North College Vermilion Campus with a Symposium on the Past, Present and Future of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The program will draw upon Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific understanding of the region as well as revisit the efforts of Sigurd Olson, commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac, and the 60^th anniversary of passage of the Wilderness Act.

The second day, September 20^th, will focus on Evolving Land Ethics: Advancing Conservation Through Film, Words and Community at Ely's Historic State Theater. The program is a community partnership with participants from the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Listening Point Foundation, Tofte Lake Center, Ely Film Festival, and Piragis Northwoods Company.

The day will feature an introduction to the Land Ethic Concept by Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, followed by a screening of Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time, an Emmy Award-winning film that challenges viewers to consider their relationship with the land and nature. Current short films by filmmakers selected for the Ely Film Festival will also be shown. The screenings will be followed by facilitated dialogue with the audience and filmmakers. The day concludes with a Drum Ceremony featuring artists from the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and a social hour at the State Theater.

This two-day event is open to the public. There is no cost for Thursday's program and tickets for Friday will be available through the State Theater for $10.

For further information, contact the Aldo Leopold Foundation. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 608-355-0279.

Venue addresses:

Minnesota North College, Vermilion Campus
1900 E. Camp Street
Ely, MN 55723

Ely's Historic State Theater
238 E. Sheridan Street
Ely, MN 55731

3306 Hits

Aug

21

Manoominike-Giizis

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Although the Manoomin may not be very promising for the 2024 season, we are still monitoring most rice waters in the 1854 Ceded Territory to encourage folks to get out and harvest. Early season storms and flooding drown a lot of plants. Check 1854 Treaty Authority's Wild Rice Condition Updates for the latest!

SEASON DATES: August 15 (and when ripe) - October 30

HARVEST HOURS: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No waters are planned to be posted with opening harvest dates. If waters are selected for posting in 2023, notification will be on the 1854 Website, and signage will be placed at known access points.

*Please do NOT harvest manoomin before it is fully ripe!

3457 Hits

Jul

09

Welcome Elyse!

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

We didn't get a chance to introduce our Human Resource Generalist/Office Manager in the 2024 summer newsletter. However, we are elated to announce the newest staffer of the Administration Division - Elyse Lawrey!

Boozhoo! My name is Elyse Lawrey, I am the HR Generalist/Office Manager here at 1854 Treaty Authority. I started working here on May 20^th so I am one of the new kids on the block. Originally from Chicago, I have lived most of my adult life in Duluth. I'm an enrolled member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth last month, I received my Masters of Tribal Administration and Governance. I received bachelor's degrees in American Indian Studies and English in 2013, also from UMD. Besides enjoying hiking (actually, just walking in the woods), I also enjoy fishing, camping and visiting historical places.

4813 Hits

Jun

24

Forest Roads and BWCAW Entry Points inaccessible due to washouts and flooding on the Superior National Forest

Marne Kaeske

News & Information

Duluth, Minn., June 20, 2024, 1930 —Damage assessments and surveys continue to be accomplished across the 3 million acres of Superior National Forest roads and lands in northeastern Minnesota. Heavy rainfall from the June 18, 2024 storms have caused numerous washouts and flooding. Water levels on lakes, streams, and rivers continue to rise and are causing impacts in many areas. This is a dynamic and slow-moving situation and some forest roads that were passable yesterday are now impacted today. Forest Service official continue to coordinate with local, county, and state partners as everyone in the region is experiencing the effects of this weather event.

Recreation Sites and Campgrounds

Most of the developed and dispersed recreation sites including developed campgrounds on the Forest remain open for visitor use. As road and water conditions change, we might need to reevaluate the status of recreation sites. Lake levels are also rising, and several boat access docks could be under water. Due to road washouts and flooding the following campgrounds are closed or only open to high clearance vehicles.

McDougal Lake Campground (Closed through June 27, 2024, will reevaluate next week)
Pfeiffer Lake Campground (Open to High Clearance Vehicles only)

Forest Roads

Numerous forest roads are flooded or have washouts which make them not drivable. The following forest roads are currently closed due to unsafe conditions.

LaCroix Ranger District (Northwest side of the Forest, St. Louis County)

FR 200 (200 Road)
FR 464 (Moose Loop South) cannot drive through the loop.
FR 467 (Meander Lake Road)

Laurentian Ranger District (South side of the Forest, St. Louis and Lake Counties)

FR 113 (Headwaters Road)
FR 118 (Camp 26 Road)
FR 122 (Langley Road)
FR 130 (Mooseline Road)
FR 256 (Pfeiffer Lake Road) south end of road has a washout.
FR 272 (Sturgeon Road)
FR 273 (Bates Road)
FR 278 (Dewey Lake Road)
FR 279 (Shannon Lake Road)
FR 380 (Stoney Grade)
FR 425 (Bundle Lake Road)
FR 776 Linwood Lake Road)
FR 1822 (Koivisto Road)

Kawishiwi Ranger District (Central part of the Forest, St. Louis and Lake Counties)

FR 112 (Dunka River Road)
FR 179 (August Lake Road)
FR 459 (North Grassy Road)
FR 1027 (Big Lake Boat Access)

Tofte Ranger District (Southeast side of the Forest, Lake and Cook Counties)

FR 166 (600 Road)
FR 172 (Wanless Road)
FR 174 (Dumbell Lake Road)
FR 177 (Mitawan Lake Road)
FR 342 (Two Island Lake Road)
FR 343 (Temperance River Road)
FR 346 (Richie Lake Road)
FR 358 (Hoist Lake Road)
FR 369 (Trappers Lake Road)
FR 373 (NW Road)
FR 377 (Tomahawk Road)
FR 912 (Victor Lake Road)

Wilderness Entry Points

Due to washouts and flooded roads several Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Entry Points remain inaccessible. Additional Entry Points on the Tofte Ranger District were added today due to washouts and rising water levels cutting off road access.

BWCAW permits have been cancelled through June 22, 2024 for the following Entry Points:

Stuart River Entry Point #19
Angleworm Lake Entry Point #20 and Angleworm Trail Entry Point #21
South Hegman Lake Entry Point #77

BWCAW permits have been cancelled through June 25, 2024 for the following Entry Points:

Trout Lake Overnight Motor and Day Use Motor Entry Point #1 inaccessible due to washouts and the motorized portage not being able to operate on the road/trail. Overnight paddle permits are still being issued and the canoe portage is open.
Slim Lake Entry Point #6 inaccessible due to washouts on the North Arm of Burntside Road. From Big Lake Entry Point #7 inaccessible due to a major washout on the access road.
Mudro Lake Entry Point #23 inaccessible due to a major washout on the North Grassy Road.
Bog Lake Entry Point #67 inaccessible due to washouts and flooding.
Island River Entry Point #34 inaccessible due to washouts and flooding.
Isabella Lake Entry Point #35 inaccessible due to washouts and flooding.
Pow Wow Trail Entry Point #86 inaccessible due to washouts and flooding.

Affected permit holders are being notified. We will reassess conditions and access routes again on June 24, 2024 and determine if the BWCAW permit cancellations need to be extended.

Visitors are encouraged to use extreme caution on canoe routes throughout the BWCAW. River and stream flows are fast moving, and portages may be affected or more difficult to find.

4888 Hits

Jun

21