Signor Community Celebrates New Playground with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Home FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: June 16, 2025By Jennifer Cadotte, Public Relations Specialist715-699-3384, publicrelations@lco-nsn.gov Signor Community Celebrates New Playground with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Lac Courte Oreilles, Wis. – June 11, 2025 — Joyful laughter and excited cheers filled the air as the Lac Courte Oreilles Housing Authority (LCO HA) hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to unveil a brand-new playground in the Signor community on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. Funded through WHEDA’s (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) Tax Credit program, the new playground is a part of the LCO HA’s Tax Credit project. Also included in this project is one more playground that will be in the New Post community. LCO HA staff had the fun of choosing the playground equipment. Woodstone Construction brought the playground design to lie. LCO Development added the finishing touches with beautifully landscaped grounds and a scenic walking path that now surrounds the play area. The event brought out community members of all ages – elders, parents, and children. As the ribbon was officially cut, dozens of children, including youth brought by the Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles, raced to try out the new swings, slides, monkey bars, and climbing structures. One delighted child was overheard asking, “Can I have my birthday here?” LCO HA Interim Director Marcy Gouge shared reflections on the day’s success, “Seeing the excitement and smiles on the faces of the children is what this is all about. It makes this work worthwhile. Honestly, we had just as much fun as the kids today.” Mino bimaadiziwin – “The good life.” Back To All News
News Release from Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office
Home FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: June 16, 2025 News Release from Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office Though there is no reported danger to the public, the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that the public avoid the area of Sun N Sno Road until this matter is resolved. Though there is no reported danger to the public, the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that the public avoid the area of Sun N Sno Road until this matter is resolved. Back To All News
Invitation: NABS Oral History Project-Milwaukee, WI
Home Invitation: NABS Oral History Project, Milwaukee, WI June 23-27, 2025 Dear Relative, We are reaching out to extend a warm invitation to Indian Boarding School Survivors to join the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 23-27, 2025 at the Indian Community School 10405 W St Martins Rd, Franklin, WI 53132 . As part of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, NABS will be in Wisconsin to honor boarding school survivors and to invite them to share their experiences toward the creation of a permanent national oral history collection. This historic project (boardingschoolhealing.org/oral-history-project) aims to shed light on stories that have long gone untold and is a lifeline to preserving the voices and memories of Indian boarding school survivors. We will begin the week with an opening ceremony and feast on Monday, 6/23, and hold a closing ceremony and feast on Friday, 6/27. We humbly welcome your presence in the ceremonies as well as the encouragement of those that attended boarding school. NABS endeavors to host this week of events in a manner that can bring about healing for our relatives, communities, and Tribal Nations. Boarding school survivors will receive an honorarium, a travel stipend, a care package with items made by Native artisans, a copy of their interview, and will have the opportunity to receive ongoing support from our team. Mon. June 23 1-3pm CST Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 1721 W. Canal St.. Milwaukee, WI 53233 Opening Ceremony & Community Luncheon Tue. Jun 24 – Thurs. June 26 9am- 6pm CST Indian Community School 10405 W. St. Martins Rd. Franklin, WI 53132 Interviews: To schedule an interview, email OralHistoryProject@nabshc.org or call (651) 650-4445 or sign up at https://www.tfaforms.com/5092936 Fri. June 27 2-4pm CST Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 1721 W. Canal St.. Milwaukee, WI 53233 Closing Ceremony & Community Luncheon We invite you to join us in encouraging boarding school survivors to share their story, and to contribute to the movement of truth-seeking and truth-telling as we work together to create a first-of-its-kind Oral History Collection. Please see the additional resources on the right that may assist in spreading the word. If you have any questions, we can be reached at (612) 354-7700. Sincerely, Charlee Brissette Dear Relative, We are reaching out to extend a warm invitation to Indian Boarding School Survivors to join the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 23-27, 2025 at the Indian Community School 10405 W St Martins Rd, Franklin, WI 53132 . As part of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, NABS will be in Wisconsin to honor boarding school survivors and to invite them to share their experiences toward the creation of a permanent national oral history collection. This historic project (boardingschoolhealing.org/oral-history-project) aims to shed light on stories that have long gone untold and is a lifeline to preserving the voices and memories of Indian boarding school survivors. We will begin the week with an opening ceremony and feast on Monday, 6/23, and hold a closing ceremony and feast on Friday, 6/27. We humbly welcome your presence in the ceremonies as well as the encouragement of those that attended boarding school. NABS endeavors to host this week of events in a manner that can bring about healing for our relatives, communities, and Tribal Nations. Boarding school survivors will receive an honorarium, a travel stipend, a care package with items made by Native artisans, a copy of their interview, and will have the opportunity to receive ongoing support from our team. Schedule of Events Monday, June 23 | 1-3pm CST Opening Ceremony & Community Luncheon Potawatomi Hotel & Casino1721 W. Canal St.Milwaukee, WI 53233 Tuesday, June 24 – Thursday, June 26 | 9am – 6pm Interviews: To schedule an interview, email OralHistoryProject@nabshc.org or call (651) 650-4445 or sign up at http://www.tfaforms.com/5092936 Indian Community School10405 W. St. Martins Rd. Franklin, WI 53132 Friday, June 27 | 2-4pm Closing Ceremony & Community Luncheon Potawatomi Hotel & Casino1721 W. Canal St.. Milwaukee, WI 53233 We invite you to join us in encouraging boarding school survivors to share their story, and to contribute to the movement of truth-seeking and truth-telling as we work together to create a first-of-its-kind Oral History Collection. Please see the additional resources on the right that may assist in spreading the word. If you have any questions, we can be reached at (612) 354-7700. Sincerely, Charlee Brissette Back To All News
House of Jingle Dresses Youth Internship Opportunity
Home House of Jingle Dresses Internship Opportunity Empowering Indigenous Youth This internship offers a fun and educational experience, allowing youth to learn about sewing and design while fostering a positive reciprocal relationship. We are committed to supporting your endeavors as a student! Apply by sending your resume to ganawenjigaade@gmail.com. For more information see the flyer attached. Back To All News
Tribal Higher Education Funding Inpact
Home FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: June 10, 2025By: Jessica Wagner-Schultz, Director of Institutional Advancement, Marketing & Communication Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, jwschultz@lco.edu715.634.4790 x186 (O) Tribal Higher Education Funding Impact Lac Courte Oreilles, WI – June 10, 2025 – Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) strongly opposes the proposed changes to the federal Pell Grant program in the current reconciliation bill, in addition to the funding cuts recommended in the recently released Department of the Interior’s FY 2025-2026 budget. The recommendations, including raising the full-time enrollment threshold and eliminating Pell Grants for students enrolled less than half-time, would cause increased and irrecoverable challenges to students. These challenges would also disproportionately affect the rural communities that are entwined with Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). As expressed in the Tribal College Journal 1, “Pell grants are the foundation of college affordability for TCUs, which serve predominantly low-income, first-generation, and American Indian and Alaska Native students. In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 69% of first-time, full-time TCU students nationwide received Pell support, far above the national average for two-year public institutions.” “Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, along with other tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), has been experiencing real and potential threats to federal funding since the onset of the current administration, first with the DEI order and funding freeze. In the proposed budget, we are facing cuts that will decrease access to Pell grants for our students, 72% of whom would be negatively impacted by these changes. Our student demographic is, on average, a 36-year-old woman attending part-time. Requiring students to take more courses to qualify for full-time funding, or ending access for less than half-time enrollment, would severely restrict access to higher education for those we serve,” said LCOOU Interim President Karen Breit. “Last week, we saw proposed deep cuts to tribal higher education funding in the federal FY2026 budget recommendations. If these recommendations pass, they would be devastating to TCUs that depend significantly on federal funds for operations. This not only impacts LCOOU itself, but also the $20.9 million local economic impact that was reported in our Economic Impact Study released in February 2024,” shares Breit. Federal funding critical to TCU higher education is slated to be reduced by 83%, from $127.4 million in FY2024-2025 to $22.1million in FY2026, while an “annual program dedicated to construction and capital improvements at 1994 Tribal Land Grant institutions is proposed for a 100% reduction – from $8 million to $0.” 2 The proposed funding reduction would be catastrophic, forcing many TCUs to close their doors entirely. Already operating on bare minimum budgets, TCUs cannot absorb further cuts without eliminating programs, student services, and staff. Such losses would reverse decades of progress in education, economic development, and self-determination for Tribal nations and their communities. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University joins its voice to the urging of AIHEC in asking Congress to recognize the essential commitments of these previously established funding sources. In a recent impact study, LCOOU’s effect on its local and regional community was found to be pronounced and influential. 3 It is only through the continued support and collaboration of local, regional, and federal governments that the University can continue having these stated impacts, furthering its mission of promotion, perpetuation, and nurturance of American Indian language and scholarship. ### 1: “Pell Grant Changes Threaten Native Student Access and Local Economies,” Tribal College Journal. Jun 02, 2025. https://tribalcollegejournal.org/pell-grant-changes-threaten-native-student-access-and-local-economies/2: “AIHEC Urges Immediate Action to Prevent Devastating Cuts to Tribal College and Native Education Funding,” Red Lake Nation News. Jun 04, 2025. https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2025/06/04/news/aihec-urges-immediate-action-to-prevent-devastating-cuts-to-tribal-college-and-native-education-funding/131913.html 3: “2024 Economic Impact Study,” Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. https://www.lco.edu/leadership Back To All News
Community Garden
Home Community Garden – LCOOU Extension Box, plot, & large space options:Choose from an above-ground box or inground plot. We also offer larger growing spaces to fit your needs! Free supplies and support:All participants have access to free seeds, seedlings, garden tools, gloves, and on-site assistance! Accessibility:The garden can be accessed by vehicle during operating hours. A gated foot path is available to access your garden at anytime even when we are closed! To Register:Scan the code on the flyer, call 715-634-4790, ext 133, or email jcowell@lco.edu Box, plot, & large space options:Choose from an above-ground box or inground plot. We also offer larger growing spaces to fit your needs! Free supplies and support:All participants have access to free seeds, seedlings, garden tools, gloves, and on-site assistance! Accessibility:The garden can be accessed by vehicle during operating hours. A gated foot path is available to access your garden at anytime even when we are closed! To Register:Scan the code on the flyer, call 715-634-4790, ext 133, or email jcowell@lco.edu Back To All News
LCO TGB 2025 General Election
Home Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board 2025 General Election The General Election will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The following has been designated as the official polling sites: TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM NEW POST ELDERLY CENTER 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ALL POLLING PLACES ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED VOTERS The list to the right is the candidate list as they appear on the ballot. Vote for up to four (4) candidates: Louis Taylor Lorraine Gouge Sirella Ford Don Carley Janet Quaderer Jordan St. Germaine John “Randy” Cadotte David Scott Bisonette Back To All News
WOLI All-Grade Promotion Event
Home Waadookodaading All-Grade Promotion Event Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am Location – LCO Tribal Office Pavilion. Light refreshments will be served. Click on the flyer for more information. Back To All News
Invitation to LCO Programs & Resource Providers To Participate in Community Event
Home Invitation to LCO Community Programs & Resource Providers to Participate in Community Event. On June 10, 2025, The Nenaginaawad Team (formerly known as the Drug Task Force Board), in collaboration with FALCON LCO – TGB, will be hosting a Community Event on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We are currently seeking participation from LCO community programs and resource providers who are interested in having an informational table at the event. This gathering will include a prayer and drum song, dinner, a panel discussion, and drawings intended to foster healing, awareness, and connection across our community. This is a great opportunity for programs to share services, connect with LCO community members, and collaborate with other organizations supporting the wellness of our people. If a program is interested in participating, please let us know by emailing dorothy.crust@lco-nsn.gov or cdennis@lcohc.com Miigwech for all the meaningful work you do. We hope to see you there! For more information contact Carlena Dennis, Nenaginaawad Board Chair at (715) 638-5100 or email cdennis@lcohc.com Back To All News
Absentee Ballot Deadlines Notice
Home FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBy Jennifer Cadotte, PR Specialistpublicrelations@lco-nsn.gov(715) 699-3384 Absentee Ballot Deadlines Notice The Lac Courte Oreilles Election Committee would like to remind tribal members about upcoming deadlines regarding absentee voting. Absentee Ballot Information can also be found https://law.lco-nsn.gov/us/nsn/lco/council/code/ELE.1.5.070#(b). “Absentee Ballot” requests are only filed under these circumstances pursuant to Article IV, § 3 of the Amended Constitution and By-laws of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians: (1) Member is in a nursing home, hospital, or other health care facility. (2) Member is serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces away from the reservation on the day of the Election. Download Attachment D – Absentee Ballot Request Form here All “Absentee Ballot” requests must be mailed to: Election Committee ChairpersonLCO Tribal Administration Building13394W Trepania RoadHayward, WI 54843 Request to receive Absentee Ballot DEADLINE – June 7, 2025. Completed Absentee Ballots must be received by Friday, June 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. CST For more information contact Reone Rusk at (715) 699-3215 or email reone.rusk@lco-nsn.gov or Cindy Miller at (715) 634-8934 or email cindy.miller@lco-nsn.gov Back To All News