Nagaajiwanaang, “Where the Water Stops,” is the name of the homelands of the Fond du Lac Band at the time of the 1854 Treaty. We retained this name in Ojibwemowin for the present-day Fond du lac Reservation that was established under the 1854 La Pointe Treaty. Nagaajiwanaang (Fond du Lac Band) is one of the six Bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. There are three districts that make up the Fond du Lac Reservation: Bapashkominitigong (Cloquet), Gwaaba’iganing (Sawyer), and Ashkibwaakaaning (Brookston). Today, our Band includes over 4,200 members. We have always been, and continue to be, a proud sovereign Ojibwe nation. We uphold all of our rights retained and agreed to within the 1825, 1826, 1837, 1842, 1847, and 1854 Treaties.
FOND DU LAC SOCIAL MEDIA:
Recent Additions:
Veterans' Powwow - July 7, 8, 9
Sobriety Powwow - August 4-6
Mental Health Matters Walk & Picnic - June 21
Community Sobriety Feast - June 14
Community Meeting - New Powwow Grounds - June 15
Cultural Ceremonies - June 9, 14, 20, 21, 28
FDL Elders Picnic - July 7
Black Bear Casino Golf Tournament - July 15-16
FDL Health Fair - Tuesday, June 13
Community Notices Archive
Current Community Notices:
| 6/9 | Community Meeting: Please join us for a community meeting for Fond du Lac community members on June 15th at the Anishinaabewigamig Language & Cultural Learning Center (1713 Animikii Road) at 6 p.m.! Fond du Lac is seeking input from all Tribal members, including elders, veterans, adults, youth, dancers, spectators, and vendors for the Band's new pow-wow grounds that will be located within the Fond du Lac Reservation. Light refreshments will be provided. Questions? Please call 218-878-2612. Click here for details. |
| 6/9 | RBC Meeting Notice: The next RBC Program/Development meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,June 14th, 9:00 am, and is open to FDL Band members via Zoom. Click the Zoom Link for access. The meeting ID is 847 689 6955 and the passcode is 38517. Alternatively, you can call into the meeting by calling (312) 626-6799. Either method will put you in a waiting area. Meeting access will be granted upon Band membership verification. Click here to read the agenda for this meeting. |
| 6/9 | Request for Proposals: The Fond du Lac Development Corporation is seeking sealed bids to renovate a split level home. The home is located at 1229 Northrup Road, Cloquet, MN. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/8 | FDL Statement to Revoking Polymet Mining Permit: On June 8, 2023, the Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee issued a statement about the Army Corp of Engineers revoking the Polymet MIning, Inc.'s NorthMet mining projet permit. Click here to read the full statement. |
| 6/8 | 2023 Veterans' Powwow: The 2023 Veterans' Powwow will be held on July 7, 8 & 9 at the Mash Ke Wisen Powwow Grounds. For full details and schedule of events, please click here. |
| 6/8 | Sobriety Powwow: The 45th Annual Sobriety Powwow will be held August 4 - 6, in Sawyer, MN. Click here for details. |
| 6/8 | Hydrant Flushing Notice: Fond du Lac Water & Wastewater Department will be flushing and exercising fire hydrants starting Thursday, June 1st in the Ridge/River Rd Community, with a plan to complete the flushing by Friday, June 9th. Our plan is to exercise the hydrants Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this is a vital process to ensure the hydrants are in good working order. Click here for full details. |
| 6/7 | Request for Proposals: Brookston Outdoor Basketball Court. The contractor shall provide a design documents for installation of asphalt full sized basketball court, complete with two heavy duty basketball rims and poles. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 21, 2023, at 4:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/7 | Request for Proposals: Fond du Lac (FDL) Reservation on behalf of FDL Head Start is seeking proposals to repair and prep the flooring of three (3) classrooms and install both tile and carpet where designated. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 23, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/7 | Tribal Court Notice: The Tribal Court offices will be closed from Wednesday, June 7th at 12:00 pm, until Friday, June 9th at 11:00 am. Please send an email to courtadministrator@fdlrez.com or leave a voicemail at 218-878-7151. |
| 6/7 | For Immediate Release: Yesterday, the Army Corps revoked PolyMet Mining’s permit for the NorthMet mine based on the Band’s water quality standards for its downstream waters. To read the Band’s full press release, click here. |
| 6/7 | Summer Kickoff Barbecue: Prevention/Intervention is holding a Barbecue to Kickoff the Summer! June 12, 11 am - 3 pm at the Ojibwe School Ball Field. All community members are welcome! Click here for details. |
| 6/7 | Mental Health Matters Walk & Picnic: Wednesday, June 21, 9 am - 4 pm at the Baseball field behind the Ojibwe School. Activities, games, goat yoga, prizes, and more! Click here for details. |
| 6/6 | Community Sobriety Feast: June 14, 5 pm - 8 pm at the Cloquet Community Center Gym. Open to all family and community members to celebrate their sobriety. Click here for details. |
| 6/6 | Seeking School Board Member: The Fond du Lac Ojibwe School is seeking a Cloquet Representative for the School Board. Interested parties have until June 20, 2023, to submit a letter of interest. Click here for details. |
| 6/6 | Economic Development Committee Meeting: The Economic Development Committee (EDC) meets every other Tuesday from 3:00pm – 4:30pm (currently on Zoom). EDC meetings are open to the interested public. The next meeting date is June 20th. Please remember to register for each meeting, we need to add this layer of security because these meetings are open to the public. You may join us in person in the Planning Division Conference Room or virtually, whatever your schedule allows for. Click here to register for the meeting. EDC by-laws can be accessed by clicking here. |
| 6/6 | Cultural Ceremonies: Come join the Cultural Ceremonies at the FDL Language and Cultural Center throughout the month of June. Dates for June are 9, 14, 20, 21, 28. Click here for details. |
| 6/5 | FDL Royalty Contest: ATTENTION FOND DU LAC YOUTH. The Fond du Lac Royalty Contest will be held on Friday, July 7th during the Fond du Lac Veterans Powwow. Applications will be available at the Tribal Center, from Valerie Whitebird, or by clicking below. Applicants must be FDL enrolled youth, and live within 30 miles of the Reservation. Applications must be turned in by June 30th, either at the Tribal Center, or emailing to Valerie Whitebird. See details in the flyer and application below. FDL Royalty Contest Flyer FDL Royalty Contest Application |
| 6/5 | Tribal Center Payment Window Closure: Due to staffing shortages, the Tribal Center Payment Window will be closed on Friday, June 9th. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes. |
| 6/5 | Master Plan Survey and Interactive Map: The Survey is extended to June 13th, get your ideas in now! The Fond du Lac Band Planning Division is collaborating with a planning & design consultant firm to design potential development concepts for two of the reservation’s four core development areas – Big Lake Road and I-35/Hwy 210. The focus is on the potential development of new housing, businesses, community spaces, and street and trail connections. We need your input on WHERE and WHAT TYPES of new development you would like to see in the future and to help us understand what things are missing from these areas that will better serve the community. Click here to see details and submit your ideas. |
| 6/5 | Request for Proposals: Fond du Lac Transportation is requesting bidders for the removal of the existing Bus CCTV Systems and the installation of a new Bus CCTV Surveillance System in a total of eleven (11) School Bus vehicles located at the Transportation Department Bus Garage. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 19, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/2 | Elder Events: Elder Movie Morning - June 18, July 30 Million Dollar Quartet Shakopee Trip - July 16, Sign up by June 12. Elders Picnic - July 7 Encore Theater Show - See a show at Encore Theater and get your ticket price refunded! |
| 6/2 | Request for Proposals: Fond du Lac Reservation on behalf of Fond du Lac Gas and Grocery is looking for proposals to remove and replace the existing package air handling unit. The current unit is original to the facility (2004) and has become difficult to maintain. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 16, 2023, at 12:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/2 | Request for Proposals: FDL Housing is seeking sealed bids for a WINDOW project located 238 Tyler, Cloquet, MN 55720. The project will include exterior remodel work. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 15, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 6/2 | Gookonaanig Endaawaad (Grandma's House) Language Nest: Gookonaanig Endaawaad is a language nest for babies 0-3 years old and their parent/guardian(s). We work to bring together families of language learners, elders, and staff to raise first language speakers. Applications are currently open. Summer programming begins June 2023. See details application below. Gookonaanig Endaawaad informational flyer Gookonaanig Endaawaad application |
| 5/31 | Energy Assistance Notice: The last day to apply for Energy Assistance is May 31, 2023. All applications must be in the office at the end of the day or post marked May 31. The last day to request furnace repairs (ERR) is May 31. Households that applied earlier in the year and were denied for lack of information have until June 30, 2023 to submit the missing information. June 30 is the last day to apply for crisis assistance for heat and electric. August 31 is the last day to request assistance with water bills. |
| 5/31 | Youth Firearm Safety Training: Youth Firearms Safety Training will be held July 24-29, and August 14-19, at the Resource Management Building. Training is open to everyone, ages 11 years and older. Class sizes are limited. See details for each training below. July Firearms Safety Training August Firearms Safety Training |
| 5/31 | Na'enimonigamig Cannery Summer Hours: Na'enimonigamig, Fond du Lac's kitchen/cannery, will be available extended hours throughout summer 2023 for all of your food processing needs. NEW HOURS STARTING JUNE 3RD. Monday - Friday | 8am to 6 pm, Weekends | 9 am to 3 pm. Additional appointments possible if staff is available. We are closed on all FDL holidays. |
| 5/26 | Home Sale Notice: The Fond du Lac Development Corporation will be holding a Lottery for a home located at 1245 Northrup Road, Cloquet, MN. 55720. Applications from qualified Band Members will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 20th, 2023. Click here for details. |
| 5/26 | Request for Proposals: FDL Housing is seeking sealed bids for a Roofing project located 238 Tyler Cloquet, MN 55720. The project will include exterior remodel work. The deadline for submitting a bid is June 15, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 5/25 | 2023 Ojibwe School Graduates: Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Click here for the list of graduates. |
| 5/25 | Baaga’adowewin at FDL: The first Baaga’adowewin “tournament” will be hosted on July 29th, 2023 at the Stick Ball Field on Reservation Road Cloquet, MN. Get a team together! Bring your fam/fans! Come play, come watch, come be in community! For registration or more information email williamhowesiii@fdlrez.com. Click here for details. |
| 5/22 | Public Notice: Fond du Lac Resource Management announces the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on the Environmental Assessment (EA) conducted for the proposed Fond du Lac Public Works Yard Improvement Project. This project would entail the construction of a cold storage building with two outside lean-tos, construction of a new road salt fabric structure (after demolition of the existing structure), and the installation of a yard lighting system all at the Public Works yard adjacent to Big Lake Road and University Road on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Carlton County, Minnesota. The FONSI is available for public comment for 30 days. The Notice of Availability (NOA) contains the information on how to comment. See the EA, FONSI and NOA below. Public Works Yard Improvement EA | FONSI | NOA |
| 5/18 | 30th Annual Black Bear Casino Golf Tournament: The tournament will be held on July 15-16, and includes a Men's, Women's, Seniors, and Juniors tournament action! For all the details on this and other golf tournaments, see the Black Bear Golf Course website by clicking here! |
| 5/18 | FOOD PRODUCER OPPORTUNITY: Fond du Lac growers and gatherers, the Agricultural Division is looking for producers who are interested in selling their vegetables, baked goods, canned and preserved foods via the newly established Naawayi’ii Food Hub. Applications due June 4th. Click here for details. |
| 5/16 | Brookston Community Notice: The Brookston Community Center is hosting a Family Zoo Day on Wednesday, June 14. Children ages 5-9 years old must have a parent with. First 48 spots will be going. All children must have an up to date emergency contact on file. Permission slips available at Brookston Center front desk. Click here for full details. Electronic permission slip available here. |
| 5/16 | Deer Fawns: Late May to early June is the peak of fawning season. Between birth and about 6 weeks of age, fawns don’t travel much with the doe. Instead they curl up and lie still on the ground when the doe is not there to feed them. During the first 6 weeks of life, this is often a fawn’s instinctive response to danger as well – drop and lie still. Their lack of scent and spotted coat help them hide from predators. Sometimes this instinctive response to danger causes them to drop and lay flat in the middle of the road or peoples’ yards. A healthy, uninjured fawn is programmed to just stay still and wait for the doe to come back for it. Fawns found curled in a ball by themselves at this time of year are most likely not hurt, orphaned or abandoned. They are just waiting for the doe to return and collect them. The best course of action is to leave the fawn where it is, keep kids or dogs away from it and let the doe reunite with her fawn. This might take until dark or even up to 24 hours later if the doe has been spooked away. If the fawn is in immediate danger because it tried to hide in the middle of the road or in a backyard where dogs and kids can find it, move it quickly and quietly to a nearby sheltered spot and give the doe time to return and collect it. If a fawn is found next to a dead doe, or if it’s bleeding, been attacked by another animal or is lying sprawled on its side, you should call FDL Resource Management at 878-7101 or the Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic in Duluth at 218-491-3604 for guidance on what to do next. |
| 5/5 | FDL Prevention/Intervention is hiring! We are looking for a Prevention/Intervention Specialist! Join our team for Competitive Wages, Flexible Schedules, Full Benenfits and more! Email courtneythompson@fdlrez.com if you have any questions. P/I Specialist Flyer |
| 5/2 | FDL Housing Spring Cleaning Time: FDL Housing has a reminder notice for tenants that along with springtime, comes the need to clean up our yards. Click here to read the full notice. |
| 5/2 | Northspan Business Value Acceleration Survey: Northspan is conducting a survey for business managers or owners. They are planning an educational forum this year and want to be sure they offer educational topics that you want to learn about. Click here to take the 3 minute survey. |
| 5/1 | Ojibwemotaadidaa Summer Family Camp: This summer, the twelfth annual Ojibwe Immersion Academy Weekend Cohort will be held at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, Minnesota. The camp will offer a complete immersion experience for families with children ages (0-4) from July 5th through 11th, 2023. Applications for the camp are due by May 16th at noon. See details, eligibility, and application below. Summer Family Camp Flyer (Ojibwe) Summer Family Camp Flyer (English) Eligibility Requirements and Camp Details Family Camp Application |
| 4/25 | Fish Processing: Na'enimonigamig, FDL Kitchen/Cannery (964 Cary Rd, Cloquet, MN) is opening up the Abbatoir for people to clean their fish. Garbage bags for fish waste will be provided, and if you wish to donate them for composting, you may leave them in the enclosed dumpster area to the left of the facility. Please read and sign the user agreement forms before using the facility. Be kind and courteous! Clean up after yourself, the Abbatoir is equipped with a hose and stocked with shop towels, extra garbage bags, and sanitizing spray. Follow the steps in the user agreement to keep the facility clean and sanitary. Facility hours are M-F 8am to 4pm. Please contact us at 218-590-6263 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment outside of normal business hours. Miigwech and happy fishing! |
| 4/20 | 2023 Spring Spearing/Netting: Resource Management will be using the same online sign-up, and permit distribution system in 2023 as it has the last few years. In the mornings, FDL Resource Management Staff will be sending out a mass email and/or text to all registered Band members. This daily notification will identify the lakes and number of permits available for that night. Boat rides for FDL Elders age 65 and over will also be available. Click here for details and registration link. |
| 4/19 | NOTICE: Nagaajiwanaang Genawendangig Anishinaabemowin (The Ones who Take Care of Anishinaabemowin at Fond du Lac) are seeking advisory board members. The purpose of the Nagaajiwanaang Genawendangig Anishinaabemowin is to acquaint themselves with all of the language activities and services available in the region and periodically review language plans. In addition, advisory board members will advise the Language Coordinator in matters related to management and development issues affecting Anishinaabemowin preservation and revitalization, and review grant opportunities for funding language programs and projects. Per Fond du Lac Ordinance #05/14, as amended. If you are interested, please email jeffsavage@fdlrez.com or call 218-878-7582. |
| 4/14 | VISTA opening for FDL Agricultural Division: Interested in making a lasting impact on a local indigenous community? Come and laugh, learn, and get your hands in the soil in a relaxing, low-key environment! Join the Fond du Lac Agriculture Department this summer! Click here for full details. |
| 4/13 | Elder Lawn Mowing: The summer youth will be mowing lawns starting early June 2023. If you are eligible to receive the Lawn Mowing Service please contact Vicki Reynolds. Click here for details and contact information. |
| 4/13 | Summer Youth Employment: The Summer Youth Employment Program is now accepting applications. This is for youth ages 14 - 17. Applications can be picked up at the Tribal Center Human Resources, Brookston Center, Sawyer Center, or by clicking below. Summer Youth Employment Details Summer Youth Employment Application |
| 3/22 | 2023 SCRUBS Camp: Indigenous Healthcare Career Exploration, June 21 - 23, 2023, hosted by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Stay in the college dorms for two nights. Participate in traditional ceremony at beginning and end of camp. Explore careers in a variety of healthcare fields, and more! Click here for details. |
| 3/9 | Whereabouts Unknown List: The Bureau of Trust Funds Administration may be looking for you. If your name or someone you know is on this Whereabouts Unknown List you may have money, land or both on deposit in an Individual Indian Monies (IIM) account at the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. Please call the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration’s Trust Beneficiary Call Center at 1-888-678-6836 in order to verify and update your IIM account. Click the following link to see the list for Fond du Lac. Search Unclaimed Accounts | U.S. Department of the Interior |
| 3/6 | SAVE THE DATE: The Annual FDL Health Fair will be held on Tuesday, June 13th, at the Black Bear Otter Creek Center. Watch for updated information coming soon! Click here for details. |
| 3/2 | Cement Masons Training Opportunity: The Cement Masons, Plasterers & Shophands Local 633 Journeyman & Apprentice Training Trust Fund is offering a 10 Week Cement Masons Trade Orientation Training. The goal of this program is to train Native Americans from several tribal nations in the cement mason trade enabling them to qualify for apprenticeship with the Union and work on Mn DOT projects. Call the FDL TERO Office for an application at 218-878-7527 or 218-878-7522. Click here for details on the training. |
| 2/7 | Union Apprenticeships: The Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 is accepting Apprenticeship applications. Once an application is received, the applicant will receive an email inviting them to one of the testing sessions. Testing occurs the first Tuesday of every month through October. Click here for details and application directions. |
| 2/3 | Homeowner Assistance Fund Program: The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has received funding from the United States Department of the Treasury to administer a Homeowner Assistance Fund program, designed to provide mortgage, utility, and internet payment assistance relief to Tribal homeowners. Click here for details and a program overview with application instructions. |
| 1/6 | Indigenous Conservation Corps Crew: FDL Resource Management is hosting the Maajii akii Gikenjigewin (Starting out in Earth Conservation), Indigenous Conservation Corps Crew, to help interested individuals gain experience and prepare for future careers in Resource Management. The crew will be comprised of 1 crew leader and 3 crew members, and will work with FDL Resource Management staff on conservation projects such as Invasive Species Management, Wild Land Fire Suppression, Treaty Fishing, Wolf Population Monitoring and more! More information is available on the flyer here. If you are interested, apply using the following link: Join – Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa. If you have questions or concerns please contact Anthony Mazzini anthonymazzini@fdlrez.com or Kelsey Taylor kelseytaylor@fdlrez.com |
| 1/6 | USDA Livestock Disaster Assistance Program: If you have recently experienced the impacts of adverse winter weather, or would like to learn more about the USDA Livestock Disaster Assistance Program,see the links below for two informational posters.
Livestock Feed/Loss Documentation Poster Farmers.gov Getting Started Factsheet |
| 1/4 | Weight Management Package: Want to lose weight in the new year and need some assistance in reaching your goal? This packaged program will provide you with the knowledge and support. Don't wait. Registration is limited. Click here for details. |
| 12/19 | Forestry Survey: What do you want Fond du Lac Forests to look like for the next 100 years? Please fill out the survey below. The purpose of this survey by the Fond du Lac Forestry Program is to gather community input to guide forest management on the Fond du Lac Reservation. These guidelines will be used in the next update to the Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP). Survey Link |
| 12/6 | Community Survey about Street Names: The purpose of this survey is to rename several streets in the community commonly referred to as, "The Compound". The Fond du Lac Language Program is asking for suggestions that are common words used and that is easier to say. Click here to take the survey! |
| ARPA Round 2 Notice: Get help with your power and fuel bills with COVID-19 Assistance/ARPA - Round 2. For FDL households who qualify - you can receive $900 toward your heating bill and $900 toward your electric bill. Click here for full details. | |
| Ke go naa! Language Sessions: Come join us Tuesdays at the Anishinaabewigamig Language & Culture Center. Giwiizhaamigoo! Click here for details. | |
| Fond du Lac Band’s Will Affect Determination: In August of 2021 the Fond du Lac Band submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers an analysis and determination under 401(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act that PolyMet’s discharges and mining operations “will affect” the Band’s downstream water quality impacts. Click here to view the Band’s “will affect” submittal. | |
| EAP NOTICE: Today, Commerce EAP raised the maximum Crisis benefit from $1,200 to $3,000 to further assist EAP households struggling to pay increasing energy costs. The additional Crisis funds will help households fill their tanks and catch up on their past-due energy bills. To qualify you must have applied for and received a Minnesota Energy Assistance grant. To use the funds households must have less than 20% fuel in their tank or an overdue bill from a metered gas or electric service. No more money can be paid than the cost of the bill. If you need assistance please contact your Energy Assistance providers. FDL E/A. Joan M @ 218-878-2658 Lakes&Pines @ 1-800-832-6082 AEOA @ 1-844-568-0149 |
