Keep address current with Tribal Enrollment • Treaty anniversary draws near
Keep address current with Tribal Enrollment
Dear Tribal Members:
The VITA Site is pleased to announce that so far we have completed over 350 tax returns for the 2003 tax year. We feel that overall everything went smoothly even with the new tax agreement between Bay Mills and the state of Michigan.
The one thing we noticed is how important it is to keep your address current with Tribal Enrollment. The State of Michigan uses the Bay Mills enrollment list to verify your address that is listed on your Michigan tax return. Keeping your enrollment information current will help verify your qualification for being state income tax exempt and for getting a Michigan sales tax credit.
If you would like to update you address, please see Phyllis Malloy in the Ellen Marshall building located on the second floor. We thank you for your time and look forward to seeing you in the future.
Sincerely,
VITA Site
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Treaty anniversary draws near
To the Editor,
On Madeline Island Sept. 30, 2004, represents an historical 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of 1854 between the Ojibwe National and the United States of America.
As this date in history approaches and draws near, there are many Anishinabe people who question themselves and others whether this event should indeed be a time of celebration or not.
When it comes to the treaty-protected rights, the federal government of American has not lived up to its trust responsibility it has with Indian Nations. As a result of the lacks of the trust responsibility on behalf of the federal government to the Ojibwe Nation, this area has seen the Apostle Island National Lakeshore Park acquire ownership to several tracks of land within the exterior boundaries of the Red Cliff Reservation. today, Madeline Island is inhabited by people from many different walks of life and backgrounds some of which whose views for the most part, support high stake interests like land developments, tourism, taxation, etc. These views remain totally different from that of our Anishinabe people.
Winabozho, the Grand Nephew of the Anishinabe, created these islands for his people the Anishinabeg. Since the beginning of time the Anishinabe people have had a spiritual connection to the Islands. It's through folklore and creation stories that ties every Ojibwe person to this particular area no matter where they may live today. All of the islands have Ojibwe names. Their spiritual significant beliefs go unchanged; it has not nor can it eve be broken or separated by the passing of time.
If this is truly is not a time to celebrate this historical event; then, maybe this historical moment of time can best be spent to reflect our spiritual connection to these islands.
Maybe the time has come for all Ojibwe bands to come together to show unity, solidarity and support sovereignty of the Ojibwe Nation. maybe its time to force the hand and hold the federal government accountable to its treaty obligation or use this precious time to map out new challenges for the treaty-protected rights in the federal court system.
A challenge to Anishinabe people everywhere during these difficult and troubled time is to pick ourselves up and continue our journey.
Giishpin bandishinan bazigwiin miinawaa ji goitooyan miinawaa weweni ji bimoseyan.
Ron DePerry
Anishinabe, Red Cliff Band of the Ojibwe Nation
Bayfield, Wisc.
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