Month: May 2024

The 2024 Shelley Family Reunion will be held at Elk Lake Park in Phillips, Wisconsin, 54555. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and until at least 5 pm, (but there is no official end time). Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverages. I will provide water. Brats and beef Hot Dogs, and buns will also be provided.

–Park amenities–

The park has fishing docks, a boat landing, a playground, a splash pad, a basketball court, a volleyball court, disc golf, a walking path, and, of course, the Shelter, which we can open or close the sides of. Bathrooms are located in the shelter.

 There is a campground just across the bridge, which I am guessing is maybe 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the shelter (don’t quote me on that, though). However, they do not have reservations. It’s first come, first served. Maybe if you let me know you want to camp, I can work something out. All campsites have electricity, and there is a beach nearby, as well as toilets and showers. It’s $35 a night.

There are two motels in Phillips: The Super 8 at 715-339-2898 and The Timber Inn at 715-339-3071. Both are located right on Hwy 13. There is also one in Prentice about 15 miles South of Phillips called Amerivu Inn & Suites at 715-428-2333 (at the corner of Hwy 8 and 13). If you like Airbnb, check their site online for Phillips, WI.

Directions are easy: As you drive through Phillips on Hwy 13 you will turn onto Hwy H (which only goes one direction which is right for most of you and the Courthouse will be on your left just before you turn). Then drive down the hill and over the railroad tracks. It will be right there on your left. Handicapped people can drive up and park by the shelter. There is parking right across the road from the shelter also.

There will be an auction this year. Please bring something you no longer need or want from your home, wrapped or put in a brown paper bag. Please do not go out and buy something. If you wish not to bring anything or participate, that is okay, too. The money will go to the next reunion. Our younger generation needs to keep this going, so please consider it. I will give you the information needed.

Friday night information for early arrivals:  My son John will be the host for Trivia Night at the VFW sponsored by Moose Lodge 2661 of Phillips. We would like to get a Shelley Reunion team together and play.  You can have up to 6 members. Less is okay, also. The cost is $20, which is split amongst the team.  The payouts will be for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for winning teams. The game starts at 6 pm with registration starting at 5:30 pm. Let’s show the locals what our family is made of!

*Please let me know if you are coming to the reunion and how many. * If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on Facebook (Jean Klimowski). Keep in mind that I am out at the farm and may be outside, but will get back to you.

I know this may be short notice but please consider coming and having a great time.  Meet a lot of your relatives and enjoy all the wonderful games and other options in the area.  I hope to see you there!

This is an opinion by Levi Rickert and is worth reading retrospectively on our ancestors’ ultimate Sacrifice for our country.

Many consider Memorial Day the kickoff to summer, a day off to grill your favorite meat for a holiday cookout with family and friends.

Memorial Day represents much more!

Sort excerpt: read the entire article here…

“Next Sunday [June 2nd] marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, often referred to as the Snyder Act. I have been reflecting on how many Native Americans served and died in the U.S. Armed Forces even before they were made citizens. Native Americans making their contributions and sacrifices in the U.S. Armed Forces date back to the Revolutionary War.

During World War I, more than 12,500 Native Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces. These Natives fought for freedom when they weren’t yet citizens of the country. 

True to their reputation as warriors, almost two-thirds of the Native Americans served in the infantry. They won widespread praise for their bravery, achievement, and sacrifice. Nearly 5% of these warriors died—the ultimate sacrifice—compared to 1% of American infantry soldiers overall.”

Click here to read the entire article on NATIVE NEWS ONLINE…

On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on our fallen warriors.   The Brothertown Indians have had a proud history of Serving since the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and every war to the present day. While having family picnics and other events, remember our ancestors and family who have fallen.

To use a sentence or two from Smithsonian magazine: “Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian men and women have always been defenders of their lives, lands, and way of life. The call to serve in the U.S. armed forces has resonated with Native people from the country’s founding—long before they were recognized as American citizens—to the present day. At the same time, Native communities have never taken casualties lightly. Native nations pay homage to fallen warriors as heroes with ceremonies, feasts, and prayers—formal, reverent memorials held throughout the year.”

Chairperson Phyllis Tousey will speak on Brothertown Restoration at the Democracy Tour hosted by the Brothertown Indian Nation.

Date: Monday, May 20, 2024 – the program will run from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

Location: Brothertown Indian Nation Community Center – 311 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac

Our members are the lifeblood of our Tribe, and the Mystery Drawing is only one way we show our appreciation for all members and their daily efforts in helping our tribe succeed.

Thank you all for your Support!

Our latest winners were announced in our Volunteer Mystery Drawing, they include: Christina Straw, who won the “lucky feather” (which means Christina receives an extra 10 drawing chances for the “BIG” Dec. 14, 2024, gathering prize, and Scott Nelson who won a $25 Subway gift card. Congratulations!

ALL candidates, citizens, and Brothertown descendants are invited to attend the “Meet the Candidates” forum via Zoom. Event is Sunday, May 5th at 4:30pm PT/ 5:30 pm MT/ 6:30pm CT/ 7:30pm ET

• The candidates for the 2024 Brothertown Indian Nation elections have been announced as follows:
  • Vice Chair (one position to fill): Jessica Ryan (incumbent), Craig Cottrell
  • Council (two positions to fill): Dawn Kraintz (incumbent), Hector Marroquin, Will Ottery
  • Peacemaker (one position to fill) : Greg Elsen (incumbent)

To obtain log-in information, please visit the Election Page here on the tribal website to request your access. The Election Committee will send you the link to join via email.

Candidate Forum Ground Rules:

• We will treat each other with mutual respect
• We will maintain a decorum which exemplifies how our Ancestors lived
• Focus upon issues affecting our community today and tomorrow
• Arrive at this particular time with a good heart and spirit

Below is the agenda and the questions that will be presented to help voters better understand each candidate’s goals and views concerning issues facing the Tribe today. Please also note the forum’s ground above.

Agenda:

• Invocation 
• Candidate introductions and brief bios
• Candidate questions (listed below)
• Open floor questions if candidates so desire 
• Wrap up with reminders on how/when to vote

Candidate Questions:

1. What are 1 or 2 of the Brothertown Indian Nation’s greatest strengths?

2. What are 1 or 2 opportunities that our nation could improve upon?

3. What is the most important issue facing BIN & Tribal Council(Council candidates) or Peacemakers (Peacemaker candidate) today?

4. What qualities or resources do you possess that you feel will best serve the citizens of Brothertown?