New Education and Cultural Preservation Buildings at Cultural Grounds
New Education and Cultural Preservation Buildings at Cultural Grounds
New buildings will allow community to access services safely during COVID-19
September 17, 2020
Two new office buildings are being built at the Red Cliff Cultural Grounds in order to house the Education department, Ginanda Gikendaasomin Library, Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and the 
Native Connections department. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.
The move for these departments comes after community feedback valuing the importance of quality programming related to education and cultural preservation, as well as the need to adhere to proper social distancing protocol and safe environments for community members to access these services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other locations were considered; however, it was determined the Cultural Grounds provided the best fit for these two buildings and departments. The Cultural Grounds cover roughly 40 acres. The new buildings will occupy a very small portion of the Cultural Grounds as they are approximately only 36’ x 60’ structures.
One building will have the Education department and will have the library relocated from the Tribal Administration building. The other office building will have Tribal Historic Preservation and the Native Connections department staff.
“We are very happy that the library in Red Cliff will have its own space, which will allow us to share our collection of Native American focused literature, new resources for community members attending online schooling, and spaces with open wireless internet access for our patrons to use,” said Jared Blanche, Education and Library Director. “We look forward to having the Ginanda Gikendaasomin Library being a space for reading, studying, quiet conversations, traditional stories, and community events.”
Native Connections Project Manager Mark Gokee said these buildings are the start of more offerings to the community for maintaining and developing our resilience through Red Cliff culture and teachings. THPO will also be able to provide more cultural preservation activities.
“This facility will afford much needed space to ensure a safe work area and programming for staff and community,” said Marvin Defoe, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. “This will be a learning place for our community now and into the future.
The project is being funded by the Department of Treasury CARES Act, and Black Wolf Construction is completing the site work and foundation for the buildings. The actual buildings are being purchased through Sustainable Modular Management.
Contact the Tribal Administration Building with any questions at 715-779-3700.
For information on the Ginanda Gikendaasomin Library and Tribal Historic Preservation Office, visit www.redcliff-nsn.gov.
For information on Native Connections and services available, visit www.redcliffhealth.org.