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Ely Winter Times

2021-2022

CONTENTS Photographing Winter Wildlife Arts Resources & Galleries All-Season Biking Ely Area Calendar Spiritual Gatherings Skiing Trials Isabella Trails

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The Ely Summer and Winter Times is published twice a year by Raven Words Press. For editorial information or advertising rates, contact us at PO Box 188, Ely, MN 55731, 218-365-3375. For a subscription within the US, send check or money order for

Ely Area Maps Dine-In or Take-out Guide What’s New in Ely? Ojibwe Language Dog Rescue Books for Blizzards Stories from Old Ely

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Frigid Perfection Getting That Astonishing Winter Wildlife Shot Wildlife photography demands patience, persistence, technical savvy, and a whole lot of time spent outdoors. Ely provides an ideal habitat for photographers seeking to shoot wild creatures with a camera–easy access to thousands of miles of roads, trails, and waterways through wild places; a variety of northern landscapes that are home to a diverse population of animals, including hard to find boreal species like lynx and spruce grouse; and the clean air required to get a crisp shot of details using a long lens. Winter wildlife photography has the advantage of even clearer air plus a more open view into the forests and across the marshes and meadows. Three outstanding Ely photographers have made some of their best wildlife shots in winter. Cold? You betcha! Worth it? Absolutely!

Just past dawn on a chilly January morning, Heidi Pinkerton was driving by the Stony River overlook on Highway 1 south of Ely. Glancing at the river she saw an unusual sight–a deer standing in the water. Something must be going on, she thought as she quickly turned around to drive by again. There was no place to park off the road on that side, so to make a quick document shot, she aimed the camera out the window of her car, across the road, and snapped the shutter. Then she turned around again to park in the plowed space on the river side of the road. As she walked toward the river she checked her documentary shot and discovered that what she had thought was a stump was really a wolf! She snapped a few shots of the deer while scanning the shoreline for the wolf. 45 minutes went by, nothing happened, and

The Ely Winter Times

the deer walked back into the woods. The only photo she had with the wolf was the one taken through the car window, not even realizing the wolf was there. The photo content is amazing, but it’s technically far from her high standards. It was a hard decision to make public something so shy of her usual perfection. But she did, and it has been one of her most widely published and purchased images. When Heidi first decided to make photography her career, she knew she wanted to develop her own style. After a few years of shooting breathtaking sunsets, sumptuous scenery, and an occasional wild animal caught posing perfectly, she wanted something more action-oriented. She was drawn to animals in action and sought to catch them the way a good sports photographer stops an athlete in motion. One winter Heidi became determined to catch the dance of the northern lights in the same way she did stop-action shots of animals. She hauled her equipment out to the darkness in the middle of Moose Lake, far from any light source or smoke or exhaust that would cloud the air. The aurora was lively and persisted hour after hour. She took one picture after another through the whole night. By dawn she had learned the exact settings to use to make the stars pinpricks instead of blobs, to make the aurora into a shining curtain, and to keep her fingers and her equipment functional at 20 below. Now she teaches others what she learned. 2021-2022

You can find more photos by these photographers online: Ken - SnottyMoose.com Heidi - RootRiverPhotography.com Jim - JimBrandenburg.com 5

Ken Hupila was driving a snowy back road when he spotted a fox walking his way about a quarter mile ahead. Instead of driving closer, he stopped, got out, and stood by the driver-side door, camera in hand. The fox kept coming, and coming, and coming…until it was at his front bumper looking up at him. Then it walked around the passenger side to the back of the truck, peeked at Ken, yawned, and lay down in the snow. After a few minutes of appearing to nap, the fox jumped up and began to play, scooping up snow with its nose and tossing it into the air, then looking at Ken, running a short ways into the woods and back again, still flirting with Ken, and rolling in the snow without a bit of concern. This went on for at least an hour until Ken, having all the photos he could possibly want and other tasks to attend to, drove away, marveling at what had just happened.

Ken likes to catch animals interacting with him or each other–looking directly at the camera or displaying something that might be an emotion a human can relate to. A hunter since he was a kid, Ken has come to enjoy shooting animals with his camera rather than a gun. “Shoot and release” he calls it. Although he doesn’t usually use a blind, his deer stand has provided some opportune moments, including the time a curious fisher was attracted to the remains of a grouse that had been field dressed nearby. This winter Ken will be prowling the woods in hopes of capturing more lynx images. Self-taught from the beginning, Ken shared his skills with high school students using a dark room and film. But he was quick to grasp the new technology of digital photography. Now he teaches others to take the pictures and process them with software through classes at the Ely Folk School.

The Ely Winter Times

One might think that the pinnacle of a photographer’s career would be working for National Geographic. What could be challenging after that? But Jim Brandenburg wasn’t going to stop with those accolades. Instead, he challenged himself to some unusual projects. Most photographers take hundreds and even thousands of pictures for every one that is published. Jim challenged himself to snap the shutter just once a day for 90 days. Amazingly, there were no bad or even mediocre photos. He published each one in his book Chased By the Light. Jim’s very first assignment for National Geographic was to get photos of beaver and moose in the Ely area.

Bursting with enthusiasm and pride (he’s much more humble now), he drove his rented green station wagon here in the mid-1970s. He was shocked to find people who were adamantly opposed to the wilderness restrictions recently enacted and let their frustration and anger spill over to those who were recreating in, documenting, or supporting canoe country’s wilderness designation. When a barber ran across the street to Jim’s rented car to ask, “You’re from National Geographic?” Jim proudly provided an affirmation. “Well, get out! We don’t want your kind here,” was the reply. As Jim soon discovered, Ely has long had its polarized opinions and plenty of vociferous people willing to shout about them. In spite of this rather nasty introduction, out of the whole planet, Jim chose Ely as his home base. Jim’s photographic style is all about the light. His wildlife subjects are often a minor part of the picture in terms of the

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space they occupy, but they are essential to the spirit of the image. The location is forefront, and the light, often created by the weather, provides the mood. The splash of a raindrop hitting the surface of a lake or falling snow drifting across an opening in the trees are not backdrops to the animal subject, but create for the viewer a more complete sense of being present in the animal’s world. Ken, Jim, and Heidi all expressed

their concern for the animals they photograph. They have strong ethical compunctions about not interfering with their subjects’ lives, interrupting critical feeding or mating behaviors. With their big lenses, they can often get the images they want without crowding the creatures. They are also clear about which images are wild animals and which are not. Heidi takes great photos of the wolves at the International Wolf Center (such as the cover of this magazine), and Ken likes shooting the bears at the Shute Center near Orr, but they don’t pass them off as truly wild. Trail cameras are useful to determine what animals are in what areas, but more sophisticated equipment and a lot of patience is required to get the perfect picture. And for all three there is a sense of deeper connection to their subjects, a sort of spiritual relationship that doesn’t lend itself well to a verbal description. How do they stay warm for hours holding still in sub-zero temperatures? Layers of clothing are critical, but they also need dexterity. Heidi’s hands are covered in three layers of gloves with fold-over style mittens that allow her fingers to function. She goes through cases of hand and toe warmers, placing them under her hat, in her balaclava, and on her camera batteries. Ken uses coldweather golf gloves under over-sized mittens and mukluks with heavy felt liners. “When you grow up in the cold, you just adapt,” he adds. Jim wouldn’t

The Ely Winter Times

go through a winter © Jim Brandenburg without his Steger mukluks, but he also believes cold discomfort is partly psychological. Frostbite is to be avoided, but feeling chilled can be diminished by adjusting his state of mind. When those of us who are not avid winter wildlife photographers see the amazing photos from these three, we have to wonder, “How do they get so lucky? I’ve never seen anything like that!” It’s not luck. These folks spend a lot more time in the woods than most of us, and they move slowly and pay attention. Ken says, “It’s 5% knowing where to find what you’re

looking for and 95% serendipity.” Jim has developed an almost meditative focus when he is photographing that he believes sharpens his perception. Heidi lives by her father’s motto: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

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Jim

Ken

Heidi

The Ely Winter Times

ART in ELY The Library by Joe Baltich, Fernberg Gallery ORGANIZATIONS

ORGANIZATIONS The Art Corner 301 W. Sheridan Street Arts in Ely ArtsInEly.org Ely Art Walk ElyArtWalk.org Ely Arts & Heritage ElyArtsandHeritageCenter.org Ely Folk School 209 E. Sheridan Street Gardner Humanities Trust GardnerTrust.org Northern Lakes Arts Assn. NorthernLakesArts.org Tofte Lake Center TofteLake.org 12

WALLS & SHELVES Art & Soul Gallery & Gift House 427 E. Sheridan Street The Brandenburg Gallery 11 East Sheridan Street Crapola 402 East Sheridan Street Fernberg Art Gallery 2267 Fernberg Road

Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. 343 East Sheridan Street Kekekabic Studio 118 East Chapman Street Mealey’s Gift Shop 124 N. Central Avenue Ornamental Hermit Studio 132 N 1st Avenue E

Walls are visual arts. For a listing of all Ely arts see ArtsinEly.org. See their FB page for current happenings. This listing is sponsored by The Ely Winter Times

All-Season Biking

by Lacey Squier Dear reader: Were you once like me? Did you think of your bicycle as something that must be packed away in the depths of your garage for the winter months? Goodness, did I have much to learn! There is an adage within the biking community: the proper number of bikes to own is n + 1, with n being the number of bikes you currently have. Perhaps you are like me, and in a position to consider purchasing a new bicycle. I gather we might start with a fat tire bike which can be ridden year-round. Indeed, many Elyites sing the praises of fat tire biking, particularly winter fat tire biking. Dedicated cross country skiers appreciate that, while the late winter/early spring thaw-and-freeze cycle can make for undesirable classic cross country ski conditions, a fat tire bike–especially one with studs–can go anywhere. Fat tire bikes feature wide tires that typically have lower air pressure than regular bike tires, which increases comfort and suspension when riding. They were originally developed for people who needed to have reliable transportation in Alaska during the heavy snow seasons. The popularity of fat tire biking has grown steadily, thanks in large part to their versatility. With a fat tire bike, every single 2021-2022

backcountry road and dogsled trail becomes an opportunity to recreate. Of note is the Old Tomahawk Road near Isabella Lake, and the 40+ miles of trails used by Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge on the Kawishiwi Triangle. Frozen lakes that are not within the BWCAW are also prime fat tire biking spots. The biking scene in the Ely area has also been growing steadily; we are on our

eight miles of engineered mountain bike trails and a skills park, winding through towering pine trees and overlooking beautiful wetlands. Riders refer to the engineers as artists, remarking on the amazing flow of the trails. These trails are groomed, fully functional year-round, and serve beginner through advanced riders. Folks who have ridden the trails eagerly await a fifth and final single track loop. As I develop a growing awareness of the sheer magnitude of opportunities to engage with the biking community in Ely and beyond, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed! I’m looking forward to going into Ely Bike & Kicksled, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, pulling up a chair, and discussing what I’ll need to get started with bike enthusiasts Alvin Goeser and Alexia Springer. Alvin and Alexia are in the process of purchasing Ely Bike & Kicksled, and anticipate a winter opening. They also happen to be

way to becoming a true biking destination. There are continued regional investments on the horizon, including the Mesabi Trail. When finished in the next two years, this paved bicycle trail will stretch over 155 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely. Another exciting bike-related development: Team Borealis, a 6-12th grade mountain bike team. Mark Sponholz served as the head coach this inaugural year, assisted by several other community members. This season featured five races. Competing was optional, so students who participated in races competed individually. Although the team didn’t have enough riders to field a full team in the high school division, they competed in a junior high division race at RedHead, where they placed 5th out of 29 teams. Practice for Team Borealis was held three days a week at Hidden Valley Recreation Area, which is now home to

Team Borealis 14

The Ely Winter Times

world to experience, people to meet, and cultures to observe. On a bike you can do all that in a holistic way.” For Alexia having a bicycle has always represented the joys and

my close friends and neighbors. There is no one I trust more to help me navigate the ins and outs and potential purchases of getting more involved with biking. Alvin and Alexia took their first bike touring trip together in 2015, cycling through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. That trip was but a prelude to an even more extensive trip in 2017, in which they cycled from Vancouver Island to Baja California with their dog, Fitzroy. “I’ve found there is no better way to connect with a place and its people than from the saddle of a bicycle,” says Alvin. “On a bike your senses are in tune with your environment at all times. You’re a little speck, and you have a great big

Biking on Miners Lake 2021-2022

The right gear, like these studded tires and special mitts is essential to winter biking. 15

comforts of freedom. Her godfather gifted her a mountain bike when she was 13 years old, which afforded her the ability to go to friends’ houses or to the pool without waiting for a ride. In college Alexia became engrossed in bike touring as a form of local outdoor recreation and place-based learning, which parlayed into professional opportunities. “Biking has opened so many doors for me,” she acknowledges. These days Alexia bike commutes as a rule for health, and because biking is a familial ethos. Bicycle commuting and bike tourism continually teach this family to go slower and to see more. As such, Elyites will see Alvin, Alexia, and their two-year-old son, Ullr, out on their bikes daily–rain or shine, snow or ice. Autumn Cole might also be sighted out on one of her bicycles daily. “Why should I get into biking?” I ask her.

“Biking is a tool for longevity,” she says. “It is a good low-impact, aerobic activity that anyone can do. It is good for physical and mental health, and stress reduction.” Stress reduction? Ok, yes I need that. Autumn, 71 years old, calls biking a lifetime sport–a good sport for every age, and perhaps the ideal workout for seniors. She is part of a group of 20+ women, friends in their 60s and 70s, who go biking together on a regular basis. They’ve been to the Tioga trails in Grand Rapids, the Cuyuna trails in Ironton, and RedHead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm. Even so, Autumn appreciates the Hidden Valley Trails for presenting new challenges and obstacles. “After riding the new trails, I can do things now I couldn’t do a month ago.” In addition to the health benefits and time with friends, biking gets Autumn

Alexia and Alvin on their Canada-Mexico bike tour

The Ely Winter Times

The Hidden Valley project is funded by the Federal Recreation Trail Program and IRRR with matching funds from community members. Kay-Linn Enterprises, Dirt Candy Designs, and Pathfinder Trail Builders were the designers and builders. But it is the dedication of several Elyites that has made the whole project possible.

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outdoors and into the beautiful scenery. While on her bike she has sighted bears, wolves, foxes, and pine martens. When I asked them what they like about biking, Team Borealis had some interesting things to say. It seems that whether you are in 7th grade, or in your 70s, the appeal of the bicycle remains the same: It’s exciting to ‘get out there’ and have fun. It is special to be part of Ely’s inclusive and supportive community of cyclists. The activity itself is relaxing, a form of stress relief. And if you’re on your bike in northeastern Minnesota, you can be sure the scenery will be something to behold–no matter the time of year. If you haven’t experienced biking in all seasons, I encourage you to give it a try–perhaps at the Ely Winter Festival. Fat tire bikes will be available to rent for free. Check ElyWinterFestival.com for more details. Beginners should be mindful of wearing proper attire for outdoor activity. Having a good light that can withstand the cold is important for safety, and of course, helmets are always recommended. ElyBikeandKicksled.com will have up-to-date information regarding the re-opening.

Biking is fun and healthy for all ages - a true life sport.

The Ely Winter Times

The Fun Run will be February 5th this winter.

Winter 2021-2022 Ely Area Calendar Most locations are shown on the maps on pages 31-34; church addresses are on page 24. Covid precautions in place. Area code is 218 unless noted.

NOVEMBER 20, 7 pm 24, 5pm 25, 3-5pm 25 - Dec 5 25, 5pm 25, 6-9 pm 25, evening 26-28, all day 26, 10-2pm 28, 1:30

Live concert, local bands White Iron and Christopher David Hansen Ely State Theater Thanksgiving Eve Service, all are welcome 1st Lutheran Church Thanksgiving Potluck, all are welcome Ely Folk School Festival of Trees, Northwoods Partners fundraiser Grand Ely Lodge Holiday Boutique opens Grand Ely Lodge Shine Bright Ely, store windows will be decorated for an after-dinner walk/drive Downtown Ely Stores open for good cheer and shopping specials Piragis, Potluck, Lobo Leather, others? Small Town Christmas, SHOP LOCAL! See Ely.org for store specials Downtown Ely Pie Crust Tutorials on the hour — take home a pot pie! Ely Folk School Follies Award-winning musical filmed live in London Ely State Theater

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DECEMBER Multiple dates It’s a Wonderful Life radio play broadcast, Live performances & streamed VCC Theatre 2, 1-5pm Making Linoleum Print Patches, register in advance Ely Folk School 3, 5-7pm Hammer & Tongs: Basic blacksmithing, register in advance Ely Folk School 3, midnight Ely Art Walk Artists registration due, C’mon-YOU can do this! ElyArtWalk.org 4, 6pm Evening of Chess, walk-ins welcome Ely Folk School 9-11, 10-3 A Woodland Christmas, Homemade Gifts, Baked Goods, Chats Nelimark Homestead, Embarrass 9, 1-3:30pm Printing with Gelli Plates, register in advance Ely Folk School 9, 2-5pm Cheese of the Month: Making Leiden, register in advance Ely Folk School 9, 5-7pm Make Origami Ornaments, register in advance Ely Folk School 11, 9-4pm Christmas Dala Horse Rosemaling, Online, register in advance Ely Folk School 11, 2pm Holiday Party by Ely Folk School, no registration, FREE Semers Park All are welcome for a bonfire, dogsled rides, cocoa, gløgg, food, & outdoor winter fun for all ages 12, 6 pm Reflections Dance Company Winter Showcase VCC Theatre 13, 3pm Friends of the Library Book Club, Great Expectations Ely Public Library 14, 3pm Holiday Carol Kahoot, online trivia, register in advance Ely Public Library 16, 6-8pm Homemade Beeswax Wraps, register in advance Ely Folk School 17, 3:30pm Get Crafty: Perler Beads, register in advance Ely Public Library 19, 1:30 Nutcracker performed by Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet, filmed for theater Ely State Theater Call or email your events for a listing in future issues: 365-3375, raven1@ravenwords.com

All week Mon thru Fri

Regularly Scheduled Events (open to all - newcomers and beginners)

Ice skating rink open M-F 3-8, Sat 12-8, Sun 1-6 Ely Rec Center Seniors’ Dinner, noon, all ages (60+$4) 24-hrs reservation 365-4139 Sr. Center In-person dining & delivery available Mon-Thur Open Swimming, 9am-9pm, bring your own towel Grand Ely Lodge M, W, F Indoor Pickleball, 8am-noon, ElyClasses.com VCC Gym 1st Monday Movie, 2 pm, ElyLibrary.org for title Ely Public Library 2nd Monday Friends of the Library Book Club, 3 pm Ely Public Library Mondays Game night, 6pm, all ages Sr. Center Tuesdays (Jan-Nov) Tuesday Group, educational speakers, noon, ElyTuesdayGroup@gmail.com GEL&Zoom 3rd Tuesday (Dec14) Tasty Tuesday cooking class 2pm, free ingredients, register 218-302-1778 Sr. Center 1st&3rd Wednesday Wellness Wednesday, BP checks and other activities, 10:30-noon Sr. Center Wednesdays Men’s Memory & Movement Group, 10:30am Sr. Center Wednesdays BINGO, 1-3pm, no need to be a senior Sr. Center Wednesdays Women’s Basketball, 7pm, ElyClasses.com, Register in advance Ely Memorial Gym 1st Wednesday Sustainable Living Round Tables, 6pm Ely Folk School 3rd Wednesday Food Shelf open 11am - 5pm 15 W. Conan Thursdays Makers Mornings, work on projects in community, 9:30am-12:30pm Ely Folk School Thursdays Community Exercise, all are welcome 10:30 First Lutheran Church Thursdays Ely Free Clinic, 5:30-7 Ely Community Health Center 1st Thursday Writers’ Group, 5pm, 235-1984 Boathouse Brewpub 4th Thursday Caregivers Support Group, 10am, 365-8019 Sr. Center 4th Thursday Heart of the Woods Quilters, 6:30 pm, 365-4907 Ledgerock Church basement Fridays Pre-school Storytime, in person 10:30 Ely Public Library 3rd Saturday Food Shelf open 8am - 11am 15 W. Conan 20

The Ely Winter Times

DECEMBER (continued) 19, 4-6pm 19, dusk 21, 3pm 21, 4pm 24, 5 pm 26, all day

Coffee & light dinner to accompany Finnish Ice Candle Celebration Embarrass Finnish Ice Candle Celebration 984-2084 Family Movie, The Santa Clause Wolf Care Webinar: Winter is Here, Wolf.org Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, all welcome Ely & Winton Christmas Bird Count, 235-8078

Embarrass Town Hall Embarrass Cemetery Ely Public Library Int’l Wolf Center 1st Lutheran Church Ely-Winton area

There will be Ely Folk School classes through the winter, but not all were scheduled by press time. Check ElyFolkSchool.org

A drone’s view of Whiteside Park during the Ely WInter Festival 2021-2022

Local Artists Downtown StoreS February 3-28 JANUARY Jan & Feb 2, all day 7, tba 15-17 20, 1-4pm 22, tba 31-Feb 6

Ely Youth Ski League, Times tba, ages 4-11, eysl@elynordic.org to register Hidden Valley Isabella Christmas Bird Count, post-count lasagna is a maybe depending on Covid Isabella area Kids’ Mini-Journals, TheArtCorner.net The Art Corner Wolf Family Rendezvous, overnight program for all ages, wolf.org Int’l Wolf Center Needle Felt an Arctic Fox: Online, register in advance Ely Folk School Journals for Adults, theartcorner.net The Art Corner Amateur Snow Carving Contest, see ElyWinterFestival.com for a block Whiteside Park

FEBRUARY Get schedules for Ely Winter Festival events online or in brochures at Northern Grounds or The Front Porch. Ely Winter Festival & Snow Sculpting Symposium, ElyWinterFestival.com Ely Area Ely Art Walk, free guide at Front Porch, Northern Grounds, Art&Soul Downtown Ely Wolf Dynamics Webinar: Learn about alliances in the pack, Wolf.org Int’l Wolf Center Great Nordic Beardfest, mustache competition and live music, benefit for ECR Boathouse Fun Run Snowmobile Ride, money raised goes for trail grooming, 365-3141 Ely, Babbitt, Tower Open House and campus tours VCC admissions office Great Nordic Beardfest main event and live music, benefit for ECR Ely State Theater Dorothy Molter Museum fundraiser, details at RootBeerLady.com Grand Ely Lodge Kids Painting on blad Gesso, theartcorner.net The Art Corner Candlelight Skiing, see info at ElyNordic.org Hidden Valley Great Backyard Bird Count, BirdCount.org/gbbc Ely and USA

WALK-IN FITNESS CLASSES Mon

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri Sat 22

8am 9:30am 5:30pm 6am 9am 5:30pm 6:30pm 5:30am 8am 5:30pm 6am 7am 5:30 pm 6:30pm 9:15am 8am

Spin Heavy Metal Funtional Fitness Heavy Metal Yoga Studio North Hybrid Fitness Heavy Metal Vaccinated Spin Heavy Metal HIIT Studio North Yoga End of the Road Yoga Spin Heavy Metal Yoga End of the Road Yoga Yoga Studio North Hybrid Fitness Heavy Metal Women’s Weight Lifting Heavy Metal HIIT Studio North Yoga End of the Road Yoga Vaccinated Spin Heavy Metal Coffee House Spin Heavy Metal

3-13 3-28 3, 4pm 4, 7pm 5, all day 5, 10-1pm 5, 7pm 10, tba 11, tba 13, dusk 18-21

The Ely Winter Times

19, 2:30 19, tba 20 24, tba 26-27 27, 9am

Mesabi Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Winners Concert Babbitt School Skinny/Fat Bike & Ski races, see Ely Nordic Facebook for registration info Hidden Valley Reflections Dance Company Spring Session begins See FB page Painting on Black Gesso, theartconrner.net The Art Corner WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race, WolfTrackClassic.com Ely area WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race Starts Ely Softball Complex

MARCH • APRIL • MAY 3-6 Dorothy’s by Dogsled BWCAW trip, register by 2/3/22, RootBeerLady.com Knife Lake 11, tba Kids Class - Paper and Watercolor, TheArtCorner.net The Art Corner 18, 10-3pm Healthy Aging Expo by Northwoods Partner Grand Ely Lodge 20, 10am Wolf Care Webinar: Spring Equinox, Wolf.org Int’l Wolf Center 24, tba Painting with Paper & Watercolor, TheArtCorner.net The Art Corner Apr 9-10 Tracking the Pack, overnight program for ages 7+, Wolf.org Int’t Wolf Center Apr 23, tba Let’s Play with Art Supplies!, TheArtCorner.net The Art Corner Apr 27, 4pm Honoring Denali, Gone but Not Forgotten Webinar, Wolf.org Int’l Wolf Center May 7, tba Painted Flowers in Acrylic, TheArtCorner.net The Art Corner May 14 Minnesota Fishing Opener, the REAL end of winter whatever the weather Ely Area Lakes May 21 Last day to register for Women’s BWCA trip to Dorothy’s, RootBeer Lady.com Knife Lake May 21, all day Jeremy Hiltbrunner Cystic Fibrosis Walleye Contest, 235-8134 Silver Rapids Lodge May 21, all day City-wide Rummage Sale Ely Area

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Ely Spiritual Gatherings Churches Berean Baptist Church 2281 Hwy 169 365-5413 Sun 10:30 Ely Gospel Church 3 E Allaire St 365-5272 Sun 10, Wed 6:30 In-person and livestreaming on YouTube at their channel, Ely Gospel Church First Lutheran Church LC MS 915 E Camp St 365-3348 Sun 10:30 In person and Luther Hour at 7 am with local service excerpt at 7:30 am on WELY First Presbyterian Church 226 E Harvey St 365-5130 Sun 11 In-person and at ElyPresbyterian.org/livestream Grace Lutheran Church ELCA 301 E Conan St 365-5605 Sun 9:30 In-person and livestreaming on FB, archived on YouTube Ledgerock Comm. Church 1515 E Camp St 365-4890 Sun 9:30 In-person with overflow areas for social distance. Livestream on FB, audio on web, archives Connect at LedgerockChurch.com. Oasis Int’l Church 10 W Pattison 235-1151 Sun 10 In-person and livestreaming on FB at Oasis International Praise Fellowship Christian 302 E Boundary St 365-6033 Sun 10 In-person, Bible study at 9 am St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 231 E Camp St 365-4017 Sat 5 pm, Sun 10 In-person and livestreaming on FB; no events or meetings in basement T, Th, F 8am St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 715 S Central Av 409-6870 Sun 9:30 United Methodist Church of Ely 305 E Camp St 365-3355 Sun 10 In-person and livestreaming on FB

Ely Area 12-Step Meetings AlAnon Please contact Cathe at 235-8964 or check out District8Online.org Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s, Open – Ledgerock Church Mon noon Miracle on Camp St, open – 1st Lutheran Church Mon 7pm Babbitt Big Book, open – ZOOM Tue 7pm Ely Open – 1st Lutheran Church Wed 7:30pm Lake Vermilion 12X12, open – Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tower Thu 6:30pm Babbitt Back2Basics, open – Woodland Presb Church, Babbitt Thu 7pm Happy, Joyous, and Free – First Presbyeterian Church Fri 7pm Ely Open – 1st Lutheran Church Sat 7:30pm Check www.District8Online.org for up to date information; Zoom info on the site 24

The Ely Winter Times

©David Siskind

Ski Trials by Becca Brin Manlove Last winter, stutter skiing my way across the wide lake in full sight of new neighbors, I felt self-conscious. On this large frozen lake my indecision about where to go and my self-taught skiing technique were on stage. On shore was a long row of cabins, big and small, a surprising number of them winterized and occupied. These new neighbors’ views were all pointed at the lake. The islands I hoped to tuck behind were still a distance away. Maybe too far away given the short light of this December day and my meandering route. I was skiing on snowmobile tracks, following their wide loops and S curves. Bumping from one track to another when the new one promised to head where I wanted to go. Silly really. Could have skied a beeline to the islands in less time. But I was scared. Scared of this new lake, which was fed by springs, and of December ice—not yet thickened by

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months of deep freeze days. I didn’t know where the weak ice might be. That’s why I clung to the tracks. If a snowmobile hadn’t dropped through, then hopefully the ice wasn’t too thin to support my weight on skis. Scared of getting lost— which I knew was not real. All I had to do was turn around and follow the wavering thin lines my skis had made back to my starting point. The winds were calm; snow wouldn’t cover my trail. The sky was clear. I could see the sun still in the sky and with the bright white of snow, darkness wouldn’t just jump down on me. Other worries, not about skiing, rose like a swarm of black flies into my mind. I stopped. So much else to do, what was I doing out here? I lifted one ski to turn it around, standing in plié, started to lift the other ski, and of course I fell over. Luckily, I fell over. Because sitting there in that humbled position, I heard Mike laughing. His laugh was big and loud. Impossible not to laugh, too.

offered beer, cookies, even supper. Most of the time, Mike graciously deflected the invitation, saying we had other cabins to welcome. We made a second round of cabin visits the next morning to be sure the guests were comfortable and to give out maps of the ski/hiking trails. New trails were being built each fall and spring, so maps were helpful even for visitors who had skied them before. I asked why we didn’t just combine the visits and give them the trail maps when we welcomed them. “Nope. Most of these folks have City Lag when they get here. Trying to give them too much information at first can be dangerous.” “City Lag? Like Jet Lag?” “Yes. They’re still on city time, all speeded up. Pumped full of adrenalin. Worried about what others think about them. They won’t hear anything we say except where the outhouse is. And maybe not even that. They’ll be much

“City Lag, Beck. You’ve got it.” Mike’s been gone fourteen years, but I still hear him sometimes. The pandemic was almost a year along. I hadn’t been near a city for ten months. But I knew Mike was right. He gave silly but apt names to things and situations. Crazy Chain for Lakes One through Four. Walking Zone for the routes with long portages like Angleworm and . He was the Camp du Nord winter caretaker for three seasons before I married and joined him. When my first summer season ended and our fall season of mostly weekend guests began, I learned about City Lag. Mike remembered names and stories of the returning guests. He was irreverently funny and beloved. People yelled his name with delight when he knocked on their cabin door to welcome them. So I was surprised when he turned down invitations to linger in the cabin, talking to one or another of the guests while the rest of the group scurried in and out, claiming beds and unpacking. They

Snowmobile tracks provide a firm surface often taken advantage of by skiers, sled dogs, deer and other wildlife. But users still need to check ice. A snowmobile going fast can easily cross bad ice and even open water. 26

The Ely Winter Times

easier to talk to in the morning. Here’s a rule. Don’t give them the map of trails until the next morning, when they’ve slowed down and everyone is listening.” But one year on the Winter Solstice a large group arrived just after lunch. The leader was an old friend of Mike’s and very familiar with the camp. He asked for a few copies of the trail map so that they could get out for a quick ski. I gave him some and pointed out the newest section of trail. There was almost a foot of fresh snowfall. Only he and one other guy listened. The rest were busy unpacking. It was pitch black when Mike’s friend pounded on our cabin door, yelling for help. His wife, their ten-year-old daughter, and a friend were missing.

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Most of the group had slowed down to accommodate a few younger skiers, but the missing three moved faster and lost touch with the group. As daylight faltered, the man turned the rest of the group around and they made it back but with difficulty. As darkness fell, their tracks were harder to find. While we threw on layers of clothes and ski boots, he told us where he thought they were. The fresh snow that was probably hindering them would help us find them. Mike stuffed blankets, water bottles, matches, flashlights, and first aid supplies into a pack. He directed two of the strongest skiers from the group to change into dry clothes and collect a pulk and winter camping

supplies from a nearby neighbor. He would tie trail tape along our route for them to follow. We were almost to the trailhead when our headlights shone on three people stumbling down the road, skis over their shoulders. They were exhausted, grateful for the ride, and embarrassed for having caused such worry. The daughter had the most energy, so she explained. They thought they were on a loop and kept going forward even as the sun slipped below the tree line. Luckily, the trail they followed was blocked by a fallen tree and snow laden branches. They turned around and stumbled back along their own tracks. The next morning, Mike and a few other members of the group followed the tracks. The three were on a one-way trail that wound for miles into the wilderness. That was an extreme situation, even for City Lag. But I learned a lesson—to encourage people to settle into a new situation before dashing off toward some other goal. Unfortunately, it’s one I also need to learn and re-learn. Both in advising other people and in talking to myself. I will miss the beauty, the light, the love right in front of me if my mind is full of chaotic thoughts over borrowed trouble. Allowing fear (either physical or social) to cloud my goals or limit my actions. I stood up and dusted snow off my 28

butt. Left my City Lag in the hollow made by my backside. Scooted across some fresh snow to pick up another snowmobile trail that ran in a wide loop in front of the island. No tracks between the islands yet (where ice may well be weak), so I followed this track as it cut back west toward brilliant clouds above a sinking sun. Light would linger long enough for me to identify my little cabin nestled into the hillside. And, if not, light would shine from one of the other cabins. Then I’d meet a new neighbor by admitting I was lost and asking for directions.

The Ely Winter Times

Old Trails, New Management The Flathorn-Gegoka trail system has been the premier wilderness trail in the Isabella area since 1971 when it was developed as part of the Environmental Learning Center and CCC camp. For the past 60 years it has been maintained and groomed by National Forest Lodge staff, guests, and volunteers. Last winter the Lodge was purchased by a private party not currently running the property as a business, but with enthusiasm for keeping up the trails for hiking, biking, skiing, dogsledding, and some ATV use. And so Friends of the Flathorm-Gegoka Trails was created to arrange for grooming, keep signage up

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to date, make maps available, and sponsor trail maintenance parties. The 13 miles of trails are the most remote and wild in the state outside the BWCAW, and users are likely to see signs of wolves, moose, and bears as well as more common boreal species. Huge pines and picturesque views are plentiful along trails that are suitable for beginning skiers, although guests should have some knowledge of travel in remote wilderness. The easiest way to find maps is to Google Flathorn Gegoka. For anyone interested in joining the Friends, contact flathorngegokaskitrails@gmail.com.

WINTER SURVIVAL REPAIR At Joe’s Marine & Small Engine Repair Chainsaws, snowblowers, generators. Mechanics are on duty and parts are in stock. 25 W. Chapman St., 219-365-6264

Maps of the Ely Area Little Free Libraries are available for taking or donating books.

Downtown Area

Camp St. 4 3 5 17 18

20 27 28

32 33

30 35

34 36

26 29

12 11 16

Central Av.

14 22

Chapman St.

13 23

Harvey St. 38

8 Ave

Whiteside Park

Sheridan St. 6

Art & Soul Gallery & Gifts 33 30 Brainstorm Bakery 17 Brandenburg Gallery 21 Chapman St. Bookstore 25 City Hall/Fire/Police 38 ECHC Free Clinic 9 Ely Area Credit Union 4 Ely Bike and Kicksled Ely Bloomenson Pharmacy 2 2 Ely Clinic and Hospital Ely Community Resource 38 Ely Field Naturalist Res. Ctr 11 27 Ely Folk School 24 Ely Public Library

Ely Steak House Ely Surplus Store End of the Road Yoga Evergreen Cottage The Front Porch Healthy Families Chiro. Insula Restaurant J&L Hardware Joe’s Marine & Repair Kekekabic Studio Mealey’s Gift & Sauna Mike’s Liquor Northern Grounds The Pebble Spa

4 Ave

1st E

Conan St.

26 4 10 22 31 16 20 14 7 14 3 32 6 28

School

Piragis Northwoods Co Prairie Fire Tobacco Post Office Potluck Kitchenware Senior Center Sisu Yarn Shop State Farm State Theater Save the Boundary Waters WELY Radio Wintergreen Northern Wear Women’s Wilderness

5 21 23 16 13 7 12 29 16 21 27 32

Please thank our advertisers for providing you with this free publication. 2021-2022

Public Landing

Shagawa Lake

Pioneer Rd

68 69 55 Public Landing

Miners Lake

r St. Chandle W.Shagawa Rd.

Mine

58 Washington St.

Madison St. 60

Camp St.

1st E

Central Av

10 Ave

8 Ave

Whiteside

6 Ave

1st W

Sheridan St. Chapman St.

2nd W

Hwy 169 to Tower

3rd W

See Detailed Downtown Area Map on Page 39

Main St.

12 Ave

Semer’s Park

. r’s Dr

Harvey St. Conan St. School

Hospital & Clinic

White St.

Pattison St.

Ice Arena

50 James St. Boundary St. Wilson St.

Golf Course

Please thank our advertisers for providing you with this free publication.

Hwy 21 to Babbitt

Beacon Hill

Arrowhead Outdoors Dorothy Molter Museum Ely-Bloomenson Hosp./Clinic Ely Liquor Ely Nordic Ass’n Ely Rec Center, Skating Rink Ely Tourism & Chamber Ely-Winton History Museum Evergreen Restaurant 32

64 73 52 57 72 58 67 66 68

Snowmobile trail maps are free at many businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. For snowmobile events and trail conditions see the Ely Igloo Facebook page. Ski and snowshoe trail maps are available at Piragis Northwoods Co. and the Forest Service. For more area XC skiing info see www.ElyNordic.org.

Gators Grilled Cheese Emporium 61 Grand Ely Lodge 68 Hidden Valley Recreation Area 72 International Wolf Center 71 Miners Dry, Arts & Heritage Ctr 69 Northland Paranormal 60 Pillow Rock 59 R & R Transfer Storage 74 Recycling Center 53 The Ely Winter Times

ELY CALENDAR PARKING

Pioneer Rd

November 1 through May 31

Hwy 88

Savoy Rd 55

74 17 Ave

Park on the North or West side on odd numbered days, the South or East side on even numbered days. You may park on the next day’s side after 6pm.

Vermilion Community College 66 70

67 15 Ave

73 65 63

Hwy 169 to Winton/Fernberg Trail

Sheridan St.

Cemetery

71 Hi

Kawishiwi Tr Va l

ley

72 Hwy 1 to Airport and North Shore

14 Ave

Studio North Trezona Trail Wolf Track Classic Start USFS Visitor Center VCC Admissions VCC Theatre Veterinary Clinic Zup’s Grocery

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LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

75 55 63 70 66 66 56 65

82 Echo Trail

WINTON Burntside Lake

Hwy 88

93 94

Shagawa Lake

Fall Lake 83 88

92 Fernberg

Kawishiwi Tr 89

Ely Hwy 169

White Iron Lake

Hwy 1 Hwy 21

Garden Lake Farm Lake 91

Alder Place Babbitt & Embarrass Bear Head State Park Camps Du Nord and Widji Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips Flathorn-Gegoka Trails Kawishiwi Falls Koschak Farm Lamppa Manufacturing

85 85 81 82 84 86 88 94 81

Nordic Home Gifts North Arm Ski Trails St. Louis Co. Landfill Silver Rapids Lodge South Farm Ski Trails Veteran’s on the Lake Voyageur Outward Bound White Wilderness Dogsled Wintergreen Dogsledding

81 82 85 89 91 83 86 86 90

The Ely Winter Times

The Ely Dining Guide Ely restaurants are still struggling to hire enough staff. Many have reduced hours from their pre-Covid days. Some close temporarily if staff test positive for Covid. As has always been the case, winter hours vary through the season. So it’s best to call to check on current hours. And please be nice to those who show up to work. A generous tip can make their day, and help pay their rent. $: dinner entreés or a full meal, C: children’s menu, # location on the maps pg. 31-34 All Ely restaurants have gluten-free choices. Hours may vary.

The Boathouse •

Ely’s only brewery serves seasonal brews and hearty food in the family dining room or bar. Duck wings, steak bites and other appetizers. Burgers, Cuban and beer brat sandwiches, walleye and chips, or the winter weekly special. Winter-only piled-high pizza. Beer in growlers to go and BW containers. Big TVs, full bar. 47 E. Sheridan St., 365-4301 $10-19, C

Brain Storm Bakery •

Did you have a crappy morning? If not yet, stop on in and add some healthy fiber to your diet with locally made, mostly organic granola, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, cookies, and fair-trade coffee. Buy extra for gifts in pun-filled packaging. Bumper stickers and T-shirts too. Local artists’ displays. New place at 402 E. Sheridan, 235-6161 $5-8 V #30

Ely Steak House •

Steak dinners, walleye, seafood, chicken, and French onion soup prepared to perfection. Prime rib on Fri and Sat. Senior discounts 4-6 pm. More than 1/2 a million Bucky Burgers have sold–the most popular burger in Ely. Generous servings. The lounge is a favorite night spot with games and specials. 216 E Sheridan, 365-7412 $12-$40. C V #26 2021-2022

Evergreen Restaurant & Antlers Lounge •

at Grand Ely Lodge. Extensive dinner menu, b’fast and lunch specials, light dinners and appetizers. Pasta specialties, salads, walleye, and steaks. Vikings games specials in the bar and lobby. Easy snowmobile access. Open 365 days a year. 400 N Pioneer Rd, 365-6875 for reservations and take-out. $10-26 C V

Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co •

Open daily at 7 am, this is the place for organic coffee, espresso drinks, chai, and fair-trade teas–hot or iced. Also wraps, burritos, soup, salads, quiche, and delicious desserts. Browse area newspapers, use the book exchange. Kids’ area with toys. Indoor or outdoor seating. 343 E Sheridan St, 365-BEAN $5-8 C V #31

Gators Grilled Cheese Emporium • Breakfast and lunch comfort foods and healthy alternatives, homemade pizza, turkey avocado sandwiches, burger specials, and salads. Little Free Library inside, cozy fireplace, and amusement for young restless diners. Homemade pasties monthly; see Facebook for dates. Closed Feb-April 955 E. Sheridan St, 365-7348 $7-16 C V #61 Insula Restaurant •

This popular dining spot serves many locally-sourced and organic ingredients in the New American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Featured plates daily. Expand your palate with fresh flavor blends, or choose old favorites. Casual-dining ambience. Specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. 145 E. Sheridan St, 365-4855 $9-32 C V #20

Babbitt Ski Trails 36

The Ely Winter Times

Northern Grounds •

Coffee and wine bar. Espresso, single-origin coffee roasted fresh daily, tea, chai, mocha. Soups, sandwiches, and marketplace charcuterie items, fresh-baked bread and pastries. Wine by-the-glass, craft beers, and specialty cocktails on tap. Wednesday Wine Society tastings. Register @TheNorthernGrounds.com. 2 W. Sheridan St.. 365-6162 $6-10 V #6

Organic Roots •

Natural Food Market with organic fresh produce and organic foods ready to go or enjoy in the intimate lunch setting. Seasonal menu changes daily with vegan and gluten-free options. Flatbread specials, gourmet soups and sandwiches. Deli counter with wraps, salads, and healthy baked goods Open every day. 141 E. Chapman St. 365-2799 $5–16 V

Oriental Orchid •

More than 100 authentic Vietnamese and Chinese menu items for take-out or eat-in. Dinner combinations for 2, 3, or 4. Curries, spring rolls, wonton or egg drop soup, sweet and sour entrees, seafood dishes, and much more.Their specialty is soft rice noodles. Call for faster service. Take out or eat in. 506 E. Sheridan St, 365-7502 $9-$19 V

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Sir G’s •

Italian cuisine in a space with artistic murals of old Italy. The pasta is made by hand right there, and they season their own meat for flavorful fillings and delicious meatballs. Plenty of pizza options. Expanded appetizer menu with wings. Save room for the Italian desserts. Wine and beer. Take-out (call ahead). 520 E Sheridan, 365-3688 $10-19 C V

Stony Ridge • Ely’s biggest burger selection (50 kinds!) plus appetizers, chili, salads, and a full bar. Specialty stuffed hashbrowns on breakfast days. These generous folks will offer Ely Area Outreach again this winter, providing free cheeseburgers and fries to people in need. Bring your appetite! Dinner M-F, Sat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 60 N. Laneview, 235-9441 $13-40. C Winton Roadhouse •

Open daily with 3-6 pm traditional happy hour and 8-10 pm late night bar food specials. MN Mixology Mondays with Mollie. Woman Wednesday drink specials for women. Live music on Fridays. Karaoke on Saturdays. Soup and sandwich specials on Sundays. Epic loaded Bloody Marys all weekend. 252 Main St, Winton, 365-3339 $6-10

Bar Food Beyond Peanuts Pizza and more... Catz Billiards - 29 E. Chapman Dee’s Bar - 17 E. Sheridan Kwazy Wabbit - 11 N. Central Samz Place - 1203 Old Winton Rd. Silver Rapids Lodge - 450 Kawishiwi Tr. Zaverl’s Bar - 509 E. Sheridan

Fast Food Options Dairy Queen - 1441 E. Sheridan (closed for a bit around the holidays) Log Cabin Coffee - 1340 E. Sheridan Subway -1520 E Sheridan Zup’s Deli - 1500 E. Sheridan

Support

The Ely Winter Times Thank our advertisers! 38

The Ely Winter Times

In Case You Haven’t Heard... Do you want your yard to have a spot like this next summer? A place that’s not only beautiful but also an important source of food and breeding habitat for pollinators? Lawns to Legumes (L2L) is ready to help. In addition to information on how to help pollinators through your gardening efforts, they are offering a grant of up to $300 to individuals willing to plant a small pocket pollinator garden in their yard, switch to a fine fescue lawn with low-growing flowers, create a meadow-sized area with native plants, or add flowering trees and shrubs to their landscaping plans.

The grant money can be used to purchase materials or hire contractors and must be matched by a 25% contribution to the expenses, which can be in the form of the recipient’s labor at $25/hour. Applications for grants must be filed by February 15, 2022. Selection of recipients is random, but partly based on locations that are a priority for supporting the more than 450 bee species and hundreds of other insects that pollinate Minnesota’s plants. There are three priority levels, and much of the land surrounding Ely is in the Priority #2 category.

The Ely Winter Times

There are some rules, including avoiding pesticides, maintaining the project for at least three years, and choosing a variety of plants to ensure that there are blooms throughout the season. Even if you don’t want to apply for the grant, you can be inspired by the Pollinator and Biodiversity Toolbox, project layouts, plant and insect lists, photos, and more at BlueThumb.org. You probably heard about the Greenwood Fire, but if you haven’t driven down Highway 1 lately, you might be surprised at the changes in the landscape. Fueled by drought conditions and an abundance of insect-killed balsam and spruce trees, the fire blew up on August 23rd, traveling six miles from Greenwood Lake to Highway 1 in just a couple hours. In the following days Highways 1 and 2 were developed as a fire break, meaning clearing along the

roadsides that hadn’t burned to remove any vegetation that could serve as fuel if sparks and cinders dropped there. Wild fires always involve different levels of severity. A light burn or ground fire moslty cleans up the dead branches and litter on the forest floor and may burn a little ways up the trunks of trees. Moderate burns leave a mess of charred logs, with many tipped over and crisscrossed making it difficult to walk through. A severe burn goes down to mineral soil. taking out all organic matter on the ground and leaving charred standing trunks. In any of these conditions theere can be danger from falling trees because tree roots may have burned leaving unstable snags that tend to tip over in a wind. The Pitcha Lake Road and Dunka River Road will be good places to observe the natural recovery that follows

A fire break was created along the Pitcha Lake Road, a good place to watch the recovery in different burn severities 2020-2021

There has been plenty of change in Ely’s retail world, but one you may have missed is the little log cabin next to Wintergreen. Northern Toboggan wildfire. Just days after the burn there are Company has taken over that charming colorful molds growing on charred soil space to offer classically beautiful, and stumps. After a week and a little rain Minnesota-made snowshoes, toboggans, or water from firefighters’ hoses, grass and sleds. Along with kicksleds, pops up. By next summer there will be windblocking outerwear, sturdy winter mats of fire-adapted herbacious plants boots, and backcountry skis, these can like wild geranium and bindweed along be purchased or rented. with tree seedlings–especially jackpine Piragis Northwoods is another place and aspen depending on the soil type to rent winter gear including skis and and what was growing there before the snowshoes, but also winter expedition fire. It’s a fascinating process and equipment like tents, stoves, and pulks. watching it will be easy with the Forest It’s a great opportunity to try before Service roads and ATV trails in the area. you buy, or if you live in warmer climes, A film is coming out soon, sponsored to enjoy these northern sports in the way in part by Firewise, about Indigenous Elyites would rent a surfboard if they knowledge of wildfire’s healing role. You vacationed at a tropical ocean. Get out can watch a trailer at Vimeo.com; search under the cerulean winter sky and find for Oshkigin: Spirit of Fire. your happy Ely place.

The Ely Winter Times

Living a Language

Anishinaabe girls picking sweetgrass Story and photos by Ryan Bajan Instead of Nina Moose, try Ninimooshay, and it means “sweetheart” in Anishinaabemowin. Anishinaabe is what the people also known as Ojibwe call themselves. Adding -mowin to the word means the language. Wisini is pronounced Wee-sa-nee, and means “eat.” Traveling through the Boundary

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Waters we encounter lake names deriving from centuries of inhabitants– Dakota, French, Ojibwe. The latter holds the most recent history of First Nations people who still remain, and the language, while not often spoken in homes, is still a part of their culture and traditions.

Parching rice by hand, like this, retains more moisture so rice cooks faster and can be popped like popcorn.

Consisting of more than 6,000 verbs, Ojibwemowin is a language that is tied to the land. It is an oral tradition language that wasn’t written until Europeans arrived and provided phoenetic spelling, which differed considerably from one person to the next. And so Ojibwe and Chippewa are different spellings of the same word. The language continues to add words as the world modernizes. The content of the language was derived from reciprocal awareness of the provisions of the land: Who are we in being provided for by the land? And what is our responsibility back to the land? As such, the language uses a hierarchy of meanings and practices that emphasize how the thing being described is to be understood. For example, the word for Love is Zaagii. However the teaching of love as a core value, a Grandfather

Teaching, is Zaagi’idiwin. The overall understanding of love as the most critical part of existence is Zhowendowsiwin, meaning something like unconditional love, the way we are to treat each other and the world around us. We do not do this in the English language, nor do we have a way to emphasize the importance or severity of the thing we are talking about without adding adjectives. Ojibwemowin is a language that was structured to be grasped through the use of stories, legends, tales, and other oral teachings. In order to help it be taught and understood today, it has to be known in that context.Let’s say I want to learn about wild rice harvest in Ojibwemowin. There are books I can access that give much of the language around Manoominike Giizis (the wild rice moon or time of harvesting), yet in hearing the

The Ely Winter Times

migration story which led the Ojibwe to the manoomin, cutting and crafting a gaadakii’igan (push pole) and bawa’iganaakag (knocking sticks), parching the manoomin in a kettle over a fire, and giving the rice away through feast, one gains a wholistic understanding of the language and the way it interacts with the noopiming (natural world). Separated by an arbitrary boundary, the Lac La Croix First Nation remains a

part of the wilderness with close family ties to the Bois Forte Reservation. Deceased elder Ruby Boshey shared with me stories from her youth growing up in the Lac La Croix village. Long before a road existed into the reservation, she and her family would motor boat to Crane Lake and hop on the train to Duluth once a month. She said it took about a day to make it down there and a day back. Once the railroad stopped and border

The author’s students learn traditional skills like parchng rice

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laws became more stringently enforced, people started leaving the reservation because it was too hard to travel and stay connected to family. The Lac La Croix community that still lives on the lake continues to practice a traditional life of seasonal harvesting. Their main source of income is guiding anglers, but they sustain themselves with what the land provides. Traditional ways are experiencing a renewal within the younger generation. Mino Bimaadiziwin is the Anishinaabeg worldview, meaning “The Good Way of Living.” This refers to living in a way of harmony and reciprocal appreciation of the natural world, nimaamaa-aki. This concept plays a major role in how Ojibwe communities view the roles of elders, adults, and youth. It dictates what makes an Anishinaabe person Anishinaabe, because if one is following Mino Bimaadiziwin then they are living in full appreciation of the land and its ability to provide. This means protecting the water, the forests, the fish, the game. It means that the community must provide for itself and teach its youth to become grateful providers for their families and elders. The Seven Grandfather Teachings, a series of values that are

taught to us by nature itself, fall into this practice as well. Language revitalization is most active in Minnesota and Canada. As firstlanguage Anishinaabemowin speakers are aging and dying, the language is used less and less. In most cultures language is simply handed down generation to generation because it is the basis of communication. But speaking and teaching the languages of Native Americans was forbidden by the dominant immigrant culture of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The major instrument of this challenge was the boarding schools that operated throughout this area and other areas with a significant Indian population. These residential and day schools worked at the removal of traditional knowledge and language. The damage from boarding schools’ oppression will take many generations to heal. The approach of making the language a priority in educating the younger generation requires the use of both modern technology and traditional practices. Apps, online classes, college courses, curriculums, and abundant websites make learning Ojibwemowin a reality for new learners. Stories told by

Some Students’ Thoughts About Studying Anishinaabemowin The language is hard to learn, but I already know how to count, introduce myself, many animals, and other things. We try to use the language in my home, my mother and brother and I. My name is Ogema, and it means ‘little chief’. - Ogema, 4th Grade

One day I want to fully learn Ojibwe language. Learning it makes me feel connected to the Great Spirit, to Mother Earth, to my relatives. My siblings know a lot words and speak it in the home. My favorite part of the culture is going to powwows and dancing. - Dennis, 5th Grade

I want to learn more about my culture, that’s why I want to know the language. Its been fun learning about the natural world, like plants and animals, and being able to call them in Ojibwe. My grandma teaches us about the Medicine Wheel and tells us stories. I have a name in the language, given to me after a dream I had. I’m trying to connect more to my culture and learn more. - Violet, 5th Grade It’s been hard learning the language. Its spoken sometimes in my home. I want to learn the language though. - Savannah, 5th Grade

The Ely Winter Times

elders are equally important. This is most impactful when youngsters can sit down with the elders, but such sessions are also being recorded to use in future efforts at retaining not just the words of the language, but also the spirit. Bois Forte KBFT radio is one group working hard at this task. Just as the language continues to live, the traditional activities are still ongoing in the region. At Nett lake school, students from Nett Lake Reservation attend Ojibwe culture classes up to five hours a week. Every season brings a traditional camp,

following the full moon cycle and in accordance with local ceremony protocols. It was recently Dagwaagin, Fall, and students completed the manoomin, wild rice, harvest with a Miigwech Manoomin ceremony and celebration. This followed a week-long traditional camp with parching, threshing, and winnowing using the traditional techniques. The next camp is Waawaashkeshi Gabeshiwin, or Deer Camp. Students learn how to process a deer, preserve the meat traditionally and in modern fashion, as well as how to use the parts of the deer such as the hide,

You don’t need Native heritage to enjoy picking blueberries

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antlers, and intestines. Spring will bring a traditional maple sap harvest camp, Iskigamizige Gabeshiwin. Throughout the school semesters, students regularly spend class time outside, rekindling a keen awareness and reciprocal respect for the natural world. The Bois Forte tribe research reveals that student attendance, class performance, and overall behavior have improved since restarting traditional programming. Borders, war drafts, treaties and their mishandling, smallpox and flu, boarding schools, and relocations have certainly made an impact on the survival of the Ojibwe language. I recall something Kelvin Ottertail, now gone on, shared at a Grand Portage Pow-wow years ago. He said, in Ojibwemowin, that the language is not disappearing, that it is always right there. We just have to remember it, to find it in the woods and lakes; even the

animals will teach us again. His meaning was that it is the traditional life that brings the words back to us. Maybe the next time you fish on the Kawishiwi, hike the Kekekabic, or paddle on Ogishimuncie, you will recall that there is still a living language and a people who remain tied to that land. Get to know them. Attend one of the ten annual powwows in the area next summer. Check out powwows.com and KBFT.org, and read the Bois Forte News at boisforte.com Visit the Bois Forte Culture and Heritage Center at Fortune Bay. It will deepen your understanding of your own experience on the land. We all love to help you to live Mino Bimaadiziwin. Ryan Bajan teaches Ojibwe language and culture at the school on the Nett Lake Reservation. You can read his blog at maaiingan.blogspot.com.

The author and his students invited Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flannagan to their ricing camp. 48

The Ely Winter Times

The Retrievers

DOG and HUMAN are out for a hike on a trail near Ely when HUMAN needs to stop to tie her shoe. DOG: Something smells really exciting over here. I gotta go see. HUMAN: Where did Rover go? He was here just a few minutes ago. DOG: [Panting] Gotta go a little farther, the smell is stronger over this hill. HUMAN: I’m sure he’ll be back in a few minutes. I’ll go on slowly. DOG: Yikes! It’s a squirrel! Gotta chase... across this swamp, over this log, through this brush, up this tree. Oh, I can’t climb trees. I’m sure this squirrel wants to meet me. I’ll sit and wait for it to come down. HUMAN: Gee, it’s been 10 minutes. I’d better go back and see if I can find Rover. [Walks back 100 yards or so.] Hmmm was this the spot I tied my shoe? Or was it a little farther? Rover! Come!! DOG: I guess the squirrel doesn’t

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want to play, and I’m ready for a treat. Now where was I? Where’s my human? HUMAN: Maybe he went back to the car. I’ll go there. DOG: I don’t smell my person. UhOh. I smell something that might want to fight. Or eat me. I’d better run downwind. Gee, I didn’t know I knew how to evade a predator. I’m feeling wild, but scared. HUMAN: He’s not at the car. I’ll go back and call. DOG: I’m scared. I’m hungry. I’ll tuck my tail and watch out for scary things. HUMAN: [Tromping through the woods and calling loudly] Rover! Come!! Come right now! Rover! Rover!! DOG: There’s an animal making a lot of noise. I’d better hide. And so DOG and HUMAN don’t find each other. DOG has reverted to feral instincts to survive a dangerous unfamiliar place. HUMAN’s instincts are to yell and chase. This is not going well.

Rear View of Lisa’s car There are many different ways that dogs get lost. One of the most common is a dog being adopted from a shelter or another owner. Before the dog becomes bonded to its new people or familiar with a new home, a chance for escape occurs: a walk from the car to the house, an open door, a gap in the fence. Car accidents may leave a dog scared, possibly injured, and without supervision. And some dogs are just natural rovers, eager to run and explore when they get the chance, unconcerned about whether they can find their way home. This can be heartbreaking for the dog’s human family who consider the dog a full-fledged member of their household. The Retrievers is a non-profit, nationwide (although most active in Minnesota) organization dedicated to helping families and lost dogs reconnect. Much of the help Retrievers provide is teaching dog owners what to do when their dog is missing. Because a lost dog reverts very quickly to survival mode (also called lizard brain), chasing and yelling only drive it farther away. Many owners have reported that on being reunited with their dog, the pup didn’t seem to recognize them at first, no matter how closely they were bonded before the separation. Ely is lucky to have one of the Retrievers, Lisa, living right here. Lisa’s first case happened before she was an 50

official Retriever. An Australian Cattle Dog mix named Lindsey was on a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters with her family–a father with his three daughters. As they were packing up to leave, Lindsey disappeared. The family hung out, called and called, and finally had to head for home. They reported the dog missing at TheRetrievers.org, then headed back to the Cities. Meanwhile another group of BWCA travelers found the dog and were able to catch her and bring her to their home on the east end of Ely. They called the owners, who were ready to jump in their car and come get their canine companion, but had to stop when the dog took advantage of an open door to bolt. The Ely folks, knowing Lisa was a dog lover and caretaker, called her, and the Minneapolis family called The Retrievers. Kathy, an experienced Retriever from Grand Rapids, arrived in Ely within a few hours, and she and Lisa began putting up signs at intersections. The Retrievers know exactly what to include on signage and, just as important, what to leave off. The dog’s name doesn’t get posted because people tend to yell the dog’s name if they spot it, which just makes a lost dog more wary. Remember–they are in a wilder state than their domestication would lead us humans to believe possible. The Ely Winter Times

Lindsey on the canoe trip 2021-2022

Lindsey back home with her family

wolf. “Well, that’s it,” thought Lisa. “End of story.” Lindsey wasn’t a big dog–just a snack for a wolf. But more calls came from farther up the Fernberg, so Lisa moved the signs and food stations past Winton. The next call was a few days later when a student at the Outdoor Learning Center spotted Lindsey on a hill close by the classroom building. Lisa went there right away, and her daughter Jen followed with the trap, cameras, and more food. Lindsey was apparently watching the whole set-up from close by. When Lisa and Jen left, a call came almost immediately. Lindsey was secure in the trap! Lindsey and her family were reunited. Lisa was hooked. She didn’t need much additional training because this case taught her most of what she needed to know: first, spread the word. Call law

Calls about Lindsey started to come in right away from sightings near the Chamber of Commerce. Kathy and Lisa set up food stations and their special trap, called a Missy Trap, that is spacious and baited with smelly food. When the dog enters, the door shuts by means of a Raytripper–a device that releases the door when the dog enters and breaks a beam of light. The person monitoring the trap, either at the location or on their cell phone, comes immediately to minimize the trauma of being in a trap. But Lindsey never showed up and didn’t appear on the trail cams set nearby. Kathy had spent the better part of two days in Ely and had to return home, so Lisa was on her own. Another call came from a person who had seen Lindsey run across the Fernberg Trail–Oh no!–being chased by a

enforcement for the area as they are often the first ones to receive a call when a stray dog is found, so can match up the lost and found reports. Next put up lots of big signs at intersections near where the dog went missing, and create social media posts that will be read by residents there. This should all be done within the first few hours, when it is much more likely a dog is still in the vicinity where it was last with its human. Next, put out items with the owners’ smell or even the dog’s own smell–dirty T-shirts or the dog’s bedding are good choices. As time passes, the dog is likely to get hungry. Smelly items such as cat food, fish, and rotisserie chicken work well. Make a food station and set up trail cameras to document the dog’s visits. (Be aware other critters will be attracted. Adjustments may need to be made. Dogs like peanut butter, but coyotes don’t. Bears like everything.) Put up more big signs and re-post on social media. Create a large wagonwheel-shaped scent trail using liquid smoke, with the food station at the center. When the dog crosses the large outer circle of the wheel, the spokes will draw it in to the food. Don’t drive around looking and calling. A lost dog is not likely to be found by spending precious time on that after the first few minutes. It’s much more urgent to get the word out and respond to sightings. One early May, a retiring Ely sled dog 52

was adopted, but escaped almost immediately through an open door. The mushers who knew and loved her began searching, using the resources they found on The Retrievers website. They brought other dogs this lead dog had known and liked, and hiked the trails near where she was last seen. Trail cams were set up and big smelly food stations were put out, attracting the biggest bear that the astonished searchers had ever seen. WELY broadcast the news and the What’s Up Ely? Facebook page became active with possible sightings. Unfortunately, several of the sightings were other dogs who just happened to be loose. But more reports suggested this former lead dog was heading out the Kawishiwi Trail. The searchers alerted resorts, homeowners, hikers, ATVers, and even outfitters hoping someone would see her. They paddled the Kawishiwi River, Farm, and Garden Lakes and hiked dogsledding trails off the Fernberg and Spruce Road. After four days the reports stopped and hope started to dwindle, but the mushers pressed on, trying to guess what route this dog would take to get back to her kennel and traveling what they hoped was her path. It was a group traveling in the Boundary Waters that finally spotted her, deep in the wilderness area. She’d been gone 10 days and was tired, weak, hungry, and cold, resting on some matted grass next to shore. Having been briefed by Ely Outfitting Company on what to do, the paddlers marked the area nearby with bright colored P-cord, avoided disturbing the dog, and called WELY. The mushers traveled to the spot, getting close but not too close, and the one whose lead dog she was stepped out of the canoe and sat a little ways away from her. As the musher looked at this dog that had been her lead dog and affectionate companion on countless trips, she could see that the dog didn’t even recognize her. The musher’s clothes were laden with kennel scent, and she The Ely Winter Times

©Eliza Vistica

A happy ending for a musher and her lead dog 2021-2022

carried hot dogs and chicken, but the dog avoided contact. Until the wind shifted, carrying some of the scents with it. The dog’s nose twitched, she turned toward the musher, sniffed again, and ran and jumped into the musher’s lap. What a happy reunion! Sometimes scent seems to restore a lost dog’s memory in a way nothing else does. How long can a lost dog survive? Those that don’t make it are most commonly killed on highways or railroads, or they drown crossing bad ice. Wolves and coyotes are not often the cause of their demise. Sasha was a Great Pyrenees–Golden Retriever mix, a big girl who had grown up on a farm with goats and chickens and several other dogs. When her owner had to go to a nursing home, Sasha went to a shelter where she was adopted by a nice older couple. Her new owners stopped at Walmart to get her a leash and food, drove to their house a ways west of Tower, and opened the car door to introduce Sasha to her new home. She took off immediately. The couple called The Retrievers and 53

WHAT IF YOUR DOG IS LOST? Check The Retrievers’ Website for the best advice. Spread the Word - signs, social media posts, law enforcement. Tell residents and others in the area where the dog was last seen. Don’t Chase and Yell!

they all tried their best, but after five days the reports of sightings stopped coming in. They moved the signs east to the Y corner and Fortune Bay, then had a few sighting reported close to Tower. Then Eagles Nest. Then even closer to Ely. Then nothing for a while. Eventually some Eagles Nest residents called to say they were seeing this dog about every three days. A pattern emerged indicating Sasha was making a loop from Eagles Nest to Tower, into the back country around Lake Vermilion and Burntside, and back to Eagles Nest. Lisa set up a big food station and Sasha was seen on the camera visiting. So Lisa set up the trap. Sasha never approached that food station again. Time went on and it was getting cold in late fall. Lisa’s food stations were freezing so the smell didn’t travel as well. She set up another trap down a dirt road with lots of fresh warm food, drove a halfmile away, and parked at the side of the road. A movement caught her eye, and she looked up to see three deer trotting across the road. A few minutes later, Sasha came walking slowly past her car. Lisa watched her trap camera on her cell phone and was amazed to see Sasha walk right into the trap and start eating the food. The trap closed and this dog was finally rescued after five weeks surviving on her own. She was down to about 70 pounds from her usual 100, but she was alive. And the best part–she was immediately adopted into a new home with an older dog, and it was love at first sight for all of them.

Sasha at her new home The Ely Winter Times

Books for Blizzards We like to claim author Sarah Stonich as our own, partly because she lived in the area for many years, but even more because she creates scenarios and characters that feel local in the best sense of the word. Readers from other parts of the world might think Fishing is very creative fiction, but we know similar characters live here and it’s likely that real events were the basis for Stonich’s stories. Superficially hilarious and light, the episodes of RayAnne’s all-woman fishing talk show still reaches a depth most humorous books don’t achieve. You might even pick up some angling tips on

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board Penelope, RayAnne’s classic speedboat, as you meet the quirky guests and eccentric production crew. Or maybe you’ll find some helpful relationship advice as you follow the tangled romances and familial drama. Plus there are the life lessons from Dot, RayAnne’s beloved grandma who is a strong presence in both books, but as a ghost in Reeling as she follows RayAnne to New Zealand for the second season. There’s some cross-cultural fun but the Minnesota flavor prevails. Whether you’re from Ely or afar, you’ll be glad there are two novels because you won’t want the first one to end. Speaking of grandmas, our favorite pick for the kids this winter is Grandmother’s Pigeon, a wonderful book that has been out of print for years.

When Grandmother leaves on an adventure, her two grandkids discover something mysterious and wonderful happening to a stuffed pigeon in her bedroom. The kids struggle with choosing the right thing to do about this, but eventually hit on the best solution and carry on with their own adventure. Along the way they, and young readers, learn a bit about the extinction of passenger pigeons. Luminous illustrations add an extra tug on the heartstrings. This is a book that adults will be glad to share over and over, which is good because children are going to be asking for it many times. Our favorite gift cookbook for the season is The Good Berry Cookbook. Although there are some berries in the recipes, “the good berry” refers to manoomin, wild rice. The author, an ethnobotanist, shares stories from her Anishinaabe family life, instructions for foraging in different seasons, and recipes from her own kitchen as well as from chefs from other Native nations and traditions. She takes readers to the fields and forests to marvel at the wealth of healthy foods and medicines growing wild around us. We return home able to cook up a quick Bison and Sunchoke stew, or Nutty Manoomin Patties, and a nutrient-dense Fiddlehead-Nettle sauce. Many recipes, like Sweet Potato Corn Pudding with Rose Sauce, can be 56

The Ely Winter Times

Chapman Street Books

Quality used books on all subjects. Bring yours in for a discount. Big free box. Home to Prairie Fire Tobacco, with imported and domestic blends. 139 E. Chapman St. 218365-2212

prepared with ingredients from the grocery store or farmers market. If you give this as a gift, you’ll want to get one for yourself too, or live close enough to your lucky gift recipient that you can share. Loon Lessons is a deep dive into the ecology, biology, and behavior of the common loon. If you have a question about loons and the answer is known, chances are very good you’ll find it in this book. Written in an entertaining style with plenty of anecdotes illustrating the research data and scientific information, the book covers details about breeding, migration, physiology, calls and their usage, winter life, and loon conservation. Color photos at the center illustrate plumage at various seasons, other species, and chick-raising activity. Skiing Into the Bright Open is much more than an account of the first woman’s solo trip to the South Pole. It is an inspirational example of perseverence in fulfilling a lifelong dream despite

Enjoy Canoe Country all year with The Boundary Waters Calendar!

$13.95 at your favorite stores, by mail, phone, or online + $6 per shipping address. MN delivery add 6.875% sales tax.

PO Box 188, Ely, MN 55731 • 218-365-3375 • www.RavenWordsPress.com 2021-2022

magic moments of brilliant light and easy motion. This humble telling of a remarkable accomplishment makes for a good read in a cozy spot, watching winter out the window. Gichigami Hearts tells stories from an Ojibwe perspective of the Duluth area starting with the formation of the massive gabbro outcropping know as The Point of Rocks and continuing to the author’s family history living near this landform for the past 200 years. A blend of the amusing and the tragic, the spiritual and the embodied, the indigenous and the immigrant, these stories portray life lived frequent bouts of self-doubt, limited in the light of Anishinaabe ways. Whether support from places one might expect it, native or not, readers will gain a need to gain the confidence required by perspectives of the land and peoples and big expeditions, and enormous physical their intimate connectedness. Joy abounds in Josie Dances as a obstacles. For the author there is no joy equal to skiing across a bright white open young Ojibwe girl prepares for her first space. But crossing Greenland, hiking pow-wow. There is so much to do, but the Himalayas, and striving to feel with her parents’, aunties’, and prepared for Antarctic travel provide community’s help Josie overcomes her plenty of challenges to meet before those anxiety and learns to dance with her feet and her heart. A colorful book with a positive message for all children.

Contact to learn more today! WhitePineProductions.net jacob@whitepineproductions.net 58

The Ely Winter Times

2019-2020

Ely Stories “A diverse array of characters” Whether you’re born-and-raised Ely or just getting to know the place, you’ll become more intimately familiar with some Ely folks on the podcast, “My Ely Story.” Like sitting down for a longlasting cup of coffee, listening in on these chats provides a variety of perspectives on life here at the End of the Road. From senior citizens who have spent eight decades or more in Ely to much newer faces, each person adds their distinct flavor to the soup pot that makes up this community. And like a big potluck dinner, there is something for everyone and the socializing is as important as the content. Brett Ross is the producer and host of these programs. Well known as WELY’s manager and DJ, Brett moved to Ely at the urging of his in-laws, who lured him with the notion that “Ely has more stories per square inch” than most places. Once he lived here, that description came to life for him. Now he is relishing the opportunities this podcast creates to have in-depth conversations with the

people who hold those stories. The podcast is free wherever you get them. Capturing some Ely history that could be lost as the older generation passes on and revealing the personalities behind the current character of Ely, the podcasts delve into the lives and opinions of people you may have heard of or know casually. For instance “that crazy guy in the jeep” is Seraphine Rolando. Who hasn’t seen him driving around town with the jeep accessorized with a mounted machine gun or staged at the mine ready to share Ely’s history with anyone who stops by? Some who don’t know Seraphine may think the gun indicates an aggressive nature, but in the podcast you come to learn that it is simply an indication of his interest in WWII history and propensity to collect unusual antiques. Seraphine once hoped to start a museum and, although that never came to pass, has accomplished something similar at the Pioneer Mine across the road from Grand Ely Lodge. He has

collected material and created displays of Ely’s mining history that include hundreds of photos of the miners at work, equipment and clothing used by miners, tools and machinery used to extract ore,

One small part of the Pioneer Mine display 60

and plenty of newspaper articles written about the mines and laborers. “Ely wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for mining,” he insists. All this is on display at the Shaft House, where you can visit with

Seraphine at the historic Pioneer MIne The Ely Winter Times

Seraphine anytime you see the jeep on the premises. But why wait? You can listen to him tell about Ely in the old days right now on My Ely Story. You can also hear Shaun Chosa elaborate on his amazing life split between Ojibway culture and more common American ways. Shaun is a renowned artist and all-around creative soul who chooses to call Ely home. In his conversation with Brett he talks about growing up on Basswood Lake, where he spent every summer of his youth. With a 12-foot row boat, a mother and grandfather who taught him some basics then let him run wild, and all of Basswood Lake for a playground, he went barefoot every day from early spring until fish netting season was over in fall. His stories of this part of his life will delight anyone who enjoys Basswood. In fall Shaun had an abrupt transition to city schools in a variety of states and settings–almost 20 different schools before eighth grade, on reservations and in inner cities. These stories explain some of Shaun’s wideranging interests and abilities. Shaun credits his start on the creative side of his life to his mother being an art

Shaun’s recent artwork for the MMIW project 2021-2022

Julie ready for Arctic trekking school student when he was a toddler. He always had the materials he wanted to draw, paint, sculpt, or develop his own ways of creating art. His mother, grandfather, and an uncle taught him the skills and culture of his native heritage. Eight years in the Marines gave him another perspective. A view of life in Ely you won’t want to miss comes from Julie Hignell. With Julie’s story you’ll hear about experiences as distant from Ely as a person can get and as close to the heart of Ely as anyone comes. Julie was a biology teacher when she first came to Ely. Her interest was shifting

Young Shaun at Basswood Lake 61

from human biology to ecology, so she took a job as a reasearch assistant studying bears and deer at the Kawishiwi Field Station. When the funding for that ended, she began working at the nearby Outward Bound school. She had a long career there as program director for both the summer and winter courses and was instrumental in starting the use of sled dogs for winter programs. Then came invitations to participate in adventures in the Arctic and even Antarctica. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear about her journeys and training expeditions in Siberia, dogsledding to the North Pole, and leading Russian teen-agers on a winter adventure.

Now Julie is the director of Ely Community Resource, an organization that strives to ensure that every schoolage child in Ely has a positive social and academic experience growing up here. This part of her story will make you glad you live here, or if you don’t, wish that Julie lived in your town. Brett welcomes suggestions for stories to include in the My Ely Story podcast. Surely you’ve already thought of several people whose stories you’d like to hear, or perhaps recalled stories of your own you’d like to share. Conversations are held in a low-stress living-room setting. You can reach Brett to share your ideas at Contact at VisitElyMn.org

Julie and a teammate crossing the Arctic Ocean. They switched from dogsleds to canoes due to open leads. 62

The Ely Winter Times