‘Calling Our Warriors’ documentary released By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal
FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Michelle Mitchell, head of the CSKT Tribal Education Department, says her own battle with COVID-19 inspired her to make the powerful new documentary, “Calling Our Warriors.” “The idea came at a time when, after doing everything I could to keep myself and my close family safe, we tested positive with breakthrough cases,” says Mitchell. “I ended up with the worst of it.” She was very ill for six weeks and continues to monitor her oxygen levels daily while periodically “tethered to an oxygen machine.” As yet another wave of the pandemic washes across the United States, fueled by the new Omicron variant, the virus first identified two years ago in China continues to claim lives and compromise people’s health and future. On Jan. 3, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services COVID tracker posted 815 new cases, compared to 264 on Dec. 30. In Lake County, where new cases had dropped off significantly since early November, numbers are on the rise again, from just a handful early last week to 22 new
Ice safety urged from page 6
ice on rivers and streams, or where a river or stream enters a lake, pond, or reservoir. The least safe ice usually occurs early and late in the season, when the weather is warmer and less predictable. Remember, no ice is 100 percent safe.
NOTICE Notice to Public of Proposed Rate Increase for Public Comment
Members of CSKT stand together to fight COVID-19.
cases New Year’s Eve. So far, COVID has claimed 90 lives in Lake County, and as the documentary points out, more than a third of those (35 people) are tribal members. The 14-minute film, co-produced by Shadow Devereaux with direction, videography and editing support from Colter Olmstead, features several members of the Salish and Kootenai community discussing their firsthand encounters with the virus. The documentary aims to com-
Some other common ice-safety reminders to keep in mind include: Search for videos on ice safety and “what to do” if you should fall through the ice. Consider changes in the weather (and ice conditions) during the prior 24 hours. It’s a good idea to wear a life jacket (PFD) or carry a throwable floata-
TAYLOR BARRETT / CSKT
bat an increasingly lax attitude about COVID by sharing stories of those whose lives have been altered by it, and encouraging viewers to act as modern-day warriors by getting vaccinated, masking and practicing social distancing. “Our people have always been warriors,” begins the film. “They shielded and protected us when danger was present. Today we face an invisible threat … we need to be warriors again.” For the message to have an see page 8
tion device while out on the ice — safe ice anglers and recreationists do it all the time. Dress warm but practical. Many styles of ice fishing jackets and bibs provide extra buoyancy to help keep you afloat if you do fall through. Before you leave the house, tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to return.
Carry a pair of ice picks (long spikes on a heavy string around your neck). If you break through the ice, you can use the spikes to grip the ice and pull yourself out of the water. FWP wishes all anglers and recreationists a safe, adventurous, and successful season.
Valley Journal
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Mission Valley Power (MVP) has maintained low and stable rates for many years. Our residential rate is the lowest in the state. Each year MVP managers and the Utility Board prepare the operating budget. Measures are taken to ensure cost allocations remain fair to all customers and operational money savings techniques are utilized. The cost of doing business has made it necessary to incorporate a rate increase. The proposed rate change will move our customers to a tiered rate schedule. Each tier will be charged a different KWH charge. Some customers will receive an increase and others may see a decrease, depending on the monthly KWH usage. Public input is welcome on the proposed increase. Mission Valley Power believes many of its customers have confidence that we are fair and diligent in our work practices. MVP will continue to provide reliable electrical power service to its customers with sound business principles. Public meetings will be held at the Pablo Office conference room: Monday, January 10, from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, January 11, from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday, January 12, from 1pm to 3pm Complete copies of the proposed rate structure are available upon request, or you can pick up a copy at the MVP office. Oral comments may be made at the above location and should be limited to three (3) minutes. Written comments may be sent to Consumer Council Chair, Mark Warner, PO Box 97, Pablo, MT 59855. Comments must be received no later than January 21, 2022. January 5, 2022 - 7
