Manitouk Cultural & Research Institute

MCRI’s Future Looking Heritage & Research

InstituteProject

 

MCRIMCRI is a non-profit located on the Turtle

Mountain Chippewa Indian Reservation whose primary emphasis is on maintaining the historical and unique cultural heritage of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

 MCRI is an IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.The BOD is comprised of 7-tribal members of the

TMBCI.Currently there is no historical, cultural, artist

center in the community of Belcourt, ND the HUB of the reservation.

Manitouk Cultural & Research Institute

The MCRI’s present site is not functional nor in alignment with the mission and goals for it’s organization.

The MCRI’s present location is in a storage facility with severe spatial limitations and little aesthetic appeal for display of the unique artifacts, artwork and documents presently housed at this facility. Limited space for visitors to walk through is another challenge.

Leasing the present facility for MCRI’s organization is costly and is not deemed profitable.

MCRI’s Present LocationPresent building is approximately 30 x 30 on

the exterior and is in run-down condition.Floor space is approximately 900 square feet.Location has 2-5 car parking only with

parking area unpaved and full of potholes.Location is off the main road but extremely

inaccessible due to no front road access.Part-time employee has no office space.Bathroom facility is one unit and very

outdated.

MCRI’s Future Building

MCRI’s Strategic PlanBusiness Plan Master Building Plan Executive SummaryMission StatementBusiness StructureManagement TeamHistoryMarket ResearchSWOT AnalysisDescription of

Prod/ServicesOperations PlanFinancial PlanAttachments

Phase I – Exhibit Hall

Phase II – Interpretive Cent.

Phase III – Artist in Residence

Studio

Phase IV – Music, Video & Historical Recording Studio

Presley LaFountain, Turtle Mountain Chippewa SculpturerWell-known artist wants to pass along his talent and skills to our new generation members through a mentoring process – hands-on and via satellite access.

Louise ErdrichWell-known Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Authorfrequently visits to conduct annual writing workshop. Known for her story-telling, Erdrich has many works to her credit and with wide, popular appeal to young and old.

Edward Thomas, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Artist

Mother & Child Alabaster Stone

Ryan Keplin, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Fiddler

Ryan Keplin is a left-handed fiddler, aka - The Fiddlin Lefty” plays instruments such as: Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar and last, but not least, Drums.

CHARLIE WHITE WEASEL, American Indian Tribal Historian is the recipient of the National Iron Eyes Cody Peace Medal Award given in Recognition of Outstanding Contributions in the Preservation of American Indian History and Culture. White Weasel is a lifetime member of the Turtle Mountain Historical Society now MCRI, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe of North Central North Dakota.

“Our Future lies within our new generation members whose lives are intrinsically woven to their past…rich in a cultural heritage of history, language, music, art, customs and dance with hand-made beaded regalia. These are the people of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa.”

Manitouk Cultural Research Institute’s Implementation Plan

Manitouk Cultural Research Institute’s original design has now changed to incorporate all Phase IV Plans

Changes made include the name from MCRI to Manitouk Cultural Research Institute (MCRI). Additional changes have occurred with the new Board members, under a new Board Chair. DSG Architects, Minneapolis, MN have been selected for the Phase IV blue prints and designs.

TMBCI’s USDA Application Submission

TMBCI Resolutions: 1. Original- March 8,

2004 with 7.08 acres (near Skydancer) given to the Heritage Center.

2. New – November 2011 approving land, USDA application and financing of project.

USDA Checklist1. Attorney’s Opinion2. SF424 Application,

Budget, Assurances, Map of Project Service Area, MCRI Board info.

3. Feasibility Report4. Environmental –

Soils Analysis (Kade Ferris)

Proposed Project CostsTotal Project Cost

$1,956,689.00USDA-RD Grant

$500,000.00USDA – RD Direct Loan

$1,163,186.00Reimbursement from TMBCI gas tax

allocation, by resolution in amount of $7,500 to offset repayment amount of $4,269/per month.

P2P share has provided $700,000 with $190,000 real estate grounds preparation work.

Additional monies to be secured by LG Consultants with federal grants & via MCRI’s fundraising activities.

DSG ArchitectsA Minneapolis-based architectural business,

DSG has worked with TMBCI on many projects, including project plan for Skydancer Hotel & Casino expansion.

Mike Laverdure, TMBCI enrolled member is DSG contact.

DSG has committed to Phase IV implementation plan of the new MCRI facility with ground breaking scheduled for June of 2011.

Phase I & II Implementation Activities

Soil Analysis completedFeasibility completedKlaus Report indicates Feasibility for market

location. USDA completed & submittedFinal architectural designs impendingNational Endowment for Humanities (NEH)

$6,000 grant to be submitted by TMBCI for preservation expert consultation & report for preservation activities.

L G Contractual Commitment NEH organizational grant to be submitted

once initial preservation report is completed, which identifies critical steps for understanding the preservation process, capacity and equipment necessary for proper, climate-controlled storage. Additionally, the purchase of digitization equipment needed for converting all MCRI documents & artifacts into digital archives.

Additional NEH grant funds can help design organizational structure and implementation of MRCI’s educational and research resources.

MCRI’s Fundraising EffortsIn-house promotion with internal

membership & duesArtist’s fees/salesRecording Studio fees/salesArtist’s SupportEducational FeesTourismTMBCI gas tax (secured)P2P Investment (secured)

MCRI’s Management PlanMCRI will utilize

Project Director to manage MCRI’s daily activities.

Part-time Volunteers paid by stipends.

MCRI will utilize Senior training program.

MCRI will hire Language Expert for implementing language program.

Open daily M-S 10-6 and Sunday hours 12 noon-4.

Fee charges per individuals and groups.

All building & landscaping concerns addressed by TMBCI in conjunction with MCRI board initializing.

MCRI’s Activities TourismResearch &

EducationArtist-in-Residence

StudioRecording StudioMentoring Artists

via IVN for educational purposes.

Exhibit of artists works

Sales of artists works

Nature WalkLanguage

InstructionSharing of heritage

artifacts & documents

Amphitheatre & Activities

Community Arts Center & sharing.

MCRI BoardChairperson: Terri

Martin ParisienDistrict 1 – Darrel

CharetteDistrict 2 – Arla

GourneauDistrict 3 – Les

ThomasDistrict 4 – Bill

Morin

MCRI will govern all activities of the MCRI, with the exception of the actual building and site that are under the governing body of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and by executive decision of the TMBCI Tribal Government.

Power Point Created & Designed by L G Consultants Robert

Lattergrass & Arla Gourneau