DESCRIPTION

Prairie Island Indian Community (“PIIC”) is requesting bids to complete trimming of dead limbs and removal of at least 7 dead oak trees within the general use space of the Tribe’s cultural use area known as the bark lodges (Figure 1.). The purpose of the project is to reduce potential dangers of falling limbs/trees in the main “use area” (i.e. all areas mowed within the site). The site has cultural and archeologically significance so special care should be taken when conducting any work; please communicate with the project lead regarding specifics. Materials that can be felled outside the “use area” do not need to be removed. Wood from trees felled, firewood sized material (6-16 inches diameter) can be left, neatly stacked at the site (firewood location will be determined following project awarding). We request that a portion of the waste wood be chipped and be placed within and around the bases of the two bark lodge structures on the site 2-3 inches thick. We will also take at least one ~12 yd³ load to a separate location on PIIC for community use. All other materials including branches and main boles will need to be removed (but this is up for negotiation). We request project completion before end of June. Site visits are encouraged and available upon request.

Please note the high sensitivity of this site as it possesses significant archeological resources (burial sites). Be aware that any resource disturbance that may occur during this project will need to be reported immediately and may lead to delays until deemed safe to continue.

Bids will be considered based on cost, contractor integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, financial and technical resources, and the best overall value to PIIC. PIIC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. This request for bid (RFB) should not be construed as an offer, contract, or commitment of any kind; nor is it a commitment to pay any costs by the bidder in preparation of a bid.

This RFB and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of PIIC, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO). Contractor must be eligible to work under grant-funded programming, and be able to comply with all grant requirements if engaged (PIIC can provided detailed grant requirements upon request).

Project Goals

• Trim hanging dead branches in “Use Area”
• Fell dead “Risk” Trees
• Place wood chips in and around bark lodges to 2-3 inches thick
• Cultural and archeological sensitivity

PROJECT DETAILS

*NOTE: due to archeological and cultural sensitivities, all operations will require consultation and agreement from PIIC’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) before any management activities are executed.

• Trim All Hanging Dead Branches in Use Area
  • For safety of site use participants, all dead branches must be removed from the area roughly indicated by the extent of mowed space.
  • Any wood that can be used for firewood (approx. 6-14’’ diameter) can be stockpiled at a specified site (to be determined)
  • Chip branches for use (see item 3) and disposal
  • All other waste material must be removed.
• Fell Dead “Risk” trees
  • There are several dead/dying trees (oaks) within the “use area” will require felling and removal – marked in yellow flagging
  • If trees can be felled outside the use area, they can be left for habitat
  • Any debris within use area must be cleaned up thoroughly
  • Boles can be left on site if deemed desired for community use. But bid for removal.
  • Any wood that can be used for firewood (approx. 6-14’’ diameter) can be stockpiled at a specified location (to be determined)
• Wood chips around wooden lodge structures
  • Any material chipped for disposal can be placed around and inside the two wood lodges at the site
  • Chips should be evenly laid to a depth of no less than 2 inches, but target of 4 inches
  • All other chipped material must be disposed of.
• Cultural and Archaeological Sensitivity
  • Please note the high sensitivity of this site as it possesses significant archeological resources (burial sites); any disturbance of archeological resources that may occur during this project will need to be reported immediately to the project lead and operations may need to be delayed until the PIIC Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) deems it safe to continue the project.
  • Care must be taken to protect and avoid damage or disturbance to any of the cultural structures present on the site. Any damages will need to be mitigated by the contractor per the preference of PIIC.
• Figure 1. Site Map and Access Point

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Miy7LhRcb23qa6De9

FROM:
Gabe Miller, Environmental Program Manager
Land and Environment Dept.
Prairie Island Indian Community
5636 Sturgeon Lake Road
Welch, MN 55089
Work Phone: (651) 345-4141
Email: gabriel.miller@piic.org

BIDS DUE:
No later than 5:00 PM
June 23, 2025

Additional employment opportunities for Island Pezi, the Community-owned cannabis dispensary next to Dakota Station, are open at the link below!

These can be viewed here: Island Pezi Careers Page

Curriculum Developer Consultant

1.0 Intent:

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit individuals who has the experience to Native American Curriculum, and Language, and Culture. As this was pass by Minnesota Legislation to develop Dakota and Ojibwe curriculum for all 331 districts in the state of Mni Sota.

2.0 Introduction:

This development of Indigenous Education for All (IEFA} for the State of Mni Sota is a requirement for all tribes In the state to have their input on Dakota and Ojibwe curriculum. We welcome an individual who will be interested in getting the Tinta Wita Dakota Community actively involved to express the Tinta Wita Oyate version. With 331 school districts in the state this project will depend on all tribes working together.

3.0 Scope of Services:

The following list requires an individual to fulfil the needs of the Tinta Wita Dakota Community.

1. Focus on Tinta Wita History and Culture and Language

2. Strong understanding of how curriculum and resources have a big part of this project.

3. Utilize collaboration with Tribal elders, membership, youth, language teacher and manager and Education Director.

4. Experience in working with other Dakota Tribes in the State

5. Individuals must possess strong writing and communication skills/ and the ability to work independently

6. Able to make reports for the Education Director by weekly and monthly report on meetings and progress of IEFA. Reports are needed on the last day of each month.

7. Must be able to attend meetings in person or zoom when needed with IEFA and PIIC and Education Director

8. Hand in traveling and overnight expenses required for your presence at IEFA and tribal meetings.

9. Must have experience to speaking and presentation for Tinta Wita Oyate

4.0 Application

Individuals must respond in a RFP form to become a Curriculum Developer Consultant for Tinta Wita Oyate.

5.0 Preference:

Consultant is knowledgeable in Tinta Wita History, Culture, Language and resources.

Download the PDF of this RFP here!

Educational Guides

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Prairie Island Indian Community

Educational Guides

SERVICES REQUESTED:

The Prairie Island Indian Community (“PIIC”), is seeking Community members to serve as Educational Guides to lead tours of the Buffalo Project and the Bark Lodge located on the Prairie Island Indian Reservation.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Community currently offers educational tours to various groups and individuals that are intended to share about the Community’s Buffalo Project and Bark Lodge. These range from school groups, visiting Tribes and organizations, and elected leaders from Federal or State government. The Guides would lead the tours, educate, and share knowledge about the Prairie Island Indian Community, the buffalo relatives, and Dakota culture and history.

The goal is to engage 3-5 Community members who can be Educational Guides on an as-needed or on-call basis. There is currently a script that will be provided, however, the Guides will be asked to contribute to further developing the script and materials to share on the tours.

These are independent contractor positions, and the selected Guides will be expected to enter into an independent contractor agreement with the Community. This RFP and independent contractor agreement are governed, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Know, or ability to learn, information regarding the Buffalo Project and Bark Lodge, in order to share it with tour attendees;
• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Must pass a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act; and
• Ability to be available on an “on-call basis” to give tours during the week and/or weekend.

COMPENSATION:

• A stipend or compensation will be awarded

SUBMISSIONS:

Submissions in response to this RFP should include a letter of interest that includes any relevant experience, or why the responding Community member should be selected.

Submissions should be sent via email to TribalAdministrator@piic.org. Submissions will be accepted until the need is filled.

If you have questions related to this Request for Submissions, please contact Margo Bellanger, Deputy Tribal Administrator, at (651) 267-4057.

This RFP and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.

Part-Time Registered Dietitian Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) - Part-Time Registered Dietitian Services for Prairie Island Health Center

The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced registered dietitians with current credentials for the State of Minnesota to provide part-time services specifically tailored to individuals with diabetes at the Prairie Island Health Center (PIHC). The selected dietitian will be responsible for delivering expert nutritional guidance, education, and support to our patients, promoting optimal health outcomes for those managing diabetes, developing detailed nutritional care plans; providing nutritional consulting services to patients; assessing nutritional needs related to several types of diabetes; interviewing techniques and patient care management; providing nutritional education to individuals, families, and community groups. In addition, the contractor will be responsible for oversight of the federal grant program Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). This includes completion of all required SDPI training, execution of all project-related activities, timely submission of reports and evaluations, and rigorous expenditure monitoring to guarantee compliance with Indian Health Service standards. This RFP and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.

Project Overview:

PIIC is a reputable healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality care to our community, with a focus on the unique healthcare needs of the Native American population. We are currently seeking a Part-Time Registered Dietitian with expertise in diabetes management to join our team and provide services two days a week at the Prairie Island Health Center. Work involves delivering nutritional services to the population as part of comprehensive healthcare program, and providing and evaluating nutritional services for individuals and program on continuing basis. The work has direct effects on quality of life and health for medical patients and their families and the results also affect the promotion of health and the prevention of disease for all ages of the population served and improvements in nutritional services or programs provided to the local community.

Scope of Services:

The selected Part-Time Registered Dietitian will be required to perform the following services:

1. Conduct nutritional assessments for patients with diabetes.
2. Develop personalized dietary plans to manage and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
3. Provide individual and group nutritional counseling sessions.
4. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals within the clinic to ensure integrated and comprehensive patient care.
5. Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in diabetes management and nutrition.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

1. Registered Dietitian credentials with current licensure for the State of Minnesota.
2. Demonstrated experience in working with patients diagnosed with diabetes.
3. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural and health needs of the Native American population.
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Availability to work two days a week at the PIHC.
6. Eligible to work under grant-funded programming, and able to comply with all program requirements if engaged (PIIC can provide detailed requirements upon request).

Proposal Submission:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their proposals, the proposal should include the following:

1. Cover letter expressing interest and summarizing relevant experience.
2. Resume detailing qualifications and experience.
3. Description of previous experience working with diabetes patients.
4. Proposed schedule for providing services two days a week at the Prairie Island Health Center.
5. Proof of current Registered Dietitian credentials for the State of Minnesota.
6. Valid Driver’s License.
7. Three professional references.

Please submit your proposal to Sarah Gorter at sarah.gorter@piic.org

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevant experience and expertise in diabetes management.
2. Cultural competence and understanding of the unique healthcare needs of the Native American population.
3. Proposed schedule and availability.
4. Proof of current RD credentials for the State of Minnesota.
5. Professional references.

Prairie Island Indian Community Dakota Cultural Consultant

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Prairie Island Indian Community Dakota Cultural Consultant

SERVICES REQUIRED:

The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), a federally recognized Indian tribe, is seeking proposals from Independent Contractors for Dakota Cultural Consultant 30 Hours per Week.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required

• Demonstrate cultural competence in area of high need
• Must be able to work hours that vary to meet program need; i.e. evenings or weekends
• Availability and willingness to travel (short-term and extended trips) as needed
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Successful experience working in a team setting
• Sensitive to Native American Culture
• Must pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

SCOPE OF WORK:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

• Assist with all Dakota language classes as needed by the Dakota Language Instructor
• Continue to work on personal fluency in Dakota language
• Develop coursework and programs on Dakota Culture
• Submit weekly reports and journaling to Education Director
• Work with visiting Elders and Prairie Island Elders
• Assist in all events that require cultural assistance
• Help with all cultural requests by Tribal Council
• Support other departments’ Cultural needs if approved by Education Director
• Other duties as assigned
• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Effectively Handling Harassment training
• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities
• All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship
• The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

SUBMISSIONS:

Submissions in response to this RFP should include a letter of interest, resume, and three references. The letter of interest should outline hourly fee expectations.

IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:

Proposals should be sent via email to JThunderHawk@piic.org

If you have questions related to this request or to submitting a proposal, please contact Jim ThunderHawk PIIC Dakota Language Manager at 651-385-4153.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Prairie Island Indian Community Cultural Consultant

SERVICES REQUIRED:

The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), a federally recognized Indian tribe, is seeking proposals from Independent Contractors to advise the Land and Environment Department on the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into our tours and programming. The position will provide expertise and services to support cultural tours and community engagement initiatives at the cultural garden, bark lodge, and buffalo project.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Required

• 1-2 years experience with traditional plant knowledge particularly with culturally significant plants to Dakota Communities.

• Lived experience with Dakota culture and community.

• Ability to work flexible hours to meet program needs.

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively in team settings.

• Sensitivity and commitment to PIIC’s mission and values.

SCOPE OF WORK:

1. Cultural Tours

• Develop a site interpretation script to aid in facilitating tours at the cultural garden, bark lodge, and buffalo project.

• Organize and lead cultural tours for visiting groups.

2. Community Engagement

• Provide consultation and leadership on community engagement initiatives across the Natural Resource and Land Planning departments, emphasizing culturally relevant activities that connect the community to plants, wildlife, water, and the land. Examples of past events include psiŋčiŋča harvest, čanšaša harvest, sage and sweetgrass harvest and processing.

• Provide mentorship and training for future leaders and traditional ecological knowledge-keepers.

TIME COMMITMENT:

• Contract period: Date of signing until February 28th, 2026

• Up to 280 hours available for the entire contract or an average of 10 hours per week.

INVOICING:

• The consulting agent will track their hours and submit a detailed invoice monthly.

• Invoices should include hours worked and a narrative of activities performed.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Land & Environment Department will provide the resources necessary for the consulting agent to successfully deliver the requested services, including tools, access to relevant buildings, and other required materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to work outdoors in varying conditions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors but may include occasional office-based activities.

• All Prairie Island Indian Community employees and contractors must be able to perform essential functions of their positions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities where feasible.

• The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities within the Community.

SUBMISSIONS:

Submissions in response to this RFP should include a letter of interest and resume. The letter of interest should outline hourly fee expectations.

IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:

Proposals should be sent via email to Gabriel.miller@piic.org

For questions regarding this RFP or the proposal submission process, please contact Gabriel Miller, Environmental Programs Manager, at 651-260-5383 or Gabriel.miller@piic.org