The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2017)
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WIIKWEDONG
DAZHI-OJIBWE
The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe
Manidoo Giizisoons - Little Spirit Moon - December 2017
Issue 161
Tribal Council Members:
EIGHT CHOSEN CANDIDATES ADVANCE TO GENERAL ELECTION
Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President
Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President
Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary
Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary
Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer
Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.
Frederick Dakota
Randall R. Haataja
Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.
Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr.
Rodney Loonsfoot
Elizabeth D. Mayo
SPECIAL POINTS
OF INTEREST
Picture by Lauri Denomie.
Baraga District voters registering to cast their ballots in the Primary Election.
Voters of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community cast their ballots at the November 4, 2017, Primary
Election, advancing eight candidates to the Tribe’s General Election. Baraga District Precinct was held at
the Ojibwa Senior Center, and L’Anse District Precinct was located at the Zeba Community Hall. Voters
cast their ballot for two individuals in their district, allowing for the top four vote getters to advance. The
General Election will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017. Results are:
Baraga District results:
Doreen Blaker (Inc.) 109 votes;
Robert D. “RD” Curtis (Inc.) 54 votes;
Kim Klopstein 50 votes;
Mike P. Lahti 76 votes;
Robert “Robbie” Mayo 36 votes;
Jerry Magnant “Mayo 42 votes;
Don Messer, Jr. 37 votes;
Debbie Parrish 38 votes.
KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY
Registered Voters
The General Election will be held on Saturday, December 16,
2017.
L’Anse District results:
Randy Haataja (Inc.) 59 votes;
Toni J. Minton (Inc.) 53 votes;
Lyndon Ekdahl 36 votes;
Jean Jokinen 29 votes;
Chris C. Voakes 34 votes.
Eight Candidates Advance
To General Election
President Swartz Gives Oral
Testimony To Senate
November 2, 2017 Tribal
Council Meeting
New Employees—Who’s
Who and Who’s New
A Successful Wild Rice
Camp Held
Council Receives Chi Miigwech From Youth
COPS DONATE FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Voters residing in the Baraga District will vote at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center. Voters residing in the L’Anse District will vote
at the Zeba Community Hall. Polls will be open from 10:00 a.m.
until 6:00 p.m.
Tribal Council Seats
Baraga District
L’Anse District
Doreen Blaker (Inc.)
Randy Haataja (Inc.)
Robert “RD” Curtis, Jr. (Inc.)
Toni J. Minton (Inc.)
Kim Klopstein
Lyndon Ekdahl
Michael P. Lahti
Chris C. Voakes
ONLY REGISTERED VOTERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO VOTE.
(Per Election Ordinance).
Proceeds from the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Casual Friday
and No-Shave November Campaigns were donated to Tribal Social
Services as part of their 2017 fundraising efforts to give presents to
needy children within our community this holiday season.
It’s nice to know that walking around in jeans and a beard can
help a good cause. In all, $226.00 was donated to help insure that
no child in our community goes without a Merry Christmas this year.
Pictured left to right are: Detective Sgt. Dale Goodreau, and Chief
of Police Duane Misegan, of the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department, and Jacqui Gorczewicz and Holley Makela, KBIC Tribal
Social Services Specialists. Picture compliments of Charles Miller,
SORNA.
(1) Bezhig
November 2, 2017 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Monthly Tribal Council Meeting was held on Friday, November 2, 2017, at the Marquette Community Center in
Harvey, Michigan. President Warren Swartz, Jr., presided over the
meeting with Jennifer Misegan, Susan J. LaFernier, Toni Minton,
Doreen Blaker, Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Randall Haataja, Michael F.
LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Rodney Loonsfoot, and
Elizabeth D. Mayo present. Fred Dakota was absent.
President Swartz shared numerous Thank You and For Your
Information items addressed to Council.
President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report (page two), Vice President Jennifer Misegan gave the Vice
President’s Report (page five), Secretary Susan J. LaFernier gave
the Secretary’s Report (page five), and CEO Larry Denomie III
gave the CEO’s Report (page eight). Council approved the September Department Head Reports.
Under recognized scheduled delegation/individuals: April Lindala, Director of Northern Michigan University (NMU) Center for
Native American Studies (CNAS), addressed Council on a number
of items. April introduced Violet M. Friisvall Ayres’ college class
who were present in the audience at today’s meeting. They are
students of NMU’s Tribal Law and Government Class. April Lindala and Dr. Abigail Wyche shared exciting news of NMU CNAS
being chosen to receive one of three awards handed out by the
Department of Justice (DOJ). They were awarded a DOJ Victims’
Services Award. April wanted to thank the Council for KBIC’s
Resolution which was submitted with their application. The center
is looking forward to working with the Community to help those
who are in need of these services. They are proposing that NMU
offer a Native American Community Services Associates Degree.
These students would be offered an internship of 400 hours, and
these hours will be fulfilled by working in the Tribal Community.
They are also proposing for NMU to offer a Master’s Degree in Social Work and are hoping to be able to admit their first students in
the program next fall. These students will need 900 hours of internship to earn the degree, and these hours will be fulfilled by
working in the Tribal Community. This is a lot of internship hours
and being awarded the DOJ Grant Victims Services Grant will allow for incentives to be given to the student interns serving at
Tribal Communities in Victim Services Programs.
April announced to Council and others present, that the Native
American Student Association (NASA) is hosting the 17th Annual
First Nations Food Taster on November 10, 2017, 5 pm—7 pm.
at the D.J. Jacobetti Complex Commons, Northern University
Michigan, Marquette, MI. Tickets are available by cash or check
at the door: $7 NMU students w/ID, Elders, Veterans, or Children
ages 5-11, $15 General Admission.
April thanked Council for their letter of support for NMU CNAS’
Indigenous Women Working in Science Project Grant. After completing the first year, they had 73 partners representing seven
states. In the Summer Youth Program, 47 young students
earned four credits in Native American Studies where they integrated Native Studies with Science Technology, Engineering, and
Math. A highlight of this program was making a birch bark canoe.
Sandy Carlson addressed Council in regards to the Marquette
Seniors’ Christmas Party. Last year seniors were allowed to either choose a gas card or to attend a Christmas Dinner Party.
Sandy offered to sit with the KBIC officials when they are distributing the General Welfare Support Program checks to see what
the seniors want this year, but she is unable to organize the
party. Sandy asked if anyone present would like to volunteer and
organize the Marquette Seniors’ Christmas Party this year. She
and others present noted that the seniors would like a gift card
other than a gas card. Some of them do not drive and it is of no
use for them. She suggested maybe a Wal-Mart card would be a
better choice. Consensus of the Council is to offer choices at the
General Welfare Support Program distribution at Marquette.
Joe DeRocha thanked the Council for their support and efforts
in the Joe DeRocha Campaign in the Special Election for the state
representative seat of the 109th District of the Michigan Legislature. He is grateful for the friendship that has been created and the
continued relationship he has with the Council. Secondly, as the
County Vice-Chair, “I applaud you for your efforts for your economic development project and pursuing the hurdles you address
on a monthly basis to make things happen and supplying employment of quality jobs. Marquette County applauds the Keweenaw
Bay Indian Community in their efforts. If there are any issues that
arise where Marquette County can help the tribe get over humps or
speed bumps, do not hesitate to call me.”
Glen Bressette, Sr. informed Council that KBIC Tribal Veterans
Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Honor Guard has been requested
to participate by carrying the flags into the NMU Dome at the November 11, 2017, football game. It is the first time that a Native
American Honor Guard in this area has been asked to do this. “At
12:00 noon on November 11, 2017, Veteran’s Day there will be a
special ceremony, and we will present the colors at that ceremony.
We are proud to carry those flags and the KBIC Eagle Staff on to
that field when they play the National Anthem.” Councilor Rodney
Loonsfoot added, “We will bring in the flags and the KBIC Eagle
Staff dancing to our flag song. Then they will play the National Anthem. After the National Anthem, we will dance the flags back out.”
Also before the Marquette event, they will participate at a ceremony in Baraga at 9:00 a.m.
Rodney Loonsfoot informed Council and those present that the
Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Honor Guard) participated in
the Eagle Staff Gathering on September 22-24, 2017, in Bay Mills,
Michigan. This Eagle Staff Gathering will be held at the Keweenaw
Bay Indian Community in 2018 and the organization would like to
thank Tribal Council for assisting them in holding this event.
James Orr, Marketing Manager of the Ojibwa Casinos, and
Chad Germann, President of the Red Circle Agency, presented a
proposed logo for the Ojibwa Casinos. No action was taken.
Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented the November 2017 donations requests. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve November 2017 donations as: $5,000.00 for Keweenaw Land Trust;
$200.00 L’Anse Yearbook 2018; $500.00 March of Dimes –
Baraga Fund Drive; $2,000.00 Republic Michigan Veteran’s
Memorial Fund; $500.00 Baraga Fire Department’s Children’s
Christmas Party; $500.00 Calumet Art Center membership renewal; $200.00 for the Baraga Youth Football Program’s dinner for a total of $8,900.00, supported by Rodney Loonsfoot.
Ten supported (Misegan, S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis,
Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0
opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Dakota), motion carried.
Council adjourned with no further business on the agenda.
~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor
President’s Report for the Month of October 2017
The past few months have been very busy in the Office of the
President. The following activities are intended to summarize the
activities related to this office.
The beginning of October started with our Annual Harvest
Feast. This was done in conjunction with our monthly council
meeting. One of the highlights of the meeting was to hear from
our Congressional Representative Jack Bergman. In addition
to Mr. Bergman’s good words, everyone who attended was
able to sit down and enjoy a meal with family and friends. Chi
Miigwech to everyone who helped in one way or another.
A couple days later here at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, we had the honor of hosting the annual Michigan Indian
Elders Association meeting. I attended sessions and was able
to watch the association take up and pass a resolution related
to the Sand Hill Crane hunting season. Apparently, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission is considering an open
hunting season for Sand Hill Cranes. The MIEA is opposed to
the hunting of these birds.
The next day I travelled to Shelbyville, Michigan, to attend the
United Tribes of Michigan meeting.
We elected executive officers who are the same as last
year.
We passed Resolutions supporting funding of the USDA
Tribal Food Program. Discussions before United States
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Congress call for adding an employment requirement and
initiate block granting of these programs that would funnel
funding of Native American Nations who utilize the food
programs and nutritional supplements through the states. It
is not appropriate to ask sovereign tribal governments to
apply for a program through a state agency. We also called
upon Congress to fund the USDA Food Program at a minimum to current levels.
We passed a Resolution supporting an amendment to the
Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act PL 113-168 to recognize the treatment of income for purposes of benefits eligibility. The Act enables the Tribe to provide certain benefits
to its members either directly or in the form of financial support. The IRS issued additional guidance, making it clear
that general welfare is not to be included as income. The
State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has recently excluded certain payments to Tribal
members from income. The Resolution supports passage
of legislation to amend the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act to ensure that Tribal benefits are excluded for purposes of State and Federal benefits eligibility. This is a legislative fix to ensure that such payments are excluded for
the purpose of benefits eligibility.
It was reported that KBIC had 327 applications for the
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, and 323 were verified.
Continued on page three.
There are a number of reasons an applicant could be denied, including: an incomplete application, not an enrolled
tribal member, school is not a public institution, student
doesn’t meet ¼-blood quantum, or the student is not a
Michigan resident.
We continue to attend VOIGT and GLIFWC Board of Commissioners meetings. These meetings help us to monitor treatyprotected activities throughout the ceded territories.
I participated in a number of meetings related to the community’s tobacco manufacturing. We had our site visit and are
now waiting for a favorable opinion allowing us to open the
doors and begin the manufacturing process.
I attended a retirement party for Carole LaPointe. The party
was held at the Donald A. LaPointe Health Center. A number
of people spoke about the good things Carole has accomplished over the years. I took the opportunity to thank Carole
for her dedicated service and wished her well in her retirement.
I participated in an interview conducted by one of our own
Tribal members. Mitch Bolo interviewed me and asked me a
number of questions related to Office of the President. Mitch
said the interview is part of a college project, and when he’s
finished, people will be able to view it.
I signed an independent contractor agreement between the
Community and Lauri Denomie for her services as the Community’s Newsletter Editor.
We met with State Representative Scott Dianda and Representatives from the Highland Copper Mining Company to discuss
their operations in the Western U.P. In May of 2017, Highland
Copper acquired from Kennecott Exploration Company and Rio
Tinto Nickel Company (“RTX”), subsidiaries of the Rio Tinto
Group, mineral properties covering approximately 447,842
acres in the Upper Peninsula of the State of Michigan, U.S.A.
(the UPX properties). The acquisition of the UPX properties
establishes Highland as a dominant mining exploration and development company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and
offers the opportunity to build a pipeline of projects that could
be developed in the future. There are many potential problems
for KBIC, including potential for ON-RESERVATION MINING in
the company’s plans. These issues have not been fully vetted
yet and require on-going monitoring to keep up with the activities of Highland Copper.
I participated in a number of meetings related to Buffalo Reef in
raising awareness to this issue and advocating that the EPA
take steps to remediate the impacts of the Gay stamp sands on
the Buffalo Reef.
We need a long term strategy to address this issue.
We need to educate the Federal agency staff about
treaty rights.
We need consistent, sufficient funding to help us bring
good science and policy to the table.
Advocate for a Task Force to be formed with State,
Federal, and Tribal government to develop a long-term
strategy to address these issues.
The culmination of those meetings resulted in my testimony in
Washington D.C. to the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard with the United States Senate. The topic for the Subcommittee was titled “Exploring Native American Subsistence Rights and International Treaties”
on October 31, 2017, at the Russell Senate Office Building,
Room 253. See article that contains my oral testimony and
written comments given at the Senate hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren C. Swartz
Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr.’s Oral Testimony To The Senate on October 31, 2017, for the Subcommittee
on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Exploring Native American Subsistence Rights
and International Treaties, given at the Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253.
who retain treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather in territory ceded to
the United States in the mid-1800’s. Vast portions of Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan were ceded in the Treaties of 1836 and
1842.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) (left), Ranking Member of the
Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee,
hosted Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (right), President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), at a subcommittee hearing
this week on how to protect Native American lands for future generations. Decades of mining and manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula have resulted in long-term pollution issues, including stamp
sands: a hazardous material that is a byproduct from ore processing. Today, miles of stamp sands remain on the shore of Lake Superior and have significantly eroded shorelines, devastated fisheries, and negatively altered the landscape KBIC residents rely on.
“In the Great Lakes, communities like the Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community have been fishing Lake Trout and Whitefish for millennia,” said Senator Peters. “We need multi-pronged solutions to
solve the stamp sands problems, and all Michiganders—tribal and
non-tribal, young and old—have a stake in the outcome.”
“Good afternoon Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Peters,
and members of the sub-committee. My name is Chris Swartz, and
I am the President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is located on the L’Anse Indian
Reservation, Michigan’s largest and oldest reservation. We live on
the shores of Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula. Thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you today.
I am here today representing my Tribe. We are not the only federally recognized tribe that is deeply concerned about the protection of our natural resources, so we may exercise our treaty rights.
The threats to those rights and intergovernmental co-management
are important to all eleven tribes who are members of an organization called the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission is an extremely important organization made up of eleven Ojibwa tribes
These treaties were and are made between nations and are as
relevant as the treaties with our Canadian neighbors. Over the
years, Federal and State Courts have affirmed our treaty-reserved
rights to hunt, fish, and gather off our reservations on these ceded
lands around the Great lakes.
These rights were not granted in the treaties without purpose;
they were reserved by our ancestors to provide for the continuation
of our way of life.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, as well as all other
tribes with reservations on the shores of the Great Lakes, depended on a healthy and robust Great Lakes fishery for thousands
of years.
Today, we struggle to maintain this culturally significant practice
to provide the extremely important food source we need. This sustenance resource is not only physical; it is also spiritual, culturally
important, and medicinal.
As I sit before you Mr. Chairman with my fellow witnesses from
Alaska who are able to feed their communities while the fisheries in
Alaska do so much to feed the world, I have to be honest with you
and the rest of the subcommittee. The truth is that after they clearcut our forests and mined copper, iron ore, and other metals across
our ceded territory to build Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and many
other cities, our ability to thrive as a fishing tribe was decimated.
While those cities were being built, our fish fed the occupants of
many of those rapidly growing cities. If this had not taken place, I
assure you we would be competing with Alaska on the commercial
Continued on page four.
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President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. Testimony to the
Senate continued:
fishing front.
Today as a result of mining activity in our ceded territory, there is an
ever increasing direct threat to the fishery resource on Lake Superior, especially to Lake Trout and Whitefish. A highly important Whitefish and
Lake Trout spawning reef near Grand Traverse Harbor is being literally
smothered by mining waste.
This threat, if left unaddressed, will undermine the progress made in
restoring a ‘self-sustaining’ Lake Trout fishery in Lake Superior. In failing
to uphold our international agreement with Canada in these regards, this
threat further undermines the ability of my Tribe and others to sustain
themselves through the harvest and sharing of fish.
Mining waste, called stamp sand was dumped along the eastern shore
of Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Peninsula during the late 1800’s and early
1900’s. The stamp sands destroy the spawning reef by filling in the cobble substrate where the fish lay eggs. The stamp sands also contain high
levels of copper, mercury, arsenic, and other contaminants toxic to
aquatic life. As such, juvenile fish are not found in shoreline habitats that
are covered in stamp sands along this reef.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission were pioneers in
identifying this problem and have been more than just advocates in identifying solutions. My Tribe and the other Great Lakes Ojibwa Tribes depend on the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission to work
with many others to solve this problem and fulfill the obligation of the international treaties and agreements with Canada.
We are taking action – federal, state, and tribal managers have coordinated to take immediate steps to protect the viable portion of the reef.
This past summer, dredging of stamp sands occurred in Grand Traverse
Harbor and the adjacent beach area. In addition, funds were committed
to dredge a trench or trough that has protected the reef but which has now
filled up with stamp sands. This dredging is estimated to provide threefive years of protection for the reef, but the trough will refill, and stamp
sands will again encroach upon the reef. A federal, state, tribal Task
Force is now being established to explore long-term solutions to the problem and identify sources of funding. There is no one partner who can accomplish this work. A commitment and cooperation by all affected governments will be necessary.
In closing, I respectfully request Congressional support of the Intergovernmental Task Force created to develop locally driven solutions. Much
of this effort comes from funding made available through Congressional
appropriations for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative – including and
especially funding for the appropriate and legitimate role of tribes as full
partners. With this effort we can prevent the damage occurring at this
spawning reef and actually make some semblance of progress in restoring the tremendous potential for the Great Lakes to become on par with
Alaska in feeding an ever-growing world.
After all, a healthy and well-fed world is a safer world for all of us in the
United States of America. Thank you again for this opportunity. I’d be
happy to answer any questions you may have.”
Additional comments were contained in President Warren “Chris”
Swartz, Jr.’s written testimony, and they included:
The Great Lakes support a
$7-billion commercial, subsistence and recreational fishery,
including associated tourism
expenditures and more than
75,000 direct and indirect jobs.
In Michigan waters of Lake Superior, Buffalo Reef is estimated
to supply 23% of the tribal commercial harvest of Lake Trout,
and the loss of this habitat will likely result in the loss of approximately
125,000 pounds of Whitefish and 12,500 pounds of Lake Trout annually.
If the reef is lost, over $1-million in tribal fishing jobs would also be lost.
There would be additional impacts to the recreational fishery as well as to
local businesses that rely on locally caught fish. At one time, the Great
Lakes fed the cities of Chicago and Detroit. As the population continues
to grow, their economies can only be helped by a productive fishery. Not
only can the Great Lakes Fisheries continue to feed the populations of
these cities, but the recreational fishing industry is a growing source of
healthy economy in this region. Both depend on the healthy ecosystems
and resources.
Buffalo Reef is also an important source of genetic diversity to Lake
Superior. Fish tagged on the reef have been caught as far away as Pancake Bay, Ontario, and the western arm of Lake Superior.
(4) Niiwin
In addition to the treaties with the tribes and the convention on Great
Lakes Fisheries, another treaty has bearing on this issue. The Boundary
Waters Treaty of 1909 obliges the US and Canada “not to pollute” the
boundary waters. That obligation has been implemented through an
agreement known as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
which was first signed in 1978. In 2012, it was updated with the signing of
a Protocol that explicitly reaffirms “the rights and obligations of both countries under the Treaty relating to the Boundary Waters and Questions arising along the Boundary between Canada and the United States done at
Washington on January 11, 1909 (Boundary Waters Treaty) and, in particular, the obligation not to pollute boundary waters.
The GLWQA is an agreement between the US and Canada, but like
the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries, its goals cannot be accomplished without the participation of the other governments with management authority over the fishery, including tribes that hold rights reserved in
treaties equal in stature to the Boundary Waters Treaty. Tribes have
management authority relative to their treaty rights and must be “in the
room and at the table” with other governmental partners when natural resource decisions are being made. This requires that equitable funding be
available to support the capacity of tribes to participate in these partnerships and to develop the science and management expertise that they
need to be effective partners.
There are a number of mechanisms for coordination under the auspices of the GLWQA, including intergovernmental working groups that are
producing Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPS) for each of
the Great Lakes. In Lake Superior, this type of coordinated, binational
state, federal, tribal, and provincial partnership has been ongoing since
the early 1990’s. The most recent LAMP, produced in 2015, identifies
actions to restore and protect Buffalo Reef as a priority project from a
lakewide perspective. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as state and tribal
governments have committed to take actions to further this work.
There is an important role for Congress here as well. Congress can:
Support the work of the intergovernmental Buffalo Reef Task Force as
it develops appropriate, locally driven long term solutions that will
have benefits at a basin-wide scale.
Support funding at no less than $300-million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) which is doing so much to enable the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes.
Support the appropriate and legitimate role of tribes to be “at the table” as full partners in the development and implementation of solutions that will both restore the reef and protect it from further damage.
The GLRI has provided an important source of funding to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, other Great Lakes Tribes, and the
GLIFWC, so they have the capacity to carry out these roles.
Recognize that the United States’ treaty obligations require the restoration of this reef. Habitat destruction creates a backdoor abrogation
of the treaties between the United States and Tribes; treaty reserved
rights are diminished when the resources that are the subject to those
rights are destroyed.
Lake Superior is an invaluable resource. The restoration and protection of Buffalo Reef will have long-term benefits for tribes and the continuation of their lifeways, as well as provide broad benefits to the region
and all the communities that value the greatest of the Great Lakes, Gitchigami. Finally, I respectfully invite the Chair, Ranking Member, and any
and all members of the Subcommittee to tour Buffalo Reef and to visit the
L’Anse Reservation, the oldest and largest reservation in Michigan.
Tribe’s Tobacco Company Obtains License
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tobacco Company (KBICTC)
was issued a permit to manufacture tobacco products by the Federal Tax
and Trade Bureau on November 27, 2017. The issuance of the permit is
a huge accomplishment for the Tribe. The manufacturing of tobacco
products is still several weeks away as much of the preparation to begin
manufacturing could not be completed until the permit had been received.
KBICTC had filed an application to manufacture tobacco products with
the Federal Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on March 29, 2017. The process involved the initial evaluation of the application for completeness,
background checks of the board members, a comprehensive interview
with the KBICTC Board, and a site visit with a field investigator including
examination of equipment and premises.
KBICTC will be partnering with Allegany Capital Enterprises (ACE), a
subsidiary of Seneca Manufacturing, who have been in the tobacco manufacturing business for over twenty years. With their knowledge, expertise,
and experience, it is believed that this will be a profitable venture for the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Several staff members including Larry Denomie, CEO; Attorneys Danielle Webb and Kevin Carlisle; Michael Lahti; Board members Jennifer
Misegan,
Michael
F.
LaFernier, Sr.,
Warren “Chris”
Swartz, Jr., Doreen
Blaker,
and
T r av i s
Herron
have
put a tremendous amount of
work and effort
into developing
this Company
and obtaining
KBICTC Board Members: (left to right) Travis Herron, Jennifer the permit.
Misegan, Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Doreen Blaker, and Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.
Vice President November 2017 Monthly Report
Tribal Council Secretary’s Report for the Month
The Vice President gave a verbal report which was transcribed by
the Newsletter Editor with the Vice President’s approval.
of September 2017 to the Council/Community
The Enrollment Office had a new software system installed last
week. Be advised, with adjusting to the new system, there will
be delays when requesting enrollment cards, registrations, and
hunting/fishing licenses. I do apologize for this.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tobacco Company,
LLC, (KBICTC) had their site visit on October 27, 2017. The
entire Board, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Warren “Chris” Swartz,
Jr., Doreen Blaker, Travis Herron, and I; as well as Larry Denomie; Attorney Kevin Carlisle; and Michael Lahti, who has
been assisting the Board, were present for the site visit. We
had a good conversation with the inspector, Paul DuChateau,
from the Federal Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Detroit Office,
regarding requirements prior to touring the facility. Inspector
DuChateau indicated his primary duty with the TTB is inspecting microbrews and wineries, and this was the first tobacco facility he had seen in Michigan. The inspection at the facility
included a few pictures and more conversation where we actually asked more questions of him than he of us. Inspector
DuChateau did inform us that we passed the inspection, and
he would be preparing a report to the TTB and the National
Revenue Center (NRC). I plan on contacting the TTB early
next week to acquire any new information I can get from them.
Inspector DuChateau indicated to us that the TTB is not in the
business to say no, and they would work with us until we are
actually issued the license. We are very excited about this,
and hope our tobacco endeavor will begin as soon as possible.
We have been working on the General Welfare Support Program benefit checks. They will be available for distribution in
Baraga at the Tribal Center on November 20, 2017, 9:00 a.m.
– 5 p.m. and Marquette’s distribution will be at the Harvey
Community Center on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, from 12
noon – 6:00 p.m. Marquette residents are reminded to bring
verification of their addresses with them.
I met with Congressman Jack Bergman at our Community’s
Harvest Feast. We talked about the General Welfare Exclusion Act and how it affects some of our most vulnerable members as they have to include the distribution amount as income
when they apply for benefit programs and social security. This
past week, Attorney Rob Porter, who works for us in Washington D.C., had the opportunity to sit down with Congressman
Bergman’s Chief of Staff, Michelle Jelinsky, who indicated the
Congressman is receptive to actually introducing some legislation to help our members. We began this one year ago, and it
has been a long process. I don’t know if it will be introduced
this year, but hopefully by next year, we’ll have this resolved.
I’ve continued to work on the casino projects. We’ve recently
had some fairly good news in relation to this. CEO Larry Denomie III will report on this in his report. President Swartz and I
sat down this week and worked on a grant application with our
grant writer, Jean Jokinen. We are applying for a grant through
the Shakopee Nation for some additional funding for what we
are doing on the Baraga Project. We hope to get that application out early next week.
We have been working with Slyvain Collard of the Highland
Copper Company. President Swartz spoke about the visit we
had with them in his report. Since then, they contacted us regarding a Memorandum of Understanding they proposed to us.
We’ve asked them for a draft of the MOU as it is their proposal,
and we want to see what they are willing to do for us. They are
working on the draft, and they have invited us for a site visit.
They have reached out to our TERO Director as they need resources, suppliers, and contractors, and they want to hire tribal
members and tribal businesses.
I’ve been working with Superior National Bank (SNB) regarding
ATM machines. They have an ATM located at the Pines Convenience Center, and they want to move it. SNB has an agreement of paying $600 monthly to KBIC, however; they haven’t
been able to make that much from the machine location. We
will have to do something with the ATMs that we currently
have.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Misegan
The KBIC Housing Department runs a Chore Services Program
which was developed to assist qualified Tribal Elders with house
cleaning in their homes. For more information or an application
please contact Natalie Mleko at (906) 353-7117 ext.112.
ANIN! We honor the greatness in you.
Remember: “Indian Country Counts”
“Our People, Our Nations, Our Future”
We continue to recognize the richness of Native American contributions, accomplishments, and sacrifices to the political, cultural,
and economic life of Michigan and the United States.
Remember to continue to pray for each other, our police officers, military, firefighters, and all emergency personnel. Also remember those who are ill, having economic struggles, have lost
loved ones, and for our world. Another season is approaching with
elections, remembering our Veterans, and we wish everyone a
blessed Thanksgiving.
Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well”
During September, the Tribal Council held nine Special or Finance Council meetings. Following are the September 7, 14, 18,
19, 20, 21, 25, 26, and 28, 2017 (approved) minutes. This report
will be published in the KBIC “Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe” newsletter, and the approved minutes may also be found on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Website.
September 7, 2017 Special Council Meeting:
Tabled the Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions Business
Associate Agreement for more information from the Health Administrator.
Approved the Tier IV Services Agreement with Henley Boat
Manufacturing for the purchase of a marine research vessel for
the Natural Resources Department for $200,399.00.
Approved the Tier III Services Agreement with Steve Lloyd
Construction to provide an Isolation Building/Well Building for
the Natural Resources Department for $13,400.00.
Approved the Sweet Grass Spa Business License renewal with
Angela Kelly.
Approved the September 2017 Donations: $2,000.00 for the
MTU Parade of Nations; $250.00 to Advance America for backpacks and school supplies; $250.00 to the Superior Health
Foundation; $520.00 for two teams to attend the 3rd Annual
Mike Hazen, Sr. Memorial Golf Scramble; $2,000.00 for the
MTU AISES Pow-wow and a KBIC flag; $1,000.00 to Congressman Dan Young; $1,000.00 to House Finance Committee
member Devin Nunes; and $240.00 to Lori LaFernier to attend
the 36th Annual U.P. EMS Conference in Marquette plus gas,
use of a company vehicle if available, and to include any other
KBIC member who serves with Bay Ambulance.
Approved the August 10, and 17, 2017 Tribal Council meeting
minutes.
Approved Resolution KB 045-2017 Modifications to the residential and recreational leases of Joseph C. LaBeau, Sr.
(transfer/add son).
Approved the U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc. Amendment
No. 1 to Owner-Engineer Agreement for the non-motorized trail
in Baraga, MI.
Tabled the “Attendance Procedure (Point System)” at the
Ojibwa Casinos for more information.
Approved to appoint Heather Chapman as a Justice to the Appellate Division (contract for next week).
Approved the KBIC Housing Department policy waiver request
in case #003-2017.
September 14, 2017 Special Council Meeting:
Approved the Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions Business
Associate Agreement effective July 26, 2017, for the purpose
of providing technical assistance services to improve quality
reporting at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Approved the Appellate Justice Contract with Heather Chapman October 1, 2017 – October 1, 2020.
Approved to amend the Health Board By-Laws Article III Board
Membership: Section 1 Change the number of regular members from seven to nine, add that one member will be an employee from the KBIC DHHS, and one will be a Tribal Council
representative; Remove Section 7; Article V Meetings: Section
2 change to five board members shall constitute a quorum from
four.
Approved the C&C Tire Business License renewal with Jeremy
Hebert.
Approved the “Jimaganish Wadokaged” (American Legion Post
444) liquor license renewal.
Approved the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Direct
Care Services Reimbursement Agreement to facilitate reimbursement provided by KBIC for certain health care services
and improve access to direct care services.
Approved the Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement with
the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. for the REACH 201718 Journey to Wellness Project.
Approved the proposed removal of the Reapply/Rehire/Recall
from Layoff in the Drug Free Work Place Policy for the GovernContinued on page eight.
(5) Naanan
“Hello.
My name is
Courtney Jones and I
am thrilled to be hired as
a new pharmacy tech for
the KBIC Health System.
I've recently
moved back home after
attending college in
Wyoming and am grateful to be given the opportunity to serve our
community.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with
friends and family, offer
vocal and instrumental
lessons, and enjoy being part of leading the
newly formed L'Anse
High School Choir.”
Sarah Woodruff has joined the behavioral
health staff at the Donald A. LaPointe Health
and Education Center as the new School
Counselor. She will be working with youth at
Baraga, L'Anse, L’Anse-Baraga Community
Schools, and at the Niiwin Akeaa Center. In
addition, she will be coordinating classroombased prevention activities. Sarah holds a
Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation
Counseling from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville.
Sarah moved to Baraga with her husband
(who works in the KBIC Natural Resources
Department) and three children a little over a
year ago. She enjoys spending time outdoors
with her family and experiencing the U.P. seasons.
“I am Rachel McDonald, the new Forester for KBIC. I’m originally from Wisconsin, but went to school at Michigan
Tech, and then stayed and worked in
forestry in the western U.P. My family
and I have lived in Colorado and Wisconsin since then, but we finally found
our way back to the Keweenaw. We
are very happy to be here! I live in
Chassell with my husband, seven yearold daughter, and five year-old son. In
my spare time I garden and explore by
bike, snowshoe, ski, and canoe.
(6) Ningodwaaswi
December 2017 Calendar
Dec. 2: Saturday Council Meeting at
Big Bucks Bingo, Baraga, 9 a.m.;
Dec. 16: General Election 10 am—6
pm:
Dec. 25—27: Christmas Holiday, Gov’t
offices closed;
Jan. 1-2, 2018: New Years Holiday,
Gov’t offices closed.
NATIVE AMERICAN MODELS WANTED:
The Indian Health Service Meth & Suicide Prevention Grant
will be running a media campaign for the prevention of picking up
dirty needles. The Community Policing
Group will be distributing brochures
and posters against picking up dirty
needles.
The poster and
brochure
campaign is in need of
Native
Models
(child and parent)
to pose for the
brochures
and
posters.
Models
will be compensated $50.00 for
each photo chosen. If interested,
bring a picture of
the child, a picture
of the parent, documentation of who are in
the pictures, and contact information to: the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Tribal
Police Department or CEO Office prior to
Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 4 p.m.
To place an ad, submit an article, or relate
information, ideas, or possible articles
contact: Lauri Denomie at (906) 201-0263,
or e-mail: newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.
(7) Niizhwaaswi
Secretary Report continues:
ment/Casinos/Enterprises.
Approved to appoint Elizabeth D. Mayo to the Aanikoosing, Inc.
Board as the Tribal Council member per the Articles of Incorporation.
Approved a donation of 81 Pines Gift Cards at $10.00 each for
the Bayside Village employees for the Staff Appreciation Day
on September 15, 2017.
Approved to support the request to apply for the Wounded
Warrior’s Family Support Program application for a vehicle.
Approved the Ainsworth Game Technology, Inc. rental agreement for the Baraga Casino.
September 18, 2017 FINANCE/Special Council Meeting:
Reviewed ten Department Budgets.
Approved to amend the CNAP Policy Approved Medical Travel
Allowances to include spouse in the additional medical travel
assistance section.
September 19, 2017 FINANCE/Special Council Meeting:
Reviewed nine Department Budgets.
Approved the effective date of September 15, 2017, to add the
spouse to the CNAP Additional Medical Travel Assistance section.
Approved the bid from Frei Chevrolet for the purchase of two
standard 15 passenger 2018 Chevy vans in the amount of
$59,194.00 for the KBIC Youth Department.
September 20, 2017 FINANCE/Special Council Meeting:
Reviewed eight Department Budgets.
September 21, 2017 Special Council Meeting:
Tabled the Policy Amendments regarding Corrective Actions
for the Government, Casinos, Enterprises, Youth, and Police.
Approved the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement for Tribal Opioid Use Disorder Prevention
Initiative for $43,709.00.
Approved Resolution KB 046-2017 transfer of the home on
16343 Beartown Road, Baraga, MI, and purchase agreement
to the KBIC Housing Department.
Approved Resolution KB 047-2017 Sarah L. Rantanen Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.
Approved Resolution KB 048-2017 Krystie S. Ozanich Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.
Approved the School Counselor’s Employment Agreement with
Sarah M. Woodruff to provide counseling services within the
Community’s Health System.
September 25, 2017 FINANCE/Special Council Meeting:
Reviewed ten Department Budgets.
September 26, 2017 FINANCE/Special Council Meeting:
Reviewed three Department Budgets and reviewed the financial summary for 2017-18.
September 28, 2017 Special Council Meeting:
Approved the Grant Agreement with the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services for Public Health Emergency
Preparedness for coordination and collaboration to protect the
health and safety of all citizens $19,666.00.
Approve the Grant Agreement with the Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services for the VOCA Targeted Victim
Services to expand and enhance local services available to
crime victims $117,390.00.
Approved the Grant Agreement with the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services for the WIC Special Supplemental Program $68,297.00.
Approve the Tier III Services Agreement with Windsor Solutions, Inc. to provide an Environment Management Database
for the Natural Resources Department $47,252.00.
Approved the T.E.A.M.S. Software and Operating Hardware
Installation and License Agreement with Automated Election
Services for the Ink Impression Contract Extension to September 29, 2018, $29,743.95.
Approved Option 1 for the multi-year rate cap guarantee for the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield renewal for 2018.
Approved the Amendment to the Independent Contractor
Agreement with Lauri Denomie for the Community Newsletter
extending the date to October 22, 2017.
Approved the Physician’s Employment Agreement with Dr.
Rian D. Mintek October 16, 2017-January 16, 2018 (with automatic renewal in 30 day increments).
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan J. LaFernier
To be added to the mailing list or to correct
your mailing address, contact the enrollment office at (906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.
(8) Ishwaaswi
CEO’s Report for the Month of October 2017
During the month of October 2017, the CEO's office reported the
following:
Harvest Feast/Community Meeting
The annual Harvest Feast was held at the Ojibwa Seniors Center on October 7. This year, Tribal Council held their regular
meeting and a community meeting also took place where updates on several subjects were provided.
Jennifer Misegan, KBIC Tobacco Company Board Chair, provided an update on the tobacco manufacturing business which
included details on the process to date and the upcoming milestones.
Doreen Blaker, Tribal Council Treasurer, provided information
related to the Fiscal Year 2018 budgeting process. Notable
approvals included a 2% wage increase for all employees and
$1,800 for this year’s General Welfare Support Payment, formerly known as the Christmas/Sovereignty check. The Tribe
received great news with options related to the healthcare plan
it provides its eligible employees which provided a guaranteed
no increase in premiums for the current renewal and around a
5% decrease for the following year.
Casino Projects
We continued to meet with Gundlach Champion throughout the
month of October to get the budgets for the casino projects inline with the funding sources available. Following the project
update presentation at the community meeting earlier this
month, the work on making adjustments to the projects has resulted in balancing the budgets.
The additional changes that were made to the Marquette project were significant in cost while keeping the marketability of
the facility and related amenities intact. Exterior changes included design changes to the restaurant, siding changes for
the hotel, and wall lighting on a portion of the building. Interior
changes included removing the pool and changing the space to
a meeting room, minor changes to door types, removal of color
changing lights around the perimeter of the casino and several
other areas, a change in the grade of carpet in the event center, textured drywall was changed to a flat finish, and the convention space will not be split initially.
The Baraga project was amended significantly throughout the
balancing process but has not changed since the community
presentation. The changes that are planned include upgrading
of the water and electrical service, new flooring, ceilings and
LED lighting in the casino, drain tile installation for the Pressbox, and a new HVAC system that will provide 100% air exchange essentially eliminating the extremely smoky environment.
Now that the numbers are in balance, finalization of the financing will take place along with Council’s consideration for approval of the Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal with our
General Contractor, Gundlach Champion.
Staffing
There are number of staffing updates to share. Carole LaPointe, who served as the Tribe’s Health Department Administrator, retired, and her last day of work was October 25. We
have updated the job description and are actively recruiting her
replacement. In the interim, Kathy Mayo, Assistant Health Administrator, has taken on the role and will do so until the position is filled.
We have two director level positions who are on leave. Our
office is handling the duties for one of the areas, and we have
hired a part-time temporary worker to handle the other.
The Tribe’s Youth Department is undergoing staffing changes.
The director and facility lead have resigned, and those positions are posted as well. With the significant reduction in staff,
programming for the youth will be affected until the positions
are filled. We are reviewing options for the annual youth
Christmas events and will communicate on those changes very
soon. Our office is handling oversight of the remaining staff
which includes two facility attendants and two cleaners. The
Free Spirit Fitness Center will remain open.
The Tribe has brought on a new Forester. Rachael McDonald
began working on October 16 and is settling into the new role
nicely. Rachel’s office is located in the Tribe’s Planning and
Development building located on US41 in Baraga.
It has taken a long time to finally fill the School Counselor position that we were doing recruitment for. Sarah Woodruff has
been hired and will provide counseling services at the Tribe’s
health center as well as in the L’Anse and Baraga Schools.
The funding for the position comes from a grant that is targeting the prevention of suicide.
Other
During the FY18 budget review sessions, it was determined
that the revenues of the Ojibwa Building Supply Do it Best
Center located on US41 in Baraga, didn’t provide the ability to
sustain operations. The business’ inventory will be liquidated,
and the store will officially close at the end of the day on NoContinued on page nine.
CEO Report continued:
vember 30. The three employees will be transferred to other positions within the
Tribe.
An accident involving one of the Tribe’s fleet vehicles occurred in Lower Michigan
which resulted in damage that made it not drivable, but thankfully, the employee was
not injured. The vehicle is being repaired by a local dealership.
The Sandpoint Lighthouse property has undergone significant erosion issues due to
the higher than normal lake level and recent storms. Arlan Friisvall, Public Works Director, has been working closely with staff of the US Army Corps of Engineers to develop a mitigation plan. The Corps has issued a written notice that the Tribe can proceed with the initial plan to address the stop of further land loss of which cost estimates will be presented at your next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Denomie III, CEO
2018 KBIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
The KBIC Education Department announces the availability of the 2018 KBIC Merit
Scholarship application. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community supports college education for its members. Many students receive outstanding grades during their college careers. The Tribal Council has approved four scholarships for college students pursuing
degrees during the Winter/Spring 18 semester based on merit. The scholarship amount is
$2,500 for the 2018 Winter/Spring semester. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Enrolled Tribal member.
Legal resident of the State of Michigan.
Attending an accredited college/university for the 2017-18 academic year.
Enrolled as a full-time student.
Must currently be a minimum of Sophomore status.
Must be in pursuit of an Associate, Bachelor, Master, or doctoral degree documented
by their college.
Must provide a copy of most recent official transcript verifying a minimum GPA of 3.00.
Eligible students must complete an application, submit a copy of their most recent official transcript, and submit an essay detailing their interest in their chosen major and how it
might one day benefit the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
For more information and to request an application, contact Amy St. Arnold, Education
Director at 906-353-6623, ext. 4117 or at amy@kbic-nsn.gov. The application deadline is
December 29, 2017, at 4 p.m.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON
INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)
FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*
(Effective Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018)
*The net monthly income standard for each household size
is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income standard and
the applicable SNAP standard deduction.
48 Contiguous United
States:
Household
Size
Use this
amount
SNAP Net
Monthly
Income
Standard
SNAP
Standard Deduction
FDPIR Net
Monthly Income Standard
1
$1,005
+
$160
=
$1,165
2
$1,354
+
$160
=
$1,514
3
$1,702
+
$160
=
$1,862
4
$2,050
+
$170
=
$2,220
5
$2,399
+
$199
=
$2,598
6
$2,747
+
$228
=
$2,975
7
$3,095
+
$228
=
$3,323
8
$3,444
+
$228
=
$3,672
Each additional member
+ $349
Alaska:
Use this
amount
Household
Size
SNAP Net
Monthly
Income
Standard
SNAP
Standard Deduction
1
$1,255
+
$273
=
$1,528
2
$1,691
+
$273
=
$1,964
3
$2,127
+
$273
=
$2,400
4
$2,563
+
$273
=
$2,836
5
$2,999
+
$273
=
$3,272
6
$3,435
+
$285
=
$3,720
7
$3,870
+
$285
=
$4,155
8
$4,306
+
$285
=
$4,591
Each additional member
FDPIR Net
Monthly Income Standard
+ $436
Gratitude for a successful Wild Rice Camp, by Valoree S. Gagnon, 1/17/2017
It began as an idea sparked in the mind of Lac Vieux Desert tribal
member Roger LaBine, “Do you think we could host a Wild Rice Camp
here this fall?”
Roger and I were sitting in the Ford Center dining hall in Alberta, Michigan, with Scott Herron, Ferris State University Faculty member; Evelyn
Ravindran, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Hatchery/Nursery Manager; and Ken Vrana, Center Director. We'd just finished cleanup of a twoday Wild Rice Camp for the KBIC summer youth. “Of course we can,” Ken
chimes in.
Knowing that manoomin (wild rice) will be ready for harvest in a few
short weeks, Roger points around our circle and says, “If we all work together, I think we can make this happen.”
Wild Rice Camp came together at the Ford Center and Forest in Alberta, Michigan, Sept. 22-24, through the tremendous efforts of volunteers,
donors, and a partnership team that was established in just two days: the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Natural Resources Department; Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College; Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and the Ford Center and Forest; Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission; and our teachers,
Roger and Scott.
More than 20 individuals—including staff, technicians, and college interns—got to work on the registration process; securing funds and in-kind
donations; planning the menu; plus inventorying and collecting hundreds of
tools, tarps, drills, processing equipment, and two dozen canoes, paddles,
and life jackets from Upper and Lower Michigan and Wisconsin. Some
went to Minnesota to bring back more than 1,000 pounds of manoomin
that was seeded in our local waters during the camp.
Other volunteers collected forest materials. Michigan Tech Forester
Jim Schmierer gathered and transported several 15-foot hardwoods to Alberta. Alan and Canon Gagnon, alongside College interns, located and
sawed more than 30 “forks.” Pam Nankervis, of the US Forest Service,
helped to find the much needed giizhik (cedar); Harry Miron and Clifford
Nankervis each harvested and donated a truckload. These gifts led to the
construction of more than 100 knocking sticks, parching paddles, and push
poles by camp participants.
Seventy-five people of all ages participated in Wild Rice Camp this year
including -- members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and members from Red Cliff, Sault Ste Marie, Lac Vieux Desert, Sokaogon, and
Little Traverse Bay; students and faculty from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa
Community College (KBOCC), Northern Michigan University, and Michigan
Tech; natural resource specialists and experts from KBIC Natural Resource Department and Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission;
and folks from Baraga, Houghton, and Marquette Counties, Wisconsin,
and as far away as Massachusetts.
Wild Rice Camp 2018 is already on the calendar for the Memorial Day
holiday weekend next year – everyone is invited to participate at the Ford
Center and Forest! We hope many more of you will join us in creating wild
rice camp memories for our community.
In my final words, I acknowledge manoomin—for being in the heart of
my friend Roger, for inspiring our partnership and the hard work of many,
for teaching us the importance of gathering and harvesting together, and
for reminding us to forge new friendships and to strengthen existing ones,
with each other and our other-than-human relatives. For all these gifts,
Chi miigwech manoomin.
Diligent wild rice participants sort and clean processed manoomin at the Ford Center and
Forest in historic Alberta, MI: students from Northern Michigan University and KBOCC, KBIC
Natural Resources and Ford Center staff, folks from Marquette and Big Rapids MI, and KBIC
community members Marsha Pharr and Kristine Maki. Photos by Valoree Gagnon.
Wisconsin camp participants learn from wild rice teacher Scott Herron how to attach the
“fork” in the construction of a push pole. (left to right), David Stack (Wauwatosa, WI), Scott
Herron (wild rice teacher, Big Rapids, MI), Mark Sherman (KBIC community member, Crivitz,
WI), and Mike Chier (East Troy, WI).
Ojibwa Senior Citizens Christmas Party!
Come and celebrate the holiday season with good friends,
great food, and holiday cheer!
When: Sunday, December 10th, 2017
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Place: Ojibwa Seniors Citizen Center, Baraga, MI 49908
RSVP by December 6th.
Sign up at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens or
call (906) 201-4736 and leave a message.
(9) Zhaangaswi
Cheryl Ann Suojanen
(August 13, 1957—November 9, 2017)
Cheryl Ann Suojanen, age 60, of Zeba, MI, passed
away on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at her home.
She was born August 13, 1957, in L’Anse, MI, the
daughter of Wayne and Helen (Miller) Koski. Cheryl
grew up in Zeba and graduated from L’Anse High School
in 1975. She then went to Bemidji, Minnesota, for general studies. She worked construction with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) for 25 years,
then with Celotex for 15 years, retiring in 1993.
Cheryl was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community and the Ojibwa Seniors. She was a supervisor at the KBIC Summer Youth Camp, and was a Traditional Woman Dancer. Cheryl was a life-long softball
player with the Baraga County Women’s Softball league,
and a member of the Baraga County Bowling League.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Surviving are her children: Sarah (Douglas) Garver of
Ishpeming, Yancey (Sarah) DeCota of Zeba, and John
Wayne (Brittanee) DeCota of Zeba; siblings: Richard
(Miina) Holappa of Baraga, Carol Koski of Zeba, and
Butch (Gail) Koski of Zeba; 11 grandchildren; and three
great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; a special
friend Mark Bruder; and brother Wayne “Tinker” Koski.
A Traditional Funeral Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Zeba Community Hall
with interment at the Pinery Cemetery. The family
greeted family and friends prior to the services. A luncheon followed the services. The Jacobson Funeral Home
assisted the family.
Tribal Council received a surprise “Thank You” visit on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, from the children of the KBIC HeadStart Center located in Zeba, Michigan. Tribal Council approved a $1,786.36 request at their August 5, 2017 Council
Meeting to purchase the program Smart Board Projectors.
(10) Midaaswi
(11) Ashi bezhig
KBIC 5-Year Recreation Plan
For future State of Michigan, Department of Natural
Resources (DNR)
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant
Proposals
On November 21st, at the Zeba Hall, we held a community input meeting to obtain the views of attendees on
creating an inventory of our parks and recreational areas, plus any projects or activities they would like to
see in or on these areas over the next five years.
A draft of the plan will become available at the end of
December for a 30-day public review and comment
period prior to an open meeting for adoption by the
Tribal Council in February. Please review its contents
and submit comments to Jean Jokinen using the contact information provided below. Copies of the final
draft will be provided at the Tribal Center, Health Center, KBOCC, the Library, and on our Homepage at
www.ojibwa.com. In addition, please fill out the survey
for the Baraga County Recreational plan; the survey
asks if you are a Tribal member and whether you live
on the reservation or not (results will be shared with the
Tribe and used in our plan as well). The survey forms
will be available at our Tribal Offices mentioned above
and online at http://www.wuppdr.org. Please respond
to the survey by mid-December and the plan draft by
the end of January.
Contact Information
CALL: 353-4205
E-MAIL: jjokinen@kbic-nsn.gov
MAIL: Grants Office; 16429 Beartown Road; Baraga,
MI 49908
STOP BY: KBIC Planning and Development Office
Recreation Survey Available for Baraga County
Baraga County is working with the Western Upper
Peninsula Planning and Development Region
(WUPPDR) to update its five-year recreation plan. In
KBIC TRIBAL VETERANS WIIKWEDONG OGICHIDAA SOCIETY HONOR GUARD
addition to guiding improvements to the county's recreation facilities and sites, the plan will ensure the
The KBIC Tribal Veterans Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Honor Guard had a busy day this Vet- county is eligible for certain grants from the Michigan
eran’s Day, November 11, 2017. They first visited the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Members of the public can have a voice in the planCenter grounds and participated in a 9:00 a.m. Veteran’s Ceremony. Displaying the colors with
much pride, they were accompanied by the Woodland Singers. The Ojibwa Casino sponsored the ning effort by taking a short survey. Online responses
are preferred and can be provided at https://
event and held a lunch afterward to say thank you to all Veterans.
beginMuch appreciative for the thank you lunch, but with no time left the KBIC Tribal Veterans Wiikwe- www.surveymonkey.com/r/BaragaCountyRec
ning November 22. Alternatively, paper copies can be
dong Ogichidaa Society Honor Guard were immediately off, traveling to the NMU Dome in Mar- obtained starting November 22 in L'Anse at the County
quette, Michigan, for a 12:00 noon presentation of the colors. They very proudly danced the flags Administration Building (at intersection of Broad & S.
and the KBIC Eagle Staff on to the field for the November 11, 2017, football game. Photos are com- Main Streets), Baraga County Public Library (in L'Anse
pliments of Machai Loonsfoot and Jammie Loonsfoot.
Schools building), and Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Commu~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie nity College campus (east entrance); and in Baraga at
the KBIC Tribal Center and Health Center.
Please note that L'Anse Village and Township are
also updating their joint recreation plan and have a
separate survey available. The Baraga County online
survey includes a link to the L'Anse survey, and paper
copies are available at the same locations as above.
Both surveys will accept responses through December 13, 2017. For further information, contact Jerry
Wuorenmaa at jwuorenmaa@wuppdr.org or (906) 4827205 ext. 319.
Permit No. 62
U.S Postage PAID
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210
PRE-SORT STANDARD
(12) Ashi Niizh
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.