The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2019)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Namebini Giizi – Sucker Fish Moon - February 2019

REORGANIZATION—EXECUTIVE BOARD SELECTED

AT SATURDAY COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Monthly Tribal Council Meeting was held on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at

the Big Bucks Bingo Hall in Baraga, Michigan.

President Warren Swartz, Jr., presided over

the meeting with Jennifer Misegan, Susan J.

LaFernier, Toni Minton, Doreen Blaker, Robert

R.D. Curtis, Jr., Fred Dakota, Randall Haataja,

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot,

Jr., Rodney Loonsfoot, and Elizabeth D. Mayo

present.

President Swartz shared numerous Thank

You and For Your Information items addressed to Council.

Secretary Susan J. LaFernier gave the

Secretary’s Report (published in the January

issue of the Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe), and

Interim CEO Sarah Smith gave the CEO Report (page three). Council approved the September 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes and the September and October

2018 Department Head Reports.

Under new business: Danielle Webb,

Tribal Attorney, brought forth two related

items: 1) Tri-Party Funding Agreement for

the Elevated Water Tank between KBIC,

Gundlach Champion, Inc., and Charter

Township of Chocolay. This agreement essentially outlines how the 2% monies given

to Chocolay Township are disbursed. 2) Financing and Terms of Use Agreement for

Marquette Casino Elevated Water Tower Facility between the KBIC and Chocolay Charter Township. This agreement explains how

the 2% disbursements will be made to

Chocolay Township regarding the 2% disbursement for ten years. In addition, it will

allow them to use the water tower with a limited use for fire protection. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve Tri-Party Funding

Agreement for Elevated Water Tank between KBIC, Gundlach Champion, and

Chocolay Township and to approve the

Financing and Terms Use Agreement for

Marquette Casino Elevated Water Tower

between KBIC and Chocolay Township,

co-supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

and Doreen Blaker.

Ten supported

(Misegan, S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker,

Curtis, Dakota, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G.

Loonsfoot, E. Mayo), one opposed (R.

Loonsfoot), 0 abstained, motion carried.

Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented the

January 2019 donations requests. Motion by

Rodney Loonsfoot to approve January

2019 donations as: $500.00 to the Stewards of Bete Grise Preserve; $150.00 Gold

Sponsorship for Baraga Educational Support Team (BEST); $1,000.00 to Baraga

County Shelter Home; $500.00 to the

L’Anse High School Class of 2019 Lock-in

Senior Party; $500.00 to the Baraga High

School Class of 2019 Lock-in Senior Party;

and $500.00 to the Marquette High School

Class of 2019 Lock-in Senior Party; for a

total of $3,150.00, co-supported by Susan

J. Loonsfoot, Randall Haataja, and Toni

Minton. Eleven supported (Misegan, S.

LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Dakota,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, R.

Issue 175

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Vice-President

Loonsfoot, E. Mayo), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Diana Chaudier, Election Board Chairperson, presented the December 15, 2018, General Election results for certification. Results

for Tribal Council in the Baraga District were:

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.) 274 votes;

Elizabeth “Beth” Connor 253 votes; Sue Ellen

“Suzie” Elmblad 237 votes; and Kim Klopstein

260 votes. In the L’Anse District: Susan J.

LaFernier (Inc.) 253 votes; Jennifer Misegan

(Inc.) 214 votes; Dale F. Goodreau 309 votes;

and Jean (Halverson) Jokinen 251 votes.

Chief Judge was: Bradley T. Dakota (Inc.) 229

votes and Bill Jondreau 300 votes. There are

731 registered voters, of whom 534 (73%) actually voted in this election. Of the 815 individuals who are eligible to register to vote,

66% of them voted in this election. Motion by

Jennifer Misegan to certify the December

15, 2018, General Election results, supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Ten

supported (Misegan, Minton, Blaker, Curtis,

Dakota, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, R. Loonsfoot, E. Mayo), 0 opposed,

one abstained (S. LaFernier), motion carried.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. recognized Fred Dakota, Jennifer Misegan, and

Bradley T. Dakota.

Fred Dakota had been on the Tribal Council for many years as not only a council member but as Tribal Chairman. He was declared

the “Father of Indian Casino Gaming. Through

Resolution #014 07-27-2011 of The United

Tribes of Michigan, honoring him for his contributions to the protections of tribal sovereignty

and for his far sightedness in his pioneering

work on establishing Indian Casino Gaming.

At a Saturday meeting, August 6, 2011, the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal

Council passed Resolution KB-1849-2011

where it also resolved that: The Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community hereby proclaims Fred

Dakota the “Father of Indian Casino Gaming.”

Fred Dakota has made tremendous accomplishments for the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community.

Jennifer Misegan had been on the

Council for 12 years. She has been

an asset to the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community. Because of Jennifer’s

hard work, the Community now enjoys

ownership of the Tribe’s Tobacco

Company and the benefits of the General Welfare Exclusion Program

(formerly known as the Christmas Gift

Check).

Bradley Dakota had been the Community’s Chief Judge for 29½ years

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Father of Indian Casino Gaming,

Frederick Dakota.

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Dale Goodreau

Randall R. Haataja

Kim Klopstein

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Rodney Loonsfoot

Elizabeth D. Mayo

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST









January 5, 2019 Council Meeting/Reorganization

KBIC 15th Winter Traditional

Powwow Held

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society

Receives Donation

Wiidwedong Ogichidaa Society

Honors KBIC’s First Brave





Health Department Updates

New Employees—Who’s Who



Criminal Report



Deepest Sympathy

Bradley T. Dakota, Chief Judge, (left) with

Kevin Carlisle, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Continues page two.

(1) Bezhig

January 5, 2019 Council Meeting continued:

and has done so in an honorable fashion. He is highly respected and recognized throughout Michigan.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (right) conducted the oath of office to

elected Chief Judge, William W. Jondreau, Sr. (left)

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Assistant Secretary Toni Minton conducted the oath of office to the elected

Council Members: (left to right) Dale F. Goodreau, Warren “Chris” Swartz,

Jr., Kim Klopstein, and Susan J. LaFernier.

Reorganization nominations were made as follows: nomination for President - Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., and Susan J.

LaFernier (declined), Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. was named

President; nomination for Vice President – Gary Loonsfoot, Jr.

Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. was named Vice President; nomination for

Secretary – Susan J. LaFernier, Susan J. LaFernier was

(2) Niizh

named Secretary; nomination for Assistant Secretary – Toni

Minton, Toni Minton was named Assistant Secretary; nomination for Treasurer - Doreen Blaker, Doreen Blaker was named

Treasurer.

Motion by Elizabeth Mayo to approve the Depository of

Funds with Superior National Bank and Flagstar Bank,

supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Ten supported (G.

Loonsfoot, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier,

R. Loonsfoot, E. Mayo, Goodreau, Klopstein), 0 opposed,

one abstained (S. LaFernier), motion carried.

Motion by Doreen Blaker to have the check signers be

any two Council Members; for the Tribal Court check

signers to be any two of Council Members, Chief Judge,

Associate Judge, and Chief Court Clerk; and the Child

Support Office check signers be any two Council Members, Chief Judge, Associate Judge, Chief Court Clerk,

Child Support Director, and Child Support Specialist, supported by Randall Haataja.

Eleven supported (S.

LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja,

M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo, Goodreau, Klopstein), 0

opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Council moved into closed session. Upon returning to

open session, the following motions were made prior to adjournment.

Motion by Rodney Loonsfoot to approve the Chief

Judge’s wage at $35.52/hour, supported Robert Curtis, Jr.

Six supported (G. Loonsfoot, Blaker, Curtis, M. LaFernier,

R. Loonsfoot, Klopstein), four opposed (S. LaFernier,

Minton, Haataja, Mayo), one abstained (Goodreau), motion carried.

Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. to establish grades for

the Judges with Chief Judge as grade 16 and Associate

Judge as grade 15 effective today, supported by Minton.

Eight supported (S. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Minton,

Blaker, Curtis, M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Goodreau),

three opposed (Haataja, Mayo, Klopstein). 0 abstained,

motion carried.

Motion by Elizabeth Mayo to remove William W. Jondreau, Sr. as an Appellate Judge and declare a vacancy,

supported by Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. Eleven supported (S.

LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja,

M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo, Goodreau, Klopstein), 0

opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Motion by Rodney Loonsfoot to offer the CEO position

to Sarah Smith and for the President to negotiate a contract to bring to Council, supported by Elizabeth Mayo.

Eleven supported (S. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Minton,

Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo,

Goodreau, Klopstein), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion

carried.

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

CEO REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2018

1. MISSION STATEMENT: To provide exceptional services

for our membership; a safe, positive work environment for

employees; and sustained economic prosperity while protecting our sovereignty and preserving our culture and

natural resources for future generations.

Employee Changes: There have been no changes with

any department heads during the month of December

other than moving several out of their probationary status.

There remains three department heads to have employee

reviews completed for their probationary period. There has

been change in management of the following departments

this past year: Fire/Emergency, Community Assistance

Programs, Social Services, IT, Natural Resources, Health,

Personnel, OVW, and Convenience Stores. The Health

Department and Natural Resources Department are currently looking at restructuring and reclassifying many of

their employees.

VISION STATEMENT : A Tribe that preserves the Anishinaabe culture, advances economic diversity, provides

opportunities to enhance independence, and promotes

the health and well-being of our Community.

Updates: During December, there were many routine

items to attend to. It was a short month due to taking vacation and enjoying the holiday days given by the tribe. I

have started our office moving towards a paperless environment and am currently working with a team to review

some workflow and document management solutions. I

met individually with several of the departments to give

guidance on decisions made by the appeals officer, budgets, procurement, time management, contracts, grants,

and staffing.

Meetings/Conferences: I attended the Indian Health

Service 2021 Budget formulation meeting in Green Bay

during the beginning part of December. This meeting was

for tribes to provide input on their priorities for funding. A

tribal caucus was held with leaders and staff attending

from the majority of the Bemidji Area Tribes. A BIA

budget formulation request from our Tribe will be brought

forth next week for consideration. Each tribe was allowed

to give their input as to where priorities should be placed.

There were updates given by the National Indian Health

Board and Indian Health Service. A tribal consultation is

currently out for tribes to provide input on the hiring of a

permanent Director. I attended the Community meeting

held the second week of December to provide updates on

the progress of the Halfway House Project. Normal meetings attended were Health Board, CARE, Community Policing, Halfway House, and Constitution Committee.

To be added to the mailing list or to correct your

mailing address,

contact the enrollment office at

(906)353-6623

ext. 4113.

To place an ad, submit an

article, or relate information, ideas, or possible

articles contact:

Lauri

Denomie at (906) 2010263,

or

e-mail:

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

Statistical Data/Case Load Information: There are 26

department/businesses currently supervised by the CEO’s

office. As of the last update given by HR and Personnel,

there are 600 employees working for the Tribe; approximately 58% employees are Native American.

2. Financial Update: The federal government remains in

shutdown. We have received notice from a few of the

agencies that we can still access funds through their electronic systems. The governmental operating budget relies

on approximately 1/2 of its funds from grants and contracts. We have some requests for overpayment from Indian Health Service for past years payment of Contract

Support Costs and from the Department of Housing and

Urban Development for disallowed costs. Medicaid funds

outstanding to our Substance Abuse Programs have been

settled from past years of 2009 through 2016. The total

amount settled was $557,588. There remains 2017 and

2018 to settle. Our Substance Abuse Programs are currently working with the State of MI to move forward with

direct billing and are paying the way for other tribes. I

would like to thank Jeanne Hirzel, Danielle Webb, and their

staff on moving this outstanding issue along.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Smith, CEO

February 2019 Calendar:







Feb. 1 — Constitution Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m.

Tribal Center;

Feb. 14 — Healthy Heart Fair, Happy Valentine’s Day;

Feb. 18 — President’s Day, Gov’t offices closed.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

(3) Niswi

UPDATES BY SOUMIT PENDHARKAR, KBIC DHHS HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

The New Year is off to a brisk start with January being a busy

month at the KBIC DHHS. I would like to offer the following

notes and updates from the DHHS Health System (DHHS):

•

I would like to remind everyone of our expanded

service hours which started January 2019. I am

happy to observe that a number of patients are already

enjoying the expanded access. Just in the opening

days alone, we had 13 patients scheduled in the medical clinic before 8:00 a.m., and 18 patients scheduled

after 4:30 p.m. Additionally, we had 47 scripts picked

up in pharmacy after 4:30 p.m.

SERVICE

7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through

Friday;

Pharmacy

8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through

Friday, with the last prescription preferably at 6:00 p.m.;

Lab Service

Starts at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, available until 6:00 p.m.;

WIC

Adding hours to Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m.; closes on Fridays at 2:30

p.m.; other days as normal.

We are excited to announce Dr. Sharon Stoll has

joined our medical team. Dr. Stoll has a Bachelor of

Science from Northern Michigan University, double majoring in Biology and Political Science. Dr. Stoll completed her Doctor of Medicine at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Additionally, Dr.

Stoll completed Masters course work in Exercise Physiology at Northern Michigan University and her Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine at the

American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Stoll is

Board Certified with the American Board of Family

Medicine and most recently provided coverage in the

Emergency Department. Dr. Stoll is able to care for

people across the lifespan, including infants, children,

adults, and the elderly; Women’s Health including family

planning and IUDs; Integrative and herbal medicine;

sports injuries and non-operative orthopedics, including

splinting and casting.

We will share more information about Dr. Stoll and her

practice at the KBIC DHHS in the next issue. Please

join me in welcoming Dr. Stoll. With Dr. Stoll’s addition,

we continue to strengthen our clinical capabilities at the

clinic and expand access to services for our tribal community.

•

We’ve reserved the best parking closest to the

clinic for our patients. A new parking plan freed up

15+ spaces for patients closest to the building. Please

see announcement included for additional details.

•

The New Traditional Medicine Clinic will launch February 8. This clinic is funded through the Tribal Opioid

Response grant. Additional clinic dates will be announced soon with more details forthcoming. If you are

interested in scheduling an appointment, please dial

(906) 353-4521.

•

Our Telepsychiatry Clinic will launch January 29.

Services include psychiatry, psychology, and psychometric testing. Dr. Darryl Tonemah will begin by seeing

an initial set of patients in-person on January 29tand

January 30. Subsequently, all patients will be scheduled for clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Patients will

be scheduled either via a referral from one of the DHHS

providers or by calling (906) 353-4521.

•

The Naloxone administration training and distribution program will launch January 28. Please see announcement included in the newsletter for additional details. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. To sign-up for

the trainings and for questions, please call (906) 3534530 or (906) 353-4531.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me

directly if you have questions at (906) 353-4553. I enjoy

•

(4) Niiwin

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 17, 2019

To better serve our patients, we now have designed patient

parking spaces that are closest to the entrance of the

building. Please see the example below.

HOURS/NOTES

Medical Clinic

•

learning from your perspective and particularly value

listening to concerns directly.

WIIKWEDONG OGICHIDAA SOCIETY GRACIOUS FOR

WWFS DONATION FOLLOWING BUDGET CUTS

Due to budget cuts, the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society

(KBIC Veterans’ Association) 2019 budget was cut approximately 2/3 of the funding they received for 2018. Rodney

Loonsfoot, Veterans’ Chair, said, “We’re going to be able to

absorb the hit. We received a $10,000 donation from the

Wounded Warrior Family Support (WWFS) Network.”

WWFS in previous years have donated $5,000 for technology upgrades in their office, which was used for a computer and copier; $500 to fund their 2017 Christmas Dinner;

and a Ford Explorer which is used to bring Veterans to and

from appointments, which are sometimes downstate or in

Wisconsin. Loonsfoot said, “We Veterans do this all by volunteering, and we do a number of fundraising events to help

fill the gap in our budget. I ask for others to consider contributing to our budget. We do this from the heart, are proud

Ogichidaa from Wiikwedong; we take care of our Community.”

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society perform ceremonies

at Veterans’ funerals, march in parades, place flags on

graves for Memorial Day, present colors at a variety of

events, and participate in school activities. The Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa Society is not eligible for state funding and received funding from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

and donors such as WWFS and the Community.

~ submitted by newsletter editor.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society members (left to right) Ralph Eckerberg, Danny

Garcia, Joe Dowd, Machai Loonsfoot (First Brave), Rodney Loonsfoot, Joseph

Eckerberg, and George DeCota. A number of Society members are not present.

(5) Naanan

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY 15th WINTER TRADITIONAL POWWOW HELD

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Lead Dancers and KBIC Royalty: (left to right) Jerry Buch, Head Veteran Dancer; Starr Dunleavy, Youth Head Lady Dancer; Preston Oja, Youth Head Male Dancer; Destiny Gauthier, Junior Head Girl Dancer; Avery Miller, Junior Head Boy Dancer; Alana Schofield, Miss Keweenaw Bay; Machai Loonsfoot, KBIC Brave; Karlene Chosa,

Head Lady Dancer; and Donald Chosa, Jr., Head Male Dancer. Dalanna Connor, Junior Miss Keweenaw Bay, is missing from photo.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held their 15th Winter Traditional

Powwow on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center in Baraga, MI. The event was organized by the KBIC Cultural Committee.

Grand Entries were held at 1 pm and 6 pm with Jerry Buch, Head Veteran

Dancer, leading the KBIC Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Veteran Honor

Guard) into the arena. Joe Awonohopay served as Master of Ceremonies,

George Gauthier as Arena Director, Glenn Tolonen as Assistant Arena Director, and Todd Smith as Traditional Advisor. Four Thunders were this year’s

Host Drum. Invited drums were: Woodland Singers, and Loon Travelers. Also

honored were Alana Schofield, Miss Keweenaw Bay; Dalanna Connor, Miss

Junior Keweenaw Bay; and Tribal Elders: Veronica M. Adams and Ralph C.

Eckerberg. A Pink Shawl Honor Dance was held honoring Jacqueline

Beauchamp. Participants honored the memory of the late Harlan Downwind,

who was KBIC's Traditional Advisor, with a memorial dance. A grand feast

was held between grand entries.

Honored Elders:

Veronica Marie Adams, whose maiden name was White, was born to William and Mary White, in Baraga, MI. Her Indian name is Shashko Benishil

“Blue Bird.” She married Wallace Adams on August 16, 1997. She is the

mother of five children: Deborah Ann Arens, Mary Jane Camponi, Theresa

Marie Pitts, Jackie Beauchamp, and Richard Emmett Johnson. She has nine

grandchildren: Sara, Nikki, Daniel, Jacob, Jackie, Samuel, Mya, Anna, and

Kate. She has five great grandchildren: Maverick, Olli, Emett, Avery, and

Niko..

Veronica is retired after working 29 years as a Nursing Assistant in nursing

homes, hospitals, and a Veterans’ Hospital in Madison, WI. She also did home

health care for 15 years. She currently volunteers at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens where they make pasties, and she also attends the Michigan Indian

Elder’s Association meetings in the summer.

Her hobbies include: reading, cooking and trying out new recipes, walking

on the treadmill to maintain health, and attending powwows.

Veronica attended school until the 6th grade and later in life she received

her GED. She continued her education and at the age of 77 she was a 2017

graduate of the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College!

Ralph Eckerberg was born in Iron County, Michigan. He graduated from

Stambaugh High School in 1955. Ralph joined the Coast Guard when he was

18 and served for 23 years from 1955 through 1978. He retired as an E9 Master Chief. He then enrolled at Michigan Technological University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1981. After receiving

his degree he went to work at Honeywell Defense Systems in Minnesota and

retired from there in 1991. Ralph then moved to Crystal Falls, MI, in 1992, and

has now lived in Baraga for the last six years. Ralph said, “I married my wife,

Jean, in 1956, and we have two living children. I am a member of the Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Veterans) and the Ojibwa Senior Citizens. I own one worthless share in the Packers Franchise, and I am a Packer Backer.”

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Selects KBIC’s First Brave.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Honored elders: Ralph Eckerberg and Veronica Adams.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society members as they honor

Machai Loonsfoot as KBIC’s First Brave.

Machai Loonsfoot, age 12, was selected as the first Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community’s Brave and was selected unanimously by the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society. Chair for the group, Rodney Loonsfoot, said, “He is a role model

that we want in our Community. The Brave position travels with the Veterans

and assists with tasks of loading and unloading the vehicle, setting up displays,

and will act as a role model for other potential braves. Consensus of the group

was Machai was already doing all those functions, so he deserved to be the

first ever Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Brave.”

A ceremony of recognition was held at the opening of today’s events.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Jacqueline

B ea u c h a m p ,

was honored

with a Pink

Shawl Honor

Dance. Jackie

is the daughter

of

W illiam

B eauch am p

and Veronica

Adams,

and

was born in

Hancock, MI.

She is retired

and

had

worked at J.C.

Pennrys

in

Houghton, MI.

She is a 20

year

Cancer

Survivor!

Sarah Smith has been

appointed CEO for the

Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community on January 5,

2019, at the Tribal Council Reorganization meeting. She has served as

Assistant CEO for over 14

years. Sarah has earned

a Master of Tribal Administration and Governance

Degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Sarah also has a Bachelor of Science Degree

with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Physics

from Michigan Technological University.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

She has extensive

skills and knowledge in

budgeting, policy development, and revision. Sarah has experience in

supervision and oversight of departments, grants, and contract administration, along with project management in building renovations,

infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.

Sarah is currently the President of the Constitution Committee,

Treasurer of the Baraga School Board, and a member of the Committee for Alternative & Renewable Energy. She previously has been a

member of the Youth Committee, Economic Development Committee,

and the Office of Violence Against Women Advisory Board.

Besides the previous Assistant CEO position, Sarah’s work experience includes: Grant Writer for KBIC, DayCare Director, High School

Math Teacher, and Junior High School Math Teacher.

Sarah was born and raised on the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, where she has lived the majority of

her life. She resides in Baraga, Michigan, has five children, and two

grandchildren: Cece and Daxton. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, reading, genealogy, and painting.

Larry J Denomie

III began serving as

the Ojibwa Casinos

General

Manager

on January 7, 2019.

New to the position

is the management

of the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community’s business enterprises; the Pines

Convenience Center, the Ojibwa BP/

C a r w a s h /

Laundromat,

the

Rez

Stop,

the

Ojibwa Campground

and Marina, Eagle

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Radio, the KBIC

Transfer

Station,

and Asemaa Wholesale & Distribution Co. Larry served as the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Chief Executive Officer

from January of 2007 through December of 2013 and January

2015 through October of 2018. In October he decided it was

time to take a break and take some time to decide what his next

career path would be. Once the General Manager position became an option, he applied and was hired by Tribal Council.

His career has involved working for and serving the Community all of his adult life; he says he’s now 52 years young. After

graduating from Baraga High School in 1985, he began attending Michigan Technological University’s School of Business. He

also took classes at the Ojibwa Community College and Gogebic Community College. In the fall of 2014, he received his Associates Degree in business from Gogebic. In November of the

year he graduated from high school (1985), he was hired as one

of the original casino dealers at the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga.

After working there for just over 16 years, moving through the

ranks and leaving as Slot Manager over both the Baraga and

Marquette Casinos, he decided it was time to give the casino

career a break. In 2001, he purchased

what is now the Ojibwa BP in Baraga. He

later purchased and renovated the carwash and Laundromat in Baraga. He

owned and operated those businesses

through December of 2008.

He also served two terms on Tribal

Council: January 2003 through December

of 2008. During his time on Tribal Council,

he served five years as the Secretary and

developed methods to enhance transparency and communication to the membership. As a member of Council, he also

gained valuable gaming regulatory experience because the Tribal Council served

the role of the Gaming Commission.

During a recent conversation with Larry,

I asked him how the job was going, and he

had this to say: “I’m honored to have been

chosen to serve such an important role

within our Tribe. The historical investment

that is being made in our casinos is an

enormous responsibility of which I don’t

take lightly. The future of our Tribe depends heavily on the success of these projects, and it is going to take the involvement and expertise of every one of our employees to make it happen. I have come

full circle within our Tribe, and it’s time that

I give back what they have invested in me.

The first three weeks that I’ve been on the

job just feel right – I feel like this is where

I’m supposed to be in my life right now.

The Creator has guided me this far, and

I’m looking to him to help take us through

the construction process and create much

success, for not only our members but our

surrounding communities as well. We will

have casinos and other businesses to be

very proud of.”

(7) Niizhwaaswi

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Is your charitable organization planning on holding a raffle

or selling raffle tickets on the

L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law, through the Indian

Gaming Regulatory Act, granted

Tribes exclusive right to regulate

gaming activity on Indian lands.

Even if you or the members of your

organization are not tribal members, the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community Gaming Commission

has the authority to regulate your

raffle. It is unlawful to game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission Office at (906)

353-4222 or stop by the office located at the Tribal Center for an

application and a copy of the rules

and regulations.

Application deadline for submission of ALL Class I Drawings is

30 days and Class II Raffles is 60

days prior to your

event.

License

Fee

will

be

waived when the

application is reBear Town, Rd.

ceived within this 16429

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

timeline.

ATTENTION: ALL

TRIBAL COMMERCIAL

FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and

Large Boat Commercial Fishing

Licenses for the Year 2019-2020

Commercial Fishing Season are

available at the Motor Vehicle/

Licensing Department located in

the Tribal Center. The new license

year will begin: May 1, 2019. Applications must be returned to the

Motor Vehicle/Licensing Office

by: Friday, February 1, 2019. All

applications for licenses will be reviewed and selected by the Tribal

Council. All Tribal members who

apply must have completed the required U.S. Food and Drug Administration Hazard Analysis

and Critical Control Point

(HACCP) training and present a

copy of the certificate with the application. A Boat Safety Fishing

Vessel Examination with a certified official must be completed and

that documentation must be provided with the application. The application also requests fishing vessel information including the vessel

name, number, and length.

For: Boat Safety Inspections contact the

Tribal Police/Conservation Department at

(906) 353-6626 to make an appointment or

contact U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock at (906)

482-1520.

(8) Ishwaaswi

Second Annual Fishing for a Cure Tournament—Calling All Ice Fisherman

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s chapter of social fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE)

calls all area ice fishermen to the second-annual Fishing for a

Cure tournament, to be held 6:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. Saturday,

Feb. 16, on Munuscong Bay. The LSSU local effort is part of a

nationwide TKE fundraising drive that benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

In 2016, TKE international pledged to raise $2.6 million for

St. Jude’s in six years. It raised $2.1 million by 2018 and is on

track to surpass the original goal by 2020. LSSU’s TKE chapter raised $800 last year and hopes to surpass $2,000 this

year.

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was founded by 1960’s entertainer and TKE alum Danny Thomas as a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on child catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The main

hospital is in Memphis, TN., with eight satellite clinics around

the country.

This year’s Fishing for a Cure is hosted by Dan’s Resort,

23477 S Bay Road, Pickford, MI., located on the south shore

of Munuscong Bay. The entry fee is $10 for adults, with children 12 and under free. Prizes will be awarded for the longest

fish caught, with first place receiving $150 in prizes and cash.

Walk-in registration is welcome. Net proceeds benefiting St.

Jude’s Children’s Hospital will be accepted before and during

the tournament.

Go to lssutke.org and scroll towards the bottom to request

registration information, or just show up at Dan’s Resort on

the day of the tournament. Area businesses can contact Noah Pearson, 906-424-0456, npearson@lssu.edu, for

sponsorship opportunities.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community wishes our Ojibwa

Seniors who are 80-years and older in this month a very

H a p p y Birthday!

Please let our Enrollment Office

know if someone was missed or

information is incorrect by call

(906) 353-6623, ext. 4111.

~ Miigwech.

Julia L. Brown

Fanchon A. Boyette

Robert K. Denomie

Catherine M. Dudro

Joyce M. Hebert

Val M. Kohlman

Donna E. Long

Jean M. Magnant

Elizabeth C. Matthews

Donna M. Rossi

“By the time you’re eighty years old you’ve

learned everything. You only have to remember

it.” ~ George Burns

Gilbert J. Blaker

Betty L. Burton

Vernon C. Burton

John E. Devoto

Jean C. Eckerberg

Alberta Kupinski

BROTHERS IN A CAUSE -- Lake Superior State University’s Rho Theta

chapter of the social fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) mans the tent

during last year’s Fishing for a Cure ice-fishing tournament to benefit St.

Jude’s Children Hospital. This year’s event runs all day Feb. 16 on the

south shore of Munuscong Bay at Dan’s Resort, 23477 S Bay Road,

Pickford, MI. The entry fee is $10 for adults, with children 12 and under

free. Walk-in registration is welcome. (LSSU Photo)

(9) Zhaangaswi

TRIBAL COURT CRIMINAL SENTENCES

The Tribal Court has agreed to comply with the request of the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s CEO’s office to publish

criminal sentencing on a routine basis.

Brandon Hamm, case #18-155, §3.1706, Controlled substances – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 01/09/2019, #18-155, §3.1706:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, credit for 77

days served, 103 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is financially responsible

for the cost of lodging, and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow the recommendations

of the screening until successfully discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of

information to allow the Court to monitor

compliance.

4. Six to twelve months of standard alcohol

and drug restricted probation with a $10.00

monthly fee. Defendant shall report at least

once a month in person to the Probation

Department and as directed by the Probation Department. Defendant is financially

responsible for the costs of drug and PBT

testing, if any.

5. Defendant shall report daily, Monday

through Friday, at the Tribal Court and report Saturday and Sunday at the Tribal Police Department until intake date of treatment. After released from the treatment

facility, reporting shall be at the discretion of

the Probation Department with a minimum of

once per month in person.

3. Defendant shall be responsible for the costs

of drug and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department within 24-hours after being released from jail to sign payment probation

papers.

5. Defendant shall pay restitution to be determined to the Tribal Court for processing to

the victim.

Tyler Tolonen, case #18-178, §3.206, Resisting arrest – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/14/2019, #18-178, §3.206:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Three-hundred-sixty-five days jail, credit for

52 days served, serve 313 days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be responsible for the costs

of drug and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department within 24-hours after being released from jail to sign payment probation

papers.

Rebecca Frost, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College, Wins 2019 CCCC

Tribal College Faculty Fellowship

Tyler Tolonen, case #18-179, §3.208, Offer of

force or violence to a police officer – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/14/2019, #18-179, §3.208:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Three-hundred-sixty-five days jail, serve 365

days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be responsible for the costs

of drug and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department within 24-hours after being released from jail to sign payment probation

papers.

5. Defendant shall write letters of apology to

Sgt. Tim Tilson, Officer Miranda Forcia, and

DNR Officer Cody Smith.

Tyler Tolonen, case #18-185, §3.402, Malicious destruction of personal property – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 01/14/2019, #18-185, §3.402:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety days jail, serve 90 days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be responsible for the costs

of drug and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department within 24-hours after being released from jail to sign payment probation

papers.

5. Defendant shall pay $755.00 restitution to

the Tribal Court for processing to the victim,

Ojibwa Housing Authority.

Tyler Tolonen, case #18-186, §3.1101, Larceny – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/14/2019, #18-186, §3.1101:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, serve 180

days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

(10) Midaaswi

Tyler Tolonen, case #18-188, §3.1706, Controlled substances – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 01/14/2019, #18-188, §3.1706:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, serve 180

days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be responsible for the costs

of drug and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department within 24-hours after being released from jail to sign payment probation

papers.

5. If the Defendant is accepted into the Healing

To Wellness Court, the Trial Court will transfer #18-178, #18-179, #18-185, #18-186,

and #18-188. If the Defendant is not accepted into the Healing To Wellness Court

or found ineligible at any time, the cases will

be transferred back to the Trial Court for

imposition of sentence.

Urbana, IL, 01/02/2019 — Rebecca

Frost, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community

College, Baraga, Michigan, has won a 2019

CCCC Tribal College Faculty Fellowship.

The Conference on College Composition

and Communication (CCCC) is a constituent organization within the National Council

of Teachers of English (NCTE).

This fellowship offers financial aid to selected faculty members currently working at

tribally controlled colleges to attend the

CCCC Annual Convention. Each winner

receives $1,250.

Featuring over 500 sessions focusing on

teaching practices, writing and literacy programs, language research, history, theory,

information technologies, and professional

and technical communication, the CCCC

Annual Convention provides a forum on the

teaching and learning of writing.

With this fellowship, CCCC hopes to

create new opportunities for Tribal College

Faculty members to become involved in

CCCC and for CCCC to carry out its mission of serving as a representative national

advocate for language and literacy education.

Frost will be announced as a recipient of

the CCCC Tribal College Faculty Fellowship on Friday, March 15, during the 2019

CCCC Annual Convention in Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania.

For more information about the CCCC

Tribal College Faculty Fellowship, including

past winners, see http://cccc.ncte.org/cccc/

awards/tribalcollegefellow.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019)

*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

KBIC SENIORS - TAX

PREPARATION

REIMBURSEMENT

PROGRAM

Eligible Seniors: Enrolled KBIC Members

55 years of age and older residing in

Baraga County or on the Marquette Trust

property.

How the Program Works: Eligible seniors

will receive reimbursement up to $100 for

their 2018 tax return preparation. This

year’s program also provides reimbursement up to $26 for completion of your 2018

Home Heating Credit return.

To qualify for reimbursement, eligible seniors must use a tax preparer who has been

issued a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Lake Superior Community Development Corporation is excluded from the

program.

To receive your reimbursement, please

turn in your original receipt to Sheila Royal,

Administrative Asst., in the CEO’s Office. Please allow up to 10 business days

for payment processing. (Reimbursement

for personal returns only, business returns

are not covered.)

URGENT AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL

Donald Charles “Don” Carlson

(May 9, 1947—December 29, 2018)

D o n a l d

Charles

“Don”

Carlson passed

away peacefully

at the age of 71,

at

home

in

L'Anse, MI, on

Saturday,

December

29,

2018. He was

born in Rhinelander, WI, on

May 9, 1947, to

the late Vera

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Pennock-Carlson

and Arthur Carlson, and was raised in Marenisco, MI, by his uncle Ellery and

aunt Shirley Pennock. Don graduated from Marenisco High

School on June 6, 1966.

Don worked as a laborer in the building and trade industry

for most of his life. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community as well as a member of the Keweenaw

Bay Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, building, and nature. Don loved going to the Baraga Ojibwa Casino where he

enjoyed socializing with his friends and the staff. He owned

several small businesses and was an active environmentalist.

Don was a proud veteran.

Don is survived by his wife Carole Ann (Knudsen) Carlson. They were married in Duluth, MN, on May 15, 1976,

and that is where they raised a daughter, Jessica Ruth Carlson, now of Baraga, MI, and a son, Adam Brian Carlson, now

of Oakdale, MN. Don is also survived by two grandchildren:

Joshua Roland Waisanen and Thomas William Waisanen;

and a brother: Kenny (Patti) Carlson of Lake Geneva, WI.

He is preceded in death by his brothers: Larry Carlson,

and an infant brother Leroy Carlson.

A memorial celebration of Don’s life was held on on Friday, January 11, 2019, at Don and Carole’s home at 19009

Herman Road, L’Anse, MI. Coffee and sweets were served.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse, MI, assisted

the family.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) has determined that roughly 37 million vehicles are

included in various airbag safety recalls across many vehicle

manufactures. If an affected airbag inflates during a crash,

the airbag may explode sending sharp metal fragments toward drivers and passengers, causing injury or death.

The airbag recall repairs are FREE and alternative transportation may be available for FREE.

There are a few simple steps that each vehicle owner

can take to protect themselves and others from this very

serious danger.

1. Locate your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

on the bottom driver’s side corner of your windshield or on

the driver’s door or vehicle frame inside the driver’s door;

as show below.

2. Check to see if you have an airbag recall at NHTSA.gov/

recalls or AirbagRecall.com.

3. To confirm if your vehicle is affected, please contact the

appropriate manufacture listed in the table below. They

can help you locate the nearest local dealership and

schedule a FREE repair. FREE Alternative transportation

may be available.

John Thomas Mayo (Zeb)

(November 12, 1942—January 9, 2019)

John Thomas Mayo (Zeb), age 76, of Greenland, MI,

passed away unexpectedly at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital on

Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

He was born on November 12, 1942, at the L’Anse Hospital to Richard and Elma (Koskinen) Mayo. John married

Patrice Tahtinen in 1975, and they had two children. He later

married the former Judith (Immonen) Kin of Greenland on

April 10, 1995, in Las Vegas.

John graduated from Baraga High School in 1960. During

his high school years, he enjoyed playing basketball and was

very good at it. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from Pettibone in Baraga after working

43 years. John was an avid Miami Dolphins fan. John was a

member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Surviving are his wife: Judy of Greenland; daughter: Jennifer (John) Westman of Baraga; son: Josh (Raeanne) Mayo

of Sault Ste Marie, MI; stepsons: Jason (Wendy) Kin and

Brian (Shannon) Kin both of Greenland; grandkids: Victor,

Isabella, Maddi, Guillermo, Timothy, Hailee, and Chance;

brothers: James (Beverly) Mayo, Paul (Karen) Mayo, Patrick

(Judy) Mayo; sister: Dianne Sirard all of Baraga; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Elma;

brothers: Richard and Jerry Mayo; sister: Marie Mayo; and

grandson: Thomas Westman.

On Monday, January 14, 2019, at Jacobson Funeral

Home, L’Anse, MI, the Baraga County Area Veterans conducted military rites under the direction of American Legion

Post 444, followed by a memorial service with Rev. John

Ansell officiating. A luncheon immediately followed in the

Sharing Room at Jacobson Funeral Home. Burial will be in

the spring in the Baraga Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral

Home assisted the family.

NOW AVAILABLE

There is a new printing of

the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Commu ni t y’s

Tr i b a l

Constitution in pocket form

available. They can be pick

up at the Tribal Enrollment

Office.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Office of Child Support Services

P.O. Box 490, Baraga, MI 49908

Phone: 906-353-4566

Fax: 906-353-8132

“YOUR Children …

OUR Priority”

We provide the following services:

•

•

Paternity Establishment

Establishment of Child Support

•

Outreach Services

•

Mediation

Attendees at

the KBIC 15th

Winter Traditional

Powwow observed

a

Special

Event.

Preston Oja,

Youth Head

Male Dancer,

is a talented

young Hoop

Dancer, and

he gave a surprise performance.

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

Picture by Lauri Denomie.