The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2017)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Abita Niibini Giizis - Midsummer Moon - July 2017

Issue 156

Tribal Council Members:

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY HONORS HIGH

SCHOOL GRADUATES AT SENIOR BANQUET

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.

Class of 2017, left to right — (front) Lyndsey Mayo, Makenzie Messer, Shay Ekdahl, Samantha Chagnon,

Cathy Velmer, Sydni Voakes, (back) Nathaniel Welsh, Matthew Beck, Randy Owens III, Grayson Roe,

Christian Hakola, and Richard Tilson. Missing from photo: Diana LaPlante.

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The KBIC Senior Banquet, sponsored by

the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Education Committee, was held on Friday, June 9, 2017.

This annual event is held to honor the

L’Anse, Baraga, and Community School

Graduates. Terri Denomie, Education Committee Chairwoman, welcomed the graduates, their families, Tribal Education Staff,

teachers, administrators, fellow Tribal Education Committee members, and friends to

this year’s celebration. Woodland Singers

provided the drum for the welcome song

and an honor song. Following a delicious

meal, Cheryl Bogda, Education Committee

member, introduced the guest speaker,

Diana Chaudier.

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KBIC Holds Senior Banquet

Gaming 2% and 8% distributions announced

KBOCC, Changing lives in

our Community

KBIC Tobacco Manufacturing Update

June 3, 2017 Council Meeting

Education Incentive Awards

Announced

Shayla Elmblad crowned

“Little Miss Superior”

KBIC Court Report

Deepest Sympathy

Picture by Lauri

KBIC Education Committee $1000 Scholarship winners: Grayson Roe and Sydni Voakes.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Diana Chaudier, Guest Speaker,

at the 2017 Senior Banquet.

Diana Chaudier is a 1995 graduate of

Baraga High School. She attended Gogebic Community College where she studied

business and received her Associate of Arts

with high honors. Diana continued her education at Northern Michigan University

where she studied media, communications,

and business earning her Bachelor of Science with honors.

Diana has been employed by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for 23

years. Her current position as the Enrollment/Licensing Coordinator allows her to

follow her passion for history through reContinues on page two.

Lyndsey Mayo is the daughter of Liz Curtis and Jeff Mayo. While in high school she

participated in cheerleading, softball, volleyball, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Communities That Care. She

won an award for her artwork and has

been on the Honor Roll. Her hobbies are

painting, softball, and being with friends.

She plans on attending Gogebic Community College to earn a General Education

degree.

Matthew Beck is the son of Nannette Beck and the late Matthew Beck. In high school Matt

played football and basketball for three years. He also played golf for two years and was on

the track team for one year. In his senior year, he was a football captain. He was 8-man

Football All Conference Offensive Line. He will be playing in the U.P. All-Star football game

later in June. He has been on the Honor Roll. Matt enjoys spending time with friends and

four-wheeling. His plans after graduation are to attend Lansing Community College and

major in Criminal Justice.

Continues on page six.

(1) Bezhig

2017 Senior Banquet continued:

searching the membership’s ancestry, as

well as preserving the current records that

the Department maintains pertaining to

membership and election records. Diana is

a member of the Election Board. She has

served as Chairperson of the Election Board

for 12 of the 15 years of her service. She is

a former member of the Keweenaw Bay

Ojibwa Community College Board of Regents. During her three years with the

Board of Regents, she had the opportunity

to be a part of the Accreditation by the

Higher Learning Commission and the college’s expansion to the Wabanung Campus.

Diana is a small business owner, operating a sporting goods store, Woodland Firearms & Supply, located in Baraga, which

she and her husband, Jason, opened in

2014. In her spare time, she volunteers as

a Girl Scout Leader for a Daisy and Brownie

Troop. Diana has two daughters: Jadyn,

age 8, who is second grade student at

Baraga Area Schools; and Madison, age 5,

who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall.

Diana Chaudier said, “Congratulations to

our fine graduates and families on your accomplishments. You have completed a long

journey to get to today, and everyone here

at tonight’s event is here to celebrate your

achievements. Whatever your future holds,

face it with confidence, hold strong to your

values, and seize every opportunity.

Failure - Don’t worry about getting it all

right the first time. Don’t be afraid of failure,

because you will fail at times. Failure will

not define you; you may suffer through it,

but do not give up. Without the knowledge

of our failures how would we measure our

successes?

Success - Every success story has common traits: education, whether it was

learned on the job, in the field, or in a postsecondary setting; hard work; determination; dedication; support from family and

friends; and countless hours of planning and

training. As you close this chapter and begin the next, do not forget the framework

you have learned along the way.

When I was asked to speak at tonight’s

event, I thought back to a time when I sat in

your seat. I had not figured it all out at this

point. I wanted to go to college but unsure

of a major. I entered the work force for a

couple of years before deciding on a college

major. I then enrolled at Gogebic Community College as a non-traditional student with

the intention of transferring to Northern

Michigan University. This was a bit unnerving for me, but I knew that the road less

traveled would lead me to a prosperous future by achieving a Bachelor’s degree at

NMU.

My most recent endeavor is the Sporting

Goods retail store that my husband and I

operate. This has by far been the most

challenging and rewarding experience in my

life thus far. I am a full-time employee with

our Tribal Government, and in my spare

time I work with my husband to build our

business. The business has grown due to

our efforts, hard work, and dedication. During this time I learned what was really important to me. It is not material belongings

or how much money is in my bank account.

What I have learned to value most in life is

coming home and spending time with my

husband and children. Cherish your family.

One thing I want you to think about tonight is not necessarily about what you want

to do in life, but rather who do you want to

be? I thought long and hard about this

question at different points in my life, and I

hope that you do to.

You have so much to offer your Community and the world. I know that you will go

on to do great things. Take the time to learn

new skills as education is a lifelong process.”

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie. Newsletter Editor

(2) Niizh

June 3, 2017 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Saturday Tribal Council Meeting was held on June 3, 2017, at the Ojibwa

Casino Resort Conference Room 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., and Rodney Loonsfoot present. Elizabeth D. Mayo was absent.

Vice President Misegan shared numerous Thank You and For Your Information items

addressed to Council.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz Jr. gave the President’s Report (page three), Vice

President Jennifer Misegan gave the Vice President’s Report (page two), and Susan J.

LaFernier gave the Secretary’s Report (page four). Council approved the April 2017 Department Head Reports.

Recognize Scheduled Delegations/Individuals: Joe Derocha said, “I’m here for two reasons. Back in 2008, President (Warren "Chris”, Jr.) Swartz and I had a chance to meet on a

contentious issue and created a relationship. Throughout the years we’ve been able to enhance that relationship, and it has now blossomed to include other board members, and our

friendship has continued to grow. Most importantly, I am here to continue that, no matter

what. Secondly, I am here to announce that I am running for the state representative seat

of the 109th District of the Michigan Legislature as a passionate Democrat. Ultimately today,

I am here to ask you for your support. Every time it comes up about the Community getting

involved, I relate back to a special story I was fortunate enough to have had shared with me

about Chief Buffalo. I thought about the caliber of the individual that he was. He came to

be a visionary to protect his people, looking out for the grandkids, their kids, and so forth. I

give that story great respect because he was looking out for his community. You are here, I

am here, and we aren’t going anywhere; we need to protect our home and be safe ecologically. I respect that and the Community’s right. I have always encouraged economic

growth and development with safe ecological practices. I look forward to continuing that

relationship. I look forward to quality jobs because I think ultimately we are looking to represent all of the people in the 109 th District. We have a duty to make a better quality of life,

not only for us here today but for our grandchildren in years to come. I have been fortunate

to assist and move forward the vision of tribal issues. At one time, I was astonished to find

out the State of Michigan, the DEQ, and the local townships never forwarded any information to you or requested your permission or blessing for anything that goes on in your ceded

territory, and I couldn’t understand why that was. But after the conversation, I made sure

that anything I ever did in my little community as the Humboldt Township Supervisor years

ago and now as Marquette County Vice-chair that all information gets copied to your community, and that’s just being respectful.” Mr. Derocha continued with a short question and

answer session.

Under old business: Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., Director of Cultural Resources, addressed

Council with a request to purchase a new work vehicle since the current one has been decommissioned. It has 230,000 miles and was a hand-me down. He was informed to solicit

bids for a little bigger truck which would be a fleet vehicle. Motion by Michael F.

LaFernier, Sr., to purchase the Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty 2017, for the amount of

$35,252.44, from Fox Negaunee (with a budget modification within the department’s

budget to make the purchase), supported by Rodney Loonsfoot. Nine supported

(Misegan, S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Dakota, Haataja, M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot,

Mayo), 0 opposed, one abstained (G. Loonsfoot), one absent (Mayo), motion carried.

Under new business: Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented the June 2017 donations requests. Motion by Rodney Loonsfoot to approve June 2017 donations as: $150.00 for

the 21st Annual Matt Ahonen Memorial Softball Tournament; $250.00 for Taylor Kemppainen Girl Scout trip to New York; $500.00 for the Native American Rights Fund;

$1,000.00 for Trillium House; $500.00 for the U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network;

$1,321.00 to come from the Marquette Hardship Fund to purchase a video magnifier

from Bureau of Services for Blind Persons for Glenda Hamalainen; $1,000.00 to the

Joe Derocha State Representative Campaign; and $2,500.00 from 2% pending a pass

through to the Trail Riders Enthusiast Alliance of Marquette County T.E.A.M. for a total of $7,221.00; supported by Toni Minton. Nine supported (Misegan, S. LaFernier,

Minton, Blaker, Dakota, Haataja, M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, one

abstained (G. Loonsfoot), one absent (Mayo), motion carried.

Council adjourned with no further items on the agenda.

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Vice President’s Report for the Month of May 2017

On May 10, I attended the Marquette

Township/Marquette County Spring Banquet along with Danielle Webb, Gary

Loonsfoot, Jr., and Peggy Loonsfoot. It

was a great opportunity to meet their

elected officials, visit with those we already

know, and network. We were treated very

well, and KBIC was thanked for their generous 2% contributions within the County.

Earlier that afternoon I attended a meeting with Chocolay Township officials as well

as representatives from Gundlach Champion and GEI to discuss infrastructure issues that we are working on for the expanded Marquette Casino. We are very

thankful for the great working relationship

we have developed with Chocolay Township. We are currently working to connect

to their wastewater service and have been

very pleased with all they are doing to help

us with the project.

Weekly meetings continue with Gundlach regarding the casino projects. We

have had a few bumps and are working

through them. A few weeks ago, it was

problems with the interior design. We have

since met with the head designer and are

optimistic that the outcome will be what we

are expecting. This week we were informed

that SEMCO will be requiring an upgrade for

the increased load, and it will cost us approximately $364,000. We had been told

for months that there would be no extra cost

for the natural gas. We are very frustrated

but are working through it.

We have scheduled a town hall meeting

for the residents in Chocolay Township in

the vicinity of the casino on June 13. The

Chocolay Township Planning Commission

will be meeting on June 19, and our site

plan will be reviewed. In some of the meetings with the Board, residents have expressed concerns about water. We are

holding the town hall meeting with the intent

to educate the residents and answer all of

their questions. Several of our planning

group will be there as will representatives

from Gundlach and MDEQ. GEI will be

President’s Report for the Month of May 2017

The following briefly summarizes the activities in the Office of the President for the

month of May 2017.

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We’ve been notified by GLIFWC that

GLIFWC was contacted by Trevor Vandyke, the Tribal Coordinator for the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), regarding a Michigan

Commercial Fishing Statute Presentation.

The presentation overviews a

process the MDNR has begun to review, rewrite, improve, and find common ground for the regulatory structure

of the State Commercial fishing industry. Apparently, they would like to provide a presentation on their proposed

commercial fishing statute changes to

the Lake’s Committee organized under

GLIFWC. At the proposed meeting,

MDNR will be made aware that presenting to the Lake Committee would be to

complement what individual tribes

would like to do, and is not intended to

nor should it be construed as, precluding direct communication with individual

tribes that would want to meet face to

face with the MDNR regarding this initiative pursuant to the tribe’s sovereign

prerogatives. I asked around about how

the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA) felt about their meeting with

the state, and an attorney from Bay

Mills responded by saying that nothing

has been introduced as a bill in the

Michigan legislature, and they were only

provided with was a copy of a PowerPoint prepared by MDNR.

We continue to meet with the Lac Vieux

Desert Conservation Committee regarding ongoing discussions about Indians

exercising their treaty rights here in

Michigan’s portion of the 1842 Treaty.

At the last meeting I attended, a discussion took place about jurisdictional authority, a definition of close economic

ties and residency. The next meeting is

scheduled for June 12.

I provided a letter, as requested by

Councilor Rodney Loonsfoot, to the

Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency. The

purpose of the letter is to nominate him

to serve as a veteran representative under the U.S. Department of Veterans

Affairs accreditation program and to

project that he would serve a minimum

of 1000 hours per year.

It was an honor to be able to speak at

the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community

College’s Graduation ceremony; this

year ten diplomas were handed out and

17 correctional certificates.

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Earlier in the month, I attended a United

Tribes Meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

One of the guests was the Honorable

Jack Bergman, Congressman Michigan

District One. He advised that he is willing to work with the Indian Tribes in his

district.

 In addition, we approved a resolution

condemning the use of the term

“redskins” in Michigan schools, and

support the Michigan State Board of

Education Superintendent authority

to discipline any Michigan school

that uses race-based sports names

and associated imagery and activities in a manner harmful to Native

American Students. The derogatory

term “redskins’ degrades and diminishes Native people throughout the

history of the United States as documented in study after study and related by personal experiences of Native people in Indian Country and

beyond. The negative effects on our

children and our Native communities

are long-lasting and detrimental to

the positive self-esteem necessary

to maintain the high quality of life

that is the goal of thoughtful people

everywhere.

There are 45 high

schools in Michigan using mascots,

logos, or nicknames including six in

the Upper Peninsula. What can we

do to support Native people and

their efforts to change attitudes and

the use of stereotypes?

1. Consult with your Student Government representatives.

2. Write your Principal.

3. Write your Superintendent.

4. Write your Board of Education.

 We discussed the Supreme Court’s

Decision in Lewis v. Clarke and the

future of Tribal Sovereign Immunity.

The document was provided by

Brian Pierson of Godfrey & Kahn,

S.C. and is included for Tribal Council review. Brian also gave an overview of the Winter’s Doctrine and

how GLIFWC could use this theory

to reserve water for flow, use, and

quality especially in rice beds.

 Stacey Tadgerson recognized the

work and accomplishments of

Joanne Racette; in addition on behalf of the department she offered

her condolences to the family. We

also discussed tribal access issues

with the Michigan Department of

Health

and

Human

services

(MDHHS) regarding Indian children.

When brought to the attention of

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MDHHS, they responded by saying

the applicability of 25 USC 3205

does not apply to further information

sharing more than is already occurring in Michigan. We’ll continue to

monitor this for the benefit of children and families we serve.

 We requested again with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Commission full funding for the Indian tuition program here in Michigan, including the KBOCC.

I also participated in an Inter-Tribal

Council of Michigan meeting via teleconference. Election of officers took

place, and I was re-elected to the position of Vice-Chair. A number of items

were discussed including one about

opioids, and what we can do to help addicts. I learned that the State of Michigan has set aside some money for

tribes, and the funds can be integrated

into the ATR program. This money

would help to keep funding in place for

ATR for another year, and it may extend

for another six months. An opioid summit was also discussed possibly occurring later this year.

In the middle of the month, I attended

an informational meeting at Humboldt

Township Hall related to the Eagle

Mine. Some of the questions posed to

the staff of Lundin Mining were about

adequate financial resources, carrying

capacity of the mill, cumulative impacts,

and Eagle East Mining Permit.

I attended training on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at the

Chippewa Conference Room here at

the Casino. This was a two-day training

event and included information about

when an Environmental Assessment

(EA) or/and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) occurs, and who determines when it’s required.

The Assistant CEO is working on a new

process in selecting potential awards of

Architectural/Engineering services. The

new process would be based on qualifications rather than price.

I participated in an employee survey

and received the results of the survey

for the Office of the President. Based

on the results of the survey, the Office

of the President needs to work on keeping politics out of the day to day affairs

of the people I supervise. I will work on

it.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz

Vice President Report continued:

there with several results from all of the well

testing we have done and will present that

information. We have found that there is an

abundance of very good water on the

Makala property. All tests have revealed

that there is no disturbance to the aquifer,

and our utilization of additional water will not

affect any residents.

Susan J. LaFernier, Doreen Blaker, and I

had the pleasure of handing out certificates,

medallions, and backpacks at Headstart

graduation. The graduates were so darn

cute! It was definitely the highlight of our

week. What a wonderful program we have

there, and the children and families who

took part in the program are very blessed.

KBICTC Board members, Chris Swartz,

Jr., Doreen Blaker, Mike F. LaFernier, Sr.,

and I, along with Larry Denomie III and our

outside counsel, Robert Porter, attended a

meeting with representatives from the Tax

and Trade Bureau regarding the application

we filed to manufacture tobacco products. It

was an excellent meeting. Every time they

asked for something Larry had it. He was

extremely well prepared, and it showed.

They even commented about how well

done our application was. They did have

some questions regarding the Tribe and the

organizational structure. We had to submit

some additional documents, and Rob is

working on a summary for them. They

were very open and receptive to the Tribe

getting into tobacco manufacturing. We

may have the license in as early as 90

days. It will depend on how quickly the site

inspection can happen.

I participated in developing the core values for the service culture training along

with many of our management staff. It was

great and very encouraging to see so many

engaged and caring about the Tribe and

where it is headed.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Misegan

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

Bear Town, Rd.

when the application is re- 16429

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

ceived within this timeline.

(3) Niswi

Tribal Council Secretary’s Report for the Month of May 2017 to the Council/Community

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, with economic struggles, and who have

lost loved ones.

Happy Father’s Day to all of our fathers here on Earth

and in Heaven!!

Thanks to everyone who cleaned the cemeteries for Memorial Day

and to our Veterans for the programs. Enjoy the summer!

Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well”

During May, the Tribal Council held the Regular Saturday Meeting on May 6, 2017, and four Special Council meetings. Following

are the May 1, 6, 11, 18, and 26, 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.

May 1, 2017 Special (Work Session) Council Meeting

(approved):

 Approved Chapter 135 Tribal Police In-Car Personal Digital

Video In-Car Cameras and Body Worn Cameras Policy (to enhance safety and reporting accuracy).

 Approved the Tribal Police “Carrying/Administering Intranasal

Naloxone (Narcan)” Policy and Procedure (to reduce fatal

opioid overdoses).

 Approved the Adult Sea Lamprey Assessments at the Silver

River, the Lake Trout and Fishery Resource Assessments in

Lake Superior, the Judicial Services, and Tribal Permit Registration Station Services subcontracts with Great Lakes Indian

Fish and Wildlife Commission.

 Approved the business license renewal with Diana and Jason

Chaudier for Woodland Firearms and Supply, LLC, May 15,

2017 – May 14, 2018.

 Approved the Up-To-Date on-line one year subscription contract addendum for authorization to use licensed materials for

the management of clinical issues, May 1, 2017 – April 30,

2018, for $8,000.00.

 Approved the Registered Dietitian Services Agreement for the

Hannahville Indian Community WIC Program, July 1, 2017 –

June 30, 2018.

 Approved the Proposal from Joseph Eve for professional services for the KBIC Gaming Commission and the NonDisclosure Agreement.

 Approved to continue with the Defined Benefit Plan changes as

presented.

May 6, 2017 Regular Council Meeting (approved):

 Approved the Tribal Council President’s Report for April 2017

(Warren C. Swartz, Jr.).

 Approved the Tribal Council Vice President’s Report for April

2017 (Jennifer Misegan).

 Approved the Tribal Council Secretary’s Report April 2017

(Susan J. LaFernier).

 Approved the CEO’s Report for April 2017 (Larry J. Denomie

III).

 Approved the March 2017 Department Head Reports.

 Approved the April 7, 13, 17, 18, 20, and 27, 2017 Tribal Council meeting minutes.

 Approved the Letter of Intent to enter into an Agreement for

Power Supply Facilities (upgrade) with the Village of Baraga for

the Ojibwa Casino Project.

 Approved the Letter of Intent to enter into a Special Customer

Electric Service Agreement for Power Supply Facilities

(upgrade) with the Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association,

Inc. for the Marquette Casino Project.

 Approved to table the Sick Leave Policies until the next meeting

on May 11, 2017.

 Approved the modification addendum to the Thomson Reuters

for the Westlaw Research Account Agreement adding Kevin

Carlisle to the tribal attorney account.

 Approved the bid from the L’Anse Furniture Mart for $12,629.00

for carpet and tile replacement for the New Day Substance

Abuse Services Facility.

 Approved the use of the roads requested by the Baraga County

Community Foundation for the annual Denise Marth Memorial

Fun Run on June 24, 2017.

 Approved the May 2017 Donations: $1,000.00 for travel expenses for Serene Smith if she attends the 41st Annual National Indian Timber Symposium in Washington and one gift

basket for the event; $150.00 to the Baraga Educational Sup(4) Niiwin

port Team for the Family Fun Walk-Run Event; $500.00 to each

Tribal member and $250.00 for each Tribal direct descendent

attending the Baraga High School Physics class trip to Chicago

on May 12th.

May 11, 2017 Special Council Meeting (approved):

 Approved the Emergent Foster Care Fund Policy for unlicensed

caregivers for children typically in a relative placement.

 Approved the Social Services Specialist job description, to post

the position, and the budget modification request.

 Approved to change the Dental Hygienist wage to a Grade 10

which will be the same as the nurses.

 Approved the food service and restaurant business license renewal for the Lucky 7’s Restaurant with John Gervais.

 Approved the TD Safe Haven Horse Rescue and Therapy business license renewal with Crystal Geroux.

 Approved the Tier III Services Agreement with the L’Anse Furniture Mart for the carpet and tile replacement at the New Day

Substance Abuse Services Facility for $12,629.00.

 Approved Resolution KB 020-2017 which cancels a residential

lease with Suzanne L. Buttery-Jondreau and grants to Alisha L.

Swartz.

 Approved Resolution KB 021-2017 which cancels a residential

lease with Clyde D. Swartz, Barbara J. Swartz, her four adult

children, her adult grandson and grants to Damian C. Swartz.

 Approved Resolution KB 022-2017 ICDBG Solar Energy Solutions Project grant application for the KB Natural Resources Department $600,000.00 HUD and $200,000.00 in-kind match.

 Approved Resolution KB 023-2017 which modifies a residential

lease with Leonard W. Cardinal and Julia A. Cardinal and

grants a split residential lease with Lynelle S. Bolo.

 Defeated a motion to approve the 11.0 Sick Leave/12.0 Request for Leave/12.2 Leave Sharing Policies as presented

(tabled from the May 6, 2017 meeting).

 Approved the amended 11.0 Sick Leave/12.0 Request for

Leave/12.2 Leave Sharing Policies but to allow the employees

to donate their accrued sick leave time in excess of 480 hours

(proposal was 720).

May 18, 2017 Special Council Meeting (approved):

 Approved the May 6, and May 11, 2017 Tribal Council meeting

minutes.

 Approved the Treaty Rights Farming License renewal for “Ma

Hog Farm” with Brenda Turunen for five years.

 Approved a new business license with Troy LaFernier for

“Troy’s Tires and Repair.

 Approved Resolution KB 024-2017 Estate of Martha M. Dakota

residential lease transfer to identified heirs.

 Approved Resolution KB 025-2017 G. Walter Leinonen Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved Resolution KB 026-2017 Betsey A. Leinonen Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved Resolution KB 027-2017 Anthony P. Loonsfoot Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved Resolution KB 028-2017 Dale F. Goodreau Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved Resolution KB 029-2017 Anthony M. LaBeau Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved Resolution KB 030-2017 Ryan K. Szymanski Recreational Lease in L’Anse Township.

 Approved a donation of $8,000.00 to the Baraga County Lumberjack Days Committee for the Fourth of July fireworks.

May 26, 2017 Special Council Meeting (approved):

 Approved the May 1, 2017 Tribal Council meeting minutes.

 Approved Resolution KB 031-2017 Baraga 2% $114,829.34.

 Approved Resolution KB 032-2017 Marquette 2% $138,419.72

pending the Superior Watershed Partnership pass through acceptance.

 Approved a donation of $1,000.00 and a gift basket for the spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the L’Anse High School on June 7th

for Ariane Yoder’s medical expenses.

 Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the Michigan

Department of Health and Human Services regarding use of

American Indian/Alaskan Native Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

Data and to include the names of enrolled Tribal members 18

years of age and over and their telephone numbers.

 Approved the renewal licenses for the Pines Convenience Center: Business license, Alcoholic Beverage License, and the License to Purchase and Sell Tobacco Products.

 Approved the Law 360 Subscription Annual Contract for one

year for the Tribal Attorney’s Office.

 Approved Resolution KB 033-2017 Amendment of Qualified Retirement Plan (401K) effective July 1, 2017.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community announces their recent gaming distributions

Since 1993 the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community has been making bi-annual payments from gaming proceeds of their casinos to local units of government and to the

State of Michigan. These payments are 2%

and 8% respectively and are derived from

the net win from all Class III electronic

games of chance commonly known as slot

machines.

The two-percent (2%) payments are

made each May and November. Local units

of Government may make requests throughout the year. To receive an award the entity

must first make a request in writing.

For the period of October 1, 2016

through March 31, 2017, the total to be distributed to local units of government in

Baraga County, which was derived from the

Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga, was

$114,829.34. The payments approved by

Tribal Council for this distribution are as follows:

Baraga County — $28,979.80

Baraga Area Schools — $34,888.67;

Baraga Township — $11,673.90

Village of Baraga — $ 8,974.37

Village of Baraga/MTU—Baraga First Responders —$4,000.00

Village of Baraga/KEDA — $2,500.00

L’Anse Area Schools — $17,412.98

L’Anse Township — $1,962.77

Village of L’Anse — $1,436.85

Village of L’Anse/Little Brothers—Friends of

the Elderly — $3,000.00

Distributions totaling $138,419.72 were

made to local units of government in Marquette County that were derived from the

Ojibwa Casino-Marquette for the same period as follows:

Chocolay Township — $70,000.00

UPDATE ON KBIC

TOBACCO

MANUFACTURING

The reality of manufacturing

cigarettes on the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community Reservation is

in sight. Over the past couple of

months, steps have been taken to

prepare the manufacturing facility

and to obtain the required federal

permit.

As depicted in the pictures,

the final pieces of equipment

needed to begin manufacturing

have been purchased and installed at the facility. There is a

short list of items yet to complete

over the next 30 days, which

when complete, will have the facility setup and ready to roll, literally.

Tribal Council members

toured the facility on June 8, during a break from their meeting.

Staff of KBIC along with their

partners were working on the

equipment installation and explained how each piece worked.

~ submitted by Larry Denomie III, CEO

Marquette County — $ 25,000.00

Marquette Township/Superior Watershed

Partnership—KBIC Youth — $27,500.00

Marquette Township/Recreation Committee—Underpass of US-41— $15,919.72

Eight percent (8%) payments are made

to the Michigan Economic Development

Corporation. The May 2017 distribution for

the Ojibwa Casino Resort—Baraga totaled

$459,317.40 and $573,678.93 for the

Ojibwa Casino-Marquette.

The next cycle of awards will be made in

November 2017. Local units of government

within Baraga or Marquette Counties may

apply. Written requests received before

September 30, 2017 will be considered.

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

NOTICE — The KBIC Office of Violence Against Women is

seeking community members to serve on our Advisory

Board. Advisory Board members play an important and vital

role in ensuring that community members are safe and well in

our community. For more information, please call the OVW

Crisis Line at (906) 353-4599.

Elmblad Crown “Little Miss Superior”

Co ng rat u la tions to Shayla

Elmblad who won

the title of “Little

Miss Superior” on

June 10, 2017.

The competition

is open to girls

between the ages

of 8-12 years old.

Areas of competition included: On

-stage interview,

talent, and fashion. By winning

the title, Shayla

reigned over the

Baraga

County

Lake Trout Festival

held

in

L’Anse, Michigan.

Shayla is the daughter of Brian and Suzie Elmblad, of Baraga, Michigan.

(5) Naanan

Baraga Graduates continued:

Makenzie Messer is the daughter of Michelle Messer and Donald Messer, Jr. Her

school activities included basketball and

Students Against Destructive Decisions.

She was on the Honor Roll, Student of the

Week, and her artwork was selected for the

Hancock Art Show. After graduation, she

plans on moving to Green Bay and will be

taking on-line classes at Gogebic Community College to get her basics in Social

Work. She then plans on transferring to

Northern Michigan University or Grand Valley State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Shay Ekdahl is the daughter of Shelley and

Lyndon Ekdahl. She played volleyball, basketball, and was on the Student Council.

She has been on the Honor Roll many times

as well as Honors Convocation. Her hobbies include crafts, art, hiking, and fishing.

She has worked for the Summer Youth Program and is currently working at Subway.

Shay received a Michigan Competitive

Scholarship, a Gear-Up Scholarship nomination, and the Catherine Van Erp scholarship. She will be attending Michigan State

University in the fall majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Grayson Roe is the son of Robin Roe. He

participated in HOSA, the International

Travel Club, Band, Upward Bound. He is

CPR and OSHA certified. Grayson has

been on the Honor Roll since 4 th grade as

well as Honors Convocation. He was the

Salutatorian of his class and a member of

the National Honor Society. He has volunteered at the Aura Jamboree, the Healthy

Heart Fair, and the blood drive. He participated in the work-based learning program at

L’Anse Family Dental. He has worked for

the Summer Youth Program as an office

assistant in the Personnel office and as a

childcare worker at the Youth Center. He

has also worked at Pat’s Foods and Shopko

as a cashier. His hobbies include spending

time with family and friends, kayaking,

camping, and traveling. Grayson received

the Michigan Technological University

Presidential Scholarship of Distinction and a

L’Anse Achievement award. He will be attending Michigan Technological University

in the fall majoring in Pre-medicine.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Randy Owens III is the son of Jami and

Randy Owens, Jr. He participated in varsity

football for three years, varsity track for two

years, one year each of junior varsity and

varsity basketball, and varsity golf. He was

also a member of the quiz bowl and history

smackdown teams. He has worked for the

Summer Youth Program for two years and

also at the Lucky 7’s Restaurant. Randy’s

plans are to join the Air Force. He will be

leaving for basic training in the fall. This

summer he plans on spending time with his

family.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Samantha Chagnon is married to Ronnie

Chagnon. While in high school Samantha

played basketball, volleyball and track. She

has been on the Honor Roll. Her hobbies

include hiking and yoga. She has worked at

an A & W restaurant. Her future plans include raising her family and attending college.

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@kbicnsn.gov.

Nathaniel Welsh is the son of

Jimi Kokko and Bryan Welsh.

He was a member of the history

smackdown team and travelled

with the Physics club to the Museum of Science and Industry in

Chicago. He has been on the

Honor Roll many times and won

1st place in a high school writing

contest. He has been awarded

the Dr. Harold and Arlene Ripple

Scholarship. Nathan will be attending Michigan Technological

University this fall, studying Biological Sciences under the PreProfessional area. He may possibly double major with Medical

Laboratory Science as he hopes

to attend medical school.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Christian Hakola is the son of Teri DeCota.

While in school, his focus was graduating

and his main achievement was receiving his

diploma. When he attended Baraga Area

Schools, he played basketball. His hobbies

include hunting, fishing, canoeing, and fourwheeling. He has worked at the fish hatchery with the Watershed Program. After

graduation, he plans to go on a vacation

and then seek employment.

Richard Tilson is the son

of Peggy Bittner and Dale

Tilson. He has been on

the Honor Roll. His hobbies are archery, biking,

hiking, drawing, reading,

painting, and playing the

guitar and keyboard. He

has worked as a cook,

cleaner, painter, dishwasher, and roofer. Richard is currently employed

at the Hilltop as a cook and

baker. He is considering

attending college in the

future.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

15th Annual KBIC Kids Fishing Derby Held

Diana LaPlante is the daughter of Rhonda

LaVigne-Heikkinen and Jack Veker. She

attended L’Anse High School before attending L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools.

Her hobbies include riding in the woods,

going to the beach, and four-wheeling. She

has worked at the DeYoung Family Zoo,

Morin Fireworks, and is currently employed

at Auto Value. Her future plans include continued employment and raising her daughter.

The Community looks forward every year

to a grand event held the last weekend of

June. The 15th Annual KBIC Kids Fishing

Derby was held on Saturday, June 24,

2017, at the Sand Point Pond near the

Lighthouse in Baraga, Michigan. The event

went as planned despite the rainy weather.

Up and down the pond area, one could see

fishing poles extending out from an abundance of umbrellas. This year’s event was

in honor of Richard L. Semasky, Sr.

Derby Coordinator and KBNRD Fisheries

and Wildlife Biologist, Gene Mensch, with

the help of Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources Department (KBNRD) staff and

many community volunteers, worked to

make this event a success. Winner details

were not available at time of print. Please

watch for a more detailed article on this

event in the next issue of the Wiikwedong Picture by Lauri Denomie.

KBNRD staff member, David Seppanen, assists (above) Sam

Dazhi-Ojibwe.

Lee and (below) Machai Loonsfoot, with their catch.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Robin Chosa assists Jalisa Heath

with casting her pole.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Pursuing her dreams, Rasanen earns second

Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Cathy Velmer is married to Larry Velmer.

She enjoys spending time with her family

and raising her children. She is the proud

grandmother of a new granddaughter, Lexa.

Cathy worked for 15 years as a housekeeper in the Tribe’s Public Works Department. Her future plans include attending

college, and she is undecided on a major at

this time.

KBIC Tribal member, Rebecca Rasanen,

is a 2010 graduate of Baraga High School,

2014 graduate of The University of Michigan,

and now a 2017 graduate of Ferris State

University. Rebecca graduated from U of M

with her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and passed the National Board Exam to

become a certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)

following graduation. She then went on to

pursue a second degree from Ferris State

University, where she also worked as a

graduate assistant Athletic Trainer for the

Bulldog’s successful D2 football team for two

years. In May, Rebecca graduated from Ferris State with her second Bachelor’s degree

in Nuclear Medicine Technology and has

since become a certified Nuclear Medicine

Technologist (CNMT) and a certified Nuclear

Radiology Technologist (RT(N)) after passing both National Board Exams offered.

Continues on page twelve.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

472 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

Phone: 906-353-4566 • Fax: 906-353-8132

• E-mail: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the following services:

 Establishment, Enforcement

and Modification of Child

Support Orders

 Paternity Establishment

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Community Education

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Changing lives in our

community: KCOCC’s Corrections/

Criminal Justice Program

In October 2015, the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College began a new program that

brought valuable employment opportunities to

our community. Classes in corrections and

criminal justice were offered in a local setting

and taught by three employees of Baraga Correctional Facility.

The instructors are: William Jondreau, Sr.,

Resident Unit Manager; Joe Bouchard, Librarian; and Ralph Sackett, Assistant Resident Unit

Supervisor. With nearly 75 years of experience

in the field between them, these committed instructors pair realism with classroom learning.

Left to right, William “Bill” Jondreau, Sr.

and Joe Bouchard.

Eight classes are now offered at KBOCC that

are specific to the corrections profession, including a unique course on contraband control and

one that focuses on staff relations. Through

KBOCC’s CJ program, students may earn the

fifteen credits necessary to be eligible to apply

as a corrections officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections. The CJ instructors guide

students through the application process to become a corrections officer.

In the short time the program has been in

place, about a dozen students have become

employed as corrections officers for the Michigan Department of Corrections at three Upper

Peninsula Correctional Faculties. The six students pictured below are the first wave of

KBOCC students to become MDOC corrections

officers, completing their credits in early 2016.

Left to right, John Lee, Drake Sullivan, Josh Mukka,

Ted Krask, Kyle Stein, and Austin Santti.

The CJ program continues to grow and prepare students for a careers in criminal justice.

For more information, please contact Keweenaw

Bay Ojibwa Community College at 524 – 8301.

KBOCC President Parrish Gives Input

for Featured Article of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Delta Magazine

Press release date: June 20, 2017

Tuesday afternoon, Delta Sky Magazine representatives visited Travel Marquette to discuss

an upcoming U.P.-wide profile in the publication.

Debbie Parrish, KBOCC President, attended to

provide information and discuss workforce development in Baraga County and educational

opportunities. Her main goal was to ensure that

the rich Native American history and culture is

represented in the profile piece. This will be

great coverage for the College and the local

area.

The Delta representatives talked to interested

local advertisers about how they could get in the

profile piece, what the rates are to advertise,

(8) Ishwaaswi

and what should be covered in an ad for Sky

Magazine. Last December, Marquette County

was given a profile piece in the magazine that

was distributed on every Delta flight, but this

year, the publication has decided to feature the

entire Upper Peninsula.

"You know we get a lot of community pride. I

think all Yoopers are very proud of where they

come from, so we're super excited that they're

super excited to also be a part of this, tell the

story of the Upper Peninsula, and really share

what we have to offer with the rest of the world,”

said Nicole Young of Travel Marquette.

Check out the U.P.-wide feature in Delta Sky

Magazine this December.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM

AWARDS STUDENTS

The Keweenaw Bay Education Committee

offers the Education Incentive Program to local

KBIC tribal students. Monetary incentives are

awarded at the end of each of the four marking

periods of the academic year. Students must be

enrolled KBIC members, reside in Baraga,

Houghton, Ontonagon, or Marquette counties

and must attend a public or private school. A

student’s Honor Roll status is defined according

to the requirements of their school district.

The following fifty students were placed on

the Honor Roll for the third marking period of

the 2016-17 academic year:

Baraga – Ireland Chosa, Robert Curtis, Allison

Durant, Richard Geroux, Bailey Harden, Rylee

Holm, Steele Jondreau, Kamrin Kahkonen,

Keegin Kahkonen, Georgia Lofquist, Angel

Loonsfoot, Shawna Lussier, Steven Maki, Lyndsey Mayo, Jenna Messer, Liliana Messer, Kylie

Michaelson, Isaiah Peterson, Presley Rasanen,

Alana Schofield, Katie Strong, Kayla Szaroletta,

and Nathaniel Welsh.

L’Anse – Dysean Allen, Keira Dakota, Sara

Dakota, Shay Ekdahl, Christopher Genschow,

Robert Genschow III, Rayleah Jacobs, Chase

Larson, Rowen Rexford, Grayson Roe, Charles

Spruce, Alicia Stein, Marianna Teikari, Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools – Stacy

DeCota, Jeffrey Heath, Richard Tilson, and

Sydni Voakes.

Marquette – Neebin Ashbrook-Pietila, Aden

Hamalainen, Zoe Hamalainen, and Taylor Havican.

Sacred Heart Catholic – Rachael Velmer and

Zachary Velmer.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe and Taylor Shelafoe.

The following eighteen students received

awards for achieving Perfect Attendance:

Baraga – Bailey Harden, Rylee Holm, Steele

Jondreau, Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen,

Steven Maki, Virgil Mongozid, Leeah Owens,

Isaiah Peterson, and Presley Rasanen.

L’Anse – Elsie Madosh, Matthew Stein, and

Paige Zasadnyj.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe, Kimber Shelafoe,

Taylor Shelafoe, Destinee Stanton, and Lacie

Stanton.

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.

Lawrence Dowd, Jr., case #17-087, §3.412, Illegal

entry upon lands – 5th offense

Sentencing on 06/12/2017, #17-087, §3.412:

1. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for one day jail served,

eighty-nine (89) days jail to be served. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

(Concurrent with case #17-103).

2. Defendant will be on payment probation.

Lawrence Dowd, Jr. case #17-103, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 6th offense

Sentencing on 06/12/2017, 17-103, §3.1308:

1. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for one day jail served,

eighty-nine (89) days jail be served. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

(Concurrent with case #17-087).

2. Defendant will be on payment probation.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa

KBIC Veterans) Meeting

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Meeting will

be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017,

1900 hours, at the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa

Building, KBIC Industrial Park (off M-38),

Baraga, MI 49908.

Future meeting dates: August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, and

December 20, 2017.

Roger Allen Seppanen

Leslie A. “Les” Haataja

(March 10, 1951—May 24, 2017)

(February 18, 1956—June 9, 2017)

Roger Allen Seppanen, age 66 of L’Anse, MI,

passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at

UP Health System, Marquette, MI.

He was born March 10, 1951 in L’Anse, son

of Waino and Eleanor (Spruce) Seppanen.

Roger will be greatly missed by his family, but

they have comfort in knowing he is at peace and

in the glorious presence of our Lord Father in

Heaven for all eternity.

Surviving are his mother: Eleanor Seppanen

of L’Anse; brothers: Ronald (Elizabeth) Spruce

of L’Anse, Robert Seppanen of L’Anse, John

(Carol) Seppanen of L’Anse, and William Seppanen of Baraga; sisters: Dorothy Stephens of

Baraga, and Wanda Seppanen of Baraga; plus

numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Private family services were held. Jacobson

Funeral Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

Leslie A. "Les" Haataja, age 61, of L'Anse,

died peacefully Friday, June 9, 2017, at his

home with his loving family by his side. He was

born in Chicago, IL, on February 18, 1956, the

son of Alex and Rosemary (Spruce) Haataja.

Les was raised in L'Anse, MI, and graduated

from L'Anse High School in 1974. He continued

his education at Suomi College earning an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, graduating

with honors.

He married the former Cindi Koski on March

28, 1981.

Les attended United Methodist

Church in Zeba. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Ojibwa

Senior Citizens. Over the years, Les worked for

many companies, including: Haataja Manufacturing, Tribal Construction, and was a Sergeant

with Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). He was a Sergeant with the

Michigan Department of Corrections where he

worked for over 24 years, retiring March 1, 2017.

Les loved to keep busy outdoors by camping,

fishing, hunting, and doing yard work. He spent

many summers at the farm making hay. He

loved spending time with his family.

Les is survived by his loving wife: Cindi; children: Leslie (Megan) Haataja II, Corey (Angela)

Haataja, and Cody Haataja. His grandchildren:

Jackson and Kyla were his pride and joy. He is

also survived by his mother: Rosemary Haataja;

brothers:

William "Sonny" Haataja, Randy

(Lynn) Haataja, Steve Haataja, Darren Haataja;

and sister: Laurie (Mark) Irwin; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and

nephews. He was preceded in death by his father: Alex Haataja; cousin: Terry Haataja;

mother-in-law: D. Jeanne Koski; and father-inlaw: William C. Koski.

Funeral services were held on June 14,

2017, at the Zeba Community Hall, Zeba, Michigan, with Pastor John Henry officiating. The

Michigan Department of Corrections Honor

Guard were present. Interment took place in the

Pinery Cemetery. Immediately following the interment, friends joined the family for fellowship

and a luncheon at the Zeba Community Hall.

Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse assisted the family.

Amari Anthony Gibson

(March 16, 2017—June 6, 2017)

Amari

Anthony

Gibson was born on

March 16, 2017, at 9

lbs. 2 oz. Our little

baby's life was short

lived; however, his

beauty and magic will

linger forever. In his

two and one-half

months spent here on

earth, he touched so

many lives, as an angel from God would.

A little angel sent to

us from heaven. Now

you are back in God's

arms our son, though

your memory will eternally and forever live in our hearts. Till we meet

again, our Amari.

He is survived by Mommy, Nicole Eagle;

brother and sisters: Nickolas Sobay, Keith Gibson, Karina Gibson, and Kayla Gibson; grandparents: Janice Halverson and Deisha Gibson;

aunties and uncles: Joshua Eagle, Tony Eagle,

Robert Gibson, Ethan Halverson, Jonathan Gibson, Chalsea Smith, and Corrine Gibson.

Amari was followed in death by his father,

Anthony Gibson, and preceded in death by his

grandfather, Anthony Eagle

Eugene A. Loonsfoot II

(June 11, 1973—June 12, 2017)

Eugene A. Loonsfoot II, age 44, of L’Anse,

Michigan, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017,

at the Baraga County Memorial Hospital,

L’Anse. He was born in L’Anse on June 11,

1973, the son of Eugene Loonsfoot, Sr. and

Carol Maki. Eugene graduated from L’Anse

High School in 1993. He had worked in the

maintenance department at the Ojibwa Casino.

Eugene was a member of Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community and was a KBIC Beartown Wildland

Firefighter for over 18 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling.

He loved

spending time with his children and family.

Eugene is survived by his loving family —

significant other: Patti Cote of L’Anse; children:

Eugene III, Kiersten, and Machai Loonsfoot, all

of L’Anse; mother: Carol (David) Wettberg of

L’Anse; father: Eugene (Katie) Loonsfoot of

Baraga; brother: Brian Loonsfoot of Green Bay,

WI; sisters: Erin Loonsfoot of Green Bay, WI,

Jaimee Loonsfoot of Baraga, Angela Loonsfoot

of Baraga, Diana Carlson of Zeba, and Nevaeh

Loonsfoot of Baraga; step sisters: Sandy Meadows of Green Bay, WI, and Chris Kagabitang of

Green Bay, WI.

Numerous aunts, uncles,

nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. He

was preceded in death by his sister, Kelly Carlson.

Memorial services for Eugene was held on

Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the Zeba Community Hall, Zeba, Michigan. A luncheon followed

the service. Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of

L’Anse assisted the family.

To be added to the mailing list

or to correct your mailing address, contact the enrollment

office at (906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

Medicare Cards Changing

Medicare is taking steps to remove Social

Security numbers from Medicare cards.

Through this initiative, the Centers for Medicare

& Medicaid Services (CMS) will prevent fraud,

fight identity theft, protect essential program

funding, and protect the private healthcare and

financial information of our Medicare beneficiaries.

CMS will issue new Medicare cards with a

new unique, randomly-assigned number called a

Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) to replace

the existing Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) both on the cards

and in various CMS systems used now. We’ll

start mailing new cards to people with Medicare

benefits in April 2018. All Medicare cards will be

replaced by April 2019.

CMS is developing capabilities where doctors

and other healthcare providers will be able to

look up the new MBI through a secure tool at the

point of service. To make this change easier for

our business operations, there is a 21-month

transition period where all healthcare providers

will be able to use either the MBI or the HICN for

billing purposes.

To place an ad, submit an article, or relate

information, ideas, or possible articles contact: Lauri Denomie at (906) 201-0263, or email: newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

(9) Zhaangaswi

(10) Midaaswi

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

2017 TIMBER STAND

IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2017 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2017)

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community will be offering Timber Stand Improvement

(TSI) units to be cut this fall to registered tribal members. Cutting areas are 8 acres in

size. All cutting must be completed by October 31, 2017.

*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.

Those who sign up must be registered tribal members of Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community living within Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, or Marquette

Counties. The sign-up sheet is located at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center. Last day to

sign-up will be July 28, 2017.

48 Contiguous United

States:

Household

Size

Cutters will be selected by the KBIC Tribal Council. Those selected will be notified by

phone and/or mail. Selected tribal members must be willing and able to do the cutting

they are hired for. No subcontracting of cutting will be allowed. All cutters are required to provide their own boots and chainsaws. Eye, head, ear, leg, and hand protection

will also be required, but can be provided upon request.

Preference will be given to those that are unemployed.

Please contact David Osmak, BIA Forester, at 353-6692 for additional information.

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$ 990

+

$157

=

$1,147

2

$1,335

+

$157

=

$1,492

3

$1,680

+

$157

=

$1,837

4

$2,025

+

$168

=

$2,193

5

$2,370

+

$197

=

$2,567

6

$2,715

+

$226

=

$2,941

7

$3,061

+

$226

=

$3,287

8

$3,408

+

$226

=

$3,634

NOTICE

The Real Estate Office of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (Community), as Lessor and land owner, will take action to officially cancel the below listed leases/assignments

(leases) that pose a serious threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the Community. The below listed leases have been abandoned, fallen into disrepair and are not in

compliance with the terms and conditions thereof.

LAST KNOWN LESSEE

Evelyn Elizabeth

(Spruce) Holappa

Jerome E. “Yogi”

Crebessa

Byron Barbano

Evelyn M (Miller) Onkala

LEASE/ASSIGNMENT

NO.

K-155 (88)

KB774 (01)

DATE OF DEATH

October 1, 2010

July 26, 2011

308 (f/k/a 311.1)

August 15, 2002

UNKNOWN

May 29, 2001

Use this

amount

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

Each additional member

+ $347

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

STRUCTURE ADDRESS

1

$1,237

+

$268

=

$1,505

2

$1,669

+

$268

=

$1,937

15758 Marksman Road,

L’Anse, Michigan 49946

3

$2,100

+

$268

=

$2,368

4

$2,532

+

$268

=

$2,800

5

$2,964

+

$268

=

$3,232

6

$3,395

+

$282

=

$3,677

7

$3,827

+

$282

=

$4,109

8

$4,260

+

$282

=

$4,542

15557 Marksman Road,

L’Anse, Michigan 49946

16200 Zeba Road

L’Anse, Michigan 49946

15845 Marksman Road,

L’Anse, Michigan 49946

If you believe you have an interest in a lease listed above and object to the Community’s

planned action, you must present, in writing and no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this Notice, why the Community should not act to cancel the Lease and remove/

demolish the abandoned facilities and structures located thereon, to:

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Attn: Real Estate Office

16429 Beartown Road

Baraga, Michigan 49908

Any heirs, successors, executors and/or assigns who submit a written letter as to why

the Community should not cancel the leases identified above will also be required to present their case, in person, to the Tribal Council of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, on

a date to be set by the Lessor.

Each additional member

+ $434

July 2017 Calendar Events









July 3-4: Tribal Gov’t Offices closed for 4th

of July Holiday;

July 8: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am,

Ojibwa Casino Conference Room, Baraga;

July 14: 8:30 am—12 noon, Beach clean

up, meet at Sand Point Light House (Lake

Superior Day).

July 21-23: Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

(11) Ashi bezhig

L’Anse/Baraga Community Schools

Graduates continued:

Sydni Voakes is the daughter of Vicki Dakota and Jeremy Voakes. During high

school, she was on the Honor Roll, received an outstanding band student award,

and was dually enrolled at Keweenaw Bay

Ojibwa Community College where she

completed an Environmental Studies class.

Her hobbies include drawing, painting, and

playing video games. She has worked for

the Summer Youth Program, and is currently employed as a Plant Technician for

the Tribe’s Natural Resource Department.

Her future plans are to attend Ojibwa Community College and later transfer to an art

school.

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

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Office of Violence Against Women will be having a 50/50

raffle at the Annual Powwow. One will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017, and another one

Saturday, July 22, 2017.