The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2015)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gichi Manidoo Giizis - Great Spirit Moon - January 2015

Issue 126

Tribal Council Members:

GENERAL ELECTION HELD AT KBIC

Donald Shalifoe, Sr., Ogimaa

Carole LaPointe, Vice-President

Jean Jokinen, Secretary

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Asst. Secretary

Eddy Edwards, Treasurer

Warren C. Swartz, Jr.

Susan J. LaFernier

Jennifer Misegan

Robert D. (RD) Curtis, Jr.

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Don Messer, Jr.

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

Picture by Lauri Denomie.



December 6th Tribal Council

Meeting



General Election Held



Andrew Chosa named

Aanikoosing, Inc. CEO



Thomas Chosa named Baraga

Fire Chief



Youth Christmas Parties



Marquette Senior Christmas

Luncheon Held



Ojibwa Senior Citizens News



Deepest Sympathy



Aainoojiiyens

Voters registering at the Baraga District with Election Workers.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

held their General Election on Saturday,

December 13, 2014. Baraga District voters cast their ballots at the Ojibwa Senior

Center, and L’Anse District voters cast

their ballots at the new Zeba Community

Hall. A Primary Election was held on November 1, 2014, for the L’Anse and

Baraga Districts which put the top four

candidates in each district on the ballot for

the General Election.

Preliminary counts were announced by

the Election workers immediately following

the closing of the polls. Those results follow:

Baraga District:

Robert “RD” Curtis (Inc.) 259 votes;

Doreen Blaker 392 votes;

Fred Dakota 226 votes;

Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo 237 votes.

L’Anse District :

Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews (Inc.) 235

votes;

Jean Jokinen 210 votes (Inc.);

Randy Haataja 331 votes;

Toni Minton 330 votes.

Doreen Blaker and Robert “RD” Curtis

each secured a three-year term in the

Baraga District. Randy Haataja and Toni

Minton each secured a three-year term in

the L’Anse District.

Proposal 1 – Do you support allowing

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to

issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples subject to tribal rules and regulations? 302 yes, 261 no. Proposal passes.

Proposal 2 – Do you support allowing

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to

manufacture and/or sell marijuana for

adults 21 and over, and the possession of

marijuana by these adults all subject to

tribal licensing, taxation, and regulation?

298 yes, 267 no. Proposal passes.

Popular Referendum 1 - Do you vote to

approve the acquisition of the Baraga

Lakeside Hotel and Marina for relocating

the Ojibwa Casino Baraga? 246 yes, 319

no. Referendum defeated.

Popular Referendum 2 – If the acquisition of Baraga Lakeside Hotel and Marina

is approved by popular referendum, do

you approve a $31,200,000.00 budget for

building the new casino and renovating

the hotel? 229 yes, 333 no. Referendum

defeated.

Election results are on the agenda to

be considered for certification by the Tribal

Council at the meeting scheduled for

January 10, 2015. Following certification,

the twelve seat council will make nominations and vote for their Executive Board.

SANTA VISITS WITH KBIC YOUTH

Santa Claus visited Marquette KBIC

youth on Saturday, December 20, 2014, at

the Marquette Children’s Museum. Children visited with Santa, and each received

a special gift and bag of Christmas candy.

Jett’s Pizza was served, and families were

able to enjoy the exhibits and activities offered throughout the museum.

Santa Claus returned to the reservation

on Sunday, December 21, 2014, and visited with KBIC youth at the Niiwin Akeaa

Facility. Each child received a special gift

and a bag of Christmas candy. Pizza Hut

pizza was served.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Max Bressette isn’t quite sure about this

man they call Santa Claus.

Both events were made possible by the KBIC Youth Committee,

KBIC Youth staff, and KBIC Tribal

Council.

Santa pictures continues on page six.

(1) Bezhig

DECEMBER 6, 2014 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Saturday Tribal

Council Meeting was held on December

6, 2014, at the Ojibwa Casino Conference Meeting Room in Baraga, Michigan. Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr. presided over the meeting with Jean Jokinen, Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Eddy Edwards, Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Michael

F. LaFernier, Sr., Susan J. LaFernier,

Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Don Messer,

Jr., Jennifer Misegan, and Warren C.

Swartz, Jr. present.

Not present:

Carole LaPointe.

Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr., shared

numerous Thank You and For Your Information items addressed to Council.

Eddy Edwards gave the Treasurer’s

Report, (page three). Council approved

the Department Head Reports for October 2014. Approval of minutes July 11,

2013, through September 26, 2013, and

August 14, 2014, through November 14,

2014, were on the agenda. Motion by

Jean Jokinen to table minutes July

11, 2013, through September 26,

2013, and August 14, 2014, through

November 14, 2014, supported by

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. Nine supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen, Loonsfoot,

Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier, Matthews, Messer, Misegan), two opposed (S. LaFernier, Swartz), 0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe), motion carried.

Jean Jokinen brought forward discussion on an All Department Employee

Christmas Party. Motion by Gary F.

Loonsfoot, Sr. to table the Christmas

Party discussion until the next meeting, supported by Susan J. LaFernier.

Eleven supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen,

Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M.

LaFernier, Susan LaFernier, Matthews, Messer, Misegan, Swartz), 0

opposed, 0 abstained, one absent

(LaPointe), motion carried.

Eddy Edwards reminded Council of a

presentation about a month ago from

M3 and Keith Barry after they did an audit of both our retirement plans. There

is an opportunity to save $105,000.00 in

fees for managing it. M3 had presented,

at that time, a proposal to charge a fee

of .25 percent on the retirement fund for

managing it versus the current fee .60

percent.

That saves approximately

$105,000.00. I sent an e-mail approximately two months ago to our current

advisor, Wells Fargo, asking them to

provide their fees in writing. They responded asking me to look in my own

files for the information and have not responded since then. Motion by Eddy

Edwards to hire M3 and to keep Keith

Barry as our retirement advisor for both

of our retirement plans, supported by

Robert R.D. Curtis Jr. Motion made by

Jennifer Misegan to table this discussion on the retirement plan budget

for two weeks until the Treasurer

contacts Julio Riolo, supported by

Susan J. LaFernier, Six supported

(Loonsfoot,

M.

LaFernier,

S.

LaFernier, Messer, Misegan, Swartz),

five opposed (Shalifoe, Jokinen, Edwards, Curtis, Matthews), 0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe), motion carried.

Jennifer Misegan asked if Mary

Streitz had received the information she

had requested regarding the Tobacco

(2) Niizh

Tax issue and asked if the Treasurer

provided her with it. Treasurer Edwards

indicated that he had not been instructed to do so. A conference call will

be scheduled with Mary Streitz in regards to the Tobacco Tax issue, Tribal

General Welfare Exclusion Act, and the

state’s new proposal about tax on gas.

Treasurer Eddy Edwards brought

forward the donations for December

2014. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to

approve the December 2014 donations in the amount of $500.00 for

March of Dimes (match), $500.00 for

the Wounded Warrior Project, and

$1,000.00 for the Salvation Army of

Ishpeming for a total of $2,000.00,

supported by Susan J. LaFernier.

Eleven supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen,

Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M.

LaFernier, S. LaFernier, Matthews,

Messer, Misegan, Swartz), 0 opposed,

0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe),

motion carried.

Treasurer Eddy Edwards brought forward the 2% requests. Council reviewed the list and made their distribution choices (list follows article). Motion

by Jean Jokinen to approve the 2%

requests for Marquette County pending the resolution, supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Ten supported

(Shalifoe, Jokinen, Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Messer, Misegan), one opposed (Swartz), 0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe), motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer

Misegan to table the Baraga 2% requests until this next Thursday meeting, supported by Susan J. LaFernier.

Eleven supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen,

Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M.

LaFernier, S. LaFernier, Matthews,

Messer, Misegan, Swartz), 0 opposed,

0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe),

motion carried.

Council reviewed bids for a new

snow removal truck for the Marquette

Casino. Motion by Gary F. Loonsfoot,

Sr. to table this and get new proposals on basic trucks not crew cabs

and at governmental rates, supported

by Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. Nine supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen, Loonsfoot,

Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Misegan), two

opposed (Messer, Swartz), 0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe), motion carried.

Eddy Edwards brought forward Lakeside financing plans if the popular referendum is approved at Saturday’s election. He has a bank lined up to provide

financing for the acquisition, and they

are requesting a Council motion of approval. Motion made by Eddy Edwards

to approve the Treasurer and the President to obtain financing the acquisition

of the Lakeside Inn up to $2.6 million

contingent on approval of the popular

referendum to be held next Saturday,

supported by Jean Jokinen. Motion

made by Jennifer Misegan to table

this until we get the information from

the CFO Francis “Hosh” LaPointe,

supported by Warren “Chris” Swartz,

Jr.

Six supported (Loonsfoot, M.

LaFernier, S. LaFernier, Matthews,

Misegan, Swartz), five opposed

(Shalifoe, Jokinen, Edwards, Curtis,

Messer), 0 abstained, one absent

(LaPointe), motion carried.

Elizabeth “Liz” Julio requested tribal

approval through a written letter of support recognizing her as an Ojibwemowin

Instructor; a requirement to become a

federally recognized Ojibwemowin Instructor. Motion made by Eddy Edwards to table Elizabeth “Liz” Julio’s

request until Earl Otchingwanigan

can give her an evaluation, supported

by Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Eleven

supported (Shalifoe, Jokinen, Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier,

S. LaFernier, Matthews, Messer,

Misegan, Swartz), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (LaPointe), motion carried.

Council moved into closed session

with Christmas Check Denials on the

agenda. Upon moving into open session with the follow motions made prior

to closing.

Motion made by Jean

Jokinen to give Liz Ekdahl, Yvette Friisvall, Colleen Gauthier, Christian

Pelto, Logan Roe, Baghi SandmanShelifoe, and James Wood their

Christmas Checks, supported by

Eddy Edwards.

Five supported

(Shalifoe, Jokinen, Edwards, Curtis,

Matthews), six opposed (Loonsfoot,

M. LaFernier, S. LaFernier, Messer,

Misegan, Swartz), 0 abstained, one

absent (LaPointe), motion defeated.

Motion made by Jennifer Misegan to

table this until we get some information in writing from the Enrollment

Director and to have it available for

Council at Thursday’s meeting and to

have it discussed in closed session,

so Council may make an informed

decision, supported by Susan J.

LaFernier. Ten supported (Shalifoe,

Jokinen, Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, S. LaFernier, Messer,

Misegan, Swartz), 0 opposed, one abstained (Matthews), one absent

(LaPointe), motion carried.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Editor

Marquette County 2% Distributions

City of Marquette

 NMU NASA “Learning to Walk To





gether” Traditional Powwow - $6,000.00

Beacon House - $10,000.00

YMCA, Breaking Down Barriers $30,000.00

Room at the Inn Homeless Shelter,

venting system - $5,000.00

Chocolay Charter Township

 Fire Department - $80,329.94

Marquette County

 AMCAB, Meals on Wheels - $5,000.00

 Aging Services Retired and Senior Vol





unteer Program - $5,000.00

Marquette Co. Health Dept., Pregnant

and Parenting Teens Program $4,000.00

Marquette Co. Suicide Prevention Alliance - $3,000.00

Restorative Justice Program, 25th Circuit

Division, Family Division - $5,000.00

Forsyth Township

 UPSET, Help with operating costs/



expenses - $10,000.00

Gwinn Area Community Schools, K-12

Textbooks, on-line subscriptions, science/lab instruments - $10,000.00

TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2014

This past week I attended the White

House Tribal Nation’s Conference in

Washington D.C. along with hundreds of

Tribal Leaders from across the country.

I had the opportunity to speak directly

with various high level administration

officials about some of our issues. First,

I spoke with EPA Deputy Administrator,

Jane Nishida, and EPA Administrator,

Gina McCarthy, about the Federal Government’s trust responsibility to Tribal

Nations. In particular, I asked them how

can they justify to President Obama that

they are adequately discharging their

trust responsibility to us when they delegate authority to the State of Michigan.

Especially since the State has acknowledged that they don’t even know what

trust responsibility is. I reiterated to

these government officials that our future existence relies on clean water and

clean air and that we need them to

make sure the laws are enforced and

permits are required. Many other Tribal

leaders made the same plea to keep our

water and air clean.

In addition, I was able to meet Hilary

Tompkins, Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, a Navajo woman,

and another Indian woman, Venus

Prince, Deputy Solicitor of Indian Affairs.

I was able to speak to both of them several times about our land claim issue

and that we needed them to help us correct a mistake made long ago. They

were both very encouraging about the

opportunity. Yesterday, one of our attorneys at Dorsey Whitney had a phone

conference with Deputy Solicitor, Venus

Prince, to follow up on moving forward

with our land claim. After meeting these

women, I believe we have a very good

chance that the Office of the Solicitor of

the U.S. Department of the Interior will

help us with our land claim.

On another note, we have 2% distributions to consider for the period ending

September 31, 2014. In Baraga, there

is $133,640.60 available, and in Marquette, there is $173,329.94 available

for distribution. For the Baraga distribution, we did not receive any proposed

projects for funding by the deadline besides operational expenses at Bay Ambulance. From Marquette, we received

many requests and copies are in Council packets.

Popular referendum certification was

created for the record and has been provided to Council. Last month we held a

popular referendum in three locations:

Baraga, L’Anse, and the Trust Lands in

Marquette. Voting was done by secret

ballot and controlled by the Election

Chairwoman and the Secretary of the

Council. Both land acquisitions were

approved along with the consulting contract with M3 Insurance services for employee health benefits.

We have another upcoming popular

referendum as part of the general election to be held next Saturday, December

13th. This popular referendum has two

questions: The first question is: “Do you

approve acquiring the Baraga Lakeside

Inn and Marina, under different terms

from the last deal, for relocating the Casino.” This deal is different and better

for us because it does not involve assuming liabilities. It does not involve

property taxes, and it saves us over

$150,000.00 compared to the last deal.

The second question on the popular referendum is: “If the acquisition is approved by the people, do you then approve a $31,200,000.00 budget for the

relocation and construction of our new

casino at the Lakeside.”

In case this popular referendum is

approved, I have been meeting with

staff and assigning tasks in order to

bring the Baraga Lakeside Inn into our

Baraga Casino’s operations as a department. We need a smooth transition, so

we can keep operating the hotel and

marina and bring in revenue while we

finalize our design plans for the new casino. If we move forward with this plan,

we could see a brand new casino on the

lakeside within 18-24 months. I also

have a plan for financing the acquisition,

and I have it on the agenda later this

morning.

Our new point of sale system, Agylisis, has been getting implemented

throughout our casinos, and staff has

been attending training. It is a big project that affects multiple departments in

both casinos. It will greatly improve

sales reporting and inventory controls.

We received four proposals related

to our request for proposals to perform

due diligence on the L’Anse Warden

Electric Company. I have met with the

forester and the Director of Tribal Natural Resources and her staff, and we all

have been reviewing the proposals, and

we will be meeting again next week to

try to narrow down our recommendation

to Council. I have forwarded those proposals to Council, so they can review

them. Our group will present our recommendation as soon as we can.

I participated in a phone conference

along with Frances “Hosh” LaPointe,

Jim Nardi, and Julie Raby with our consultant Vickie Thoreson from M3 regarding our options for complying with the

Affordable Care Act (ACA) in terms of

our part-time employees. It appears

that the law allows us in this first year to

move forward with the insurance and

coverage that we have in place today in

terms of the number of employees being

covered. The ACA only requires us to

provide coverage to 70% of the eligible

employees without facing penalty. We

are currently meeting that goal and have

a 44 employee cushion as a moving target as employees come and go, and we

are tracking it closely.

I would like to acknowledge that Eagle Radio became profitable this past

year. The company took on additional

duties related to advertising placement

and marketing coordination for our casinos, and it proved profitable for Eagle

Radio.

The Pines recently opened a new

small smoke shop on the L’Anse side of

the reservation at 804 N. Main Street in

a space provided by the Ojibwa Housing

Authority as an effort to collaborate and

cooperate between Tribal entities. The

new store is across the street from

KBOCC’s new Wabanung campus and

just down the street from the upcoming

Rez Stop gas station. So members and

customers may now buy cigarettes on

the L’Anse side, and soon they will also

be able to buy fuel on the L’Anse side of

the reservation.

The new Zeba Community Hall is

nearing completion. Tribal members will

be voting during the general election in

this building and will hold this year’s ballot count there. We hope to have a

grand opening in February.

Respectfully submitted,

Eddy Edwards, Treasurer

DISCOVERING OUR CONSTITUTION

Baraga County 2% Distributions

From the Thursday, December 11,

2014, Council Meeting —

Motion by Jean Jokinen to approve

the 2% requests for Baraga County

pending resolution, supported by

Robert “RD” Curtis, Jr. Ten supported (Shalifoe, LaPointe, Jokinen,

Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis, M.

LaFernier, Matthews, Messer, Misegan), one opposed (S. LaFernier), 0

abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion carried.

 Baraga Township - $70,152.48

 Baraga Township/Bay Ambulance $25,000.00

 Baraga Fire Dept. - $20,950.00

 Baraga Village - $17,538.12

January 2015, Question 2

What Article and Section of our Constitution

allows for Amendments to be made to our Constitution, and how is that accomplished? The second part may be tricky, as there has been Federal

legislation passed that allows for an additional

way of requesting the Secretary to call an election.

How to enter:

Each Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal

Member, 18 years of age or older and living on the reservation, will be allowed to

submit answers to the Constitutional Committee via; e-mail at constcommittee@kbic-nsn.gov; or by letter to Constitutional Committee Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community, 16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, Michigan, 49908, or by dropping off your answers at the Tribal Center to be placed into the Constitutional Committee’s mail box. To be eligible to win, your name and enrollment number must be

on the document you are submitting and must be in no later than the last day of the

month in which the question was asked.

(3) Niswi

NEWS FROM THE OJIBWA SENIOR CITIZENS

On December 4-6, 2014, twenty-two

(22) Ojibwa Seniors (pictured above)

travelled to Green Bay to shop at the

Fox River Mall and attend a Christmas

Show at the Meyer Theater. They dined

at the Hagemeister Restaurant in downtown Green Bay. Participating in this trip

were: Philomena Ekdahl, Lois Bedell,

Paul and Karen Mayo, Avis Leinonen,

Lena Kuopus, Sandy Swartz, Wanda

Seppanen, William “Chill” Seppanen,

Marsha Pharr, Don and Rosie Funke,

Wally and Veronica Adams, Jackie

Beauchamp,

Barbara and Wilmer

Loonsfoot, Floyd and Susie Crawford,

Debbie Parrish, Betsy Ross, and Rosemary Haataja.

Upcoming Events:

January:

 January 7, 12:15 p.m. Senior Meeting.



January 10-18, Western Caribbean

Cruise.

 January 21, 12:15 p.m. Pasty prep.

Volunteers are needed and are very

much appreciated.

 January 22, 5 a.m. Pasty making.

Volunteers are needed as early as

possible! We appreciate your hard

work.

February:

 February 11, 12:15 p.m. Senior

Meeting.

 February 25, 12:15 p.m. Pasty prep.

Volunteers are needed and are very

much appreciated.

 February 26, 5 a.m. Pasty making.

Volunteers are needed as early as

possible! We appreciate your hard

work.

Welcome Giizhik Naawaakwaa

Paquin, born December 1, 2014, to

Shauna Loonsfoot-Pelto and Dave

Paquin of Baraga. Giizhik was 8 lbs 4

ounces and 20 inches in length. Siblings Leo and Niibi are excited to be

joined by their baby sister, Giizhik.

Proud grandparents are: Charlotte

Loonsfoot, Pam Loonsfoot, Tom Paquin,

Sr., and Great Grandfather is Virgil

Loonsfoot, all of Baraga.

ANDREW CHOSA NAMED CEO OF AANIKOOSING, INC.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew Chosa as the

Chief Executive Officer of Aanikoosing Inc.

Mr. Chosa is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and grew

up in Baraga. He got an undergraduate degree (with distinction) in Business Administration from the University of Michigan in

2003. He worked as a financial advisor at

American Express for a year after graduation. After leaving American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise Financial), he

worked for American Indian Health and

Family Services in Detroit, as a Finance

Manager with grant writing and management responsibilities for 5 years.

Andrew was a Graduate Assistant for

two years at the NMU College of Business

while he finished his Master of Business Administration degree. Upon graduating

in May of 2012, he took a position at the non-profit provider of substance abuse

and mental health services in 11 UP communities, Great Lake Recovery Centers,

Inc., as the Foundation Coordinator in charge of marketing, fund development,

grant writing and management. He was there for 2 and ½ years when he accepted

the Chief Executive Officer position of the KBIC’s economic development corporation, Aanikoosing, Inc., starting in January of 2015.

The board interviewed multiple qualified Tribal Members for this position and is

pleased to select Andrew Chosa to lead Aanikoosing Inc. as it completes construction and begins operation of the Marquette gas station and convenience center and

continues to develop additional businesses for the benefit of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community.

Please join us in supporting Mr. Chosa as he works for the benefit of all KBIC

Members.

(4) Niiwin

Welcome Kylee Rae LaPlante, born November 24, 2014, to Justine Minton and

Kyle LaPlante. Kylee weighed 7 lbs. 10

ounces and 19 ½ inches in length.

Kylee was born at U.P. Health – Bell in

Ishpeming, MI. Proud Grandparents are

Juliet and Bradley Goyen of Baraga,

Jeffrey and Jacqueline Minton of Raber,

MI, Kimberly and Cyril (Joe) Fortier of

L’Anse, MI, Gary (Reggie) and Marlene

LaPlante of L’Anse, MI, Great Grandmother, Beverly Lussier of Zeba, MI,

and Great Grandparents Shirley and

Robert Velmer of Baraga, MI.

MARQUETTE KBIC SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Geraldine “Honey” (Bressette) Bess

(May 15, 1940 - December 15, 2014)

Geraldine "Honey" (Bressette) Bess,

74, of Marquette, passed away Monday

evening, December 15, 2014, at the

Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee

under the care of U.P. Home Health &

Hospice. Honey was born on May 15,

1940, in Assinins, Michigan, to the late

Clifford and Seraphine (Papin) Bressette. She was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church and the Keweenaw Bay Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Honey was a devoted mother and

grandmother and enjoyed being a

homemaker and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She

also enjoyed going to the casino and

attending softball games.

Honey is survived by her five children: Terry Abbott of Marquette, Kristi

Abbott of Nashua, NH, Linda (Daryl

Bates) Abbott of Marquette, William

(Anita) Abbott of Marquette, and Gardner (Carrie) Bess of Harvey; 11 grandchildren: Angel Lerlie, Cristal Abbott,

Karena, Aarika, Charles, Celeste, Danielle (James) Sandstrom, Dahli Bates,

Gardner Bess III, Russell Bess, and

Tessa Daugherty; 14 great grandchildren; six sisters: Carol Peterson of Escanaba, Paulette Beauchamp, Sandra

Carlson, Kathy Peterson, Linda Bressette of Marquette, and Cheryl Bressette

of Ishpeming; three brothers: Keith,

Glen, and Michael Bressette all of Marquette; also numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Honey was preceded in death by three brothers:

Wayne, Don, and Allen Bressette; and a

sister, Gloria Finnerty. A Funeral Mass

was celebrated on Friday, December

19, 2014, at St. Christopher Catholic

Church with the Rev. Michael Chenier

officiating. A luncheon immediately followed in the parish hall. The CanaleTonella Funeral Home assisted the family.

Pictured above are members of the Bressette Family as they gathered for the Marquette Senior

Christmas Dinner.

The Marquette KBIC Seniors enjoyed

a Christmas Luncheon on December 6,

2014, held at the Holiday Inn. Dinner

consisted of Sliced Roast Turkey Breast,

Baked Glazed Ham, Baby Carrots,

Green Beans, Bread Stuffing, Fruit Pie

and a Garden Salad.

All seniors were mailed a gift card

compliments of the Keweenaw Bay

Tribal Council.

The Marquette KBIC Senior Christmas Dinner was planned and organized

by Pat Brown. Pictures were made

available compliments of Carrie

Ashbrook.

Pictured above are Pete Madosh, Jr. and William Mayo at the Christmas Celebration.

Pictured above are Pete and Char Shalifoe at

the Christmas Celebration.

CHOSA NAMED BARAGA FIRE CHIEF

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) 201-0263, or e-mail:

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

All Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at the

Lighthouse, Sand Point, will be held

every third Wednesday of the month

at 1900 hours.

All Tribal Veterans are Welcome!

KBIC Tribal member, Tom Chosa,

has been elected by fellow fire fighters

as Fire Chief of the Baraga Fire Department. Chosa has been a dedicated firefighter with the department for 12 years

and a total of 27 years in the field. His

fire fighting career began at the age of

17 when he went on fire calls with his

dad in Rocky Boy, MT. During the 90’s,

he was employed full-time with the Sycuan Fire Department where he worked

his way up to the rank of Captain and

Department Training Officer.

Chosa

fights fires not only locally but works oncall nation-wide as a Wildland Firefighter

crew member.

As the top ranking official, Chosa is

overall responsible for the Baraga Fire

Department. He will also be planning,

with the assistance of fellow department

members, fire inspections and other

community events promoting fire safety

in our community.

Congratulations

Chief

Thomas

Chosa!

(5) Naanan

Marquette Christmas Youth Party continues:

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Eli Potter’s first Santa visit.

Alex Madosh, Dale Madosh, and Chance Kinney with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Zues, Alexis, Khole, and Kylie Schofield enjoyed their time with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Hannah Harvala receives her present from Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Emma Spade tells Santa her Christmas list.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Allie and Ayden Carne visit with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Trinity, Annabella, and James Hemmila.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Hunter Verboczki enjoyed his visit with Santa.

Baraga Christmas Youth Party:

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Derek Jr. and Kiera DeCota enjoyed their time with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Beverly “Pumpkin” Lussier recalls her Christmas list for Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Kiana and Kayah Loonsfoot spend time with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Brothers, Preston Stevens and Kydan Dean, spent some time with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Corbin Hebert and Santa spent some time

making sure his list was thoroughly noted.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Cale Swartz enjoyed his visit with Santa Claus.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Aubree Hartzog spends time with Santa.

Santa pictures continues on page twelve.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

KBIC YOUTH ACTIVITY DAY—A TRIP TO THE TREE FARM

KBIC Youth Program held a Youth Activity Day on December 17, 2014, where

youth visited the Lake Superior Tree

Farm, in Chassell, Michigan. The youth

chose the Christmas trees for the Niiwin

Akeaa Facility this holiday season. Those

in attendance went on a wagon ride at the

Tree Farm, and upon returning to the Niiwin Akeaa Facility, they enjoyed a cup of

hot chocolate and Irene’s Pizza as they

assisted in decorating the trees. Pictures

compliments of KBIC Youth Program.

(8) Ishwaaswi

Keweenaw Bay

Ojibwa

Community College

KBOCC specials combat

winter boredom

This semester, Keweenaw Bay

Ojibwa Community College is offering

special topics courses and a special

deal for anyone who’d like to take a

course for personal interest.

The special topics courses include

three short courses which will be completed in the first half of the semester.

In Stringed Instruments – A Study, Dave

Morehouse will lead students in active

experience of a variety of stringed instruments, from construction through

knowledgeable listening and beginning

to play. Research Interviewing, a onecredit condensed course completed in

two full days in early February plus a

starting-up class session in January, will

prepare students to work as ethical, effective interviewers for studies conducted by Tribal organizations. Valoree

Gagnon is the instructor. The topic of

the third course, Graphic Novel, may

need explanation. Graphic novels combine novel-like stories with comic-bookstyle illustrations to create a new form of

literature. Students will explore graphic

novels and present stories of their own

in graphic novel form in Graphic Novel,

taught by Jesse Koenig.

After Graphic Novel ends, A Taste of

Theater will take its place in the class

schedule for the second half of the semester. This course, taught by Lynn

Aho, will explore the experiences of contemporary theater from the audience

members’ and creators’ perspectives,

including those of artists, designers,

technicians, and managers as well as

the better-known authors, actors, and

directors.

Full-semester special courses for

Spring 2015 are Introduction to Culinary

Arts - offered again based on requests

from prospective students – and a second level course, Culinary Arts II, which

will focus on yeast breads, plus meat,

fish, and poultry. Joe Schutte will teach

both culinary classes.

Students can now earn an associate’s degree in business at KBOCC as

well as take courses for career development. Either, way this spring’s Business

Communication course will enhance students’ effectiveness in the workplace.

Current and aspiring future managers

will benefit from Management and Supervision. Megan Haataja, Business

Department Chair, will teach both these

courses.

Please see the full course schedule

on “Academics” page of the college’s

new website www.kbocc.edu .

What’s the special deal? The college’s Spring 2015 “Cabin Fever Special” reduces enrollment fees by fifty dollars for students auditing a course – that

is, taking it for personal interest and not

earning college credits toward a degree.

This is a great, low-risk way to give college a try before enrolling in a degree

program as well as a reduced-cost opportunity to enjoy personal enrichment

together with familiar and new acquaintances. Get out of the house and learn

something new this winter!

Historic Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist Church

1832—Present

“We welcome each of you to our worship services,

at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

e-mail lumc@up.net

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

Holy Name of Jesus

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Pastors

Father Corey Litzner

Father Nicholas

353-6565

saintann@up.net

Confessions:

Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 12:00 p.m.

UPCAP Certifies New Coaches to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls

Escanaba, Michigan—Sixteen attendees completed a twoday training offered by UPCAP in November. These individuals are now able to conduct Matter of Balance classes in their

respective Upper Peninsula communities.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a

nationally recognized evidence based program, designed to

help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity.

A Matter of Balance is conducted in eight (8) two-hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem–solving strategies,

videos, and gentle physical

exercise. Older adults learn

positive coping methods to

reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.

A Matter of Balance

coaches help participants become more confident about

managing falls by believing

that they can increase their

strength, find ways to reduce

falls, and protect themselves

if they do fall. In addition,

participants report that they

have increased the amount

they exercise on a regular

basis.

UPCAP believes this to

be a valuable program for

persons living with concerns

about falling, and will utilize

these newly trained coaches

to help expand the availability of this program across the Upper Peninsula.

This class was completed by Mary Linden, Elizabeth

“Popcorn” Mayo, and Mary Dee Shanahan, of the Donald LaPointe Medical Facility, and they will be offering classes beginning in January. The dates have not been decided yet,

and flyers will be posted when information is complete. For

more information on classes offered through the Donald LaPointe Medical Facility, contact Mary Dee Shanahan at (906)

353-4530.

(9) Zhaangaswi

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2013)

Thank you to all that participated in the KBIC-NRD Air Quality Survey. We

had well over 100 responses and many great comments. Your input will help us

with the completion of a Level 3 Emissions Inventory as well as address the concerns you raised regarding our current air quality.

All respondents were offered an incentive gift for their time. Gifts included a

carbon monoxide alarm, radon test kit or a wood moisture meter. We also had

three raffle winners that each received a $50 Pines gift card. Those winners are:

Chimene Puska, Kathleen Mayo, and Heather Maki. If you have not yet received your incentive gift and you have completed the air quality survey, please

contact Stephanie Kozich, Air Quality Specialist at (906) 524-5757 x 28.

In upcoming months, the results of this survey will be published for public

viewing.

*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

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$ 958

+

$152

=

$1,110

2

$1,293

+

$152

=

$1,445

3

$1,628

+

$152

=

$1,780

4

$1,963

+

$163

=

$2,126

5

$2,298

+

$191

=

$2,489

6

$2,633

+

$219

=

$2,852

7

$2,968

+

$219

=

$3,187

8

$3,303

+

$219

=

$3,522

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that

comes from various rocks, soils, and underground water sources. Radon forms

from the breakdown of the natural elements uranium and radium.

Where is Radon located?

Radon can be in your home. It can get in

through any tiny space that comes in contact with soil that contains radon or

through groundwater. Radon changes

from a solid form into a gaseous or liquid

form and can be released from the soil and

groundwater. One way radon can get into

buildings is by cracks in the basement,

and if there is not good ventilation, radon

concentration can be harmful.

What makes Radon so dangerous?

Radon gives off radiation that can cause

lung cancer. Radon is second only to

smoking as a cause of lung cancer. It’s a

silent killer, since people can’t tell if they’re

being exposed.

If you are concerned about Radon

in your home, test kits are available free of charge. Please contact, Stephanie Kozich, Air Quality

Specialist at (906) 524-5757 ext.

28.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

http://www.kbic-nsn.gov/html/personnel.htm



On-call positions: Pharmacy Technician, Facility Attendant, Registered

Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Internal Sales Specialist, OVW Unit Manager, Pharmacist, Receptionist/Clerical Worker, Receptionist, Board Operator, Cashier, Account Executive/Sales, Pre-Primary

Teaching Assistant, Community Service Supervisor,

Unit Manager, Family Aide, Van Driver.

For current job listings, complete job announcements,

applications, and closing dates contact: KBIC Personnel Department, 16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI

49908-9210 or 906-353-6623, ext 4176 or visit:

www.ojibwa.com.

(10) Midaaswi

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

Each additional member

+ $335

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

January is Radon

Action Month

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,196

+

$260

=

$1,456

2

$1,615

+

$260

=

$1,875

3

$2,035

+

$260

=

$2,295

4

$2,454

+

$260

=

$2,714

5

$2,873

+

$260

=

$3,133

6

$3,292

+

$274

=

$3,566

7

$3,711

+

$274

=

$3,985

8

$4,130

+

$274

=

$4,404

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $420

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(e)

Earned Income Deduction — Households with earned

income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent of their

earned income.

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that qualify

for the dependent care deduction are allowed a deduction

of actual dependent care costs paid monthly to a nonhousehold member.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur the

cost of legally required child support to or for a nonhousehold member are allowed a deduction for the

amount of monthly child support paid.

Medical Expense Deduction — Households that incur

monthly medical expenses by any household member

who is elderly or disabled are allowed a deduction in the

amount of out-of-pocket medical expenses paid in excess

of $35 per month. Allowable medical expenses are provided at 7 CFR 273.9(d)(3).

Home Care Meal-Related Deduction — Households who

furnish the majority of meals for a home care attendant

are allowed an income deduction equal to the maximum

SNAP benefit for a one-person household. In Fiscal Year

2014, the amounts are as follows:

48 Contiguous U.S. States





October 1, 2013—October 31, 2013 = $200





October 1, 2013—October 31, 2013 = $200

November 1, 2013—September 30, 2014—$189

For Alaska, please select appropriate link below.

November 1, 2013—September 30, 2014—$189

See 7 CFR 272.7(b) for area designations in Alaska.

Standard Shelter/Utility Expense Deduction — Households that incur at least one monthly shelter or utility expense are allowed a standard income deduction (see

chart below). Allowable shelter/utility expenses are provided at 7 CFR 273.9(d)(6)(ii).

FY2014 FDPPIR Standard Shelter/Utility Expense Deductions - Based on Region*

Region

States Currently with

FDPIR Programs

Shelter/

Utility Deduction

Northeast/

Midwest

Michigan, Minnesota, New

York, Wisconsin

$400

Southeast/

Southwest

Mississippi, New Mexico,

North Carolina, Oklahoma,

Texas

$300

Mountain

Plains

Colorado, Kansas, Montana,

Nebraska, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

$400

West

Alaska, Arizona, California,

Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,

Washington

$350

*If the geographic boundaries of an Indian reservation

extend to more than one region per the identified regional

groupings above, then a qualifying household has the

option to receive the appropriate shelter/utility expense

deduction amount for the State in which the household

resides or the State in which the State agency’s central

administrative office is located.

KBIC SOLID WASTE FACILITY

16278 Ojibwa Industrial Park Road

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-8024

Hours of Operation:

Wednesday—Friday, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Rates:

$2.00 per 33 gallon bag

$85.00 per ton

$6.00 mattress

$8.00 couch

$4.00 chair

$10.00 white goods (stove, fridge, washer, etc.)

We DO NOT ACCEPT any tires at this time.

JANUARY 2015 Calendar Events











New Year’s Day, Gov’t Offices closed;

New Year Holidays, Gov’t Offices closed;

Constitutional Committee Meeting, 10 am;

Council Chambers;

Jan 10: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa

Conference Rooms;

Jan 21: Martin Luther King Day, Gov’t Offices closed.

Jan 1:

Jan 2:

Jan 5:

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Events occurring throughout KBIC are welcome to be listed on the Calendar of Events. Contact newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov to list your events. Some

events are more detailed FYI within the newsletter. For up-to-date event listings, visit www.ojibwa.com and click on calendar. For Youth events, see @

www.ojibwa.com, click on youth club, or contact 353-4643/Main Office at

Youth Club, or 353-4644 for the facility attendants or the Kitchen/craft

rooms.

TO: ALL TRIBAL COMMERICAL FISHERMAN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial

Fishing Licenses for the Year 2015-2016 Commercial Fishing Season are available at the KBIC License Department

located in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Center. The new license year will begin: May 1, 2015.

Applications must be returned to the Licensing/Motor Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 6, 2015. 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 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 includes fishing vessel information

which requests: the vessel’s name/number/length.

For Boat Safety Inspections contact:

Tribal Conservation Department, Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community, (906) 353-6626 or

U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock, (906) 482-1520

 NOTICE 

Tribal Council passed KB-44-2014 and there will

be a Constitutional Convention to address Council’s

resolution on the following dates, times, and locations:

 February 3, 2015, Zeba Community Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

 February 10, 2015, Ojibwa Senior Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

 February 17, 2015, Zeba Community Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

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 au16429 Bear Town, Rd.

thority to regulate your raffle. It is

Baraga, MI 49908

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 received within this timeline.



February 24, 2015, Ojibwa Senior Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

At the Convention, food will be served along with

the chance to win a gas card for attendance and participation.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Baraga Christmas Youth Party continues:

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Madison and Jadyn Chaudier visit with Santa Claus.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Bentley and Bryten VanDyke give Santa their lists.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Johanna Tammelin tells Santa her Christmas list.

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 STARDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh