The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2017)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Onaabani Giizis - Crusty Moon - March 2017 Issue 152

13th Mid-Winter Traditional Powwow Held

— KBIC Natural Resources Department Honored

Tribal Council Members:

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.



(Left to Right) kneeling: Lyndon Ekdahl, System and Facilities Coordinator; Karen Anderson, Aquatic

Invasive Species Specialist; standing front row: Erin Johnston, Wildlife Biologist; Deanna Hadden, Habitat Specialist; Stephanie Kozich, Water Resource Specialist; back row: Dylan Friisvall, Water Resource

Technician; Patrick LaPointe, Jr., Fisheries Field Technician; Lori Sherman, Natural Resources Director;

Shannon DesRochers, Lake Superior Program Coordinator; David Seppanen, Natural Resources Technician; Kyle Seppanen, Wildlife Technician; Justin Woodruff, Response Program Coordinator; and Mike

Duschene, Operations and Compliance Specialist. Missing from photo: Evelyn Ravindran, Hatchery and

Nursery Manager; Gene Mensch, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist; Katie Kruse, Environmental Specialist;

David Kauppila, Natural Resources Technician; Tim Dombrowski, Great Lakes Resource Specialist.

Photo compliments of KBNRD.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s

(KBIC) Cultural Committee hosted the 13th

Annual Winter Powwow on Saturday, January 28, 2017. The event was held at the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center in Baraga,

Michigan.

Every year the Cultural Committee honors

a different group, committee, or department

for their contributions to our Community.

KBIC Natural Resources Department staff

were recognized this year and presented

with Pendleton blankets. Lori Ann Sherman,

Natural Resources Director, was the guest

speaker at the honoring ceremony held at

11:00 a.m.

Lori Sherman said, “Our staff began working in 1988, and the Department was organized in 1999, which brought the environmental, fish, and wildlife programs under one

department. The departmental staff has

grown over the years to the present level of

19 full-time employees and 22 part-time and

temporary workers throughout the year. Our

department is guided by a ten-year Integrated Resource Management Plan which

was adopted by the Tribal Council and Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2003, and the KBIC

Strategic Plan adopted it in 2005.

The Natural Resources Department administers natural resource programs for the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community on the

L'Anse, Marquette, and Ontonagon reservations as well as the western Upper Peninsula

of Michigan (1842 ceded territory). These

programs encompass a variety of activities

including: Lake Superior fishery assessments, Baraga County stream assessments,

surface water and ground water monitoring,

air and radon studies, brownfield programs,

wildlife and wetland management, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), LAMP Program,

Lakewide Action and Management Plan, environmental assessments, monitoring of metallic

mining and exploration activity in the Lake Superior basin, participation in the protection and



13th Mid-Winter Traditional

Powwow Held

Health Heart Fair Held

February 4, 2017 Tribal

Council Meeting

Drug Conviction Report/

Criminal Sentences

Capt. Seppanen Retires after

40-Year Career at KBIC

Ojibwa Library News

KBIC Newest Author, Never

Let Go Of Your Dreams

Deepest Sympathy

Continues on page two.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(left to right) Daniel Connor, Junior Head Boy Dancer; Taylor Drift, Head Lady Dancer;

Cara Conner, Junior Head Girl Dancer; Robert Rajacic, Head Man Dancer; Rodney

Loonsfoot, Head Veteran Dancer; Hanna Hervola, Miss Junior Keweenaw Bay; Jailyn

Shelifoe, Miss Keweenaw Bay; Skyler Davenport, Youth Head Man Dancer; and Anna

Pietila, Youth Head Lady Dancer.

(1) Bezhig

Midwinter Powwow continued:

enhancement of Lake Superior, and fish

stocking from our hatchery. The department facilitates projects through various

grants from Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department

of Agriculture. The Tribal Council funds

hatchery operations.

One of KBNRD’s largest events is the

Kids’ Fishing Derby. The derby is open to

all children and will be held on June 24,

2017, this year. The derby is partially

funded through the Tribal Council and donations from the local communities. The Environmental Fair is an event that the KBNRD

holds for the area schools and is held

around Earth Day at the Niiwin Akeaa Facility for grades 2-5. Local schools are invited

to participate in activities that involve education about our local environment. This year’s

event will be held on April 19, 2017.

Our future plans are for a new building

that can house all of our employees and

include a lab and classrooms, a museum,

as well as an interactive self guided tour

area, similar to the work we have done on

Sand Point with identifying plants and trees

in the Ojibwa language. However, with the

current administration in place, grant funding is going to be more competitive, but we

are fortunate to have excellent staff who do

amazing work in all aspects of their job duties.”

Grand Entries were held at 1 pm and 6

pm with Rodney Loonsfoot, Head Veteran

Dancer, leading the KBIC Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Veteran Honor

Guard) into the arena. Joe Awonohopay

served as Master of Ceremonies, George

Gauthier as Arena Director, and LeRoy

Gauthier as Assistant Arena Director. Four

Thunders were this year’s Host Drum. Invited drums were: Summer Cloud, Woodland Singers, and Wiikwedong Ogichidaa

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Society.

Also honored were Miss Keweenaw Bay, Jailyn Shelifoe, and Tribal

Elders: Marilyn Loonsfoot and Charles

Loonsfoot, Sr. A Pink Shawl Honor Dance

was held honoring Crystal Geroux Brunk

with a Memorial Dance for the late Myrtle

Tolonen. A grand feast was held between

grand entries.

Honored Elders: Marilyn “Molly” Loonsfoot and Charles “Chuck” Loonsfoot, Sr. are

pictured above with a number of family

members. Chuck Loonsfoot was born in

Assinins, Michigan, to Joseph and Pearl

Neadeau.

Molly Loonsfoot was born in

Bear Town, Michigan, to Richard Shalifoe

and Sarah Whetung. They have been married for 50 years and have nine children,

more than 25 grandchildren, and more than

15 great grandchildren.

Chuck’s work career includes: commercial fishing, printer, heavy machine operator,

truck driver, iron worker, counseling supervisor, unit manager, and he was a foreman at

Mathias Kline for 17 years. Chuck retired at

the age of 67. Chuck is a U.S. Army Veteran. He was the original Bear Town Sugar

Busher. Chuck was a Tribal Council Member for 12 years, a Hiring Committee Member, and on the Holy Name of Jesus Church

Council for many years. His hobbies include: hunting, snaring rabbits, picking blueberries, making maple syrup, cooking,

snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, attending powwows, and participating in a sweat lodge.

Chuck has 40 years of sobriety.

Molly’s work career includes: janitor,

motel clerk, nurse’s aide, secretary, forest

technician, dental clerk, enrollment clerk,

and cooking and cleaning for nine children

and a husband. Molly has been on many

committees including: enrollment, forestry,

12-step organization, and the Holy Name of

Jesus Church Council. Her hobbies include: beadwork, sewing, cooking, baking,

cleaning, making maple syrup, snaring rabbits, hunting, and dancing at powwows.

Molly has 40 years of sobriety.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

25th ANNUAL HEALTHY HEART FAIR

HELD ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Wayne Koskimo stopped in on his lunch break to take advantage

of the screenings offered. Above he is pictured getting a blood

pressure being offered by Bay Ambulance staff.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Both chair massage booths were busy stations

with many taking the opportunity for a great

stress reliever on their break at the Healthy Heart

Fair. Shown above is Emily Evans at the Rhonda

Dowd Massage Therapy Booth.

(2) Niizh

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

The Healthy Heart Fair was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at

the Niiwin Akeaa Center and was very well attended by the local community both tribal and non-tribal. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Department of Health and Human Services’ staff holds the event

annually to ensure health screenings and education are available for

the public. Participants visited a number of booths which distributed

pamphlets and samples on how to live a healthier lifestyle, offered

screenings, and prize drawings. Prize incentives were raffled throughout the event.

A Chi Miigwech to the booths and volunteers who made this event

a success. They were: Align Chiropractic; Baraga County Communities That Care; Baraga County DHHS; Bay Ambulance, Inc.; BCMH

Physical Therapy; BHK Child Development Board; Blue Cross Blue

Shield of Michigan; Dial Help, Inc.; GLIFWC; KBIC BALAC; KBIC Diabetes Program; KBIC Health System Behavioral Health; KBIC Health

System Medical Clinic; KBIC Health System Pharmacy; KBIC Healthy

Start – Family Spirit Programs; KBIC Natural Resources Air Quality;

KBIC Natural Resources; KBIC Nutrition Program; KBIC Office of Child

Support Services; KBIC OVW; KBIC

REACH; KBIC SORNA; KBIC Substance Abuse Program; KBIC Tobacco Cessation Program; KBIC

Tribal Social Services; KBIC VOCA;

KBIC WIC; KBOCC Infant Health,

Safety, and Nutrition class; Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College; Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police;

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly;

MSU Extension; New Day Treatment

Center; Ojibwa Community Library;

Ronda Dowd Massage Therapy; Superior Family Chiropractic; True

North; UP Kids; Upper Great Lakes

Family Center;

Waves of Touch

Massage; HOSA; and KBIC Youth.

Gina Holy-LaBeau visits the KBIC Health System Medical Clinic station

being ran by Mary Dee Shanahan, LPN, who were offering cholesterol

testing and blood glucose tests.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie,

Newsletter Editor

February 4, 2017 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Saturday Tribal Council Meeting

was held on February 4, 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., Rodney Loonsfoot, and Elizabeth

D. Mayo present.

President Swartz shared numerous Thank

You and For Your Information items addressed

to Council.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the

President’s Report (page three), Vice President

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

the Secretary’s Report (page eight). Council

approved the December 2016 Department Head

Reports and Meeting Minutes for January 7,

2017, and January 12, 2017.

Under New Business:

President Swartz

brought forth Resolution KB-005-2017 BIA 638

Contract for a Forest Planning Stand Exam of

Tribal Trust Lands and Forest development Mechanical Brushing Project (One Time NonReoccurring). Now Therefore Be It Resolved

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal

Council formally proposes to contract with the

Bureau of Indian Affairs for the onetime nonreoccurring forest planning stand exam and nonreoccurring forest development mechanical

brushing that shall commence on January 1,

2017, to December 31, 2019. This is a two-year

grant to thin out standing timber on the Catherine Valentine Allotment. Motion by Rodney

Loonsfoot to table Resolution KB-005-2017,

supported by Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. President Swartz declared this motion to be out of

order. Motion by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. to

approve Resolution KB-005-2017, supported

by Randall Haataja.

Motion by Rodney

Loonsfoot to table Resolution KB-005-2017

until more information is made available,

supported by Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. Three

supported (Blaker, Curtis, R. Loonsfoot),

Eight opposed (Misegan, S. LaFernier,

Minton, Dakota, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G.

Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 abstained, motion defeated. President Swartz returned to the prior

motion. Motion by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

to approve Resolution KB-005-2017, supported by Randall Haataja. Nine supported

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

Mayo), two opposed (Curtis, R. Loonsfoot), 0

abstained, motion carried.

President Swartz brought forth Resolution KB

-006-2017 Forest Management Deduction Account Expenditure Plan. Whereas the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community desires to implement a Forest Management deduction Account Expenditure Plan to gain access to the

Forest Management Deduction Account funds

withheld from timber sale proceeds as provided

in 25 CFR 163.25(f)(1). Now Therefore Be It

Resolved the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council formally approves the Forest

Management Deduction Expenditure Plan. Attached to the proposed Resolution for Council

review was the Expenditure Plan For Forest

Management Deductions with the total amount

available for the Forest Management Deductions

in the amount of $8,017.66, and it is noted that

this is an annual Resolution. This provides in

part for two Forestry or Environmental Scholarships through the Educational Committee. Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to approve KB-0062017, co-supported by Susan J. LaFernier

and Toni Minton. Ten supported (Misegan,

S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Dakota,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0

opposed, one abstained (R. Loonsfoot), motion carried.

President Swartz brought forth Resolution KB

-007-2017 National Indian Gaming Association

(NIGA) 2017 Membership Renewal.

Now

Therefore Be It Resolved that the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community, which is the official governing body of the above-named Tribe, hereby

authorizes Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President of

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, who is

the official principal tribal official, to take the necessary action to place the Tribe in membership

with NIGA; and Be It Further Resolved that the

Tribal funds in the amount of $7,500.00, based

on the Tribe’s gross annual revenue are authorized to be paid for NIGA membership renewal;

and Be It Finally Resolved that the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community designates the Delegate

and Alternate Delegate(s) and instructs them to

become Members in Good Standing in NIGA in

order to fulfill their responsibilities as Official

Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the National Indian Gaming Association. Motion by

Jennifer Misegan to approve Resolution KB007-2017, supported by Randall Haataja.

Eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained,

motion carried.

Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented the February 2017 donations requests. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve the February 2017

donations as: $500.00 for the L’Anse Senior

Class of 2017 Lock-in, $500.00 for the Baraga

Senior Class of 2017 Lock-in, $500.00 each

for Billy and Bobby Genschow and Kayla Dakota for travel to New York City with LHS

Band, $1,500.00 for Laura Downwind for the

family of Harland Downwind medical related

expenses for a total of $4,000.00, supported

by Randall Haataja. Ten supported (Misegan,

S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja,

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

Mayo), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent

(Dakota), motion carried.

Council moved into closed session prior to

adjourning with Secretary Susan J. LaFernier in

regards to a personnel issue and Vice President

Jennifer Misegan in regards to a General Welfare Support issue on the agenda.

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

President’s Report for the Month of January 2017

The following briefly summarizes the activities in

the Office of the President for the month of

January 2017.



I signed a grant with the Michigan Economic

Development Corporation. The purpose of

the agreement is to provide funding to the

grantee to be utilized for all activities related

to construction of 1.5 miles of the nonmotorized trail that will run from Sand Point

Lighthouse to the Baraga Municipal Marina.

These activities will include design, engineering, materials, and expenses directly

related to the trail infrastructure construction. This is the final section of the proposed trail. Along with the many views of

Gitche Gumee, this 1.5 mile section provides access to the Baraga Marina and any

potential future recreational development

along the Baraga waterfront, as well as access to the Sand Point Lighthouse and

Ojibwa Recreation Area Campground on

Sand Point. During the construction phase,

we reserved the right to make decisions to

preserve culturally and historically significant or sacred sites. We plan to provide

additional signage and markers to promote

awareness and preservation of the Community’s cultural and historical resources.

I signed a Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA) between the National Indian Health

Board (NIHB) and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). The purpose of

the Tribal Accreditation Support Initiative

project is to provide funds to designated

Tribes to advance local efforts to produce a

measurable and substantial increase in our

own readiness to apply for or achieve Public

Health Accreditation. It’s important to become accredited because it raises the standards of care and may allow us to get more

funding by being accredited.

I signed an addendum on behalf of the

Community for Indian Health Care Providers. The purpose of the addendum is to

apply special terms and conditions necessitated by federal law and regulations to the

network provider agreement by and be-



tween Prime Therapeutics LLC and the

KBIC Pharmacy.

The Community and the Nottawaseppi

Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU), so the parties could maximize access to Newday’s Residential Treatment

Care for NHBP Tribal members and descendants to address substance abuse disorder.

To facilitate access, NHBP has designated

funds for this purpose. The funds are provided in order to make services accessible

to Tribal members when other processes

related to securing funding are unavailable

or likely to hinder the recovery process.

We also agreed upon services provided by

Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN). The corporation shall provide for the transport of telecommunications, voice, and data services to

the Community’s Casinos.

I accepted a letter of resignation from Elizabeth Mayo regarding her position on the

KBIC Gaming Commission. She resigned

her position due to being elected to the

Community’s Tribal Council.

Tribal law

doesn’t allow a Commissioner to hold any

elected position within the Community.

We’ve advertised for the vacancy within the

Commission. The vacancy was fulfilled by

Michael Duschene.

The Assistant CEO, Sarah Maki, and I participated in the Tribal-Interior Budget Council

(TIBC) which provides a forum and process

for Tribes and Federal officials to work together in developing annual budget request

for Indian programs in the Department of

Interior. During the forum, Tribes were

asked to prioritize and submit a ranking of

10 programs if the budget was increased by

8%. The electronic survey is in two parts.

The first is ranking the programs and providing justifications, and the second is by submitting unfunded obligations. We reviewed

the programs and provided the lists as requested.

The Council is in the process of reviewing

policy related to the use of in-car and body



worn cameras for the Community’s law enforcement officers. These devices will enhance officer safety, report writing, review of

probable cause for arrest, and procedures,

etc.

On Thursday, January 12, 2017, we were

informed about a pipeline burst at CertainTeed in L’Anse, Michigan, by Randy

Conroy, from MDEQ’s Water Resource Division. A pipeline that carries the wastewater

from their plant to the settling ponds had

burst sometime between 6:00 am – 8:00

am. They estimated about 10,000 gallons

of wastewater had leaked. We tried to contact CertainTeed’s Engineer, Steve Kempainnen, to request permission to enter the

grounds; unfortunately, we weren’t able to

talk to the engineer regarding permission to

enter the property to assess the alleged impacts to Waters of the United States. Our

Environmental Specialist, Katie Kruse, contacted Jeff Hubbard, Baraga County Emergency Manager, and relayed information

regarding the pipeline burst.

Our Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources (KBNRD)

personnel assessed the situation as best as

they could by observing Gitche Gumee by

driving down Bayshore Road and around

the Head of the Bay. KBNRD reported to

me that no visible plume or discoloration

was observed during their initial assessment. CertainTeed is required to file a report within five days to the MDEQ regarding

the incident, and MDEQ has agreed to forward the report to us upon receiving it.

We received a freedom of information request related to the gas station located in

Marquette.

Sarah Maki, Assistant CEO, and I participated in an interview with TV6 in regards to

the non-motorized trail.

I attended the Marquette Board of Commissioner’s meeting and requested support for

our Casino. They unanimously agreed to

support us. One request they had was to

work on a Memorandum of Understanding

that relates to law enforcement services in

Continues on page four.

(3) Niswi

President’s Report continued:



Marquette County with the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community. They also requested an

annual 2% funding from the Council for approximately $25,000.00. After looking at

what we presently approve for them, I determined that we currently are doing this, so I

indicated to them that we would have no

problem with this request.

I signed a statement for the Community in

support of an application for litigation support funding. We determined that it is necessary to request that the United States

bring a lawsuit on the Community’s behalf

against the State of Michigan, or it’s subdivisions, seeking damages and prejudgment

interest as remedies for the State’s unlawful

transfer of the Community’s land, purportedly pursuant to the Swamp Lands Act, but

in violation of the Community’s rights under

the Treaties with the Chippewa at LaPointe

dated October 4, 1842, and September 30,

1854. We submitted that application.

I attended a meeting at Lac Vieux Desert

(LVD) in regards to the Lac Vieux Desert

Lake Rehabilitation Plan. It has come to my

attention that the fish at LVD are in a steady

decline, and they are certainly worried about

managing that fishery resource for their future needs. With that they have had a five

year moratorium on Lac Vieux Desert Lake,

and they have asked other tribes to consider not fishing there to allow the lake to

come back to historical levels. Apparently

the historical levels have been about three

fish per mile and from what I’ve been able to

see that rate has reduced significantly to

about .5 fish per mile or .05 fish per mile,

I’m not quite clear on that. After sitting in

this meeting where the State of Michigan

and the State of Wisconsin were also present, I got to thinking that I know tribes have

to count every single fish through the creel

survey when they come in. We have someone at the landing when they come in, and

we measure the fish, sex the fish, and even

weigh the fish, so our process in determining what our impact is on the lake is very

good. We can tell you what the sex of the

fish is, what it weighs, how long it is, etc.

This made me wonder what methodology

does the State of Michigan and the State of

Wisconsin use in determining how much

fish is caught on an annual basis? So I

asked the State of Wisconsin. They told me

that they go down to the lake on certain

days, look on the lake, count the boats out

there, do a couple of interviews when the

fishermen come in, and based on the data

that they determine from this, they make a

guess of how many fish are caught. At least

the State of Wisconsin are talking to fisherman when they come in. I asked the State

of Michigan how they do this. They indicated they go to the lake, look at the boats,

figure there are three to four fishermen in

the boats, and X number of them will catch

their limit. I am not too confident in the way

they count their fish as being a good way to

count them. I asked when do both of the

states consider lowering the bag limit for the

Outpatient — Access To

Recovery (ATR)

The KBICSAP Outpatient ATR program

is now open to all Natives and Non-Natives

18 and older. ATR consists of Phases:

 Phase I: anyone who has used alcohol/

drugs in the past 12 months.

 Phase III: anyone who has been sober/

clean from Alcohol/Drugs for over 12

months.

Both phases require you to watch

eight hours of Alcohol/

Drug Videos at our

office, and you will

receive gift card incentives. Contact our

office at (906) 3538121 to set up an appointment to enroll.

(4) Niiwin



fish and give them a chance to rehabilitate.

I was appalled when they answered; they

said they consider economic impact analysis

in regards to what negative impacts that will

have on the local tourism, the local bait

shops, the gas stations, the hotels, etc. So

it appears to me they take a look at the impact it would have on the tourist industry and

sport industry rather than taking a look at

what the biological impact is. I am still working with LVD, so we can come up with some

regulations in Michigan.

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. and I continue to attend

the VOIGT Task Force meetings on a

monthly basis. The last meeting was held

this week in Red Cliff, Wisconsin. The Community’s Title Ten Hunting, Fishing, and

Trapping Code has received considerable

discussion at the last two meetings. The

purpose for placing the Code on the Task

Force agenda is to remind them of the Community’s definition of Home Territory and to

give them an opportunity to let their leaders

know what they like about Title Ten, and

what they don’t like about Title Ten. This

topic generated considerable discussion at

the Task Force meetings. We need to educate other tribes on our stand in reference to

our notion of home territory. The Office of



the President is requesting assistance from

other branches of government to help tell

the story regarding home territory. We’ll

coordinate a meeting to discuss this with

other nations to educate them on the process Indians need to use when exercising

treaty rights reserved for the Lake Superior

Bands of Chippewa Indians.

There is a meeting later this month in Duluth

to get tribes together to discuss what we

plan on doing as tribes in the Midwest region in regards to threats to not only the

Dakota Access Pipeline but to Enbridge

Line Five. Former Chairman Mike Wiggins

from the Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians is organizing this meeting with “Honor

the Earth,” a national advocacy group which

will include Winona LaDuke. Mike had invited me to attend, and I told him that I

would attend the one-day event to see what

other tribes are planning to do in regards to

the pipelines, or what we can do with the

new administration. The tribes in the Midwest region are very concerned about their

environment, and they want to get together

and do the “United We Stand Divided We

Fall” type meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Niimigimiwang

Office of Violence against Women

24-HOUR CRISIS HELPLINE: 1 (906) 353-4599

The Office of Violence against Women (OVW) offers assistance 24 hours a day, seven

days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline. This is not only a number to call when

you are in a crisis, ANYONE can use this number to get information about resources available for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

You do not have to be in an immediate crisis to seek safety. If you live in constant fear

for your safety and/or the safety of your children, call the helpline for resources and options.

The Niimi Gimiwang Transitional Home is a place where women or men can seek shelter

from a violent relationship; seek counseling services and assistance while transitioning to

more permanent housing or a safe place.

Additional OVW support services include employment skills, budgeting, life-skills such

as cooking and time management, computer safety, sobriety support, arts and crafts, cultural programming, transportation, and much more.

Want more information? Feel free to call the 24-hour crisis helpline!

This publication was supported by grant # 2014-TN-AX-0004 awarded by the Office on Violence against Women, U.S. Department

of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do

not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice Office on Violence against Women and Office for Victims of Crime.

March 2017 Calendar

Events



Mar. 4:

Reg. Sat. Council

Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa Casino

Conference Room, Baraga.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Attorney Brandon Rickard, Defense Attorney, office

hours at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Court location has

changed to Mondays and Wednesdays. To contact Attorney Rickard, please call (906) 353-4565 on these days

or (906) 225-9705 at his private office.

Funeral Benefits for

Every Member

As of November 1, 2016, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community will

now pay up to $5,000.00 of funeral expenses for every member regardless

of where they live. When a member

passes away, the funeral home or mortuary handling the arrangements for

the member is to contact Jennifer

Misegan, Enrollment /Licensing Director. The bill and the certified copy of

the death certificate will need to be

provided. Payment will be sent directly

to the funeral home or mortuary up to

the $5,000.00. If anyone has questions, please contact Jennifer.

Office: (906) 353-6623 ext. 4111

Fax:

(906) 353-7488

E-mail: jennifer@kbic-nsn.gov

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Is your charitable organization planning

on holding a raffle or selling raffle tickets on

the L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law, through the Indian Gaming

Regulatory Act, granted Tribes exclusive right to

regulate gaming activity on Indian lands. Even if

you or the members of your organization are not

tribal members, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Gaming Commission has the authority to

regulate your raffle. It is unlawful to game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission Office at (906) 353-4222 or stop by the office located at the Tribal Center for an application and a copy of the rules and regulations.

Application deadline for

submission of ALL Class I

Drawings is 30 days and

Class II Raffles is 60 days

prior to your event. License

Fee will be waived when the

Bear Town, Rd.

application is received within 16429

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

this timeline.

Vice President’s Report for the Month of January 2017



On January 9, the CEO, Tribal Attorney, Treasurer, and I attended a Chocolay Township Board meeting. Our Land to Trust

application for the casino expansion was on their agenda. We

answered many questions they had regarding taxes, water issues, and land use. In the end, the Board approved a motion

not to oppose our application but would like the project completed before the land is placed into trust.

Tobacco manufacturing continues to be worked on. We are in

the process of reviewing the draft Management Agreement, Licensing Agreement, and Operating Agreement. We are also

working on the Articles of Organization for the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community Tobacco Company. The Council added duties to one of the convenience store Assistant Managers, and

they will also be included in this process. We have scheduled a

site visit February 26 - March 1. The Board as well as the CEO

and the Assistant Manager will be going.

The President and I were on a conference call on January 11

with Larry Roberts, the Interim Deputy Assistant to the Secretary

of the Interior. The call was regarding the progress of the litigation request for the Canal Lands. We had previously met with

Mr. Roberts last August, and at that time his response was very

favorable, and we had expected to see movement by now. During the call we were told that due to the issues surrounding the

Dakota Access Pipeline, his staff and the staff of the Solicitor

had not finished their internal work on the issue, and it would not

be completed prior to the Obama Administration leaving. He did

suggest that we meet with the head of the BIA, and we have

contacted his office already. We took the opportunity to thank

him for the work that he has done for Indian County.

An Owner’s Criteria update was held on January 18 for the Casino projects. It was the first look at the interior design after the

programming sessions that were held in early December. There

were several changes made, and we are all looking forward to

seeing the revision soon.

A meeting was held with the CFO, Accounts Payable Supervisor, and the Enrollment/Licensing Specialist to develop a timeline for the General Welfare Exclusion Act payment letters. The

2014 letters will be in the mail before the end of February. It is a

difficult process due to the Accounting Department being short

staffed and very busy. I have been told that members who have

already filed amended tax returns and have received letters

from the IRS asking for additional information are receiving extensions of an additional six months after calling the number

provided on their notice. The address to send any amended tax

returns to is: Internal Revenue Service - OSPC

1973 North Rulon White Blvd

M/S 1110 Attn: GECS

Ogden, UT 84201-1000

Attorney Robert Porter continues to work with the Social Security Administration and the State of Michigan Department of Human Services on the General Welfare payment issues. He has

discovered some information, and we will be discussing what

steps need to be taken in closed session today.

A workgroup meeting consisting of the Chief of Police, Chief

Judge, Tribal Attorney, and myself was held on January 20. We

reviewed our current Tribal Code section dealing with Controlled

Substances and discussed the Michigan Controlled Substance

Act. It was decided to seek examples and ideas of what other



Tribes have enacted. We decided that it will be important to

delineate between the different types of controlled substances

and the differences between possession and dealing. We

would also like to see a tiered system as well as means to utilize enhancements. We will begin working on a draft at our next

meeting.

Trooper Tim Scholander of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team made a presentation to the Council and the

Community on January 23. It was a very informative session

that was well attended. Our Tribal Police have established a

relationship with UPSET and will be working more closely with

them to get a handle on the serious drug issues in our Community.

A hearing was held in Tribal Court regarding the lawsuit that

was filed against the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing and Community Development Corporation. KBOHCDC had filed a motion for summary judgment. We do not believe that it should be

granted at this time. The case is regarding the notes and mortgages that we believe were taken unlawfully and that the

money should be returned to the KB Housing Department. The

visiting judge, Judge Esqueda from Lac Vieux Desert, did not

make a decision from the bench, so we will be awaiting that decision.

The draft monitoring report has been received from the HUD on

-site visit last August. Review meetings have been held to assign sections and responses. Once the concerns they have

raised have been answered, there will be a formal response

developed, and 30 days after HUD receives the formal response, the final monitoring report will be issued. Many serious

issues have been uncovered in the report.

This week we had an attorney candidate visit. The Council had

initially interviewed him through video conference. He and his

wife wanted to visit the area before making a commitment. He

toured the area, met with staff, and looked at homes. He has

decided to accept our offer, and his final contract is being

worked on. Hopefully, it will be approved next week at the earliest.

I have been working on the Wage Analysis for Council members, Executive Board, and top Administrative Executives. I

have contacted several Tribes and will be compiling the information after I receive more Tribes’ information.

Finally, the Treasurer, Council member Loonsfoot, and myself

will be traveling to the NCAI Executive Session in Washington,

DC the week of February 13. We have scheduled visits with

Senators Peters and Stabenow; our new Representative Bergman; Representative Tom Cole, who has faithfully been a great

friend to Indian Country; and the Assistant to the Director of the

Bureau of the Indian Affairs. We are anxious to meet with anyone who will listen and talk to them about the Federal Government’s trust responsibility to Tribes, the need for government-to

-government consultation, the history of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community, and to lobby for their support in funding and

our land claim. We will provide a full report of our visits at next

month’s meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Misegan

Captain William Seppanen, Sr. Retires after

Forty-Years of Protecting the Rez

William “Chill” Seppanen, Sr.

officially entered retirement on

December 20, 2016, after a 40year career in law enforcement.

Captain Seppanen began his

law enforcement career as an

officer with the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community’s Tribal Police Department on February 4,

1977.

As a young man, he

traveled to the Police Academy

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

in Brigham City, Utah. He also

attended academie s in

Mariana, AZ, and Artesia, NM, within his career.

He has served the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as an officer, a sergeant, and a

captain within the KBIC Tribal Police Department. A government recognition of his service

was held at the Tribal Center on the date of his retirement. Family hosted a celebration

party for his retirement where family and friends gathered at the Zeba Community Hall in

Zeba, Michigan, on Saturday, January 8, 2017.

Special Agent Mark Huff has confirmed that the FBI Director has signed and issued a

certificate of honor for Seppanen’s years of service working in close connection with the

FBI.

Chill said he plans on “relaxing, enjoying time with this family, doing some hobby work,

and definitely some traveling.”

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

(5) Naanan

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Never Let Go Of Your

Dreams

Never let go of your dreams. Lisa Denomie,

a KBIC member, did just this. On February 3,

2017, her first book was published and is being

offered for purchase on Amazon. Sea Life

Yoga, by Lisa M. Denomie, will take you on a

journey to discover for yourself the personal

wellbeing that comes from taking care of your

health. With Colorful illustrations, as well as

photographs, it engages the reader’s imagina-

tion while teaching simple yoga poses to increase wellbeing and over-all-heath. The book

is geared for children but all ages could benefit

from its lesson.

Lisa Denomie said, “It is something that I always have wanted to do, and I just put my mind

to it and got it done. I worked with an awesome

little model, Dhanya Ekdahl, and we had a lot of

fun taking the pictures. I choose to work with a

good friend of mine and former co-worker, Am-

ber Houston, with the illustrations. Together we

did it! It is the first of many more to come.”

Lisa Denomie has three events scheduled

this March and April, and will launch the book at

the U.P. Early Childhood Conference in March.

Lisa Denomie is employed by the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community as the Preprimary Director. The department works with young children

where all aspects of education are taught.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Tribal Council Secretary’s Report for the Month of January 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.

Let us pray for a year of new peace and contentment and new fortune

and friends, and may God bless us and our Country throughout 2017.

Many thanks to all of our employees for their dedication and work for our

Tribe.

Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well”

The Tribal Council held their Regular Saturday Meeting on January 7,

2017; three Special Council meetings were held on January 12, 19, and

26, 2016. The unapproved motions for January 7, 12, 19, and 26, 2017,

follow. Actions taken were:

January 7, 2017 Regular Council Meeting (on 02-04-17 agenda for

approval):

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

2016 (Jennifer Misegan).

 Approved the Tribal Council Secretary’s Report for December 2016

(Susan J. LaFernier).

 Approved the CEO’s Report for December 2016 (Larry J. Denomie

III).

 Approved the November 2016 Department Head Reports.

 Approved the December 3, 9, and 19, 2016 Tribal Council Meeting

Minutes.

 Approved a donation of $500.00 for Daniel Curtis to attend the L’Anse

High School Band trip to New York City on March 25-31, 2017.

 Approved to certify the December 17, 2016 General Election Results.

Remember to register to vote: 721 members are registered to vote

out of 831 eligible which is 87%.

 Approved the Tribal President’s wage of $55.00 an hour based on his

years of experience of being on the Council for over sixteen years and

as President for over seven years.

 Approved to continue with the wage analysis for the Tribal Council,

top executives, and all employee compensation.

 Approved Superior National Bank and Wells Fargo as the Tribe’s depository of funds.

 Approved all Council members as check signers.

 Approved check signers for the Tribal Court as the Council and to include the Tribal Judges and Court Clerk and for the Child Support Office to include the Child Support Director.

 Approved to declare a vacancy on the Gaming Commission and to

advertise for the position (Elizabeth D. Mayo resignation).

January 12, 2017 Special Council Meeting (on 02-04-17 agenda for

approval):

 Approved the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grant

with KBIC Agreement for a 1.5 non-motorized trail from the Sand

Point Lighthouse to the Baraga Municipal Marina for $377,192.50 with

match from KBIC, the Village of Baraga, the Village of Baraga Downtown Development Authority, and DNR land match.

 Approved the National Indian Health Board M.O.A. with KBIC for

$10,500.00 to continue to apply for or achieve public health accreditation.

 Approved Exhibit A-LRC to the Prime Therapeutics LLC Pharmacy

Participation Agreement Independent Agreement Pharmacy Credentialing and Model QHP Addendum for Indian Health Care Providers.

 Approved the M.O.U. between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the

Potawatomi and New Day Treatment Center to maximize access to

residential treatment care of their members and descendants to address substance abuse disorder.

 Approved the new business license for Jody L. Pittsley as J.P. Transport for logging timber harvest.

 Approved the bid from Fox Negaunee of $37,783.00 for a 2016 Dodge

Ram Crew Cab for the Natural Resources Department.

 Approved the U.P. Health Care Solutions Participation and Data Sharing Agreement and Modified Agreement (from December 2016) to add

the service of the Active Care Relationship Services file system.

 Approved the Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC Services Agreement with

the Baraga Ojibwa Casino for telecommunication services for the

Ojibwa Casinos.

 Tabled the Tribal Police Proposed Policy for In-Car Cameras and

Body-Worn Cameras until mid-February for Tribal Attorney review.

 Approved to move the non-tipped positions currently making less that

Michigan’s minimum wage from Grade 2 at $8.61 an hour to a Grade

3 at $9.80 an hour and adjust higher if the Tribe wide wage survey

indicates it. This option will also cover the increase scheduled in

Michigan’s minimum wage effective January 2018. If the Tribe wide

wage survey indicates a different hourly wage when it is complete, the

positions can be reviewed again at that time.

 Approved a donation of $750.00 to the Tribal members traveling here

to attend the Richard Francois funeral.

January 19, 2016 Special Council Meeting (unapproved):

 Approved Resolution KB 003-2017 FY 2017 Litigation Support Application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for KBIC’s tax/treaty dispute and

the Swamp Land Claim.

 Approved Resolution KB 001-2017 Mukkala Trust Property Acquisition for $52,000.00 for 40 acres in Chocolay Township, Marquette

County.

(8) Ishwaaswi



Approved Resolution KB 002-2017 Marquette County Land Bank Authority Property Acquisition for $7,500.00 for 40 acres in Chocolay

Township, Marquette County, and a letter to the Authority regarding

the offer.

 Approved Corporate Resolution KB 004-2017 Board of Directors Authority and the Chief Financial Officer Authority Letter to Superior National Bank and Trust Company.

 Approved a donation request from Adam Dakota for $1,000.00 for a

benefit dinner February 4, 2017, for his mother Cari McMahon for her

medical travel and living expenses.

 Approved to change the organizational structure of the convenience

stores to one manager and three assistant managers and to incorporate the duties of the tobacco manufacturing into one of the job descriptions for one of the assistant managers and to hire the two KBIC

candidates who applied for the assistant manager positions.

 Approved to dismiss the government employee appeal of dismissal

hearing case #008-16 per the employee’s request.

January 26, 2016 Special Council Meeting (unapproved):

 Approved the Purchase Agreement with Greenway Health, LLC for

the digital dental sensors for $14,561.42.

 Approved the renewal licenses for the Ojibwa Casino I and II and the

Rez Stop for the purchase and sale of tobacco products.

 Approved to appoint Dawn Kemppainen and Susan Lawrence to the

Election Board with three year terms ending January 2020.

 Approved to appoint Michael Duschene to the Gaming Commission to

fill the remaining term (June 2018) previously held by Elizabeth D.

Mayo.

 Approved a donation request from Alden Connor in the amount of

$600.00 to sponsor a softball team for the tournament to be held in

the NMU Superior Dome in Memory of Mick Campbell benefiting Special Olympics February 9-12, 2017.

 Approved to amend the Admissions and Occupancy Policy for the

Housing Department to include second degree relationships and

those relationships would include first cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces,

and nephews.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier

TRIBAL COLLEGES VISIT WASHINGTON DC

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College President, Debbie Parrish,

and Board of Regents Member, Cherie Dakota, attended the annual winter

meeting for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and Capitol

Hill visits. The advocacy workshop was held on Monday morning. Congressman John Lewis, one of the "Big Six" leaders of the Civil Rights

Movement in the 1960’s, gave the keynote address. Inspired by Martin

Luther King Jr., John Lewis joined the Civil Rights Movement and has continued to fight for people's rights since joining Congress in 1987. Lewis

received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Following his keynote address, a briefing session was held for meetings with the various

tribal college state representatives.

On Tuesday, February 7th, Parrish and Dakota, along with staff from

the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and Bay Mills Community College,

met with Congressman Jack Bergman, Senator Gary Peters, Congressman John Moolenaar, and Senator Debbie Stabenow. The main discussion during these meetings focused on funding for the colleges and universities from the Department of Education and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Newly elected Jack Bergman was given the history of tribal colleges in

Michigan, how these institutions are good investments in the community,

and how they positively impact our local economies. Congressman Bergman assured the group he will make an effort to visit with all U.P. schools

and colleges this year. Senator Debbie Stabenow has been a long standing supporter of higher education and looks forward to visiting the L’Anse

Wabanung Campus during her visit to the U.P.

On Wednesday, February 8th, the tribal colleges met with the House

Committee on Education

and the Workforce. Dakota provided information

on KBOCC’s corrections

training program and collaboration with the Baraga

Maximum Security Prison

to fill gaps in the local

workforce. KBOCC President, Debbie Parrish,

spoke with the representatives regarding the critical need to maintain federal funding to strengthen

capacity for the college.

Parrish said, “the uncertainty of federal funding is

worrisome; however, as

long as we continue to

communicate with our

representatives, we can

(Left to right) Cherie Dakota, KBOCC Board of Re- only hope our funding will

gents Member; Congressman John Lewis; and not jeopardized.”

Debra Parrish, KBOCC President.

(9) Zhaangaswi

DRUG CONVICTION

REPORT

In a continuous effort to reduce the illegal use of controlled substances in our community, the Drug Task Force

has requested the publication

of pertinent information regarding any convictions of the Controlled Substances section of

the KBIC Tribal Code §3.1706. The Tribal Court has

agreed to comply with the Drug Task Force’s request

and will publish a Drug Conviction Report on a routine

basis.

Brandon Hamm, case #15-039, controlled substance (possession – Hydrocodone) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 10/12/2016 to:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety days jail, 90 days jail suspended pending

successful completion of probation. Defendant is

financially responsible for the costs of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and is to follow the recommendation of screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to

sign a release of information for the Court to monitor compliance.

4. Six months of standard alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant is responsible for the costs of drug and/

or PBT testing, if any

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.

Travis Rajacic, case #16-202, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 3rd offense

Sentencing on 01/03/2017, #16-202, §3.1308:

1. Defendant is given credit for forty-five (45) days

previously served. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated, if any.

2. Defendant is currently on payment probation for

previous case numbers.

Peggy Swartz, case #16-166, §3.305(a)(5), Disorderly Person – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/03/2017, #16-166, §3.305(a)(5):

1. Fine $250.00.

2. Must obtain a substance abuse screening within

thirty days and follow all recommendations until

successfully completed.

3. Thirty (30) days jail, 30 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation.

Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any costs incurred while incarcerated,

if any.

4. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug

restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the

cost of random drug and alcohol testing, if any.

Must report to the Probation Department once per

month.

Peggy Swartz, case #16-216, §3.1307, Reporting a

fictitious crime – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/03/2017, #16-216, §3.1307:

1. Fine $250.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail, 45 days jail suspended

pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated, if any.

3. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug

restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the

cost of random drug and alcohol testing, if any.

Must report to the Probation Department once per

month.

Bart Alsup, case #17-016, §5.61, Penalties, driver’s

license required – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/17/2017, #17-016, §5.61:

1. Fine $100.00 (Note: $70.00 is to be transferred to

costs).

2. Two days jail, credit for two days served. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses that incur while incarcerated.

3. Case will remain open for a period of two weeks to

allow the Defendant to pay his fine in full (by

01/31/2017). If payment is not receipted in full by

01/31/2017, this case will be transferred to the Probation Department ,and Defendant will be placed

on one-month probation at that time.

Bruce Banuchie, case #16-196, §3.1308, Disobedience of lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/17/2017, #16-196, §3.1308:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Defendant must obtain a substance abuse screening. The Defendant did complete New Day Treatment Center.

3. Thirty (30) days jail with 30 days suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation.

(10) Midaaswi

Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

4. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug

restricted probation with the $10.00 monthly fee.

Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of

random drug and alcohol testing, if any.

Travis Knipp, case #16-184TNR, §10.217, Wanton

waste of fish species – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/25/2017, #16-184TNR, §10.217:

1. Fine of $100.00 ($80.00 is to be transferred to

costs).

2. Twenty-five days jail, credit for three days jail

served, suspend 22 days jail. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. One to three months standard probation with a

$10.00 monthly probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of drug and/or PBT

testing, if any.

4. Restitution in the amount of $36.00 to be paid to

the Tribal Court for processing.

Steven Gray, case #16-229, §3.305(a)(5), Disorderly person – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/27/2017, #16-229, §3.305(a)(5):

1. Fine $150.00.

2. Thirty-eight (38) days jail, credit of 38 days served..

Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expense that may occurred while

incarcerated.

3. Defendant is released from the custody of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

4. Defendant’s current probation days under case #14

-111 and #14-112 is placed on a stay until the Defendant is released from the custody of another

jurisdiction he is continuing to serving jail time for.

5. Probation for case #16-220 will be for a period of

52 days and will commence at the end of current

probation period. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of drug or PBT testing, if any. Defendant is responsible for a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Ivory Charging, case #16-246, §3.202, Assault and

battery – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/01/2017, #16-246, §3.202:

1. Fine $250.00. Fine is to be paid prior to the Defendant relocating from the area. Once the fine is paid

in full this case will be closed.

Timothy Lofquist, case #16-118, §5.16a, Transporting liquor within compartment – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/07/2017, #16-118, §5.16a:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Court costs in the amount of $29.28.

3. No probation. Fine and costs are to be paid within

two-weeks from sentence date.

Allen Bear, case #16-173, §3.305(5), Disorderly

person – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/14/2017, #16-173, §3.305(5):

1. Fine $200.00.

2. Credit for time served. Defendant is financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

Allen Bear, case #16-174, §3.1308, Disobedience

of a lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentenced on 02/14/2017, #16-174, §3.1308:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Credit for time served. Defendant is financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

Allen Bear, case #16-254, §3.305(5), Disorderly

person – 2nd offense

Sentenced on 02/14/2017, #16-254, §3.305(5):

1. Fine $200.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail suspended pending any

violation of his remedial order. If a violation occurs, a bench warrant will be issued and he will

serve the (45) days. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

3. The Defendant is banned from any and all lands

and water for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and trust lands, including Marquette, Ontonagon, and L'Anse Reservations for a period of

one (1) year.

4. The Defendant must complete a substance

abuse assessment and follow all recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is

financially responsible for the cost of screening.

5. The Defendant must pay all costs and fines prior

to asking for the banishment to be lifted.

Eugene Loonsfoot III, case #16-236, §3.1414, Possession, use, transport of alcoholic beverages by

persons under the age of 21 – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/14/2017, #16-236, §3.1414:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Credit for time served. Defendant is financially

responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

drug and alcohol testing, if any.

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and is to follow the recommendations of the

screening until successfully discharged. Defendant

is financially responsible for the cost of screening.

Vanessa Beaver, case #17-006, §3.1414, Possession, use, transport of alcoholic beverages by

persons under the age of 21 – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/15/2017, #17-006, §3.1414:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Thirty days jail, 30 days suspended. Defendant is

financially responsible for the cost of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

3. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening within thirty days and is to follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is financially responsible for

the cost of screening, if any. Defendant is to sign a

release of information for the Court to monitor compliance.

4. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant is

financially responsible for the cost of drug and PBT

testing, if any. Defendant is to report to the Probation Office as instructed by the Probation Officer.

5. Defendant is to complete a GED or High School

equivalent prior to finishing probation.

Vanessa Beaver, case #17-009, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/15/2017, #17-009, §3.1308:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Thirty days jail, 30 days suspended. Defendant is

financially responsible for the cost of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

3. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening within thirty days and is to follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is financially responsible for

the cost of screening, if any. Defendant is to sign a

release of information for the Court to monitor compliance. Concurrent with case #17-006.

4. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant is

financially responsible for the cost of drug and PBT

testing, if any. Defendant is to report to the Probation Office as instructed by the Probation Officer.

Concurrent with case #17-006.

5. Defendant is to complete a GED or High School

equivalent prior to finishing probation. Concurrent

with case #17-006.

Jordan Ekdahl, case #15-043, §3.1105, Unauthorized tampering of a vehicle – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/15/2017, #15-043, §3.1105:

1. Ninety days jail, 90 days suspended. Defendant is

financially responsible for cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

2. Ninety days alcohol and drug restricted probation

with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant is financially

responsible for the cost of drug and PBT testing, if

any. Defendant will be required to test at the minimum of one time weekly.

Jennifer Picard, case #16-252, §3.402, Malicious

destruction of personal property – 1st offense

Sentencing on 02/15/2017, #16-252, §3.402:

1. Fine $200.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days of jail. Credit for three days

served, 42 days suspended. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

3. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant is

financially responsible for the costs of drug and

PBT testing, if any.

4. Restitution is TBD and is to be paid through the

Tribal Court.

5. Defendant is to obtain a new substance abuse

screening and is to follow through with the recommendations until successfully discharged. Defendant will be financially responsible for the costs of

screening, if any.

6. Defendant is to obtain an anger management

screening and is to follow the recommendations of

the screening until successfully discharged.

KBIC SENIORS — TAX

PREPARATION REIMBURSEMENT

PROGRAM

Eligible Seniors

Enrolled KBIC Members 55 years of age and older

residing in Baraga County or on the Marquette Trust

property.

How the Program Works

Eligible seniors will receive reimbursement up to $75

for their 2016 tax return preparation. You are also eligible for reimbursement of up to $75 per year for amending your 2015 and 2014 tax returns. This year’s program

also provides reimbursement up to $26 for completion

of your 2016 Home Heating Credit return.

To qualify for reimbursement, eligible seniors must

use a tax preparer who has been issued a Preparer Tax

Identification Number (PTIN) by the Internal Revenue

Service.

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing Community Development Corporation and Sally Snyder are excluded

from the program due to the litigation matter involving

the Tribe.

To receive your reimbursement, please turn in your

original receipt to Kim Klopstein, Administrative Asst., in

the CEO’s Office. Please allow up to ten business days

for payment processing. (Reimbursement is for personal

returns only. Business returns are not covered.)

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2017 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

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

48 Contiguous United

States:

Household

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

$ 990

$157

$1,147

$1,335

$157

$1,492

$1,680

$157

$1,837

$2,025

$168

$2,193

$2,370

$197

$2,567

$2,715

$226

$2,941

$3,061

$226

$3,287

$3,408

$226

$3,634

Each additional member

+ $347

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

$1,237

$268

$1,505

$1,669

$268

$1,937

$2,100

$268

$2,368

$2,532

$268

$2,800

$2,964

$268

$3,232

$3,395

$282

$3,677

$3,827

$282

$4,109

$4,260

$282

$4,542

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $434

Library Events and Updates

By Angela Badke, Librarian

The library staff at the Ojibwa Community

Library is getting ready for spring, and we’d

like to mention some of the services and

events occurring at the library in March.

The Ojibwa Community Library will be

hosting another Healthy Eating Group on

Thursday, March 16, 2017, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

We will be meeting in the front classroom of

the library building. Our topic for the evening

will be focusing on Asian diets, and how you

can incorporate those foods into a healthy

lifestyle.

We would also like to remind everyone

that the Library currently has access to Ancestry.com, and it is free for library patrons

to use. You can search for family members,

birth and death certificates, census records,

and much more! You only need to stop by

the circulation desk to get a username and

password from library staff.

Additionally, we have added new books

to our book sale. Popular authors such as

Janet Evanovich, Lee Child, Dan Brown,

David Baldacci, and James Patterson are

included in our sale. We’ve also added new

non-fiction, young adult fiction, and children’s books to our selection of sale items.

Hardcover books are $1.00 each; paperback

books are $.50 each.

Registration is now open for the Ojibwa

Community Library’s Spring Reading Challenge. The reading challenge is available for

students in Kindergarten-8th grade. Students

will be eligible to earn prizes for every 25

books they read (up to 100 books). For

more information, email oclib@up.net, or call

906-353-8163.

Please note that our library hours have

changed since last summer. We are now

open Mondays 9:00-4:00, TuesdaysThursdays 9:00-6:30, Fridays 9:00-4:00, and

Saturdays 9:00-1:00. Please “like” and follow the Ojibwa Community Library on Facebook to stay up-to-date on library information.

Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect

For suspected abuse or neglect of an Indian child or adult living on the KBIC

reservation or trust lands, contact KBIC Tribal Social Services at (906) 3534201. TSS will be accepting referrals daily including: after hours, weekends, and

holidays.

For all other suspected abuse or neglect, contact Michigan Department of

Health and Human Services – Centralized Intake Unit at (855) 444-3911.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa (KBIC Veterans) Meeting

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 15,

2017, 1900 hours, at the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Building, KBIC Industrial Park

(off M-38), Baraga, MI 49908.

Future meeting dates: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 20, 2017.

Lawrence “Oscar” Denomie, Jr.

(July 19, 1929—January 27, 2017)

Lawrence “Oscar” Denomie, Jr., age 87, of Baraga, MI, passed away at his home on

Friday, January 27, 2017, in the arms of his loving daughter and caretaker, Debbie.

He was born July 19, 1929, in Michigamme, MI, the son of Lawrence and Leona

(LaCosse) Denomie. Lawrence attended school in Baraga. He was a Corporal in the US

Army from 1948-52 during the Korean War. He received the Korean service medal with

four bronze stars, UN Service medal, and a Purple Heart medal. Lawrence married Ann

Marie Weisinger on July 2, 1955, in Baraga, MI. He worked various jobs in the woods and

at the mines, and was a tribal commercial fisherman.

Lawrence was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Holy Name of Jesus

Church, Ojibwa Seniors, and the American Legion Post #444. He enjoyed playing cards

with friends, spending time with his family, being outdoors, hunting, and fishing.

Survivors include his children: David “Dash”, James “JD” (Dorothy Pryor), Robert

(Lauri), Donald “Reet”, Michael (Terri), Debra (Brian) Williams, Thomas, Lawrence III “Larry

Joe” (Julie Raby), and Bruce “Buck”, all of Baraga, and Diane of L’Anse; brother: Robert

Denomie of Baraga; sisters: Delores Ebrel and Betty Villwock both of Milwaukee; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents; loving wife, Ann Denomie; beautiful daughter,

Dawn Louise Denomie; infant granddaughter, Autumn Dawn; infant grandson, Steven Michael; siblings: Carlota Beauprey, Joan Bemis, and Patricia Imig.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, in the Ceremonial

Room at the Ojibwa Senior Center, Baraga, MI, with the Baraga County Area Veterans

conducting military rites under the direction of the American Legion Post #444 followed by

a prayer service with Deacon John Cadeau officiating. The family received friends from 11

a.m. until the service which began at 1:00 p.m. A luncheon followed the service at the

Ojibwa Senior Center. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

LaVerne G. Perrault

(April 17, 1925—January 28, 2017)

LaVerne G. Perrault, age 91, of L’Anse, MI, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017,

at her home in L’Anse. She was born in L’Anse on April 17, 1925, the daughter of the late

Elzior and Irene (Picard) Collins. LaVerne graduated from L’Anse High School in 1943.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of L’Anse. LaVerne enjoyed playing

bingo, watching John Wayne movies, and spending time with her grandchildren and great

grandchildren.

LaVerne is survived by her loving daughter, Mary Cramer of L’Anse; former son-in-law,

Paul Cramer of L’Anse; grandchildren: Paul and Justin; great grandchildren: Kyra, Kolten,

Destiny, P.J., Bentley, and Christopher; brother, Elzior “Buck” Collins of Marquette; and her

nurse, Jean Perrault. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. She was

preceded in death by her sister, Mary Spresser, and brother, Lamar Robillard.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Sacred Heart

Catholic Church of L’Anse with Father Corey Litzner, celebrant. The family received

friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Immediately following the Memorial Mass, friends were invited to join the family for fellowship and a luncheon in the church hall. A spring interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse assisted the family.

Harlan Downwind

(August 19, 1953—February 4, 2017)

The K.B.I.C. Cultural Committee regretfully wishes

to inform you of the walking on of our Traditional

Healer, Harlan Downwind. He walked on February 4,

2017. Harlan had provided Traditional Healing services to tribal members for the past fifteen years and

had been a very special member of our community. We will miss him greatly.

The Cultural Committee is working on bringing a

Traditional Healer back to our community as soon as

possible. We will inform you when a new Traditional

Healer is selected.

In the meantime, if you have questions or need

guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the

Cultural Committee members.

(11) Ashi bezhig

To be added

to the mailing

list

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 email: newsletter@kbicnsn.gov.

A public community-based monthly gathering

for those that have breastfed, thinking about

breastfeeding, or are currently breastfeeding

Mother-to-Mother Support

Social outlet for new and experienced mothers

Evidenced-based information

Transportation available

Make & Take Craft

Snacks



First Wednesday

of every Month!!

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

We provide the following services:

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES  Establishment, Enforce-

Call 353-4521