The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2017)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Miinke Giizis - Blueberry Moon - August 2017

39th Annual Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding Held

Issue 157

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

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Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Grand Entry, Friday evening, July 21, 2017, at the Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding.

It was a beautiful weekend for the KBIC’s

39th Annual Maawanji’iding. The event was

held at the Ojibwa Powwow Campgrounds

in Baraga, Michigan, on July 21-23, 2017.

Participants and spectators enjoyed the

songS and danced with 18 registered

drums. There were an array of specials

events. Records indicate there were 614

dancers registered.

The onset of the weekend brought a

Sunrise Ceremony on Thursday, July 20,

2017, Traditional Teachings with Darrel

Kingbird, Ground Blessing and Feast, and

Jaiya John, a sponsored speaker, brought

to the Community by KBIC Youth Programs.

Kingbird and John continued their teachings

Friday morning and afternoon. Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa (KBIC Honor Guard) presented

the colors and led dancers into the arena for

all the Grand Entries held Friday at 7 p.m.,

Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday

at 1 p.m. Ray Cadotte honored KBIC as

their Head Veteran Dancer; Rodney Loonsfoot, KBIC, as Head Male Dancer; and Tina

Connor as Head Female Dancer. Darrell

Kingbird served as Arena Director; Little Otter as Host Drum; and there were four invited drums: Hay Creek, Four Thunders,

Summercloud, and Woodland Singers. Emcees John Teller, Jr. and Mike Sullivan, Sr.

did an awesome job keeping everyone informed about the events.

Friday evening brought a new Miss Keweenaw Bay and Junior Miss Keweenaw

Bay to our Community. Jaycie Forcia was

crowned as the 2017 Miss Keweenaw Bay,

and Starr Dunleavy was crowned as the

2017 Miss Junior Keweenaw Bay.

Saturday’s events began with fry bread

competitions. Michelle Webster (Noreen’s

Iroquois Kitchen) took 1st place in the adult

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39th Annual Keweenaw Bay

Maawanji’iding Held

15th Annual Kids Fishing

Derby Held

Maki Crowned Lumberjack

Queen

Sea Life Yoga 2017, with local KBIC Author

Education Incentive Awards

Announced

KBIC Gov’t Employee Picnic

and Employee Incentives

KBIC Court Report

Deepest Sympathy

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Jailyn Renee Shelifoe, 2016 Miss Keweenaw Bay

(right) assists with crowning of Jaycie Forcia, 2017

Miss Keweenaw Bay (left).

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Dr. Jaiya John (left) with Wabanungoquay M.

Alakayak (Sandman-Shelifoe), Youth Director

(right). Jaiya has shared inspired, soulful messages with over half a million people worldwide. He was born into foster care in New

Mexico, and is an internationally recognized

author, speaker, poet, spoken word artist, and

youth mentor. Dr. Jaiya John shared his inspired messages with our Community on

Thursday and Friday, July 20-21, 2017, at the

Ojibwa Powwow Grounds in Baraga, MI.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Starr Dunleavy, 2017 Miss Jr. Keweenaw Bay (left)

and Hannah Harvala, 2016 Miss Jr. Keweenaw Bay

(right) at the Friday evening princess crowning event.

division, and Sam Chosa (Rez

Robin’s) took 1st place in the youth

division. This year the Powwow Committee honored Ralph Eckerberg and

Agatha Cardinal as their Honored Elders, and an Honored Elders Song was

held after Grand Entry on Saturday

Continued on page six.

(1) Bezhig

15th Annual KBIC Kids Fishing Derby Held

The Community looks forward every year to a grand event held the last

weekend of June. The 15th Annual KBIC Kids Fishing Derby was held on

Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Sand Point Pond near the Lighthouse in

Baraga, Michigan.

Derby Coordinator and KBNRD Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist, Gene

Mensch, with the help of Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources Department

(KBNRD) staff and many community volunteers, worked to make this

event a success.

Gene Mensch said, “ We had 414 kids (0-12) register this year. Even in

the rain, this is a huge turnout. I’d like to thank all the parents and kids

who came to the event, braved the elements, and worked with us to make

sure every kid was having fun! Fifty-eight Fisher-Kids registered fish from

the pond. Our champion is seven-year-old Ayana Morin, who hauled in

two fish that had the greatest combined length. She won the championship trophy, a $100 gift certificate compliments of the American Legion

Post 444, and a trip to the prize tent on a date to be determined. We were

forced to close down certain aspects of the event due to the driving and

persistent rains and a bunch of shivering Fisher-Kids. Prizes had to be

distributed over the course of the following days. Most of the prizes have

been awarded, but we still have some work to do regarding this.”

Top four winners: (left to right) Isaiah Merver (2nd place), Ayana Morin (1st

place), Michael Rothenberger (3rd place), and Kwynn Voskhul (4th place).

The annual event honors an individual who was or is a commercial fisherman. This year’s event honored Richard L. Semasky, Sr.

Richard “Smack” Semasky, Sr. was born in L’Anse, Michigan, to the

late Joan and Delia (Santeline) Semasky, on April, 17, 1937. He had two

sisters, the late Jean and Gracie, and three brothers, the late Harold,

Elmer, and Raymond. Richard was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, VFW, and the Ojibwa Seniors. He loved hunting, fishing,

and enjoyed cooking and smoking fish. He was also a Green Bay Packers

fan.

Richard grew up in L’Anse and later joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954.

He was a long-time fisherman from Bay Mills, until he took a job as one of

the first law enforcement officers for the Bay Mills Indian Community. He

then moved back to L’Anse and took a job with the Great Lakes Indian

Fish and Wildlife Conservation (GLIFWC) in the mid 1980’s. Richard retired from GLIFWC (with over 25 years of service) as the supervisor of law

enforcement for all Tribes surrounding the Great Lakes for the entire Western District of Michigan.

The following story was provided by Richard’s daughter, Irene. “There

are a lot of stories I can recall, but I like this one. I believe that it impacted

my Dad’s life just enough for him to change the direction of his life. He

talked about when he and his good friend and fishing partner, Lehman

Teeple, were out on the Lake pulling in their nets. Several boxes were

loaded with fish to the point where their big steel boat was weighed down,

almost to water level. They were ecstatic about the amount of fish they

pulled in their nets. Back in the day, living on the Bay Mills Reservation,

there were not many job prospects. Fishing was the way of life for most of

our members and their families.

Just as my Dad and Lehman were finishing up and getting ready to

come in off the lake, a storm came up really fast. The darkness started to

take over in a matter of minutes. The Lake, that had been as calm as

ever, took on a new look. The ripples in the waves became bigger as the

wind blew harder. They were starting to take on water. With boxes loaded

and weighing the boat down close to the water level with every wave, they

thought they were going to sink. My Dad started the motor, and they

slowly and steadily pushed towards the shore a couple miles away. They

could not afford to lose this catch, so dumping the boxes of fish was not an

option.

The darkness took over, and with every gust of wind the rain, hard and

stinging poured down on top of them. The continuous waves were already

making their journey to the shore difficult with every swell, but they continued on. With one man working the motor the other bailed water out of the

boat as fast as he could bail. Their only means of direction was that of the

headlights from their truck on shore. This was a must to never forget to

turn on the headlights when they went out to set or pull their nets, since

the weather was very unpredictable.

Minutes seemed like hours as they maneuvered through the waves

slowly making their way back to shore. They could not believe how fast

that storm came on. Later that evening, after they packed the fish with ice,

they told their spouses about the adventure they had.

News had already spread about a ship that gotten caught in that storm,

and the distress calls that came from it. Unfortunately, neither that ship,

nor its crew, survived.

The boat that was used that day on the Lake was owned by my Dad. I

seem to remember that right after this happened he changed the course of

his life. By working hard he became one of Bay Mills Indian Community's

first police officers. He worked there until he had an opportunity to move

(2) Niizh

Gene Mensch handing out as many random gifts to fisher-kids as possible in the

rain Saturday. After 15 years of Coordinating this event, he tries to maintain high

energy and excitement for the kids.... but it is getting harder with the years and

challenges, and a reevaluation of staff roles in this event is underway. Gene is

pictured above with Dekkar Denomie.

back to his native reservation,

here in L’Anse, to start the next

adventure of his life. My Dad

had lots of adventures. We kids

loved listening to his life stories.

Many who know my Dad

have been to his house, and

maybe you never noticed, or

didn’t ask, but the boat that

changed the course of his life is

still there in his backyard.

The name of the Lake they

were on that day is Lake Superior, and the date was November

10, 1975. If you hadn’t already

guessed, the name of the ship

that went down with its crew that

day was the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie,

Newsletter Editor.

KBIC Staff David Seppanen (foreground) and

Brent Waranka (background), patiently and

steadily working the Big Trout Tank for the kids

in a driving rain.

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.

Luann Jossens, case #16-040, §3.403, Malicious

injury to a structure – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/19/2017, #16-040, §3.403:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Restitution in the amount of $162.50 to be paid to

VOCA.

3. Ninety (90) days jail, 90 days jail suspending pending successful discharge from probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant’s Tribal General Welfare Benefit Distribution Check is to be garnished in full each year

until all Court obligations are paid in full.

6. Defendant will be required to report as directed by

the Probation Office and the Sentry System.

7. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is to sign a release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of this screening.

8. Defendant is to obtain an anger management assessment and is to comply with the recommendations of the assessment. Defendant is to sign a

release of information for the Court to monitor compliance.

William Bowman, case #17-082, §5.15, Operating

under the influence – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/21/2017, 17-082, §5.15:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for one day served, 89

days jail suspending pending successful discharge

from probation.

Defendant shall be financially

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

3. One to three months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any. Defendant is to report one

time a month and as directed by the Probation Office.

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is to sign a release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of this screening.

Shiloh Lussier, case #17-100, §5.62a, License restrictions – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/21/2017, 17-100, §5.62a:

1. Fine $125.00.

2. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging, and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Thirty to sixty days of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any.

previously given.

Caroline Picard, case #17-026, §3.1112, Shoplifting – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/26/2017, #17-026, §3.1112:

1. Fine $150.00.

2. Restitution is to be determined by Probation Officer

and is to be paid to the Court for processing to

Ojibwa BP.

3. Defendant is to continue with her substance abuse

screening recommendations and the Healing To

Wellness Court requirements until successfully

completed.

4. Twenty (20) days jail, 20 days jail suspending

pending successful completion of Healing To Wellness Court. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging, and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated.

5. The Court transfers the case to the Healing To

Wellness Court.

Clay Overmyer, case #15-013, §3.1308, Disobedience of lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/26/2017, 15-013, §3.1308:

1. Fine $200.00.

2. Thirty (30) days jail, 30 days jail suspending pending successful discharge from probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

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 tests, if any. Defendant is required to report in

person to the Probation Office a minimum of one

time a month, and as directed by the Probation

Office and the Sentry System.

4. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed, and sign a release of information for the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

the screening.

5. Defendant is to actively attempt to achieve a High

School Diploma or GED and is to provide proof of

his efforts to the Probation Office

6. Defendant is to report to the Probation Office a

minimum of one time per month and as directed by

the Probation Office.

7. Defendant is to report to the Probation Office when

released from his current jail sentence.

Joel DeCota, case #94-037, §3.202, Assault and

battery – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/28/2017, 94-037, §3.202:

1. Fine $550.00.

2. One-hundred (100) days jail, credit for 50 days

served, 50 days jail suspending pending successful

discharge from probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging, and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any.

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is to sign a release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of this screening.

5.

Defendant is to obtain an anger management assessment for a domestic violence program and is

to comply with the recommendations of the assessment. Defendant is to sign a release of information

for the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of this

assessment.

Chad DeCota, case #17-089, §3.206, Resisting arrest – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/28/2017, 17-089, §3.206:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Two-hundred-seventy (270) days jail, 90 days to be

served consecutively to current jail sentence, 180

days jail suspending pending successful discharge

from probation.

Defendant shall be financially

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

3. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any.

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is to sign a release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of this screening.

5. Defendant is to obtain an anger management assessment for a domestic violence program and is

to comply with the recommendations of the assessment. Defendant is to sign a release of information

for the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the cost of this

assessment.

6. Defendant’s Tribal General Welfare Benefit Distribution Check is to be garnished in full each year

until all Court obligations are paid in full.

Diana Carlson, case #17-124, §5.15, Operating

under the influence – 1st offense

Sentencing on 07/05/2017, 17-124, §5.15:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety (90) days jail, 90 days jail suspending pending successful discharge from probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any. Defendant is to call into the

Sentry call-in system as directed by the Probation

Office.

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse screening and follow all the recommendations until successfully completed. Defendant is to sign a release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of this screening.

Richard C. Loonsfoot, case #17-123, §16.513, Operation of improper registered vehicle – 1st offense

Sentencing on 07/10/2017, 17-123, §16.513:

1. Fine $125.00.

2. Defendant shall pay his fine to the Tribal Clerk’s

office within thirty days of sentencing.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

Shiloh Lussier, case #17-101, §16.513, Operation

of unregistered vehicle – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/21/2017, 17-101, §16.513:

1. Fine $125.00.

2. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging, and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Thirty to sixty days of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT tests, if any (concurrent with case #17100).

Mark Edwards, case #17-106, §5.14, Reckless driving – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/21/2017, 17-106, §5.14:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Thirty (30) days jail, 30 days jail suspending pending successful discharge from probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging, and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is to write an apology letter to the victim,

Gerald Joe Kirkish, and the letter is to be submitted

to the Probation Officer for review and processing.

4. Defendant is to obtain an anger management assessment and is to comply with the recommendations of the assessment. Defendant is to sign a

release of information for the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant shall be financially responsible

for the cost of assessment.

5. Defendant is to obtain a health assessment and is

to comply with the recommendations of the assessment. Defendant is to sign a release of information

for the Court to monitor compliance. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the cost of assessment.

6. Three to six months, non-alcohol restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of drug tests

(3) Niswi

Sea Life Yoga 2017

Imagine yourself as ”a sea star reaching out to the sea….with

your legs further than hip width apart, reach your arms up into a V

shape. Open your fingers, gently bring your head back then stretch

and reach for the sky…HOLD.” Lisa Denomie, author of Sea Life

Yoga and KBOCC’s Early Childhood Education graduate, invites

her readers (all ages) on a journey to discover themselves through

the personal wellbeing that comes from taking care of your own

health.

Lisa took KBOCC on two yoga journeys. The first journey walks

us into the Early Childhood Department’s Health, Safety, and Nutrition class for our future teachers. As Lisa facilitated and guided students through her book, they learned about breathing, effective use

of energy, and taking care of themselves. Teaching can be stressful and overwhelming! Lisa modeled how to breathe more deeply

and fully to develop a sense of peacefulness in their bodies. She

explained how breathing and physical movement can enable them

to use their renewed energy to feel more relaxed, focused, and motivated. Lastly, as students and future teachers, we forget to take

care of ourselves. Lisa stressed to the students how important it is

to take care of themselves and that yoga is a great way to move our

bodies and feel healthy.

The second journey leads us to a family fun night with Migiizinsag’s (Little Eagles) children and parents (some of the parents were

students from our first journey). It is important for children to know

about their bodies. The sea creatures illustrated in the book,

nudges the children’s imagination. Visualizing and moving as a sea

creature builds an attitude of physical movement being enjoyable

while they learn how to move more freely and with greater ease and

awareness. Yoga tends to quiet the mind. This can assist with children building listening skills and teaches children to be the “boss” of

their own bodies by modifying or changing poses.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC) says it best, “without the fundamental skills, many children

opt out of physical activities, thus becoming less fit, less skilled, less

comfortable with physical effort and challenge…., such children are

Author Lisa Denomie (background) as she reads to youth,

pictured with (r to l) Ari, Izi, Danica Jahfetson.

at greater risk for childhood obesity and

other health risks of insufficient exercise

(pg. 164). With the insight and support

from the Restorative Teaching Initiative,

this yoga experience is one of many

strategies that contribute to sustained

engagement resulting in improved learning opportunities and health benefits for

Native families and their children. The

beauty of yoga is that it is for all ages!

Copple, Carol, and Sue Bredekamp. Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood

programs: serving children from birth through age

eight. Washington, D.C.: National Association for

the Education of Young Children, 2009. Print.

Lisa’s book was published in February by Niizikweg Creations and can

be purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998434809 or

Createspace https://www.createspace.com/6843722.

To Register for KBOCC Early Childhood Classes contact Cheryl

LaRose at 906-524-8404 or clarose@kbocc.edu. To Register for Migiizinsag (Little Eagles) contact Kim Swanson or Jackie Treaudeau at 906-5248513 or www.kboccchildren.org.

~ submitted by Cheryl LaRose, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College, ECE Initiatives Project Director.

Brittanee Gauthier as she participates with the youth.

KBIC Sponsors — Responsible Fatherhood Day

Fun and a little healthy competition between kids and their fathers were in the air on Saturday, June 17, 2017, as the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community held their third annual Responsible Fatherhood Day.

"The purpose of today is to honor our fathers and our moms

who are here to come together for a family event to promote family,"

said Rodney Loonsfoot, organizer and KBIC Tribal Council Member.

“It's also about putting sacredness back in to our families."

The day was filled with kickball, basketball, art, and food, and it

was free to participants. "We wanted all families to come in,

granted the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is here, but we

wanted to open it up to the community because we are all one big

family community here," said Loonsfoot.

The event also offered other community services to inform the

public on foster and family issues. "We need to let everyone know

of the great need for foster care and foster parents is, not only at

the tribal level, but at the state level," said Director of Tribal Social

Services. "This is just one event to get these groups and partners to

the table."

"I work for the office of child support, so many moms and dads

aren’t together," added Laura Mayo, the outreach coordinator, "So

mom doesn’t get enough time with the kids and neither does dad.

Events like this get families together, while they spend the whole

day together, and just enjoy each other."

Saturday's event wasn’t the only day fatherhood is honored and

celebrated with the KBIC, they also offer programs to push the sacredness of parenting. "It is to teach fathers the traditional ways of

our culture that’s slowly is being lost," said Bryan VanDyke. "It was

(4) Niiwin

a good program that was fun, we learned stuff to pass to our kids,

so they can learn the traditions."

Rodney said, “This is the biggest turnout we've had so far for this

event, and we are excited to continue it on to next year’s Father’s

Day along with starting up some additional fatherhood and motherhood programs.”

The event was sponsored by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, KBIC Tribal Council, KBIC Health System, KBIC Healthy Start/

Family Spirit Program, KBIC Youth Program, BALAC Grant, Tribal

Social Services, KBIC Child Support Services, and the Native

American Fatherhood and Families Association.

Starr Dunleavy (above) just enjoying

the day.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM

AWARDS STUDENTS

The Keweenaw Bay Education Committee

offers the Education Incentive Program to local

KBIC tribal students. Monetary incentives are

awarded at the end of each of the four marking

periods of the academic year. Students must be

enrolled KBIC members, reside in Baraga,

Houghton, Ontonagon, or Marquette counties

and must attend a public or private school. A

student’s Honor Roll status is defined according

to the requirements of their school district.

The following fifty-six students were placed

on the Honor Roll for the fourth marking period of the 2016-17 academic year:

Baraga – Ireland Chosa, Robert Curtis, Richard

Geroux Jr., Bailey Harden, Jalisa Heath,

Rylee Holm, Steele Jondreau, Kamrin

Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Georgia Lofquist,

Angel Loonsfoot, Shawna Lussier, Steven Maki,

Lyndsey Mayo, Jenna Messer, Liliana Messer,

Makenzie Messer, Kylie Michaelson, Randy

Owens III, Presley Rasanen, Alana Schofield,

Amy Selden, Tyler Shalifoe, Javon Shelifoe, Katie Strong, Kayla Szaroletta, and Nathaniel

Welsh .

L’Anse – Dysean Allen, Deija Dakota, Keira

Dakota, Sara Dakota, Shay Ekdahl, Ti’ia Friisvall, Christopher Genschow, Robert Genschow

III, William Genschow, Robert Jacobs, Dallas

Moulden, Rowen Rexford, Grayson Roe, Brian

Spruce, Charles Spruce, Alicia Stein, Marianna

Teikari, Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools – Stacy

DeCota and Jeffrey Heath.

Marquette – Neebin Ashbrook-Pietila, Aden

Hamalainen, Zoe Hamalainen, Anna Lindgren,

and Brenden Lindgren.

Sacred Heart Catholic – Rachael Velmer.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe and Taylor Shelafoe.

The following thirty-nine students received

awards for achieving Perfect Attendance:

Baraga – Ethin Awonohopay, Kamerin Awonohopay, Robert Curtis, Lealynd Dunleavy, Starr

Dunleavy, Madyson Evans, Noah Evans, Destin

Gauthier, Richard Geroux Jr., Bailey Harden,

Rylee Holm, Steele Jondreau, William Jondreau

Jr., Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Darius

Loonsfoot, O’Dell Loonsfoot, Steven Maki,

Nicholas Owens, and Nathaniel Welsh.

L’Anse – Tokala Chosa, Alice Curtis, Deija Dakota, Keira Dakota, Michael Delich, Rion Fountaine, Brendon Friisvall, Ti’ia Friisvall, Chase

Larson, Jaycee Maki, Dallas Moulden, Grayson

Roe, Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe, Kimber Shelafoe,

Taylor Shelafoe, Destinee Stanton, Lacie

Stanton

(5) Naanan

Maki Crowned 2017

Lumberjack Queen

Nicole Maki, daughter of Michelle and Jeff

Maki, was crowned the 2017 Lumberjack

Queen at the Baraga 4th of July Celebration.

She is a 2017 graduate of Baraga High

School. Nicole was sponsored by Wilkinson’s

General Store.

Carsyn Osterman, daughter of Dean and

Sheila Osterman, was the second runner-up.

Alex Jahfetson was the first runner-up, and

McKenzie Barrett was named Miss Congeniality.

Pictured are Nicole Maki (left) and Carsyn Osterman

(right).

2017 Maawanji’iding Continues:

afternoon (see separate article). The Hand

Drum contest was held Saturday between

grand entries. The results were: 1st place –

Dana Goulet; 2nd place – Niizhoo Sullivan; and

3rd place – Eric Mitchell. A grand feast was

held between grand entries as well.

Late Saturday evening, A Jingle Dress

competition was held with the following results:

1st place – Jamie Awonohopay, 2nd place –

Lisa Hill, and 3rd place – Delina White. A

Woodland Special competition was held with

the following results: 1st place – Vincent

Bender, 2nd Place – Gerald White, and 3rd

place – Russell Brownwigs. Saturday’s events

ended with the adult two-step competition with

the following results: 1st place – Brian and

Melissa Jackson, 2nd place – Jerome and

Rosawre Sawapaw, and 3rd place — Mark

Kingbird and Lavender Hunt.

Sunday afternoon brought the youth twostep competition where the crowd chose Starr

Dunleavy and Preston Oja as 1st place youth

two step champions.

Adult Two-Step Champs: Melissa and Brian Jackson.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Continued on page seven.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Preparing for Saturday evening grand entry in Keweenaw Bay are: (left to

right), Ray Cadotte, Head Veteran Dancer; Jaycie Forcia, Miss 2017 Keweenaw Bay; Starr Dunleavy, Miss 2017 Jr. Keweenaw Bay; Tina Connor,

Head Female Dancer; and Rodney Loonsfoot, Head Male Dancer.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Jingle Dress Winners: (l to r) 1st place –

Jamie Awonohopay, 2nd place – Lisa Hill,

and 3rd place – Delina White.

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.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Youth Two-Step Winners: Starr

Dunleavy and Preston Oja.

They’re all princesses to KBIC. Back row, (left to right): Jailyn Shelifoe, 2016 Miss

Keweenaw Bay; Jaycie Forcia, 2017 Miss Keweenaw Bay; Jeani Aho, Runner-up;

Aleeha Gauthier-Moulden, candidate; Alexandria Chosa Simmons, candidate;

Deija Dakota, candidate; Hannah Harvala, 2016 Miss Jr. Keweenaw Bay; (front)

Payton LeClaire, candidate; Adyson Moulden, candidate; and Kiera Dakota, candidate. Missing from photo is Lily Messer, Runner-up Junior category. Photo compliments of Stanley Spruce.

The Powwow Committee honored Ralph Eckerberg and Agatha Cardinal

as this year’s Honored Elders.

Ralph Eckerberg

“I was born in Iron County Michigan. I graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1955. I joined the Coast Guard when I was

18 and served for 23 years from 1955 through 1978 and retired as

an E9 Master Chief. I then enrolled at Michigan Technological University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1981. I went to work at Honeywell Defense Systems in

Minnesota and retired from there in 1991. I then moved to Crystal

Falls, Michigan, in 1992, and have now lived in Baraga for the last

four years. I was marred to Jean in 1956, and we have two living

children. I am a member of the Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Veterans)

and belong to the Ojibwa Senior Citizens. I own one worthless

share in the Packers Franchise, and I am a Packer Backer.”

Agatha Cardinal

“I am one of six daughters of James E. and Marcella Loonsfoot

(Shelifoe), and I have three brothers. So you can see just by the

sur names, I am related to a whole lot of the natives here on the

KBIC Rez. I was born and raised here, and I lived most of my life

here in this area. I am the mother of five daughters and the grandmother of twelve grandchildren.

I also have thirteen greatgrandchildren. I am married to an awesome man, my hubby, Michael Cardinal. I worked as a KBIC home school coordinator at the

Baraga Area Schools for 15 years, and I am currently retired from

that position. Most of my time was spent as a stay at home mother

raising my family.”

Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa

KBIC Veterans)

Meeting

The Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa Meeting

will be held on

Wednesday,

August

16, 2017,

1900 hours, at the

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Building, KBIC

Industrial Park (off

M-38), Baraga, MI.

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

Baraga, MI 49908

event.

License Fee will be

(906) 353-4222

waived when the application is

received within this timeline.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

472 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

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

• E-mail: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the following services:

 Establishment, Enforcement

and Modification of Child

Support Orders

 Paternity Establishment

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Community Education

(7) Niizhwaaswi

(8) Ishwaaswi

Janet Marie Walker

(October 22, 1943—June 23, 2017)

Janet Marie Walker, age 73 of L’Anse,

MI, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2017,

at Bayside Village in L’Anse.

She was born October 22, 1943, in Detroit, MI, daughter to Roy and Mary (Morin)

Walker. At the age of two, Janet suffered

an accident that left her severely mentally

and physically disabled.

Despite her handicap, Janet retained a

positive outlook, an infectious sense of humor, and an iron will. Ice cream, puppies,

stuffed animals (especially chipmunks), and

visits from her brother always generated a

huge smile.

For the past 20 years Janet lived at

Aurora House in L’Anse, and the staff took

care of Janet as though she was family. In

a sense, I suppose she was. We greatly

appreciate their kindness and love for Janet.

Janet is survived by her brother Bill

(Ruthanne); nephews: Chris and Benjamin

(Jessica); and niece: Erin (Pete).

A private traditional burial ceremony for

family was held. The Jacobson Funeral

Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

James L. “Jimmy J” Emery

(April 25, 1962—June 25, 2017)

James L. “Jimmy J” Emery, age 55, of

L’Anse passed away unexpectedly Sunday,

June 25, 2017, at his home. He was born in

Chicago, Illinois, on April 25, 1962, the son

of the late James and Amelia (Maki) Emery.

Jimmy J attended school in L’Anse. He began fishing at a young age and made a career commercial fishing. He loved being on

his tugboats “Dough Boy” and “West Bay”.

Jimmy J was a member of the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community and the Baraga

County Couple Pool League for the Side

Track Bar. The team were champs in 2016

and 2017. He enjoyed playing cribbage,

walking, helping people, carpentry, yard

work, teasing kids, and was an avid Bears

fan, but his true love was fishing.

Jimmy J is survived by his loving children: Daron Emery of Escanaba, Shawnee

Tolonen (Henry Smith) of Watersmeet, and

Kristyn Emery (Trevor Berger) of Escanaba;

grandchildren: Darryn, Joslyn, and Madelynn: brothers: Joseph Emery and Mark Emery both of Escanaba; sisters: Annette Emery (Ron DeCota) of Baraga and Aimee Emery (Jeff Owens) of L’Anse. Numerous

other family members also survive. He was

preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and great nephew

Jaden Forcia.

Visitation and services were held on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at the Zeba Community

Hall, Zeba, MI. A fellowship luncheon feast

immediately followed services, concluding

with an Interment in the Pinery Cemetery.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of

L’Anse assisted the family.

pany, Haataja Truck’n. Work was his passion; it brought him great joy. Rudy also

enjoyed snowmobiling with his girls, boating, and ice fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Debra; daughters:

Katelyn and Autumn (Kyle Ahola); mother,

Joyce (Jim) Grgurich; brothers: Brian and

Jeff Haataja; and sisters: Cindy (Elwood)

Niemi and Kim LeClaire all of L’Anse. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews,

cousins, and his special dog Lilly. Rudy is

also expecting his first grandchild, Ryker

Rudy.

He is preceded in death by his father,

Rudolph; and grandparents: Mary and Bill

Hannila, and Rose and Eino Haataja.

A celebration of Rudy’s life was held on

Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Zeba Community Hall, Zeba, MI, for sharing of memories.

A fellowship luncheon was held

throughout the celebration. Burial followed

at the Pinery Cemetery with military rites

conducted by the Baraga County Area Veterans under the direction of the American

Legion Post 444. The Jacobson Funeral

Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

KBIC Enjoys a Farmer

Market Tour

Chalsea Smith and Laniceya Eagle

at Radicle Gardens.

the KBIC Health Systems (Donald A. LaPointe Medical Center) in Baraga, MI, and

returned late afternoon. Their destinations

included: 1) Baraga County Farmers Market

-- L’Anse Location. The group got to enjoy

the park and meet with local vendors. 2)

Radicle Gardens -- A local farm producing

organic foods. The group loved meeting

this little family who are making big

moves! Seeing their home and meeting

their family proves how amazing our community can be! Radicle Gardens gave an

amazing story and shared an incredible

story with the group of participants. 3) Bovine Food Stand -- It's always a great time

making a stop at the Bovine Food Stand! 4)

Marquette Farmers Marquette – People always appreciate the diverse vendors and

their day couldn't be better for walking

through and visiting each table. 5) Marquette Co-op Kitchen & Café – The group

was impressed by the fabulous work they

are doing, the beautiful facility, the tour,

and the class session. This was definitely

very informative!

Marquette Food Co-op Kitchen and Café.

A Saturday morning of fun! KBIC Health

invited all to tour our local farmers markets

and gardens. Tashina Emery, BALAC Coordinator, said, “We met farmers from all

over the U.P., learned something new at

each stop, which crops were in season, why

they choose to farm the way they do, and

eating healthy on a budget. We also got to

know our local artisans, bakers, and food

purveyors. Snacking throughout the day,

we were excited about making healthy food

choices by building a sense of connection to

the people who grow our food.”

The group of participants boarded a bus

on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at 8:45 a.m. at

Marquette Food Co-op class and tour.

Rudolph Eino Haataja, Jr.

(October 10, 1964—June 26, 2017)

Rudolph Eino Haataja Jr., age 52, of

L’Anse, MI, passed away on Monday, June

26, 2017, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

He was born October 10, 1964, in

L’Anse, the son of Rudolph and Joyce

(Springsteen) Haataja.

Rudy attended

L’Anse schools, was in the Army National

Guard for 10 years. He married the former

Debra Larson on August 12, 1995, in

L'Anse.

At a young age Rudy began working for

Local Roofing and Tribal Construction,

along with other odd jobs. He was with the

Baraga County Road Commission for 15

years. In 2002, he started his own com-

Shani Shelifoe and Mikah Pallas

shops at Marquette Food Co-op.

Vada Veker at Radicle Gardens.

To be added to the mailing list

or to correct your mailing address, contact the enrollment

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

(9) Zhaangaswi

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Holds Government Employee Picnic and Employee Incentives

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Bean Bag Toss Tournament — 1st place winners: (left to right), Bradley Dakota and Steven

Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Employees recognized for ten years of services received $50.00 Pines Gift Card. Pictured (l to r),

Steven Denomie, Edward Bourdage, Robert Mayo, Jr., and Joseph Schutte. Missing from picture

are: Mark Fuller, Jean Jokinen, and Katherine Kruse.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Fishing Tournament —

1st place winners: (left

to right), Mary Dee

Shannahan, Elizabeth

“Popcorn”

Ma yo,

Michelle Maki, Heather

Wood-Paquet.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

held their Annual Government Employee

Picnic in combination with an Employee

Recognition Event on Friday, June 30,

2017, at the Sandpoint Campground in

Baraga, Michigan.

The day began early morning with registered teams in a fishing tournament. Team

Thirty Sea Gals took first place. While the

fishing boats were out on Lake Superior, on

shore teams competed in a bean bag toss

competition. Steven Denomie and Bradley

Dakota took first place in the event. Meanwhile other employees and their guest participated in Bingo, Cribbage, and Yard

Yahtzee and won some really nice prizes.

(10) Midaaswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Employees recognized for fifteen years of services received a $100.00 bonus. Pictured (l to r),

Jennifer Heath, Jerry Lee Curtis, Kim Klopstein, John Davis. Missing from picture are: Gregory

Loonsfoot, Sarah Maki, and Deborah Vizina.

Lucky 7’s catered Tacos and picnic

foods for the event. Strawberry shortcake

was served as well.

CEO, Larry Denomie III, thanked all

KBIC’s employees for everything they do in

their job which makes the government of-

fices run smooth and efficient, and each and

every position is an important. Employee

incentives were presented as described under the pictures.

~ Submitted by Newsletter Editor.

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

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$ 990

+

$157

=

$1,147

2

$1,335

+

$157

=

$1,492

3

$1,680

+

$157

=

$1,837

4

$2,025

+

$168

=

$2,193

5

$2,370

+

$197

=

$2,567

6

$2,715

+

$226

=

$2,941

7

$3,061

+

$226

=

$3,287

8

$3,408

+

$226

=

$3,634

Employees recognized for twenty years of services received a $250.00 bonus. Pictured (l to r),

George DeCota, Jennifer St. George, Peggy Loonsfoot, and Carole LaPointe. Missing from picture are: Christine Beauchamp, Laura Cladas, Dale Goodreau, R. Brent Johnson, and Suzan Ollila.

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

Each additional member

+ $347

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,237

+

$268

=

$1,505

2

$1,669

+

$268

=

$1,937

3

$2,100

+

$268

=

$2,368

4

$2,532

+

$268

=

$2,800

5

$2,964

+

$268

=

$3,232

6

$3,395

+

$282

=

$3,677

7

$3,827

+

$282

=

$4,109

8

$4,260

+

$282

=

$4,542

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $434

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Employees recognized for twenty-five years of services received a $500.00 bonus. Pictured (l to

r), Ruth Scott, Larry Denomie III, Jeanne Hirzel, Dale Dakota, Michelle St. George, and Doreen

Blaker.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Bean Bag Toss Tournament participants: (left to right) Nancy

Voakes, Lynelle Bolo, and Valerie

Voakes.

August 2017 Calendar



Aug. 5: Reg. Sat. Council

Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa Casino Conference Room,

Baraga;

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Employees recognized for thirty years of services re- Employees recognized for forty years of services received a $750.00 bonus. Pictured (l to r), Duane Mise- ceived a $1,250.00 bonus. Pictured (l to r), Amy St.

gan and Arlan Friisvall. Missing from picture: Brenda Arnold and Susan J. LaFernier.

Brunk.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Tribal Council’s

July 2017 Donations

As the KBIC Tribal Council did not hold

a Saturday meeting during the month of

July, it is believed September’s issues will

outline the two-month reports. However,

donations were reviewed at the Thursday,

July 13, 2017 meeting. The unapproved

motion follows:

Motion by Susan J.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

At the June 9, 2017 Regularly Scheduled Council meeting, Joe DeRocha visited with Tribal Council,

requesting support as he announced he was running for the state representative seat of the 109 th

District of the Michigan Legislature as a passionate Democrat. Right to left, (sitting) Treasurer Doreen Blaker, Vice President Jennifer Misegan, Assistant Secretary Toni Minton, Secretary Susan J.

LaFernier, (standing) Councilor Rodney Loonsfoot, Councilor Robert “R.D.” Curtis, Jr., President

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Councilor Frederick Dakota, Joe DeRocha, Councilor Gary Loonsfoot,

Jr., Randall R. Haataja, and Michael F. LaFernier.

Strong + Resilient,

We Rise Youth Coalition

A health resource to provide fun

for Native youth, by Native youth,

ages 11-18 years old.

MEETS BI-WEEKLY,

TUESDAYS 5 P.M.

Any questions or for more information,

contact Tashina Emery at

(906) 353-4515 or e-mail

temery@kbic-nsn.gov.

Follow on Facebook @

WeRiseKBICYouth

Add us on Snapchat —

@kbic youth

Ages 13-18, Meets bi-weekly as a health resource and to provide fun for Native youth, by

Native youth.

August 2-3, 2017

Wild Rice Camp

August 5-8, 2017

Cultural Camp

Meeting August 8, 2017,

5 p.m. Hiking River Walk

August 18, 2017

KBIC Youth Dance Fundraiser, Back to School

Meeting August 22, 2017,

5 p.m. Designing Your

Health, Back2School

Party

September 1-3, 2017,

Summer Youth Trip,

Bloomington, MN.

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

We have created Strong + Resilient, We Rise to:













Provide holistic adolescent health information,

Promotes positive youth development,

Share youth-friendly health media and current events,

Encourage healthy behaviors,

Reinforce positive messages, and

Increase cultural identity and pride.

Sponsored by KBIC Health and KBIC Youth, stiving to promote holistic health and positive

growth in our local community. Sharing the tools you need to get started shaping your

community in positive ways. By rising together, with one another, we can teach each other

lessons about self-confidence, self-respect, pride, courage, and spirituality.

Strong + Resilient, We Rise youth members:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Learn tips and tools to be an effective leader and change agent;

Make a positive difference in the community;

Amplify their voice and concerns through KBIC’s media channels;

Are the first to hear about opportunities for Native youth;

Travel to represent KBIC;

Generate ideas and provide feedback on new concepts for KBIC;

Boost their resume; and

Create a place where Native youth feel comfortable, empowered, and connected to

other Native youth.

LaFernier to approve the July 2017

donations as: $1,000.00 to Kalvin

Hartwig for the Anishinaabe Short

Film Project, $250.00 to the Life Outreach Center, $500.00 to the Baraga

County Fair, $380.00 to the Baraga

County Community Foundation for

the Tony Selkey Memorial Golf

Scramble, and $500.00 to Nancy

Pawlowski’s Baraga County Relay

For Life Team for a total of

$2,630.00, supported by Randall R.

Haataja.

Seven supported (S.

LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, four

absent (Misegan, Dakota, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), motion carried.