All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian (2005)

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GIIKENDAAM

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All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community

Manidoo Gizisoons - Little Spirits Moon - December 2005 Issue 18

Tribal Council Members:

Tribal Council Meeting—November 5, 2005

Susan J. LaFernier, President

Warren C. Swartz Jr., Vice-President

Larry J. Denomie III, Secretary

Gary F. Loonsfoot Sr., Asst. Secretary

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Doreen Blaker

Fred Dakota

William E. Emery

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Shawanung

Toni Minton

Special points of interest:

President LaFernier reminds us to, “Please remember all of our Veteran’s on Veteran’s Day and continue your prayers for all of our

men and women in the service.” Above picture shows KBIC Color Guard members offering a big miigwetch to Tribal Council for funding their recent KBIC Veteran’s Arizona Trip. A Power Point presentation was viewed of the trip, in which the KBIC Color Guard participated with the making of a video with singer Lorrie Church. The video proceeds will benefit all Veterans.

The regularly scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting

was held on November 5, 2005. Susan LaFernier presided over

the meeting with Warren C. Swartz Jr., Larry J. Denomie III,

Gary Loonsfoot Sr., Jennifer Misegan, Doreen Blaker, Fred Dakota, William E. Emery, Michael F. LaFernier Sr., Elizabeth D.

Mayo, Toni Minton and Shawanung present.

President LaFernier shared a few items of ‘For Your Information’ with those who were present. She commented on the

copy of a decision letter received from Gerald Parrish, BIA Superintendent, regarding the Fee to Trust Acquisition. The letter

notifies the Tribe of certain lands within Baraga Village, L’Anse

Township and Arvon Township that have been approved into

trust status. President LaFernier informed those present that it

takes quite some time to go through this process, stating that this

application began in 2002. Jennifer Misegan shared an article

with Council that was published on Startribune.com regarding

former chair of Chippewa White Earth Tribe being charged with

washing titles.

In the President’s Report, Susan LaFernier indicated that Fred

Dakota, Jesse Luttenton and herself had attended the United

Tribes of Michigan Tribal Summit meeting, which was hosted by

the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe in Mt. Pleasant. They attended

presentations by the Municipal Employees Retirement System

(MERS) on how they could service our Tribes. They attended a

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•

Ojibwemowin—Ojibwe Language

Indigenous Storytelling

Pink Shawls

10th Annual Spirit of the Harvest

Powwow

A Spooky Halloween Celebration

on the Rez…

KB Celebrates Halloween in Marquette too…

Aabinoojiiyens

Harvest Health & Safety Fair

Community Calendar

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continued from page one

round table discussion on possible Tribal initiatives with the State and possibly beginning a

Native American Caucus in the Michigan State Legislature. There is currently a Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus and a Steel Caucus. They also met with Director David Hollister of the

Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth, which promotes economic growth and job creation in

Michigan by centralizing and streamlining all of the State’s job development, workforce

development and economic development functions under one umbrella. They reviewed

Governor Granholm’s Five-point Economic Plan for “Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow,” and discussed plans to implement the Intergovernmental Accord that the Federally Recognized

Tribes in Michigan and the Governor signed on May 13, 2005, concerning economic development interests. President LaFernier and Jesse Luttenton attended the Alice Cooper Concert while in Mt. Pleasant. President LaFernier stated that she enjoyed it very much. On

October 17, 2005, Jennifer Misegan, Larry Denomie, Jesse Luttenton and President

LaFernier attended the 2005 Michigan’s U.P. Summit “Growing Business—Harvesting Success” COOL Awards, which KBIC helped to sponsor in Marquette. KBIC and the Village of

Baraga/Wastewater Authority was nominated for an award on the wastewater/sewer

improvement project, which was a collaboration project between our communities. We did

not win the award but maybe next year. After the awards, the group attended an Economic Club Dinner where guest speaker, Governor Jennifer Granholm outlined her Five-point

Economic Initiative Proposal that will ensure that Michigan businesses and workers can compete and win in the new global marketplace. On October 18, 2005, members of the Council and President LaFernier attended our Ojibwa Community College Accreditation meeting

with four reviewers.

A second reading of the Gaming Commission Ordinance was held on October 20,

2005. The ordinance was reviewed and a third reading will be scheduled at a later date.

On October 22, 2005, members of the Council attended the Ojibwa Housing Authority’s

new business—Ojibwa Building Supply—Open House. President LaFernier had the opportunity to be live on our radio station and stated she was quite impressed with our radio station personnel and their expertise. President LaFernier attended the Department Head

meeting on October 26, 2005. She also attended, along with other Council members on

that same date, a noon feast held in conjunction with a monthly meeting for representatives

from Michigan Tribes of the Michigan Anishinabek Cultural Preservation and Repatriation

Association (MACPRA), which was hosted by our KBIC Cultural Committee. On October 27,

2005, President LaFernier and Mike LaFernier attended a meeting on the “Lake Trout Festival 2006,” which is planned to be held for two days in June, in Baraga County. She will

bring more information on this festival in the future. On October 31, 2005, Jennifer Misegan and President LaFernier attend a funeral mass, which was a celebration for a special

person in many lives. President LaFernier noted that Mary Idabel St. Germain, passed

away on October 25, 2005. Ms. St. Germain was 102 years old and was the eldest KBIC

member. Her family was presented with a dream catcher.

This year the Council has approved $600 for the Christmas Gift, and members can pick

up their checks November 21, 22 and 23. The Council will be interviewing this week for a

full time Environmental Mining Specialist. A motion was made and approved that the third

highest vote getter in L’Anse will receive the remaining two-year seat of Ann Misegan. Our

Comprehensive Plan draft is complete and in December, we will be hearing more on reports

to be added and finalizing the entire plan for implementation. President LaFernier thanked

the KBIC Health Department and Honoring Our Health Program for a wonderful Harvest

Health & Safety Fair which was held on November 3, 2005, at OCC. Our Health Department personnel will also be sending a letter to our seniors regarding the new Medicare prescription availability and changes that will be available on January 1, 2006. Please make

sure to read the letter and call if you have questions as there are many new changes and

options. Please remember to visit our Baraga Casino on November 14—19 for our 20th

Anniversary Celebration. President LaFernier wished everyone a happy and blessed

Thanksgiving. President LaFernier asked Attorney John Baker to give an update on our legal cases at this time.

Attorney John Baker indicates that we currently have three cases pending against the

State of Michigan. The first one is the property tax case. As you are aware, we did receive a summary judgment in favor of KBIC by Judge McKeague, on the property tax issue.

Subsequent to the summary judgment, the State of Michigan filed an appeal in the 6th Circuit Court. KBIC answered the appeal near the end of September 2005. The next step will

be receiving a response from the 6th Circuit Court, which is expected in the very near future.

The second case regards cigarette taxation by KBIC and its members. As you are aware,

judgment summary by Judge Bell was not in favor of KBIC. We have filed an appeal on all

20 counts. Briefing will more than likely be scheduled in December 2005. The third case

concerns sales taxes for individual KBIC tribal members, i.e. taxes on automobiles, including

the six percent tax at the grocery/department stores. This case has just been filed and we

expect a hearing within 90 days.

Keith Tourtillott Sr., CEO, indicated in the CEO Report that his desk conducted 151 contacts which focused primarily on budgetary issues, insurance bid processing, grant/

application review, policy modifications and personnel relations. Within the personnel rela-

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tions, one verbal reprimand was issued, two complaints are under process, medical examinations have been started, endurance tests have been scheduled and three appeals have

been heard by Council. In the terms of budget processing, the CEO office sent out allocations notices and approved final changes allowed within the FY 2006 budget. To date only

a few departments need to finalize their allocations. On October 26, 2005, we held our

quarterly staff meeting. During this meeting, we introduced new hires, submitted the proposed cell phone policy for comments and discussion, reviewed the Vehicle Use Policy, introduced a “Service Agreement” designed to be used for limited service engagements and the

associate requirements for approval, discussed PART, reviewed KBIC Personnel Policy 2.4

changes made by Council on August 1, 2005, informed staff of the 90-day deadline to

resolve interim temporary hires, discussed the flu shot procedure for this year, fire drill requirements and received general departmental announcements. Mr. Tourtillott Sr. indicated

that the CEO Assistant, Sarah Smith, had 71 contacts which included five meetings, budget

detail review, grant closeouts, in-kind matching fund adjustments, insurance comparison tabulations and continued draft on a grant/contract management manual. Sarah has been

working with Liana Loonsfoot, KBIC Grant Writer, and Dawn Richards, Interim Comptroller,

in the development of this manual. When the draft is completed, it will be introduced to

department heads for comment, and then reviewed by the Management Team for a final

recommendation to be made to Council. Plans are to have the first draft ready for the next

quarterly staff meeting. As reported in last month’s report, the CEO office has been accepting bids to cover the Community’s insurance needs. It has been a long process, and we have

all learned a lot from this experience. President LaFernier has worked and reworked the

Community’s inventory list with respect to buildings and vehicles. Jason Ayres and Arlan

Friisvall worked on actual locations, sizes and type of construction on each of our buildings.

The Insurance Team (President LaFernier; Francis LaPointe Jr., CFO; John Baker, Attorney;

Jim Nardi, HR Director; Sarah Smith, Assistant CEO; and Keith Tourtillott Sr., CEO) reviewed

and compared all the bids to ensure that the proposals would meet the Community’s needs.

Tribal Council passed a motion on November 4, 2005, to accept a bid of $247,230 by

Mortenson, Matzell, Meldrum which is $132,700 less than what we have currently been

paying. With this new coverage, the Community can move forward with providing medical

services to all of our employees, feel confident in knowing that our business income is protected, any mistakes or errors made by either our employees or by Council is protected,

and our relationship with the Federal Tort Claims Act is not undermined. Keith Tourtillott will

begin working on Workman’s Compensation. He advocates that we should have our own

Risk Manager to handle our claims.

Larry Denomie III reported on the Tribal Council meetings held throughout the month of

September and October in the Secretary’s report. Item of importance noted $3490.44 was

approved for the Tribal Veterans to travel to Arizona; approved $2000 for Hurricane

Katrina relief efforts paid to the Red Cross; met on the FY 2006 budgets; authorized Scottsdale Insurance Company to settle the David Meyers claim; approved KB1430-2005—Silver

River Bridge Project modification; authorized the Selkey family to take the corner stone located at the Tribal Construction; approved December 2004 and January 2005 meeting

minutes; approved the Blue Cross Blue Shield Participation Agreement; approved Written

Internal Control Standard changes; approved amendments to the Hiring Committee by-laws;

approved the KBIC Youth by-laws; approved $5729 for construction of an emergency exit

at New Day; approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the KBIC and the Village of Baraga for the Waste Water Authority Project; denied a gaming license for Glenn

W. Roberts; approved payment of $250 per semester for Beverly Lussier, Peggy Minton

and Candice Kemppainen and $925 per semester for Toni Minton to attend an Ojibwa Language Immersion program; met with John Baker on the cigarette tax issue; approved appealing the cigarette tax case; approved Resolution KB1434-2005, residential land lease

for Jon Dowd; approved $32,000 for the purchase of property; approved the TSI selections

recommended by the Natural Resources Committee; approved renewal of a tobacco sale

license for Keweenaw Bay Fisheries; passed a motion to have a written legal opinion on

whether individual tribal members can legally sell tobacco products on the reservation; held

an employee grievance hearing and a show cause hearing; approved $7571.68 for Head

Start wages for October 1-31; met with Keith Tourtillott, CEO, regarding KI Sawyer; upheld

the decision of the CEO on case #PKB018-05; upheld the decision of the CEO on the Enterprise employee hearing; approved the FY 2006 budgets to include a 4% wage increase

for all employees; approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service and the Tribe’s Historical Preservation Office; increased Tribal Youth Funding from

$100 to $125 each; increased the Student Sovereign Fund from $500 to $600 and $250

to $300; approved use of the Enterprise Handbook for the Pines Convenience, KBIC Tire

and Eagle Radio - excluding BCBS benefit and having CEO be inserted where it currently

reads General Manager, to be effective the date of the CEO’s memo regarding the request; denied monetary requests from Girl Scouts of America, Native American Heritage

Committee, American Legion Blues Baseball, Hiawatha Amateur Radio and Pallone for Senate; approved $1000 for Dial Help, Inc.; approved Resolution KB1435-2005, adoption of

NIGC MICS; approved the election time line; approved $250 for the Laird Township Halcontinued on page three

continued from page two

loween Party; approved the Holiday schedule for the Tribal Government Operations and

the Tribal Police; approved posting of the Environmental Mining Specialist position; approved not changing the Indirect/Direct Cost proposal from prior motion; approved the

Health Board by-laws through Resolution KB1437-2005; approved a renewal contract for

Harland Downwind; amended the Emergency Funding Policy; approved Newsletter Contract renewal at $1350 monthly; approved candidate to receive the third highest vote in

the L’Anse district to take the seat with two years remaining on the term; approved a

change to the 401K policy for terminated employees from the $5000 threshold to $1000;

approved posting of the IT Manager Position; approved $1120 to Tribal Construction to

repair the driveway at Commodity Foods Warehouse; approved Resolution KB1438-2005

and $5000 for the Annual National Congress of American Indians membership dues; approved $1200 for Chelsea Seymour to attend an Educational Program in Washington DC;

approved $19,000 for continuation of the Baraga Airport Project; passed a motion to

have all interim and temporary positions at the Enterprises filled within 90 days; approved

payment for the Cultural Committee to meet twice per month; approved promoting the

Natural Resources Secretary from part-time to full-time; approved the Solid Waste Management Plan; approved the KBIC Comprehensive Plan; approved the Senior Heating Application; approved use of the Campground building by the Cultural Committee in cooperation of the Powwow Committee; approved $1852.50 to School Outfitters for a trophy

display case; approved business license renewals for Larry Denomie for Retail Sales, Tobacco Sales and Beer/Wine/Liquor Sales; approved guidelines for disbursement of the

Christmas Gift Checks; held an appeal for a dismissal hearing; promoted Micah Petosky to

Water Quality Specialist; authorized Jeff Kitchens to use area near sand pit for harvesting

of pine trees for tribal member requests; approved a slot machine transfer between

Baraga and Marquette Casino; approved vendor license renewals for Atronic Americas,

JCM American Corp. and Tech Art; approved a business license for Jerry Magnant; approved purchase of Turkeys and Hams from Larry’s Market; approved Resolution KB14392005 residential land lease for Chris and Angela Kelly; and approved $250 for Francis

Darcy for emergency travel.

Larry Denomie and Attorney John Baker attended a Self Governance Conference in

Washington D.C. One topic of major interest was the Medicare Part D changes which are

coming soon. We met and interviewed several law firms regarding potential lobbying

efforts on behalf of the Tribe regarding the IGRA and our process for moving the Harvey

Casino to the Negaunee property. Larry Denomie and Doreen Blaker attended the NCAI

Annual Conference in Tulsa, OK. Tex Hall has completed his second term as NCAI President. Elections were held for the executive positions. Joe Garcia, San Juan Pueblo, was

elected. For our area - Midwest/U.P. Representative, Bob Chicks, Stockbridge Munsee was

elected. Doreen and Larry will try to get NCAI to adopt a Resolution regarding our efforts

in opposition of the sulfide mining.

Chauncey Riverwalker, Vice Chairmen, and Jan Zender, Board member, of the Yellow

Dog Watershed Preserve Committee

presented

President

LaFernier, on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community,

with a quilt and tobacco in recognition of KBIC support of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.

Donald Carlson offered a

short presentation regarding the

aftermath of Sulfide Mining on a

western reservation. He is requesting financial assistance for a

number of individuals to attend a

hearing with the House of Representatives in Lansing regarding

Sulfide Mining, scheduled for

December 7, 2005. He was

asked to return when costs are

known.

In another matter, Donald

Carlson requested financial support in purchasing a van for the KBIC Color Guard/Veterans to travel to events. A bid

was presented for a used vehicle which included a six year warranty coverage. Council

suggested he come back when he obtains three bids for purchase of a new van.

Loretta Hugo, on behalf of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens, requested financial support for

the Michigan Indian Elders Association Meeting, which KB is hosting. The meeting is scheduled for July 11, 12, 13, of 2006. Motion made by William E. Emery to authorize $2500

for the Ojibwa Seniors to utilize for the July 2006, Michigan Indian Elders Association

Meeting they are hosting, supported by Elizabeth Mayo, and carried.

Ed Janisse was seeking authorization to purchase a trailer to store radio transmitters

that were purchased earlier and are currently sitting on the ground. They are for a tower

that KBIC owns from the result of the 98.5 Eagle Radio purchase. Mr. Janisse has located

a trailer to purchase for $2500. The tower also needs to be painted with Aviation paint

and will cost $3300. This tower is being stored at Selkey Manufacturing and they would

be making some repairs before sending it for painting. This tower is valued at approximately $67,000 and should be maintained for future use. A new tower could cost in the

area of $200,000 in the event that one would need to be purchased. Moved by Jennifer

Misegan to approve line item transactions for the requested amounts from within the Radio

Station budget to purchase the trailer for storage and to paint the tower, supported by

Mike LaFernier Sr. and carried.

Attorney John Baker presented for approval an application for a raffle license requested by KBIC Veterans. Moved by Jennifer Misegan to approve a raffle license for the

KBIC Veterans, supported by William E. Emery, and carried.

Attorney John Baker presented a license renewal application for KBIC Head Start for

the period of November 1, 2005—October 31, 2008. Moved by Toni Minton to approve

a license for Head Start for the period of time stated, supported by Mike LaFernier Sr.,

and carried. Mr. Baker also presented a license renewal application for KBIC Early Head

Start for the period of November 1, 2005—October 31, 2008. Moved by Warren C.

Swartz Jr. to approve a license for Early Head Start for the period of time stated, supported by Gary Loonsfoot Sr. and carried.

Keith Tourtillott Sr. sought approval for a Service Agreement with MTU. The funds are

made available through the DHHS I.H.S. Teach & Learn grant. The service agreement

helps pay for speakers, activities, the Summer Youth program, and coordinating services

provided through MTU for the benefit of Tribal Youth. The grant is for $12,751 and is a

two-year grant. Moved by Doreen Blaker to approve the Service Agreement for the

Teach & Learn Grant, supported by Jennifer Misegan, Fred Dakota opposed and carried.

Keith Tourtillott Sr. presented three bids for the Tire Shop roof. The roof has been a

continuous problem at the Tire Shop and needs to be repaired. Moved by William E. Emery to accept the Tribal Construction bid of $3099 to repair the Tire Shop roof, supported

by Fred Dakota and carried.

Susan LaFernier brought to the attention of the Council a letter of request from local

Girl Scout Troop #418. Leaders of the troop are Nissa LaPointe and Vicki Emery. They

are looking for financial help with dues and crafting supplies. Moved by Doreen Blaker to

authorize $300 to help LaPointe and Emery with their Girl Scout Troop dues and supplies,

supported by Mike LaFernier Sr. and carried.

Susan LaFernier brought to the attention of the Council a letter of request from Marquette Housing Commission for assistance with their resident Christmas Party. Moved by

Jennifer Misegan to authorize $100 to help Marquette Housing Commission with their

Christmas Party, supported by Toni Minton and carried.

Larry Denomie brought to the attention of Council a proposal to build a Youth Skate

Park in our community. He indicated that numerous youth participate in skateboarding and

have no place locally to do so, other than the streets of our town (which isn’t very safe) or

skate parks out of town. Keeping kids safe and providing environments which promote

well being is important. BayShore BP will donate $3000 towards the start up of a skate

park to purchase equipment needed for youth to practice on. Larry Denomie suggested

housing the skate park at the community parking lot. It would need to be fenced in, but

would be portable in the event that a full parking lot would be needed on any occasion.

In addition, he would be willing to donate five cents from every cheeseburger sold at BayShore BP (amounting to approximately 100 dollars/month) towards continued growth and

upkeep of the skate park. After discussion, Council suggested that Larry work with the

Youth Director, Zena Huhta, to see if KB youth are interested in a skate park. Zena Huhta

is currently working on a survey to see what types of activities our youth wish to participate

in. It was suggested that Zena Huhta seek out all youth within the reservation for this survey, not just youth who are currently participating in her programs.

Moved by Doreen Blaker to approve the department head monthly reports for September 2005, supported by Warren C. Swartz and carried.

Council went into closed session with only KBIC Members present for the Treasurer’s

Report for October 2005. Closed session continued (without KBIC members) - John Baker

was on agenda.

Upon returning to open session, a number of gaming licenses were approved.

Moved by Fred Dakota to include all vehicles that require a title, back to the date of

2000, be included in the current vehicle tax refund policy, and for the staff error which

occurred requiring a payment issued to Kim Fortier be forgiven so that she would not have

to be responsible for returning the payment, be granted, supported by Elizabeth Mayo,

opposed by seven (Gary Loonsfoot Sr., Warren C. Swartz, Larry Denomie, Jennifer Misegan, Toni Minton, Mike LaFernier, Doreen Blaker), supported by four, motion defeated.

The second Reading of Administrative Procedures Ordinance/Enrollment followed

adjournment of Council meeting.

(3) Niswi

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Mary Idabel St. Germain

(December 24, 1902-October 23, 2005)

Mary Idabel St. Germain, 102, formerly of Baraga

passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, in Odessa,

TX, following a brief illness. She was born in Baraga,

Michigan on December 24, 1902, a daughter of the late

Jacob and Julia (Smith) Bendry. Idabel graduated from

Baraga High School. She received her Bachelor of Science

Degree from Northern Michigan University in 1964. She

married Ellsworth St. Germain in Baraga. He preceded

her in death in 1987. Idabel taught school in Baraga until

her retirement. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic

Church, Baraga, MI, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Among her varied interests and skills, Idabel enjoyed playing the piano.

Mrs. St. Germain is survived by her loving granddaughters, Julie (David) Salmon of Midland, TX, and Jennifer Mcauley, great grandson, James Kelly “Jake” Mcauley,

daughter-in-law, Kathleen Lafferty St. Germain, nieces

Ellen Bendry, Dorothy Bendry Weber, Paula Bendry Larsen, Gail Quinn, Marion Spaulding, and Jackie Klinger.

She was preceded in death by her son, David in 2002,

granddaughter, Jessica Ann, two sisters, Rhoda and

Agatha, brothers, Douglas and Joseph, and a niece, Joann

Vitoria.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday,

October 31, 2005, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baraga,

Victory A. “Vicki” Mleko

(January 4, 1944-October 23, 2005)

Victory A. “Vicki” Mleko, 61, passed away on Sunday,

October 23, 2005, at her daughter’s home in Vero Beach,

FL. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, on January 4,

1944, a daughter of the late Ellsworth “Sonny” and Eleanor “Stubby” Rabideaux Darcy. Vicki lived in Baraga and

Pequaming most of her life with time spent in Portland, MI

and Lakewood Park, FL. She was a member of Most Holy

Name of Jesus Church, Assinins, MI, and the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community. Vicki was a devoted homemaker,

mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Mleko is survived by her husband, Michael, daughters, Tammy (Steve) Sholander of Lakewood Park, FL, Suzanne Mleko of L’Anse, Michele (Jeff) Maki of Vero Beach,

FL, Vicky Lynn Mleko of L’Anse, Christina (Steve) Demers of

Vero Beach, FL, a son, Michael Mleko of Lakewood Park,

FL, grandchildren Ronnie Mleko; Joshua, Dylan and Shiloh

Sholander; Samantha, Nicole and Jenna Maki; Shaylin and

Zachary Demers; sisters Barbara Swartz, Sandy Pittsley

and Anne Miller and brothers Thomas and Francis Darcy.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence

Darcy.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday,

October 29, 2005, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church,

Assinins, MI, with Father George Maki officiating.

A Christmas and New Year Wish

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you

What better time and what better season, what greater occasion and more wonderful reason to remember

to take the time to pray and be thankful for our many blessings. We all pray in our own way even as our

earth prays. The trees that are reaching to heaven, the rocks and hills that are still and silent, our lakes and

rivers that flow to the ocean, and our animals that have their own voices. We pray all year when someone

we love is sick or lonely and we do have to find our own words. Remember that all words are right if they

are true and come from our hearts. We pray not to change the world but to change ourselves because

when we change, the earth is changed. In the new year take the time to listen to the earth’s prayers… I

thank God for the year that now ends and for the great blessings of loved ones and friends. May you find

the joy and peace that awaits you this Christmas season and may the New Year bring you good health and

happiness.

The Seven Gifts of the Grandfathers:

• To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom

• To know love is to know peace

• To honor all of the Creation is to have respect

• Bravery is to face the foe with integrity

• Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave

• Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of the Creation

• Truth is to know all of these things

- excerpted from the Mishomis Book by Edward Benton-Banai

Susan J. LaFernier, Tribal Council President

Indigenous Storytelling - “The Man and The Ravens”

An Anishinaabe Legend, by Charles P. White, Ojibway

There once was a man who enjoyed watching the black Raven's fly around, play,

squawk, and chatter. He enjoyed them so much, he would climb trees just to be closer

to them. For many months the Ravens ignored the man, but after a while, one of the

Ravens flew from a nearby tree and landed directly next to the man. In utter amazement, the bird spoke to the man and asked, "You have been watching us for a long

time. You have tried to get close to us. Why do you do this?"

The man replied, "I mean no harm. I have become enchanted with you and all your

relatives. I enjoy the play, the squawking, and I wish I could learn your language, so I

could understand more about you."

Then the Raven responded, "We are honored that you want to know us, as long as

you do not cause harm, we will teach you our language."

For many months, the Ravens taught the man all about the language and how the

Ravens lived from day to day. The man became so educated that he knew everything

there was to know about the Ravens. Many of the Ravens saw the man and accepted him as a friend.

One day, an older Raven was flying far over the man, dropped a walnut perfectly on the man's head. It

was done on purpose and all the Ravens almost fell off their branches laughing so hard the way they do. One

Raven was flying and was laughing so hard he had to crash land right in front of the man.

The man was feeling bad and was hurt by being made fun of, so he asked the Raven in front of him, "Why

are you all picking on me."

The Raven stopped laughing and became very serious. "We thought you understood us, but apparently you

don't. If you did you would know that we are not mocking you... well maybe a bit, but it is done in our way of

having fun. We are 'playing' with you and that is all. It is not to be taken seriously. You should know us better."

The man took sometime to understand this and over time a few more practical jokes were played on the

man, and he in turn pulled a few "good ones" on the birds. A good time was had by all, and the man became

even closer to the Ravens.

Then another event occurred. A young Raven swooped out of the sky and pecked the man on the head.

Then another young Raven swooped down and did the same thing. The man ran across the field and into the

woods but the Ravens kept chasing him and very skillfully they flew at high speeds through the woods tormenting the man. Finally the two stopped and started to yell mean words, fighting words, at the man.

Again the man did not understand, but he knew the two Ravens were very mad at him, so he decided to

leave and let the Ravens be. The man went away for many months.

As he did his duties in the tribal village, he told all the people about his adventures and what he learned

about the Ravens. Some listened with intent, others just thought the man was a fool to study the Ravens so. The

villagers gave the man a new name of "Black Feather" because of his close relationship to the birds, but the

man objected and said, "I am no longer close to the Raven people."

From above there was a squawking sound of a single Raven. Some of the people looked up and were surprised that they could understand the Raven, others just looked around because they

continued on page eleven

(4) Niiwin

LOGO CONTEST – NOT ONE BUT TWO LOGO CONTESTS – TWO WINNERS!

In exchange for the rights to the selected artwork, each winner will receive a $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card!! The

deadline is: January 7, 2006.

Contest #1: Ojibwa Industrial Park - We are looking for an image that represents the Industrial Park enterprises (i.e. manufacturing, metal fabricating, tools, plastics, forestry, agriculture, construction, cement….) and is

graphically appealing.

Contest #2: Anishinaabe Anokii -The project will create a Small Business Development Center – Anishinaabe

Anokii, or First People’s Work Center. Anishinaabe Anokii will offer comprehensive culturally appropriate business development services for start-up, new and existing business for Tribal members. The work center will also

provide Tribal business owners with cooperative and support services, and financial literacy counseling and education, as well as focus on entrepreneurial initiatives for youth and Traditional artists and craftsman.

*You must use a visible, original image (no clip art, please). The image must reproduce well in black and white. It

will be used on various advertising materials.

*Each submission must be wholly original and created entirely by you and must not incorporate or include anything that is owned by any third party or would require the consent of any third party and your submission must

not violate any law or the copyright, trademark, publicity right, privacy right or any other right of any third

party.

*Include color suggestions. A maximum of four colors may be used in the design INCLUDING BLACK AND WHITE!

You can use one color as a background. Solid colors only; no water color, please.

*Lettering must be identifiable and easy to read.

*All images and artwork, upon submission, become exclusive property of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

*KBIC reserves the right to reject any and all entries, without liability, and to request reasonable, minor design

modifications from the proposed winner. In the event only unsuitable logos are entered, the contest will be null

and void and no winner will be declared. Also, a sole entry will not be automatically declared the winner.

Please contact Donna Sackett at 906-353-4115 or dsackett@kbic-nsn.gov if you have questions.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN’S POWWOW

On Thursday, November 17, 2005, an Elementary School Children’s Powwow was held at the

Baraga Area Schools. The event was organized by Candy Kemppainen, Ojibwa Bilingual Teacher.

Emcee Stanley Spruce spoke with the 250 K-6 grade school students, on the different events of a

powwow ceremony. KBIC Color Guard lead the procession with Ginny Ann Jermac presenting the

invocation. The children enjoyed the opportunity to participate, enjoying songs of the “Four Thunders”

drum. Mr. Spruce stated, “We thought we’d get 20 kids to dance, instead we got 200.” L’Anse Elementary School’s Children’s Powwow will be rescheduled due to the snow day on Wednesday.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

The Annual Tribal Elections will be held on

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2005.

Baraga District voters will go to the Polls at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center. Polls for the L’Anse District will be at the Zeba Methodist Church.

The Polls will be open from

12:00 noon until 6:00 pm

ONLY REGISTERED VOTERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE

(as per Election Ordinance)

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

RECRUITING SENIORS 55 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING POSITIONS

Senior Community Service Employment positions are part-time, 20 hours per

week, and pay $5.15 per hour. (Must meet low-income guidelines and are open

to both Indian and non-Indian seniors).

RECRUITING IRON WORKER TRAINEES

The National Ironworker Training Program for American Indians provides twelve

week courses four times a year. The training is fully funded. Includes lodging

and weekly stipends. You must provide your own transportation to and from

school and on-the-job training assignments.

HIRING HALL RECRUITING JOB SEEKERS

This program provides brings together individuals who are seeking employment

and employers who are seeking workers.

TO APPLY CONTACT:

Debra Williamson, TERO/EEO Director

Tribal Center, 107 Beartown Road

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4167, fax (906) 353-7540,

email: tero@kbic-nsn.gov

ILLEGAL DUMPING INFORMATION REQUEST

KBIC Natural Resource

Department staff are currently gathering information on illegal dumping

within the Reservation

boundaries. Illegal dumps,

in addition to being an

eyesore, can contribute to

groundwater, surface water, and soil contamination.

Some dumps may contain

materials considered hazardous to human health.

One of the many goals of

the Natural Resource Department is to cleanup

illegal dumps within the

Reservation boundaries. If you are aware of the location of an illegal

dump please contact either Joseph Scanlan (524-5757 x18) or Todd

Warner (524-5757 x13) at the KBIC Natural Resource Department.

(5) Naanan

Pink Shawls...

A Women’s Circle has

been busy making Pink

Shawls to present to

women of our community,

who are Breast Cancer

survivors. Many women

also made Pink Shawls for

themselves, so when they

dance in the Powwow

arena, it will be a reminder for all women to

conduct monthly breast

exams and to get their

annual mammogram.

One in eight Anishinaabe

kwe will get this disease,

Lorraine “Punkin” Shananaquet presented a teaching on Anishinaabe kwe, for respect of the grand- which is one of the most

mothers, and being the connection to our daughters treatable forms of cancer

when it is detected early.

Approximately sixty

women attended a Breast

Cancer Awareness Lunch

& Learn which was held

on Friday, October 28,

2005, at the Best Western Motel, in Baraga, (left to right) front row—Lois Bogda, Myrtle Tolonen, Jackie Beauchamp, back row—Robbie Yorg, Evelyn

Michigan. Presenters for Holappa, Colette Gemignani and Leona Bolo.

the program were KBIC

Physicians, Dr. Oh and Dr. Zobro, Becky Tussing, Lead RN, with a special teaching by Lorraine “Punkin” Shananaquet. The event

was sponsored by AVON Breast Care Fund, KBIC/DHHS, KBIC Cultural Committee, MITC, Ojibwa Senior Citizens, KBIC Tribal

Council and MTU AISES.

Pink Shawls were presented to Colette Gemignani (made by Toni Minton), Rosemary Haataja (made by Chee-Chee Stephens,

Evelyn Holappa (made by Bev Lussier & Gerry Mantila), Robbie Yorg (made by Summer Cohen), Linda LaPine (made by Vicki Emery), Myrtle Tolonen (made by Molly Loonsfoot & Family), Jackie Beauchamp (made by Veronica Adams & Mary Campioni), Lois

Dorothy Stephens (left) presents a Pink Shawl to Bogda (made by Cheryl Bogda), Pat Loonsfoot (made by Liana Loonsfoot), Leona Bolo (made by Cindy Curtis) and Carol Barriger

Rosemary Haataja (right).

(made by Florence Uusitalo). Another 29 Pink Shawls were made to dance in the arena. A majority of the women planned to attend the 10th Annual Spirit of the Harvest PowWow with their Pink Shawls.

10th Annual Spirit of the Harvest Powwow

It was an enjoyable

afternoon and evening

for the participants at

the 10th Annual Spirit

of the Harvest Powwow,

held on Saturday, October 29, 2005, at MTU.

Grand entry was at

1:00 p.m. and again at

7:00 p.m. with the KBIC

Color Guard leading

the procession. Lori Sherman, MTU Native American Outreach Coordinator, along with MTU/AISES

organized the event, and they indicated that there were 86 registered dancers and seven drums

participating throughout the day. The Pink Shawl exhibition was definitely a high- light of the afternoon. Each woman’s shawl was smudged in a ceremony prior to the exhibition. Hoop dancer,

Lowery Begay, gave a special presentation in the afternoon and again in the evening hours. Red

(6) Ningodwaaswi

continue on page eight

A Spooky Halloween Celebration on the Rez...

The Childrens’ Halloween Party

was held the afternoon of Sunday,

October 30, 2005, at the Niiwin

Akeaa Center. Approximately 200

kids attended the event. Many children enjoyed a hay ride, bobbing

for apples, a cake walk and the

brave at heart dared a scare in the

Spook House. There were many

terrific costumes, and the judges

had a difficult time determining who

was the scariest.

Prizes were

judged in age categories as shown.

Congratulations to the winners, who

received Wal-Mart Gift Cards.

Ages 3 & 4 (left to right) 1st place—Jailyn Shelifoe, 2nd place—

Wakeyan Wakan Chosa, 3rd place—Elyse Thoresen.

Ages 9, 10, 11 (right to left) 3rd place—Tonni

Williams, 2nd place—Sammy Tolonen, 1st

place—Jeffery Degenaer.

Ages 5 & 6 (left to right) 1st place—Lexi Chosa-Simmons, 2nd

place—Chelsea Pittsley, 3rd place—Keegan Julio.

Ages 0, 1, 2 (left to right) 1st place—DySean Allen, 2nd place—

Naethin Awonohopay, 3rd place—Madison Smith.

Ages 7 & 8 (left to right) 1st place—Dominic Clisch, 2nd

place— Ashley Beck, 3rd place— Vanessa Beaver.

A Halloween Dance was held

Friday evening, October 28,

2005, at the Niiwin Akeaa Center.

Music was provided by D.J. Jessie

Forcia, providing an environment

for dancing or just hanging out

with friends. Approximately 125

KB teens attended the function,

many in costume. Pictured above

are the top three prize winners.

(left to right) 1st place—Steve

Pohto, 2nd place—Ariel Gougeon,

3rd place—Jennifer DeCota.

Great costumes! Winners received

Wal-Mart Gift Cards.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

KB Celebrates Halloween in Marquette Too...

A Halloween Celebration was held at the Community Building in the

Marquette Ojibwa Housing Projects, Sunday evening, October 30, 2005.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, played games for candy, participated in a

cake walk, toured a Spook House, and competed in the costume contest.

Pictured (left) are the ghosts and goblins who dressed for the occasion.

Prize winners won gifts and/or Wal-Mart Gift Cards and are shown below

(in no particular order) Taylor Havican, Kimber

Shelifoe, Neebin Ashbrook Pietila, Shawn Seymour,

Colin Havican, Savannah

Seymour, Dave Verboczki

Jr., Chance Kinney, Kelsy

Verboczki, Mike Cass,

Johnny Shelifoe, Gardner

(Baabag) Bess, Tessa

Daughtery and Chelsea

Seymour. Congratulations!

Continued from page six

Feather Woman brought the audience into her song, a lullaby, with her presentation.

Shawanung (Joe Dowd) honored us as the Head Veteran. Francie Wyers of Sault Ste. Marie was the Head Female Dancer, Rodney Loonsfoot of KBIC was the Head

Male Dancer, Britanee Gauthier of KBIC was the Head Female Teen Dancer, Donald Chosa III of KBIC was the Head

Male Teen Dancer, Vanessa Beaver of KBIC was the Head

Female Youth Dancer, and Leon Chosa of KBIC was the

Head Male Youth Dancer. Host Drum for this year’s event

was Four Thunders. Stanley Spruce did a terrific job as Emcee.

The 10th Annual Spirit of the Harvest Powwow was

sponsored by the Department of Educational Opportunity,

MTU/American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Ford Motor Company and the Daimler Chrysler Corporation Fund.

(8) Ishwaaswi

OJIBWA LIBRARY NEWS

Meet Samuel Albert Chosa, born

10/26/05 to Alice Brunk and Robin

Chosa. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and

was 20 inches in length.

M e e t M ar i a n a Tei k ari , bor n

10/27/05 to Kristy DeCota and Todd

Teikari. She weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz.

and was 20 inches in length.

The KBIC Head Start classes

visited the library on Oct.

27. They listened to Halloween

stories and were given stickers

and Halloween bookmarks.

We have 2 DVD's called

NorthWest Indian News, courtesy of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department in Tulalip, Washington. They may be

checked out of the library.

Reading Buddies dates for

December: 14 and 28

An apology to Jerry Jondreau, I didn't include your

name with your picture in the

November newsletter!! Jerry is

a patient in SNU @ Baraga County Memorial Hospital and was one of the visitors to the Library.

The Library has two copies of the book "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey, a journey

to the author's sobriety. It's a wonderful book.

HARVEST HEALTH & SAFETY FAIR

The Harvest Health & Safety Fair was held on

November 3, 2005, at the Ojibwa Community College. Beginning at 12:00 noon and wrapped up at

6:00 p.m., the fair attracted approximately 200

individuals, who registered to participate in health

screening opportunities offered by the 28 participating agencies. Demonstrations were conducted every

half-hour throughout the afternoon on CPR , Physical

Activity & Exercise, Emergency Preparedness, Heart

Disease, Jump into Food & Fitness Program, Stability

Ball Demonstration, Health Risk Assessments, walk &

talk program implementation, and nutrition importance. Samples were donated by local and national

organizations, and numerous prizes were available

by individual vendors for the participants. This event

was sponsored by KBOCC, KBIC/DHHS, and grant

funding from CDC.

The Walk & Talk Program begins November

14th and will continue throughout the winter season,

for one-half hour walks, M-F, 10:30am-1:30pm at

the Niiwin Akeaa Center. This program is available

for all interested people—just stop in and sign up.

Keith Tourtillott Sr. , CEO

(9) Zhaangaswi

Community Calendar - December 2005

Sun

Mon

Tue

Events occurring throughout the KBIC

Community are welcomed to be listed

on this calendar. email newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov

Events listed in

calendar are listed

throughout

the

newsletter FYI.

4 Youth X-mas

Party 1-4 pm; Teen

X-mas Party 5-8 pm

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

3 9 am Tribal Coun-

9 Craft Sale

The Ojibwa Community Library offers a

reading program for children ages 3-5. Reading Buddies is held twice monthly on Wednesday,

from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. An adult must stay with

the child. Not only do we read to the children,

we also have age appropriate art projects and

activities for pre-cutting, alphabet, numbers and

shapes.

cil Meeting

FLU VACCINE

Now available at the KBIC Medical Clinic

If you are interested or have any questions

please contact the clinic at 353-8700.

17 Tribal Elections

Tribal Offices

closed for holidays

26 Tribal Offices

Tribal Offices

closed for holidays

31 HAPPY NEW

closed for holidays

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Age: 0—11 years

December 4th, 2005

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

@ OCC—Youth Center

ALL FAMILIES ARE REQUESTED TO

BRING A DISH TO THIS PARTY.

YEARS EVE, Celebrate safe - Designate a driver!

COMMUNITY

CRAFT SALE

Friday, December 9th, 2005

12:00 noon—3:00 pm

@ Ojibwa Community College