The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2015)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Namebini Giizis - Sucker Fish Moon - February 2015 Issue 127

NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS

SWORN IN AT JANUARY’S SATURDAY MEETING

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr. , President

Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President

Toni J. Minton, Secretary

Susan J. LaFernier, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Eddy Edwards

Randall R. Haataja

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Don Messer, Jr.

Donald Shalifoe, Sr.

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:



January 10th Tribal Council

Meeting

Picture by Lauri Denomie.



Discovering Our Constitution

Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr. swears in elected and re-elected Council Members, shown above as they

take their oath of office. Left to right: Randall Haataja, Toni J. Minton, Doreen G. Blaker, and Robert R.D.

Curtis, Jr.



IHS eligible claim exemptions

in tax filing



OVW—Dancing in the Rain



Local Cheerleaders at Citrus

Bowl



Ojibwa Senior Cruise in Style



Ojibwa Senior Citizens News



Deepest Sympathy



Aainoojiiyens

The Regular Saturday Tribal

Council Meeting was held on January 10, 2015, at the Ojibwa Casino

Conference Meeting Room in

Baraga, Michigan. Ogimaa Donald

Shalifoe, Sr. presided over the meeting with Carole LaPointe, Jean Jokinen, Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Eddy

Edwards, Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Susan J.

LaFernier, Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Don Messer, Jr., Jennifer

Misegan, and Warren C. Swartz, Jr.

present.

Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr.,

shared numerous Thank You and

For Your Information items addressed to Council.

Eddy Edwards reminded Council

that they had approved a nonbinding offer on the L’Anse Warden

Electrical Power Plant for the purpose of reviewing the business as a

potential opportunity for this tribe

last summer, and in doing so, Council approved sending out requests

for proposals from firms to perform

due diligence.

There were four

venders who submitted proposals

which were sent to Council to review

in November. Mr. Edwards recommended Council approve the proposal from WSP Group, if Council

chooses to move forward with this

venture. Lori Sherman, KBIC Tribal

Natural Resource Director, indicated

to Council their staff would recommend the proposal from MTU with

adjustments that could be made, if

Council were to decide to move forward with this venture. Furthermore,

Ms. Sherman said, “(KBIC Tribal

Natural

Resource

Department)

staff’s recommendation is that we

(Keweenaw Bay Indian Community)

do not purchase the L’Anse Warden

Electrical Company.”

Motion by

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., to not purchase the L’Anse Warden Electrical Company, supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Nine supported (Jokinen, Loonsfoot, Curtis, M. LaFernier, S. LaFernier,

Matthews,

Messer,

Misegan,

Swartz), three opposed, (Shalifoe,

LaPointe, Edwards), 0 abstained,

motion carried.

Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., THPO Director, informed Council that the current

vehicle THPO staff uses is rusting

out, and staff needs a vehicle, so

they can travel across the country,

that is decent on gas, but can still

get into the woods when needed.

He presented three vehicle bids to

be purchased through the THPO

budget. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to purchase the 2015 Tahoe

from Fox Motors, supported

by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. Nine

supported, (Shalifoe, LaPointe, Loonsfoot, Curtis, M.

LaFernier,

S.

LaFernier,

Messer, Misegan, Swartz),

two opposed (Jokinen, Edwards),

one

abstained

(Matthews), motion carried.

Treasurer Eddy Edwards

brought forward the donations

for January 2015. Motion by

Carole LaPointe to approve

the January 2015 donations

in the amount of $250.00 for

the Life Outreach Center,

$1,500.00 donation to the

Bowling/Basket Benefit for

Gage

Hebert’s

family,

$1,500.00 donation for the

Allen Shelifoe (spaghetti

dinner/medical

expense

fundraiser) for a total of

$3,250.00, supported by

Continues on page two.

(1) Bezhig

January 10, 2015 Council Meeting

Continued:

Susan J. LaFernier. Twelve supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained,

motion carried.

Diana Chaudier, Election Board

Chairperson, presented the December 13, 2014, General Election results for certification. Results for Tribal Council in the

Baraga District were: Robert D.

“RD” Curtis - 259, Doreen Blaker 392, Fred Dakota - 226, and Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo - 237. Results for Tribal Council in the

L’Anse District were: Jean Jokinen

- 210, Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews 235, Randy Haataja - 331, and

Toni Minton - 330. Proposal 1) Do

you support allowing the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to

issue marriage licenses to samesex couples subject to tribal rules

and regulations? Yes – 302; No 261. Proposal 2) Do you support

allowing the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to manufacture

and/or sell marijuana for adults 21

and over, and the possession of

marijuana by these adults all subject to tribal licensing, taxation,

and regulation? Yes – 298; No 267. Popular Referendum 1) Do

you vote to approve the acquisition of the Baraga Lakeside Hotel

and Marina for relocating the

Ojibwa Casino Baraga? Yes –

246; No - 319. Popular Referendum 2) If the acquisition of the

Baraga Lakeside Hotel and Marina

is approved by popular referendum,

do

you

approve

a

$31,200,000.00 budget for building the new casino and renovating

the hotel? Yes – 229; No - 333.

There are 742 registered voters, of

whom 579 (78%) actually voted in

this election. Of the 829 individuals who are eligible to register to

vote, 70% of them voted in this

election. Jennifer Misegan motioned to certify the December

13, 2014, General Election results; supported by Carole LaPointe. Twelve supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(2) Niizh

Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr.

recognized Carole LaPointe, Jean

Jokinen, and Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews for their years of service as

Council Members and presented

them with a plaque and parting gift

on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community and the Tribal

Council. All three graciously accepted the gifts and acknowledged

that it has been an honor to serve

their Community.

Ogimaa Donald Shalifoe, Sr.

conducted the oath of office to the

newly elected and re-elected

Council Members: Robert D. “RD”

Curtis, Doreen Blaker, Randy

Haataja, and Toni Minton. Reorganization

nominations

were

made, and secret ballot vote totals

follow: Two nominations for President: Donald Shalifoe, Sr. (three

votes), Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr.

(nine votes).

Warren “Chris”

Swartz, Jr. was named President.

Two nominations for Vice President: Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., (three

votes), Jennifer Misegan (nine

votes), Jennifer Misegan was

named Vice President. One nomination for Secretary: Toni Minton.

Toni Minton was named Secretary.

One nomination for Assistant Secretary: Susan J. LaFernier. Susan

J. LaFernier was named Assistant

Secretary.

One nomination for

Treasurer: Doreen Blaker. Doreen Blaker was named Treasurer.

Motion by Toni Minton to approve Depository of Funds be

with Superior National Bank and

Wells Fargo, supported by Doreen Blaker.

Ten supported

(Misegan, Minton, Blaker, Shalifoe, Loonsfoot, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, Messer, Haataja), 0

opposed, one abstained (S.

LaFernier), motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan

to have the check signers be

any two Council Members and

that the stamps of the President

and Vice President may only be

used by a Council Member in

cases of emergency, payroll,

and senior/disability fund, supported by Doreen Blaker.

Eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0

abstained, motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan

that the Tribal Court check signers be the Council, Chief Judge,

Associate Judge, Court Clerk;

and the Tribal Support Office

check signers be the Council,

Chief Judge, Associate Judge,

Court Clerk, Child Support Director, and the Child Support

Specialist, supported by Toni

Minton. Eleven supported, 0

opposed, 0 abstained, motion

carried.

President

Warren

“Chris”

Swartz, Jr. presented Resolution

KB-001-2015. WHEREAS: the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

is a federally recognized Indian

Tribe exercising inherent sovereign authority over its members

and its territories, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

has a reservation created pursuant to the 1854 Treaty with the

Chippewa, 10 Stat. 1109; and

WHEREAS: the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community is organized

pursuant to the provisions of the

Indian Reorganization Act of 1934,

(48 Stat. 984 U.S.C. §476) with a

Constitution and Bylaws duly approved by the Secretary of the

United States Department of the

Interior on December 17, 1936;

and WHEREAS: Article III, Section

4 of our Constitution requires the

Tribal Council to elect from within

its own numbers a President, a

Vice-President, a Secretary, an

Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer,

and such other officers and committees as may be deemed necessary; and WHEREAS: Article VI,

Section 1(a) of the Constitution imposes a duty on the Tribal Council

to protect the health, security, and

general welfare of the Community;

and WHEREAS: Article VII, Section 1(u) of the Constitution authorizes the Tribal Council to adopt

resolutions to effectuate any of its

powers; and NOW THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Tribal Council recognizes the need

to separate administrative operations of the Government and its

business entities from the duties of

the President and the Treasurer;

the Council authorizes and establishes the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, which will consist

of a Chief Executive Officer

(CEO), an Assistant, and additional staff as determined by the

CEO; to undertake these duties

including supervision of the gaming and business management,

thereby abolishing Resolution

KB001-2014.

FURTHERMORE:

the CEO will report directly to the

Tribal Council as will the Chief Financial Officer, thus ensuring the

transparency of all finances, investments, and internal policies.

Motion by Michael F. LaFernier,

Sr. to approve Resolution KB001-2015, supported by Don

Messer, Jr.

Ten supported

(Misegan, Minton, S. LaFernier,

Blaker, Shalifoe, Loonsfoot,

Curtis, M. LaFernier, Messer,

Haataja),

one

opposed

(Edwards), 0 abstained, motion

carried.

President

Warren

“Chris”

Swartz, Jr. presented Resolution

KB-002-2015. WHEREAS: the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

(the Community) is a federally recognized Indian Tribe exercising inherent sovereign authority over its

members and its territories, and

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has a reservation created

pursuant to the 1854 Treaty with

the Chippewa, 10 Stat. 1109; and

WHEREAS: the Community is organized pursuant to the provisions

of the Indian Reorganization Act of

1934, (48 Stat. 984 U.S.C. §476)

with a Constitution and Bylaws

duly approved by the Secretary of

the United States Department of

the Interior on December 17,

1936; and WHEREAS: Article VI,

Section 1 (a) of the Constitution

imposes a duty upon the Secretary to call an election within 90

days of receipt of a resolution of

the Tribal Council requesting that

an election for the purpose of

amending provisions of the Constitution be held; and WHEREAS:

the Tribal Council of the Community deems it essential for the protection of the health, security, and

the general welfare of the Community to amend Article VI, Section 1

(h) of the Constitution.

NOW

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

THAT: Pursuant to 25 U.S.C.

1300h-7(a) the Tribal Council of

the Community hereby request

that the Secretary call an election

within 90 days of receipt of this

resolution for the purpose of ratifying or rejecting the following

amendment to Article VI, Section 1

(h), of the Constitution: Strike all

of Article VI, Section 1 (h), and insert in lieu thereof: Article VI (h)

To appropriate for tribal use any

available tribal funds, provided,

that any appropriation in excess of

$500,000.00 at any time shall be

of no effect until approved by referendum vote. BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED:

That the Tribal

Council hereby directs the President of the Tribal Council to forward a copy of this resolution to

the Office of the Secretary along

with any other materials necessary

to proceed with the election process. Motion by Don Messer, Jr.

to approve Resolution KB-0022015, supported by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr.

Ten supported

(Misegan, Minton, S. LaFernier,

Blaker, Shalifoe, Loonsfoot,

Curtis, M. LaFernier, Messer,

Haataja),

one

opposed

(Edwards), 0 abstained, motion

carried.

Vice President Jennifer Misegan presented a proposal from

Global Market Advisors (previously

known as Gaming Marketing Advisors). This is the company that

conducted a 2010 feasibility study

regarding Baraga and Marquette.

The study will help us decide what

needs to be done and will include

a hotel market assessment for

Baraga and Marquette. It will take

a look at the market and decide

what size project the market can

handle and where to put it. The

cost for both studies is $38,000.00

plus expenses. The information

will be presented at a Community

meeting by the firm. Motion by

Robert “RD” Curtis, Jr. to approve the Global Market Advisors proposal for $38,000.00

plus expenses, supported by

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Eleven

supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan

to schedule grievance hearing

to be heard by Council on January 22, 2015, regarding the

grievance made by the Manager

of the Pressbox, co-supported

by Susan J. LaFernier and Gary

Loonsfoot, Sr. Seven supported

(Misegan, Minton, S. LaFernier,

Blaker, Loonsfoot, M. LaFernier,

Haataja), two opposed (Shalifoe,

Edwards),

two

abstained

(Curtis, Messer), motion carried.

Vice President Jennifer Misegan proposed a budget timeline

for FY2015. Department Heads

are to submit their budget to the

Office of the CEO by Friday, January 16, 2015, and budget meetings will begin the week of Monday, January 26, 2015. Motion by

Doreen Blaker to appoint Larry

Denomie as Interim CEO and

Sarah Maki as Interim Assistant

CEO, supported by Toni Minton.

Eight

supported

(Misegan,

Minton, S. LaFernier, Blaker,

Loonsfoot,

M.

LaFernier,

Messer, Haataja), three opposed

(Shalifoe, Edwards, Curtis), 0

abstained, motion carried.

carried.

Council closed with no further

business on the agenda.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Editor

IHS eligible individuals will

be able to claim exemption

through tax filing process

Health and Human Services

Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell previously announced that individuals

eligible to receive health care from

an Indian Health Service (IHS),

tribal, or urban Indian health pro-

gram provider will be able to claim

an exemption from the shared responsibility payment through the

tax filing process starting with the

2014 tax year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department intend to publish

guidance confirming that individuals who are eligible for this exemption may claim it through the tax

filing process.

This benefit gives individuals

who are eligible to receive services from an Indian health care

provider, including the IHS, the

same filing option as members of

federally recognized tribes

(including Alaska Native shareholders). Both groups will continue to have the option of submitting the exemption application

through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Prior to this announcement, exemptions were available both to

individuals who were members of

a federally recognized tribe and to

individuals who are eligible to receive services from an Indian

health care provider. But members of a tribe were able to claim

an exemption through the federal

tax filing process, while individuals

who are eligible to receive services from an Indian health care

provider were required to obtain

this exemption through the Health

Insurance Marketplace by filing a

paper application.

The availability of the online tax

filing process to apply for the Indian health care exemption will

save time and reduce duplication

of effort. Individuals intending to

claim this exemption through the

tax filing process should retain the

same documentation that they

would otherwise submit to the

Marketplace as part of their exemption application.

Secretary Burwell first announced this updated rule at the

Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee meeting on September 18,

2014. This simplified process for

claiming the exemption through

the tax filing process was initiated

based on requests by tribal leaders. The IHS worked closely with

the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services and the IRS to

extend these options to individuals

eligible to receive services from an

Indian health care provider.

The IHS, an agency in the U.S.

Department of Health and Human

Services, provides a comprehensive health service delivery system

for approximately 2.2 million

American Indians and Alaska Natives.

(3) Niswi

OJIBWA SENOR CITIZENS CRUISE IN STYLE

On January 10, 2015, 21 seniors, along with Karen Lahti, travel planner, boarded a bus in the Senior Parking lot for an early

morning flight out of the Marquette Airport, their destination Miami, Florida. They spent Saturday night in Miami and boarded

the Carnival Conquest on Sunday afternoon for a seven night Western Caribbean Cruise. Ports of call included: Cozumel,

Mexico; Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Those participating in this cruise included: Henry and Nancy Chosa, Floyd and Susie Crawford, Rosalie and Donald Funke, Francis Darcy, Debra Parrish, Barbara Loonsfoot, Wanda Seppanen and granddaughter Taylor Kemppainen, William (Chill) Seppanen, Francis Krolik, Elvera

Lantz, Ron and Betty Spruce, Paul and Karen Mayo, Robert (Beaver) and Valerie Voakes, Marsha Pharr, and Rosemary

Haataja. Among the shore excursions were the Mayan ruins, swimming with the stingrays and dolphins, ATV adventure, shopping, and taking in the sights. The seniors returned home on late on Sunday night, Jan. 18th, and were happy to see their almost snowless vehicles.

NEWS FROM THE OJIBWA

SENIOR CITIZENS

Upcoming Events:

We now have gift certificates available for purchase. See Dave Firestone, Nutrition Director, at the

Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center,

Baraga, MI.

February:

 February 11, 12:15 p.m. Senior

Meeting.

 February 25, 12:15 p.m. Pasty prep.

Volunteers are needed and are very

much appreciated.

 February 26, 5 a.m. Pasty making.

Volunteers are needed as early as

possible! We appreciate your hard

work.

March:

 March 25, 2015, 12:15 p.m. Pasty

prep. Volunteers are needed and

are very much appreciated.

 March 26, 2015, 5 a.m. Pasty making. Volunteers are needed as early

as possible! We appreciate your

hard work.

(4) Niiwin

DISCOVERING OUR CONSTITUTION

The December Discovering our

Constitution winner is Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. (pictured to the right). His

name was picked from a drawing of

the people who entered the contest.

Congratulations on winning the $50

Dollar gift card! Also a reminder to

members, submit your answer for

the February question before the

end of month. You may also be a

winner!

December’s Question was: “The

Tribal Court was established under

what Article and section of our Constitution, and how was that accomplished?”

Gary’s answer: “The Tribal Court

was established under Article VI Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Sec. I, (l) of the KBIC Constitution.”

January’s Question was: “What Article and Section of our Constitution allows for

Amendments to be made to our Constitution, and how is that accomplished? The

second part may be tricky, as there has been Federal legislation passed that allows

for an additional way of requesting the Secretary to call an election.”

February 2015, Question 3:

“Who are the original bands listed in the Tribal Constitution?”

How to enter:

Each Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Member, 18 years of age or older

and living on the reservation, will be allowed to submit answers to the Constitutional

Committee via; e-mail at const-committee@kbic-nsn.gov; or by letter to Constitutional Committee Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, 16429 Bear Town Road,

Baraga, Michigan, 49908, or by dropping off your answers at the Tribal Center to be

placed into the Constitutional Committee’s mail box. To be eligible to win, your name

and enrollment number must be on the document you are submitting, and it must be

turned in no later than the last day of the month in which the question was asked.

Community Health Confirms First Measles Case of 2015

State officials are still trying to track the source of the state’s

first measles case of the year, but say it could be related to the outbreak at Disneyland.

The Department of Community Health confirmed Friday that the

state’s first case of measles was an adult from Oakland County,

but did not give more details on the case. There have been four

suspected cases so far this year.

Officials used the case to encourage residents to be vaccinated

for the disease.

“As we are seeing with the recent outbreak in California, measles is a highly communicable disease that can affect both children

and adults,” Doctor Matthew Davis, Chief Medical Executive with

DCH, said. “The best way to protect our families and communities

against measles is to get vaccinated.”

The state saw five confirmed cases of the potentially fatal disease in 2014.

But cases are increasing nationally, officials said. The national

count jumped to 644 cases in 2013 from an average of 60 cases

annually between 2001 and 2012. Fifty cases have already been

reported in 2015.



Influenza (flu) patients at high risk for serious complications

can get very sick and die from the flu.



Antiviral drugs for treating the flu, available by prescription,

can lessen symptoms and shorten the flu’s duration.



All high-risk patients and all hospitalized patients with suspected flu should be treated with antivirals as soon as possible, without waiting for confirmatory flu testing.

We still have flu shots available at the KBIC Health

Department ~ it's still not too late to vaccinate!

Call the Donald A. LaPointe Medical Center for more information and/or to schedule an appointment (906) 353-8700.

(5) Naanan

The Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community Tribal Council is

currently developing

a policy that will assist our KBIC elders with filing their 2014

taxes. Unfortunately, these guidelines

have not been approved by press time

for the February issue of the Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe.

Please call Kim Klopstein, Administrative Specialist, at (906) 353-6623, ext.

4104, or e-mail kim@kbic-nsn.gov for

more information on the senior tax program.

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.

To be added to the mailing list

or to correct your mailing address, contact the enrollment

office at (906) 353-6623 ext.

4113.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

There's a new Bolo in town! Rion and

Anen are very happy to announce their

little brother, Dusk Dennis Bolo, is over

three months old already! Dusk was born

October 15, 2014, at Aspirus Keweenaw

in Laurium, MI, and was 8 lbs 12 oz at

birth. Proud parents are: Mitch Bolo and

Kristine Maki of Baraga, MI. Dianne and

Jay McMahon and Edward and Kerri Maki

are the very proud grandparents.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Local Citrus Bowl Cheerleaders

The journey for Jessica Wickstrom, Jaycie Forcia, and

Josie Rice started this past summer while attending a cheer

camp at Alma College when they were selected to perform in

the ESP All - American Halftime Show at the Buffalo Wild

Wings Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day in Orlando, Florida.

The girls worked hard prior to their trip holding fundraisers

which covered most of their costs. Cost for each performer

was approximately $1,400.00 plus travel and meals. The

group appreciates all those who sponsored, donated, and

supported their fundraising efforts.

The group continued preparation for their performance using a rehearsal DVD to learn and practice their routine before

travelling to Florida. They traveled to Orlando, checking in on

Sunday, December 28, 2014. They received their uniforms

and participated in a short rehearsal with nearly 400 other girls

from around the country. On Monday, the group was shuttled

to Disney World and enjoyed the entire day at the Magic King-

Right to left: Josie Rice, Jaycie Forcia, and Jessica Wickstrom.

Right to left: Josie Rice, Jaycie Forcia, and Jessica Wickstrom.

dom. On Tuesday, the group was shuttled to Universal Studios enjoying most of the day at Universal's Islands of Adventure before returning to the hotel and beginning a two-hour

practice session. On Wednesday, the group was shuttled to

The First Academy's Payne Stewart Athletic Complex for a

rigorous eight-hour rehearsal. The day ended with a dinner

and an island style New Year’s Eve pool party.

On New

Year’s Day, the day started with the performers ready in full

uniform boarding shuttles to the Citrus Bowl Stadium at 7:30

a.m. The game was between Minnesota and Missouri with

the girls performing their show at halftime. Their day ended

with a post game dance/party.

Attention KBIC Members:

Job Bank Applications

Please stop in the KBIC TERO Office to complete a Job Bank Application or to update an application

on file - - - Employers regularly contact this office looking for workers with a variety of skills --- you may

be the one they are looking for.

Marquette residents are urged to apply for the Job Bank --- several opportunities may be opening up with the

New Year.

If you want to work at the Marquette or Baraga Casinos – Tribal Members are urged to apply – qualified Tribal Members

have top priority for job openings. Job applications can be picked up at either Casino and will soon be available online --- If

you need assistance completing the application or need copies of documents – Please stop by my office, and I will be more

than happy to assist you.

TERO assistance is available during regular office hours in the Tribal Center (Monday-Friday) to assist KBIC Tribal Members in completing the application packet.

Job Bank Applications will soon be available online.

Please stop by or contact Debbie Picciano @ 353-4167

OR

EMAIL – debbie.picciano@kbic-nsn.gov

“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”

February 2015 Calendar Events



Feb. 06:



Feb. 07:







Feb. 13:

Feb. 16:

Feb. 26:

Constitutional Committee Meeting, 10 am;

Council Chambers;

Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa

Conference Rooms; Round Dance, 4 pm;

Healthy Heart Fair, 11 am;

President’s Day, Gov’t Offices closed;

Senior Pasties.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

(8) Ishwaaswi

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

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

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

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

Gage Michael Hebert

Robert R. “Bob” Duschaine

(August 3, 2012 - December 28, 2014)

(April 21, 1962 - January 11, 2015)

Gage Michael Hebert, age two, of

Baraga, MI, passed away suddenly on

Sunday, December 28, 2014, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI.

Gage was born on August 3, 2012,

the son of Hope Laramore and John

Hebert. Gage enjoyed taking rides in

the truck and on the side-by-side looking

for deer and other animals and enjoyed

the outdoors, going camping, watching

cartoons, and especially cuddling.

Gage could smile and the whole

room would smile back. He was truly an

angel.

Gage is survived by his loving parents Hope and John; brothers and sisters: Trenton Laramore, Kara Laramore,

Hunter Hebert, and Wyatt Hebert, all of

Baraga; grandparents: Sue Supanich of

L’Anse, and Rodger and Cathy Hebert

of Baraga. Other family members also

survive.

He was preceded in death by his

grandfather, John LaFernier in 2010,

and others.

Gage was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Private services were held after

which the family invited friends to join

them for a fellowship luncheon at the

Ojibwa Senior Center, Baraga, MI, on

Friday, January 2, 2015. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse, MI,

assisted the family.

Robert R. “Bob” Duschaine, age 52,

of Baraga, MI, passed away on Sunday,

January 11, 2015, at his residence.

Bob was born in L’Anse, MI, on April

24, 1962, the son of Gerald R. and

Jeanette M. “Jean” (Maki) Duschaine.

He graduated from L’Anse High School

in 1980. He then attended Michigan

Tech. Bob obtained many educational

certificates in the building trade. He

joined the Army National Guard in 1981

and served in the Guard for 24 years.

He was a member of the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community, Most Holy

Name of Jesus Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Church in Assinins, MI, and the

Baraga American Legion Post #444.

Bob had worked for the Ojibwa Housing

Authority for 25 years in the maintenance department, 14 of which he was

the maintenance supervisor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking,

and gardening.

Bob is survived by his loving children: Darren R. (Shannon) Duschaine of

Menominee, WI, Tanya K. (Abram)

Heck of Kingsley, MI, and Clarissa B.

(Ryan) Carlson of Murfreesboro, TN;

grandchildren: Abbey, Aiden, Jameson,

Trent, Gavin, Brayden, and Henry; his

mother: Jean M. Clem of Baraga, MI;

brother: Ronald J. Duschaine of Baraga,

MI; sisters: Jean Marie Duschaine of

Baraga, MI, Jerri Lynn Duschaine of

Baraga, MI, and Angela Duschaine; and

h is ch ild re n ’s mo t h e r: Da rle ne

Duschaine of Lake Ann, MI. Numerous

aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and

cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father: Gerald Ronald Duschaine; stepfather: Mel Clem; and nephews: B.J.

and Kal.

Funeral services for Bob were held

on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the Reid

Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI,

with Deacon John Cadeau officiating.

Visitation included the Baraga County

area Veterans, under the direction of the

Baraga American Legion Post #444

conducting military honors at the funeral

chapel Thursday evening, January 15,

2015, followed by a prayer service by

Pastor Terry Langston. Following funeral services on Friday, the family

greeted friends at a fellowship and

luncheon at the Baraga Ojibwa Senior

Citizens Center in Baraga, MI.

A spring interment will be held in the

Assinins Cemetery. The Reid Funeral

Service and Chapel of L’Anse, MI, assisted the family.

Jeffrey Wallace Knapp

(February 10, 1967 - January 1, 2015)

Jeffrey Wallace Knapp, 47, of Thief

River Falls, MN, passed away on January 1, 2015 in Miami, FL.

Funeral services were held Friday,

January 16, 2015, at Johnson Funeral

Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with

Larry Myhrer Presiding.

Jeffrey was born February 10, 1967,

at Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Wallace Arthur and Helma Caryl (Tweten)

Knapp, Sr. He was raised Kenosha, WI,

where he attended Curtis Strange

Grade School and High School. The

family moved back to Thief River Falls in

1983. The past few years Jeffrey has

lived in various places throughout the

US.

Jeffrey enjoyed working on cars, listening to music, and visiting with family

and friends.

He is survived by his two children:

Travis Knapp (Alyssa) and Tyler

(Kaylee) Nyland; grandchildren: Allie

Kay Nyland, Duane Wallace Nyland,

Sophia Marie Nyland, and Connor

James Knapp all of Fargo, ND; mother:

Helma Knapp of Thief River Falls, MN;

siblings: Carol Jean (Roland) Bellanger

of Waubun, MN, Karena Marie (Jeremy)

Yockey of Waterloo, Iowa, Wallace Arthur Knapp, Jr. of Andrews, NC, and

Janelle Magen (Brent) Elseth of Ada,

MN; nieces and nephews: Jade, Mark,

Fox, Zachary, Dylan, Fawn, Jessika,

Jasmine, and Cassandra.

He was preceded in death by his father: Wallace; grandparents: Grace and

Howard Tweten and Margaret and

Archie Knapp, Sr.; along with many

aunts and uncles.

The Johnson Funeral Home of Thief

River Falls, MN, assisted the family.

Timothy William Shanahan

(January 11, 1959 - January 17, 2015)

Timothy William Shanahan, age 56

of Baraga, MI, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at his home with

his loving family at his side.

He was born January 11, 1959, in

L’Anse, MI, the son of John and Katherine (Birk) Shanahan. Tim graduated

from Baraga High School in 1977 and

then went to DeVry Institute and got a

certificate in Electronics and later attended NMU. He married Mary Dee

Manning on July 2, 1983, in Baraga, MI.

Tim owned Shanahan Electronics in

Baraga, then worked for the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community’s (KBIC) Realty

Office. He and Mary Dee owned and

operated Suite Dreams in Baraga. He

was a Business Counselor for KBIC, retiring in 2010. He worked for Century 21

— L’Anse as a Realtor and currently

owned Shanahan and Associates Appraisal.

He was a member of KBIC, Chairman of KBOCC Board of Regents,

Chairman of Village of Baraga Waste

Water Authority, National Assoc. of

Realtors, Michigan Assoc. of Realtors,

Upper Peninsula Assoc. of Realtors,

and was a Baraga County Little League

coach for three years.

He was well cared for by his wife and

family. Tim was proud of his children

and loved his grandchildren. He was a

great papa. He enjoyed fishing, hunting,

gardening, and was named the Master

Gardener at the Baraga County Fair,

and was an avid Packer fan.

Surviving are his wife Mary Dee

Shanahan of Baraga; son Kelly

Shanahan of Baraga; daughters:

Amanda (Geoff) Nordstrom of L’Anse,

and Megan (Les) Haataja of Baraga;

sister Patricia (Joe) Farley of Golf

Breeze, FL; sister-in-law Catherine

Shanahan of Savanah, Georgia; three

grandchildren: Blake, Brady, and Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother Mike Shanahan.

A memorial service was held on

Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the Jacobson Funeral Home with Deacon

John Cadeau officiating. Following the

service, the family greeted friends at a

fellowship and luncheon at the Baraga

American Legion. The Jacobson Funeral Home assisted the family.

Historic Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist Church

1832—Present

“We welcome each of you to our worship services,

at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

e-mail lumc@up.net

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

Holy Name of Jesus

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Pastors

Father Corey Litzner

Father Nicholas

353-6565

saintann@up.net

Confessions:

Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 12:00 p.m.

(9) Zhaangaswi

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2013)

*The net monthly income standard for each household size

is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income standard and

the applicable SNAP standard deduction.

48 Contiguous United

States:

Household

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

1

$ 958

+

$152

=

$1,110

2

$1,293

+

$152

=

$1,445

3

$1,628

+

$152

=

$1,780

4

$1,963

+

$163

=

$2,126

5

$2,298

+

$191

=

$2,489

6

$2,633

+

$219

=

$2,852

7

$2,968

+

$219

=

$3,187

8

$3,303

+

$219

=

$3,522

Each additional member

+ $335

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,196

+

$260

=

$1,456

2

$1,615

+

$260

=

$1,875

3

$2,035

+

$260

=

$2,295

4

$2,454

+

$260

=

$2,714

5

$2,873

+

$260

=

$3,133

6

$3,292

+

$274

=

$3,566

7

$3,711

+

$274

=

$3,985

8

$4,130

+

$274

=

$4,404

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $420

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(e)

Earned Income Deduction — Households with earned

income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent of their

earned income.

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that qualify

for the dependent care deduction are allowed a deduction

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

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur the

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

amount of monthly child support paid.

Medical Expense Deduction — Households that incur

monthly medical expenses by any household member

who is elderly or disabled are allowed a deduction in the

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

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

Home Care Meal-Related Deduction — Households who

furnish the majority of meals for a home care attendant

are allowed an income deduction equal to the maximum

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

2014, the amounts are as follows:

48 Contiguous U.S. States





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





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

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

For Alaska, please select appropriate link below.

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

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

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

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

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

Region

States Currently with

FDPIR Programs

Shelter/

Utility Deduction

Northeast/

Midwest

Michigan, Minnesota, New

York, Wisconsin

$400

Southeast/

Southwest

Mississippi, New Mexico,

North Carolina, Oklahoma,

Texas

$300

Mountain

Plains

Colorado, Kansas, Montana,

Nebraska, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

$400

West

Alaska, Arizona, California,

Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,

Washington

$350

*If the geographic boundaries of an Indian reservation

extend to more than one region per the identified regional

groupings above, then a qualifying household has the

option to receive the appropriate shelter/utility expense

deduction amount for the State in which the household

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

administrative office is located.

(10) Midaaswi

KBIC SOLID WASTE FACILITY

16278 Ojibwa Industrial Park Road

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-8024

Hours of Operation:

Wednesday—Friday, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Rates:

$2.00 per 33 gallon bag

$85.00 per ton

$6.00 mattress

$8.00 couch

$4.00 chair

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

We DO NOT ACCEPT any tires at this time.

 NOTICE 

Tribal Council passed KB-44-2014 and there

will be a Constitutional Convention to address

Council’s resolution on the following dates, times,

and locations:

 February 3, 2015, Zeba Community Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

 February 10, 2015, Ojibwa Senior Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

 February 17, 2015, Zeba Community Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

 February 24, 2015, Ojibwa Senior Center,

6 pm — 8 pm

At the Convention, food will be served along

with the chance to win a gas card for attendance

and participation.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

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





Legal Secretary (full-time) —

closing date, Feb. 5, 2015, 4 pm

On-call positions: Pharmacy Technician, Facility Attendant, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse,

Internal Sales Specialist, Pharmacist, Receptionist/

Clerical Worker, Receptionist, Board Operator, Cashier,

Account Executive/Sales, Community Service Supervisor, Unit Manager, Van Driver, Cleaning Person.

For current job listings, complete job announcements, applications, and closing dates contact: KBIC Personnel Department,

16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI 49908-9210 or 906-353-6623,

ext 4176 or visit: www.ojibwa.com.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community seeks to hire a General Manager

to oversee the Baraga and Marquette

Casinos.

Qualified individuals should contact

the Ojibwa Enterprises Human Service

Department for a detailed job description by calling

Stanley Spruce, Human Resource Clerk, at (906) 353–

4145, or e-mail stan@ojibwacasino.com.

GREAT LAKES INDIAN FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION

(GLIFWC) ~ Job Announcements





TEK/Outreach Specialist— closing date Feb. 20, 2015

Policy Analyst III — closing date Feb. 20, 2015

For detailed job descriptions contact, Leanne Thannum, Litigation

Support Specialist, GLIFWC, (715) 682-6619, ext. 2135, or e-mail

lthannum@glifwc.org.

Is your charitable organization planning on holding a

raffle or selling raffle tickets on the L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law, through the Indian

Gaming Regulatory Act, granted

Tribes exclusive right to regulate

gaming activity on Indian lands.

Even if you or the members of your

organization are not tribal members,

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Gaming Commission has the au16429 Bear Town, Rd.

thority to regulate your raffle. It is

Baraga, MI 49908

unlawful to game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission Office at

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

Application deadline for submission of ALL Class I Drawings is 30 days and Class II Raffles is 60 days prior to your

event. License Fee will be waived when the application is received within this timeline.

(11) Ashi bezhig

TO: ALL TRIBAL COMMERICAL

FISHERMAN

Applications for Small Boat and Large

Boat Commercial Fishing Licenses for

the Year 2015-2016 Commercial Fishing

Season are available at the KBIC License

Department located in the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community Tribal Center. The

new license year will begin: May 1, 2015.

Applications must be returned to the Licensing/Motor Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 6, 2015. All applications

for licenses will be reviewed and selected

by the Tribal Council. All Tribal members

who apply must have completed the required U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Hazard Analysis and Critical Point

(HACCP) Training and present a copy of

the certificate with the application. A Boat

Safety Fishing Vessel Examination with a

certified official must be completed and

that documentation must be provided with

the application. The application also includes fishing vessel information which

requests: the vessel’s name/number/

length.

For Boat Safety Inspections contact:

Tribal Conservation Department, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, (906)

353-6626 or U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock,

(906) 482-1520

All Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at the

Lighthouse, Sand Point, will be held

every third Wednesday of the month

at 1900 hours.

All Tribal Veterans are Welcome!

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STARDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh