# All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2009)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A263d9fea37aff0c7

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

GIIKENDAAM
CHIWIIKWEGAMAG
All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Iskigamizige Giizis - Maple Sugar Making Moon - April 2009 Issue 58

17th Annual “Learning To Walk Together”
Traditional Powwow
The Native American
Student Association of
Northern Michigan University held their annual
powwow on Saturday,
March 14, 2009. With
Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community being one of
the major sponsors for
the annual event, many
community members participate and look forward
to visiting with family and
friends while enjoying the
songs and drums.
The event was held in
the Vandament Arena on
the Northern Michigan
University Campus. Four
Thunders (Baraga and
Watersmeet), host drum,
provided the song for
grand entries which were
at 12:00 noon and 6 p.m.
Dwight “Bucko” Teeple
did an awesome job as
Master of Ceremonies,
keeping everyone informed of the arena
events.
Donald Chosa (KBIC)
served as head veteran
dancer. Mike and Michelle Willis (Brimley)
served as head dancers.
The Arena was well organized by Robert Blackbear, Arena Director, and
the fire was tended to by
Sam Doyle, event fire
keeper.
The community provided an honor song for
the family of Lester Drift,
who walked on the day
after last year’s event
where he had served as
head dancer.
The community congratulated and honored
NMU Native American
Studies Graduates with a
special honor song.
A Traditional Feast
was enjoyed by all between grand entries
which was held in conjunction with the hand
drum competition.

Tribal Council Members:
Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President
Susan J. LaFernier, Vice-President
Toni Minton, Secretary
William E. Emery, Asst. Secretary
Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer
Elizabeth D. Mayo
Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.
Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews
Jerry Lee Curtis
Frederick Dakota
Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.
Isabelle H. Welsh

SPECIAL POINTS
OF INTEREST:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

March 7, 2009, Tribal Council
meeting
Blaker Speaks on Indigenous
Environmental Perspectives
Earth Day 2009 : The Green
Generation
Ojibwemowin Language Revitalization
Ontonagon Timber Theft
Heard in Federal Court
Ojibwa Housing Authority
News
Aabinoojiiyens
New Employees
Ojibwemowin
Deepest Sympathy

More powwow pictures on page twelve.

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March 7, 2009 — Tribal Council Meeting
The Tribal Council held their regularly
scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on
March 7, 2009, at the Ojibwa Casino Resort
Conference Room in Baraga, Michigan. Warren C. Swartz, Jr. presided over the meeting
with Susan LaFernier, Toni Minton, William E.
Emery, Jennifer Misegan, Jerry Lee Curtis,
Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot,
Sr., Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Elizabeth D.
Mayo, and Isabelle Helene Welsh present.
President Swartz shared numerous Thank You
and For Your Information items addressed to
Council.
Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s report for February 2009. Swartz attended a VOIGHT Task Force meeting on
February 5, 2009. He was informed the topic
of 1842 Treaty Rights was held the prior day
when he was unable to attend. Swartz stated
he was informed by Ann McCammon-Soltis of
GLIFWC that no other tribe intends to exercise
their off reservation treaty rights on the L’Anse
Reservation in our home territory. There is a
Mole Lake member who resides in Marquette
who may wish to go out and get a few fish to
eat. Swartz informed her we could probably
take care of it by issuing a visitor’s permit.
President Swartz participated in a meeting
with Ojibwa Community College President
Debbie Parrish and the interim Language Coordinator, Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. Ms. Parrish informed them the OCC faculty decided not to
pursue language as a college course. If the
College decides to offer continuing education
units in the future, the Language Coordinator
and the College President would work out
those details at that time.
President Swartz received approval of the
US 41 water agreement from Baraga Village
Manager, Roy Kemppainen.
Council approved it, and the President signed the agreement.
A meeting with William Carlson, Negaunee
Township Supervisor, has been rescheduled
for March 19, 2009, since the original meeting
date, February 27, 2009, was a snow day for
the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
President Swartz participated in a conference call with the National Congress of American Indians. They wanted to update Tribal
leaders about the economic stimulus package,
and the fiscal year 2010 appropriation request.
President Swartz participated in a Criminal
Task Force meeting where one of the main
topics was the implementation of the Adam
Walsh Act. Swartz stated, “We identified that
we need a registry system, model code, policy
and procedures manuals. We are currently
working with one of our attorneys in the Tribal
Attorney’s Office with developing a Criminal
Sexual Offense Code. We are applying for an
extension.“
President Swartz participated by conference call in a Tribal-State Forum meeting. We
discussed the Climate Accord draft which the
Governor’s office is seeking all Tribes in Michigan to sign. This has been distributed to all
Council members to review and will be placed
on an agenda for approval at a later date. Tobacco is now considered contraband in the
State Prisons. Native Americans who are in
the State facilities will need to seek some type
of special arrangement to be able to utilize tobacco for ceremonial purposes.
President Swartz participated in a meeting
with the United Tribes of Michigan where they
discussed the tuition waiver, the upcoming
economic stimulus package and the fiscal year
2010 appropriations amongst many other issues. President Swartz indicated he learned
academic achievement will be associated with
the tuition waiver. United Tribes of Michigan
are taking the position that the waiver is not
considered financial aid. Executive Director,
Matt Wesaw, is setting up a meeting with Lake
Superior State University to discuss issues
regarding tuition waivers. Swartz stated he

(2) Niizh

has been informed there is a problem coming
up at NMU regarding tuition waivers, and
President Swartz indicates that they are on top
of it.
President Swartz participated in meetings
with the National Congress of American Indians this past week where they discussed concerns in Indian country. At the meetings, a
packet was designed of Indian Country’s priorities and goal, which were identified to be
presented on Capitol Hill. One of NCAI’s firstyear goals is to designate and confirm the Executive Secretary for Indian Affairs. They also
asked for an increase in appropriations for
critical services and infrastructure in Indian
Country; reauthorization of the Health Care
Improvement Act; passing of a Tribal Law and
Order Code Act; tribal transportation funding;
tribal economical development; legislative
fixes; access to capital tax exempt bonds; trust
reform and the Adam Walsh Act. According to
President Swartz, “We gave them the booklet.
We gave them some key points on health
care. We gave them background information
on the Indian Heath Care Improvement Act,
and why it is necessary we reauthorize the
Indian Health Care Improvement Act. We
gave them key points on public safety legislation for Indian Country; key points to consider
on tribal transportation priorities, especially
roads on reservations (66% of roads systems
are unimproved, earth and gravel, and 24%
are in deficient conditions); we discussed and
gave them key points and backgrounds regarding tribal economic legislation and fiscal
year 2010 appropriations. We asked them to
increase funding for law enforcement and
tribal court by at least 10%, fully fund tribal
contract support costs, increase funding for
TPAs by 10% and to increase funding for Indian health services by at least 980 million dollars.“ NCAI will hold a meeting in Sault Ste.
Marie on June 11, 2009.
While President Swartz was on Capital Hill,
he had the opportunity to meet with a number
of Congressmen and legislative leaders.
President Swartz went over KBIC’s Prioritization List for FY2010, which are as follows: #1
KBIC Early Childhood Education Center, #2
Manufacturing of Wind Turbine Parts, #3
Remediation & Reuse of Mining Waste for
Commercial Use, #4 Sand Point Lighthouse
Restoration, #5 Village of Baraga Water Intake
System Infrastructure, #6 KBIC Silver River
Watershed Resource Inventory, #7 Creation of
a Bio-Refinery, #8 Electronic Health Record.
Jerry Lee Curtis, Gregg Nominelli, and
President Swartz had the opportunity to speak
with Congressman Pallone of New Jersey,
who is on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.
President Swartz thanked the Congressman
for sponsoring the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in the 110th Session and reminded him that the federal government has
treaty and trust responsibilities to the tribes.
President Swartz spoke with the Congressman
on the reauthorization of the Indian Health
Care Improvement Act. Health care in Indian
Country is a necessity, not a luxury, and that
reauthorizing this bill would help address the
current needs in Indian health and would authorize Indian Health Services to provide Indian people with the same modernized and
technologically advanced health care delivery
systems and services that are afforded to all
Americans. President Swartz also sought support for the health center’s electronic health
records that has a total projected cost of
$68,000, which includes salary, computer
equipment, infra-structure for installation of the
networks and voice writing systems.
Jerry Lee Curtis and President Swartz had
the opportunity to hand deliver letters to Congressman Bart Stupak’s office, Senators Carl
Levin’s and Debbie Stabenow’s offices regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the Carci-

eri vs. Salazar case. This case has to do with
1934 IRA Trust Lands, and those who haven’t
been recognized before 1934 who may have a
problem putting their land in trust. This is a
huge concern in Indian Country because if a
tribe was not recognized under the IRA Act of
1934, it should not mean the Tribe could not
put land into trust status. We wanted our Congressman and Senators to know that this decision wasn’t good for Indian Country. Four
tribes in Michigan do not have to worry about
this. KBIC is one of them.
Unexpectedly, KBIC had an opportunity to
testify for 40 minutes before the Senate Indian
Affairs Committee where we were to limit our
comments to one of five issues (Indian health
care, public safety, justice in Indian Country,
tribal transportation and economic development). We chose to talk about economic development in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, as our number one goal for the Community should be to provide jobs to our tribal
members. Poverty and unemployment levels
are well above State averages in Baraga
County, especially amongst Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community members and according to
the national labor force in 2004, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community had an unemployed work force of about 36%. Of those employed, 23% were under the poverty level on
our reservation. Gregg Nominelli, the Tribe’s
Economic Developer, spoke before the Committee. He briefly discussed our economic development plans that will provide some economic stimuli to not only the Community but
also the local units of government, the State of
Michigan and the Federal Government. When
the Economic Developer submits an Executive
Summary, it will be distributed.
President Swartz learned there will be a
comment period to give tribes the opportunity
to address their cultural concerns regarding
the special forest produce use permits. Native
Americans will be required to obtain a special
forest product permit under the Federal Forest
Services for the gathering of Native plants,
maple syrup, etc.
Susan LaFernier gave the Vice President’s
Report. March 2009 is National Women’s History Month, and the theme is “Women Taking
the Lead to Save Our Planet.” We all need to
commit to do our part to make a difference to
protect our environment and change the world.
There are everyday measures we can do to
reduce air pollution, conserve water, reduce/
reuse/recycle/re-buy materials, and prevent
pollution in general. All of this information is
available on the EPA.gov and energy.gov
websites. Even Brita water filters can be recycled.
In the future, there will be a new employee
wellness program. The Health Department,
Health Board and Council are very supportive
of this new employee benefit opportunity.
Meetings have been held for discussion on
how to implement the program and an interest
group consisting of department heads and employees will meet again on March 13th to further discuss program components. It is never
too late to encourage positive lifestyle changes
to help us live longer, healthier and happier
lives. It is hoped the program will be expanded to the Community which is one of our
Comprehensive Plan goals.
While Vice President LaFernier attended a
Tribal Governance Training Conference last
month (February 4-5), at the new Turtle Creek
Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg, MI, she especially enjoyed the presentation of The History
of Anishinabek Tribes of Michigan.
It is
stressed to record the history of Michigan
Tribes for the generations to come, another
important Comprehensive Plan goal. Vice
President LaFernier has discussed this issue
with the College and the Cultural Committee in
the past and they will be discussing a plan to
accomplish this goal in the near future. CounContinued on page eight.

Michigan Indian
Elders Association
Scholarship Program
MICHIGAN INDIAN ELDERS ASSOCIATION
2009 SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE
The Michigan Indian Elders Association (MIEA) is pleased
to announce that it will make available a minimum of four (4)
$500 scholarships and one (1) $1000 scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded to at least five qualified students with
the $1000 scholarship being awarded to the most qualified
student as determined by committee review and lottery, if necessary. Each student must be currently enrolled in a course of
study at, or have a letter of acceptance from, a public college
or university or technical school and must meet the following
qualifications.
QUALIFICATIONS – the student:
•

Must be an enrolled member ( copy of tribal card ) or be a
direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the
MIEA constituent Tribes/Bands ( must be verified in writing
by your tribal Enrollment Department ).
Must have successfully completed and passed all five
General Education Development (G.E.D.) equivalency
tests with a minimum score of 40 and an average score of
45 and must possess a G.E.D. certificate; or must have
graduated from an accredited high school with a 3.00
grade point average; or if currently enrolled at a college,
university or trade school, must have an accumulative
grade point average of 3.00.
Must, except for special and extenuating circumstances,
attend college, university or trade school on a full-time basis.
Must complete the provided application form and submit it
with required supporting documentation and the mailing
must be RECEIVED BY THE COORDINATOR not later
than June 22, 2009. (PLEASE NOTE, incomplete or late
applications will not be considered).

•

•
•

An application form can be obtained from the tribal education department or tribal senior office.

Attention Baraga
County Veterans:
There is emergency funding available for
Baraga County Veterans. For more information
contact Commander Richard Geroux at the
American Legion Post 444 in Baraga
(353-6235) Or Charlie Sliger at the L’Anse
VA Office (524-5454).

The KBIC Head Start and Early Head
Start will begin accepting applications for
the 2009-2010 school year beginning March
1, 2009, through June 15, 2009. Applications will be available at the KBIC Tribal
Center, KBIC Health Clinic and KBIC Head
Start and & Early Head Start Center.

“TAXI”
BARAGA COUNTY RESIDENTS CALL:

(906) 231-3330
L.L. LYNX TRANSPORT IIC P.O. BOX 787 BARAGA, MI 49908
Reduced rate considerations for those needing
routine rides to class or work. Call for details.
•

WE ALSO PROVIDE VEHICLE LOCKOUT SERVICES DURING REGULAR
BUSINESS HOURS.

BUSINESS HOURS: 10 A.M. — 2 A.M. Mon.-Sat., 3 P.M. — 12 A.M. Sun.

The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum in partnership
with the Keweenaw
Bay Indian Community

WELCUP’S
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
INCENTIVE
PROGRAM
FOR AREA WORKSITES AND RESIDENTS (A worksite and community physical activity incentive program for ALL individuals. All WELCUP Members and NonMembers are welcome to participate!)
Get ready, set, and go! Starting March
29, 2009, WELCUP (Wellness Council of
the Upper Peninsula) will be kicking 0ff it’s
Eight Annual Get Moving U.P. worksite and
community physical activity incentive program. Over an eight-week period, participants will learn how to incorporate more
moderate and/or vigorous activity into their
daily routine. Participants will record their
daily minutes of physical activity at
www.fitup.org. Worksites and community
members are encouraged to form teams of
four employees each who log their minutes
of activity on the website.
Grand Prizes —
Individual Grand
Prize: Mountain Bike or Other; Team Grand
Prize: “Get Moving U.P. fleece jackets/
vests (six teams will be drawn). In addition,
they will be giving out cold hard cash after
the first four weeks. You could be a lucky
winner of $150. All individuals who succeed in exercising at least 150 minutes a
week will be eligible for all prize drawings!
For more information about KBIC Fit
UP registration contact Heather at 3534546. To learn more about WELCUP
please contact Kelly Rumpf at
rumpf@hline.org, (906) 779-7234.

This certificate entitles
you to a FREE ONE
YEAR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP at the Upper
Peninsula Children’s
Museum—KBIC MEMBERS ONLY.
☺ Bring this certificate to the Museum during you next visit.
☺ Our staff will have you fill out a
simple form to activate the membership.
☺ We will then mail you a membership card to be used for one
FULL year of free visitation to the
Museum.
WE LOVE OUR
FAMILY OF MEMBERS!!!
Questions? Visit the web
www.upcmkids.org or call Nheena at
(906) 226-3911.
The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, Michigan 49855.

BIA Scholarship Deadline
The deadline to apply for a BIA Scholarship for the 2009-10 academic year is
May 1, 2009.
Applicants must be enrolled KBIC members, residents of Michigan attending
a 2 or 4 yr. accredited Michigan college in pursuit of a 2 or 4 yr. degree and must
complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Applications are available from the Education Office, Keweenaw Bay Tribal
Center, 16429 Bear Town Rd. Baraga MI 49908.
For more information, please contact Amy St. Arnold, Education Director at
906-353-4117 or amy@KBIC-nsn.gov.

YOUTH EVENTS UPDATE
New activities began in March at the Youth
Center:
Weightlifting—Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
and Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (if a ride
is needed, call 353-4644 or 353-4543).
Open to all ages with parental approval.
Native night—Friday evenings 6:00 to 9:00
p.m. (Kids come in and learn to dance,
drum, etc.) Open to all ages. Volunteers
are needed.
K-6 activity time—Saturday 11am-2pm
(The gym will be open for kids to let loose
and play with all the gym toys).
For m ore
youth
activities s ee
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.

1ST STEP COUNSELING SERVICE
If you are interested in starting or buying
a business and don’t know what
to do next…

Call Tina Durant @
(906) 353-2626 at
the Anishinaabe Anokii
Center.
She will set you up with an appointment
with a certified business counselor in the
Baraga County area. Sessions are free and
confidential.

FOR SALE:
Home with three bedrooms, two
baths, open concept, free standing wood burning stove, covered porches, includes appliances and window treatments.
Located on leased land at
16061
Mission
Road,
Baraga, MI. $88,000.
For more information
call 353-7245.

To place an ad,
submit an article,
or relate information or ideas on
possible articles
contact: Lauri Denomie
at newsletter @ kbic-nsn.gov
or call 906-201-0263.
To be added to the
mailing list or
to correct your mailing address,
contact the enrollment office at
(906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

(3) Niswi

Our Deepest Sympathy
Leona L. Bolo

Paul “Bill” Dowd

October 11, 1940— February 21, 2009

July 23, 1972 - March 18, 2009

Leona L. Bolo, 68, of Baraga, passed
away Saturday evening February 21,
2009, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Baraga on October
11, 1940, the daughter of the late Leo and
Bertha (Nedeau) Durant. Leona attended
school in Baraga. On April 3, 1958, she
married George Bolo in Ontonagon.
Leona was a restaurant cook in the Ontonagon area. She was a member of Holy
Name of Jesus Church, Assinins, MI., the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and
the Ojibwa Senior Citizens. She enjoyed
going to the casino, watching her grandchildren playing in sporting events, cooking, baking, flower gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Mrs. Bolo is survived by her loving
husband, George, son, George Jr.
(Connie) Bolo of Baraga, daughters, Dianne (Jay) Gougeon of Baraga, and Lynelle (Curtis) Sutherland of Baraga,
grandchildren, Willie, Averey, Mitch, Ben,
Zack, Brad, Ariel, Rachel, and Josh, great
grandchildren, Faye, Matthew, and Jonny,
brothers, Leo and Melvin Durant both of
Baraga, and sisters, Vi Banuchie of Ontonagon, Julia (Bill) Cardinal of Baraga, and
Catherine Sanquist of Baraga. Numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her
brother, Dominic, and her sister, Martha.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Wednesday, February 25,
2009, from Holy Name of Jesus Church,
Assinins with Father George Maki, celebrant. The Reid Funeral Home assisted
the family.

Paul “Bill” Dowd, 36, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2009, in Detroit after
enjoying a Red Wing hockey game there
the previous evening.
Bill was born on July 23, 1972, in
L’Anse, Michigan. His father is Gene
(Cheri) McKechnie, and his mother is
Mary Boo (Bob) Saunders, all of Sault
Ste. Marie. Bill grew up around the Sault.
After graduating from high school, he
joined the Navy and was a veteran of the
Gulf War.
More than anything, Bill loved spending time with his wife, children, large family and many friends. Bill volunteered and
participated in many activities with his
children and in the community. He owned
and operated Extreme Excavating. The
company byline “We do it in the dirt”, was
what he lived by and enjoyed. Other interests were: snowmobiling, downhill skiing
and a good card game.
Bill is survived by his wife, Nikki, his
son, Sawyer, and his daughter, Adeleigh,
all at home. Other survivors include four
sisters: Robin Morley, Daisy, Danielle and
Destiny McKechnie. Uncles: Joe (Kelly)
Dowd, Donny (Renee) Dowd, Tommy
(Rose) Dowd, Larry Dowd, Bowdie (Barb)
Dowd, Bob (Shauna) McKechnie, Ron
(Loretta) McKechnie, Isaac McKechnie,
Charlie (Kim Roy) McKechnie. Aunts;
Doris (Ray) Roberts, Marlene (Rick) Janetos, Sally (Jim) McKechnie and Laura
(Clark King) McKechnie. Also included are
in-laws, Donna and Terry Paquette, Mike
and Patty Gervasio, numerous cousins,
four nephews and special friends: Henry
Gonyeau and Landon and Tammy Nolan,
brothers and sisters-in-laws: Chad
(Christy) Paquette, Shawn (Amy)
Paquette, Terry Paquette II and Dan
(Julia) Gervasio. Preceding Bill in death
are his very special grandparents, Isaac
“Ike” and Annie McKechnie.
Funeral services were held on Sunday,
March 22, 2009, at Faith Lutheran Church
in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. The family was
assisted by Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home.

Bruce Wayne Dowd
March 27, 1951 - March 12, 2009

Bruce “Migizi Inini” Wayne Dowd, 57,
of Minneapolis, MN, walked on Thursday,
March 12, 2009, at Hennepin County
Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. He
was born March 27, 1951, in L’Anse, MI,
the son of Francis and Sarah (Loonsfoot)
Dowd. Bruce graduated from Baraga High
School in 1969. He moved to Minneapolis
and worked for SK Tools for several
years. Bruce was a Marathon runner and
a Harley Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast.
Mr. Dowd is survived by his wife Mavis
Taken-care-of, children, John Dowd of
Minneapolis, Bruce Dowd of St. Paul, Eileen Taken-care-of Dowd of Grand Forks,
MN; brothers, John “Sunny Man” of Colorado Springs, CO, Joe (Kelly) of L’Anse,
Tom (Rose) of Escanaba, Donny (Renee)
of Baraga, Larry of Zeba, Alan (Barb) of
New Post, WI; sisters, Doris (Ray) Roberts of Baraga, Mary Boo (Bob) Saunders
of Sault Ste Marie, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his
parents; brother, Eddie Dowd, and sister,
Pat Maki.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Ojibwa Senior
Center, Traditional Ceremonial Room with
Bucko Teeple officiating. The Jacobson
Funeral Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

(4) Niiwin

Michigan Indian Elders Association
Tri-Annual Meeting
Ziigwan - April 27-29, 2009
Hosted by the Ojibwa Senior Citizens
Sponsored by the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community,
Baraga, Michigan
Agenda
Monday, April 27
Site: Ojibwa Community College
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration
5:00 p.m.
Delegates - meeting and dinner
Others - Dinner on your own
Tuesday, April 28
Site: Ojibwa Community College
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Drum and Color Guard
Opening Prayer
Welcoming AddressesKBIC President, Chris Swartz
Ojibwa Sr. President, Sandi Pittsley

FOOD DISTRIBUTION
PROGRAM ON
INDIAN RESERVATIONS
NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS
FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED
STATES AND ALASKA
(Effective October 1, 2008)
48
Contiguous
United States

Alaska

Household
Size

Income
Limits

Income
Limits

1

$1,011

$1,330

2

$1,311

$1,705

3

$1,611

$2,080

4

$1,914

$2,455

5

$2,239

$2,830

6

$2,564

$3,205

7

$2,864

$3,580

8

$3,164

$3,955

Each additional member

+ $300

+ $375

The net monthly income standard for each household
size is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income
eligibility standard and the applicable SNAP standard
deduction.
Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)
Dependant Care Deduction — Households that
qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed
a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid
monthly to a non-household member.
Earned Income Deduction — Households with
earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent
of their earned income.
Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage Premiums — Households that incur the cost of Medicare Part B medical
insurance and/or Part D prescription drug coverage
premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly
cost of the premiums.
Child Support Deduction — Households that incur
the cost of legally required child support to or for a
non-household member are allowed a deduction for
the amount of monthly child support paid.
* Can not be on food stamps.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
MIEA General Meeting
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. – Noon
Brent Johnson, DDS, KBIC Health Dept
Noon—Lunch (music during lunch)
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
James A. Surrell, M.D., Marquette General
Hospital, Healthy Life Style Choices
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
MIEA Auction,
Auctioneer Ron Spruce
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Open)
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. - ? ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, April 29
Site: Ojibwa Community College
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mary Macqueen, MSA
Michigan Department of Community Health
Office of Public Health Preparedness
11:30 a.m.
Travel Prayer,
Song, Drum
Retire the Colors

It’s that time for…..Spring Cleaning!!!

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Earth Day!!

Did you know??
☠ The EPA says indoor air pollution is usually 2-5 times worse
than outdoor air pollution, and harsh cleaning chemicals contribute.
☠ Conventional cleaning products are responsible for about 10%
of toxic-exposure calls to poison control.
☠ In the United States, 25,000-plus kids "are exposed to" (that's
EPA code for "have accidents involving") chlorine bleach each
year.
☠ The International Agency for Research on Cancer says perchloroethylene ("perc"), a common carpet cleaning chemical,
is a "probable human carcinogen" that can cause anything
from dizziness to death.
☠ High concentrations of detergents were found in 69% of waterways in a 2002 nationwide study.
☠ If every U.S. household replaces one box of 48-oz, petroleumbased powder laundry detergent with a vegetable-based one,
we'll save enough oil to heat and cool 5,300 homes for a year.

KBIC Natural Resources Department
1st Annual Environmental Fair
What:

To provide environmental educational material
and hands on learning for Community members
to celebrate Earth Day!

When:

Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
An official screening of the National Wildlife
Federation documentary “Mining Madness, Water Wars: The Great Lakes in the Balance,” will
be held at 5:00 p.m.

Where:

Ojibwa Community College gym, located on
Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI.

The event is free of charge and door prizes will be given
throughout the evening!!

(from http://www.idealbite.com)

Remember these home-healthy and earth-friendly
tips when spring cleaning:
Keep products in their original containers and store them
safely away from children and pets
Dispose of household products safely
Never pour harmful products down a sink, toilet, bathtub
drain or on the ground
Use non-toxic, alternative products when available:
ο Non-chlorine bleach
ο
ο

Plant-based detergents
Homemade cleaners (these recipes work great and are more economical, too!)

All Purpose

Window-Mirror
Cleaner

Soft Scrub (paste)

1 tsp washing soda
4 Tbsp vinegar (5% white)
4 cups hot water
5 drops essential oil (optional)

½ cup vinegar (5% white)
1 quart water

½ cup baking soda
Liquid (castile) soap/
detergent)
5 drops essential oil

Disinfectant

Deodorizer/Carpet
Freshener

Floor Cleaner

Straight vinegar
4-5 drops essential oil
(optional)

Wood Cleaner
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup water
½ tsp. liquid (castile) soup
5 drops olive oil

Baking soda
16-20 drops essential oil
(let sit overnight in covered
container)

Microwave Cleaner
(paste)
¼ cup baking soda
1 tsp. vinegar
6 drops lemon essential oil
~ rinse & leave door open to
dry for 15 min.

½ cup vinegar
1 gallon water
10 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops oregano oil

Air Freshener (spray)
10-20 drops essential oil
spring water

EARTH DAY 2009 : THE GREEN GENERATION
Earth Day 2009, April 22, will mark the beginning of the Green
Generation Campaign! This two-year initiative will culminate with
the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a
new global climate agreement coming up in December, Earth Day
2009 must be a day of action and civic participation to defend the
Green Generation’s core principles:
A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will
end our common dependency on fossil fuels including coal.
An individual’s
commitment to
responsible,
sustainable
consumption.
Creation of a
new
green
economy that
lifts people out
of poverty by
creating
millions of quality
green
jobs
and transforms
the global education system
into a green
one.

BLAKER SPEAKS ON INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENT PERSPECTIVES
A diverse organization
of
students
dedicated to environmental sustainability
(SfES),
Students for Environmental Sustainability
at
Michigan Tech,
hosts
annual
E a rt h
W eek
events
each
year.
This
ye a r 's
2009
E a rt h
W eek
Photo © 2009 and courtesy of Keweenaw Now.
events included:
H o w - T o Tuesday, March 17th: Reusing old glass jars by turning them into
different crafts; Wall-E on Wednesday, March 18th: Campus-wide
showing of the film followed by a short discussion; Traditional En-

vironmental Knowledge on Thursday, March 19th: Native American speakers from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community on Indigenous Environmental perspectives.
SfES at Michigan Tech hosted KBIC Tribal member Doreen
Blaker for a recent Earth Week event featuring Traditional Environmental Knowledge on Thursday, March 19th. Doreen is an
alumni of Michigan Tech with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. Doreen shared her knowledge and wisdom on Native
American values of love and respect for the land. She spoke on
the importance of looking seven generations ahead to ensure future generations will inherit a clean environment. She also addressed the current mining threats near the KBIC Tribal community and the importance of preserving the natural resources, medicines, berries, and ceremonial sites of this area for future generations.
SfES greatly appreciates Doreen's willingness to share this
precious knowledge to a diverse crowd interested in understanding Native American perspectives on the environment. Michigan
Tech's American Indian Science & Engineering Society also
helped to coordinate this event and hosted a welcome dinner for
Doreen prior to the speech.

(5) Naanan

Medical Clinic LPN—Sharon Tammelin.
Sharon has been an LPN for over 35 years. She
was hired in January for an on-call/fill-in basis, and
was subsequently selected for the full-time LPN position in February. Sharon retired from BCMH after
27½ years of service where she worked in many different aspects within the hospital. Sharon is the
mother of two sons, Jason (Jeri) and Jeremy
(Carrie), and has four grandchildren, Samantha,
Whitney, Landen and Breanne, and her father is Reino Lahti.
Sharon lives in Herman and enjoys sewing,
crafts, camping, country music and cribbage.
Sharon states, “I very much enjoy working at the
Tribal Health Clinic.”

Ojibwemowin Language Coordinator—
Gary Loonsfoot Jr.
“Boozhoo. My name is Gary Loonsfoot Jr.
I am the son of Gary Loonsfoot Sr., and Gail
Swartz- Koski. I was born and raised here in
Baraga.
I graduated from Baraga High
School in 1995. Shortly after, I enrolled in
classes for Criminal Justice/Corrections
through Gogebic Community College. Recently, I’ve attended college at Bay Mills Community College and Ojibwa Community College. I have been an active member of both
the Youth Committee and the Natural Resource Committee for several years now. I
also served one year as the representative to
the Inter-Tribal Council Policy Board for the
Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
I have been selected as the Coordinator
for the Ojibwemowin Language Program here
at KBIC. I consider it both an honor and a
privilege to be given the opportunity to serve
my community in this capacity. I will do my
best to ensure that all parties involved in the
language program are treated equally and
fairly. I am looking forward to working with
anyone and everyone interested in our original language. I believe our language is the
heart of our culture. If we lose our language,
we lose our true identity. Migwetch.”

KBIC Natural Resources Compliance Specialist – Dale Shalifoe.
Dale Shalifoe has been hired as the KBIC Natural
Resources Compliance Specialist. Dale is a 1990
L’Anse High School graduate, a NMU graduate with
a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, and
plans to continue his education pursuing a Masters
Degree in Public Finance.
Dale Shalifoe serves KBIC as a Gaming Commissioner and has recently been appointed as an Apprentice to the Language Program with Earl Otchingwanigan.
Dale grew up in Zeba. His hobbies include playing around with the electric guitar, reading sci-fi/
fantasy novels, chess, Magic the Gathering, and
poker.
Dale states, “I’m thankful and humbled to have been chosen as the KBIC Natural Resources Compliance Specialist. I’m committed to making the most of all of the opportunities I’ve been blessed with by my tribe.”

Ojibwemowin
Language Revitalization

Sign up for
Language
Teachings

The Ojibwemowin Language Program will
be offering the teachings of Earl Otchingwanigan through his apprentices. They will be
sharing their teachings with all who are interested. Our original language is vital to our
cultural identity. For all those interested in
these teachings, please sign up. For information regarding the dates and times of these
teachings, feel free to contact Gary Loonsfoot,
Jr. at the number provided.
Ojibwa Senior Citizens
Thursdays @ 3:30pm.
Dale Shalifoe
KBIC Youth Center
TBA (after March 14th)
Liz Julio
Zeba Annex
Tuesdays @ 6:00pm.
Joe Dowd
OCC
TBA (summer semester) JoAnne Racette
KBIC Daycare
Daily @ 10:00am.
Lisa Denomie
ITC EHS/HS
Fridays @ 2:00pm
Terri Denomie

Ojibwemowin
Language Revitalization
Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community,
16429 Bear Town Road
Baraga, MI 49908
Gary Loonsfoot, Jr.,
Language Coordinator
Telephone: (906) 353-6623
Extension 4178
Fax: 353-7540

Anishinaabemotaw
“To speak Ojibwa”

Public Health Nurse Secretary—Kim Klopstein.
Kim Klopstein, KBIC member, has been
selected as the Public Health Nurse Secretary
at the Donald A. LaPointe Medical Facility.
Kim is the daughter of Agnes Hueckstaedt
(Totsie).
Kim currently resides in Baraga with her
husband, Jeff, and two children, Jeffrey and
Jennifer. In her spare time Kim enjoys hunting, fishing, racing, and spending time with
family and friends. Kim indicates, “I am honored for the opportunity to work with the staff
and the Community as the Department of
Health and Human Services Secretary.”

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Come join in the
teachings of our
reservation’s last
fluent speaker

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT
SERVICES
427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908
In Tribal Court Building
Phone: 906-353-4566 • Fax: 906-353-8132
• Email: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”
We provide the following services:

Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community
Employment
Opportunities

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 4140 or visit:
www.ojibwa.com.
Public Health Nurse/
Case Manager, open
until filled
Clinical Psychologist, open until filled

On Call positions:
* LPN
* RN
* Unit Manager
* Account Executive/Sales
* Cashier
* Receptionist/Clerical Worker
* Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant
* Youth Program & Facility Attendant

• Establishment, Enforcement and
• Location of Custodial and
Modification of Child Support Orders
Non-Custodial Parents
• Paternity Establishment

• Community Education

tp://www.kbic-nsn.gov/html/ocss.htm

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

Meet Anastazia Lee Sandman-Shelifoe, born 02/23/09,
to Wausaumoutouikwe Josephine Sandman-Shelifoe. Anastazia weighed 10 lbs. 10
ozs. and was 19 inches long
at birth.

Meet Kydan Liam Dean,
born 02/26/09, to Danika
Strong and Kyle Dean. Kydan
weighed 8lbs. 3 ozs. and was
20 inches long at birth. Kydan’s Indian name is Anaquat.

Meet Dayonna Picard, born
02/18/09, to Dana Picard and
Bani Wandahsega. Dayonna
weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was
19 inches at birth.

Meet Evan John LaFernier,
born 02/23/09, to Shanda
Fran k
and
John
LaFernier. Evan weighed 4
lbs. 14 ozs. and was 17 inches
at birth.

Private Mark Smith Graduates from Basic Training

Twin brother!
Meet Brody
Seppanen, born 02/23/09, to
Amber Johnson and Travis
Seppanen. Brody weighed 5
lbs. 1 oz. and was 17 inches
long at birth.

Twin brother!
Meet Gage
Seppanen, born 02/23/09, to
Amber Johnson and Travis
Seppanen.
Gage was 5 lbs,
9 ozs. and 18 ¼ inches at
birth.

Tribal member, Mark Ant h o n y S m it h , g ra d u a t e d
from United States Army Basic
Training on December 17,
2008. He was part of Bravo
Company 2nd Battalion 54th
Infantry Regiment located in
Fort Benning, Georgia. He also
graduated from Airborne School
on February 20, 2009, of Fort
Benning, Georgia. Mark is currently stationed at Fort Bragg,
North Carolina. He is classified
as a Private E2. He is the son
of Sarah Smith of Baraga and
Joseph Russo of Sault Ste.
Marie and grandson of Judith
Smith of L'Anse.

TRIBAL MEMBERS ACHIEVE
DISTRICT SPELLING BEE AWARDS

KBIC TRIBAL MEMBER, RASANEN,
EARNS ALL-CONFERENCE STATUS
Rebecca Rasanen,
daughter of Carl and
Julie Rasanen, was
named All-Conference
2nd team. Rasanen, a
Junior, played for the
Baraga Lady Vikings.
During the 08/09 season, she led her team
in scoring, averaging
10.5 points per game.
She also had 174 rebounds, 49 steals, 45
assists, and 33 blocks.
She played only 18 of
the 20 games, due to
an ankle injury during
the 18th game of the
season.
Rebecca looks forward to the 09/10 season with the
Lady Vikings, her Senior year.

Students begin the spelling bee competition within their own grade
and school. The winners then participate in the district (L’Anse/Baraga)
spelling bee which was held in the Baraga School this year. Winners of
the districts then participate in the regional spelling bee which was held
at Jeffers School District. The winner and runner-up from the regional
spelling bee then move on to participate in the U.P. tournament.
Pictured below is Logan Roe, son of
Robin Roe of Baraga and Butch Roe of
El Paso, TX, as he participated in the
regional spelling bee held in Jeffers on
February 19th. Logan won the 8th
grade district spelling bee held at the
Baraga Schools, January 27th, where
he received a medal and a trophy.

Annaleese Rasanen, daughter of Carl and Julie Rasanen,
won the 5th grade district spelling bee title held in Baraga between L'Anse and Baraga Area
Schools on January 27, 2009.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

March 7, 2009 Council Meeting continued from page two.

cil will be reviewing the Comprehensive Plan
documentation within the next few weeks for
accomplishments, revisions and additions, and
it will then be presented to department heads
and the Community for input.
We have as of yet not been informed of the
decision from the administrative hearing officer
in our contested case hearing regarding the
mining permits for the Yellow Dog Plains. Vice
President LaFernier reported that a decision
has been made by Judge Paula Manderfield
regarding the MI DNR granting a land use permit for 120 acres of State land to Kennecott for
the construction of surface facilities for the underground mine. Unfortunately, she ruled to
uphold the Michigan DNR’s decision to lease
the land for a nickel and copper mine, dismiss
the lawsuit and stated the DNR had not broken
any laws and had acted within it’s authority by
leasing the property to Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company.
Rio Tinto made an announcement in February regarding its year end earnings report on
their operations and interests globally — “The
previously announced iron ore expansion at
Iron Ore Company of Canada ($768 million for
phases one and two) and the development of
the Eagle Nickel mine in Michigan, U.S. have
been deferred until market conditions recover.”
Jon Cherry, Eagle Project General Manager,
stated they are continuing to work on the permits, litigation, engineering design and preliminary work, so when the opportunity presents
itself, they will be posed to evaluate economic
conditions and their next steps. Vice President LaFernier urges us to continue to write or
call your elected officials and tell them the
short term benefits are not worth the harmful
long term effects on health, rivers, Great
Lakes, and wild places because of the great
potential for acid mine drainage.
A team of eight employees from Tribal
Court, Tribal Police, New Day, including the
grant writer, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Vice President LaFernier attended a
five-day comprehensive Drug Court Planning
Initiative Training Program in Albuquerque,
NM, on February 23-27. The program was
developed and presented by the Bureau of
Justice Assistance and the U.S. Department of
Justice in collaboration with the National Drug
Court Institute. This training was made available through scholarship dollars. The team
learned how to develop a plan and framework
for our Drug Court and received the knowledge and tools needed to start/develop a drug
court policy and procedure manual. More information will be presented by the Tribal Court
in the future.
Larry Denomie gave the CEO report for
February. After attending several meetings
with Casino management, plans are being developed and implemented to improve customer service throughout the enterprises. Denomie shared an exercise which was learned
while he attended the MSU Self Governance
Training with the managers. The exercise
brings to surface each of the manager’s personalities and how important it is to understand that it plays a key role in building team
work. Denomie indicated he would be working
closely with the enterprises to ensure we manage to the best of our abilities during these
difficult economic times.
On February 12th, a problem with the Tribal
Center’s fire alarm occurred where the alarm
tripped itself and alarmed the system to send
automatic contacts to emergency services.
The Baraga Fire Department responded from
the system which is good to know the system
does work properly. The problem that caused
the false alarm has been corrected.
Mr. Ward from the Houghton area has been
chosen as the new Hotel Manager to oversee
our two hotels. Sharon Kirchhofer had been
serving as interim manager since the former
manager’s departure and has been thanked
for stepping up into the role when needed.
The Language Revitalization Plan continues to move forward as Interim Coordinator

(8) Ishwaaswi

Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. is working closely with Earl
Otchingwanigan and the apprentices. Earl
presents instruction during the two-and-a-half
hour class on Thursdays. Apprentices develop their own curriculum which is shared
through gatherings at selected sites which
have been assigned to them. Each apprentice
has an elder mentor to aid them in their effort
to share what they have learned with the Community. The excitement level of those involved
in the program is very high. A permanent coordinator will be chosen in mid-March as interviews are scheduled for March 12 with Council.
On February 17th, the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department received a black eye due
to break down in communication within the
department. A letter to the editor in the February 25th edition of the L’Anse Sentinel indicated deer heads from a Chronic Wasting Disease data collection screening were mistakenly dropped off in a location where they
should not have been. Immediately upon receiving notice of the error, the department
picked up the deer heads and disposed of
them properly. A press release will be issued
on Monday, and a letter will be issued to UPPCO apologizing for the misfortunate mishap.
The department has dealt with the issue internally, and the problem has been corrected to
ensure this will never happen again. Jennifer
Misegan has contacted Mr. Selkey (author of
the letter to the editor) and apologized for the
incident. We are hopeful the Community does
not allow this unfortunate and regrettable incident to shed any bad light on all of the great
things the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department does to protect the environment we all
live in.
Health Director Carole LaPointe will be presenting a contract for a company who will be
providing the Tribe’s Health Department with
the ability to issue a card to members to use
for getting their prescriptions filled. Members
who receive vouchers currently will be issued
a card to use at a pharmacy of their choice
when filling prescriptions. The card system
will be utilized for the remainder of this fiscal
year until the expansion project and pharmacy
housed within the health center are completed.
A concept to aid in building resources for a
children’s library for the Pre-primary program
is being devised. Volunteers from the community would purchase a children’s book, volunteer to read it to the children of the program
and then leave it for the library which will result
in a library of books for our children in years to
come.
Toni Minton presented the Secretary’s Report for February. During the month of February 2009, the Tribal Council had one regular
meeting and three special meetings. The
regular Tribal Council meeting was held on
February 7, 2009, and is reported in the March
2009 Tribal Newsletter. The following actions
occurred during the special meeting held on
February 6, 2009: approved the Memorandum
of Agreement with the Ojibwa Community College; approved a cash match of $45,000 for
the Ojibwa Community College’s USDA Learning Grant; approved Resolution KB16502009—FY 2009 Forest Management Deduction (10%) Account Expenditure Plan; approved the business license and liquor license
of Jeff Lamson doing business as Cue Master;
approved the license application for taxed tobacco products; approved the Waterline Extension Water Purchase Management Operation and Maintenance Agreement with the Village of Baraga; agreed to remove the slots
from the Pines based on financial review; approved the Language Coordinator job description; approved a budget modification for the
Natural Resources Department for their new
position of Operations and Compliance Specialist; and approved the budget modification
for the Donald LaPointe Health and Education
Facility renovation. The following actions occurred during the special meeting held on February 17, 2009: approved meeting minutes of

March 4, 2006, November 8, 2008, and November 12, 2008; held two grievance hearings; and upheld the CEO’s decision in Grievance #001-09 and in Grievance #002-09. The
following actions occurred during the special
meeting held on February 19, 2009: approved
meeting minutes of November 13, 2008, and
November 14, 2008; approved the bid of Strategic Solutions for a feasibility study; agreed to
allow the Baraga Fire Department to use the
field behind the Casino to hold a mud drag
racing fundraiser; approved a letter of support
for the Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; agreed to move forward with a
workplace wellness program; approved a
$1000 matching request for the library grant;
approved $400 in additional emergency funds
for Dan Connor; approved the contract with
O’Dovero Properties for short term use of the
Negaunee Airport Property; approved the
Pharmacist Services Agreement with James
Vollmar; approved the substitute Independent
Contractor Agreement with Millennium Services; changed the title of the position Executive Assistant to Assistant CEO; approved
$580 for Louella Wood’s septic system repair;
approved $150 for Jeff Mayo for travel to an
interview pending denials from TERO and the
Block Grant; and approved $100 for Joann
Jaukkuri for court travel that will be reimbursed.
Jennifer Misegan presented the Treasurer’s
Report for February 2009. Council met and
reviewed ten donation requests for the month
of February; approving $1537 for NMU Center
for Native American Studies (matching funds
to hold an Indigenous Language Revitalization
Workshop), $100 for BHK Headstart Program
(classroom and project supplies), $1000 for
Senator Debbie Stabenow (re-election campaign), $500 for Baraga BASH 2009, $500 for
L’Anse Senior Lock-In 2009, and $250 for Superior Americorps (alcohol awareness activities for area students).
Treasurer Misegan attended a workshop on
February 12, 2009, with Attorney Christoph
Geiger, regarding the development and implementation of a Uniform Commercial Code and
a Tribal Secured Transaction Code. A need
for a Secured Transaction Code has come up
in the drafting of the Titling Code. The adoption of these laws will build our legal infrastructure, allowing for increased opportunities for
Tribal members and the Tribe to obtain credit
from outside lenders, businesses and other
Tribes.
The one day workshop barely
scratched the surface of either law as they are
very complex, but Misegan gained contact information of individuals who have worked with
both in a Tribal setting.
The Retirement Committee met twice in
February.
Committee stipends were discussed and whether or not the retirement
plans would treat that income as wages. Because of the options in both the Defined Benefit Plan and the 401K, the Committee determined it would be in the best interest of all
Committee members to be paid utilizing the
previous method. The stipends had been previously changed to alleviate the burden of the
Committee members at tax time but did not
consider the challenges it would bring to retired Committee members. The stipend was
increased on January 1, 2009, to help cover
any expense to Committee members.
On March 2-3, 2009, the Finance meeting
was held with Francis LaPointe, CFO; Larry
Denomie, CEO; John Mantila, Baraga Casino
General Manager; David Haataja, Marquette
Casino General Manager; Sarah Smith, Assistant CEO; and Dawn Richards, Government
Controller. Mr. LaPointe prepared an overview
of the Baraga properties and the Marquette
Casino which contained the year to date information of where they stand compared to their
budgets as well as last year. Due to the state
of the current economy, he advised the Council on several issues of concerns. The CEO
has been working closely with John Mantila
(Baraga Casino) and will be doing the same
Continued on page eleven.

KBIC TRIBAL HEALTH INITIATES
PRESCRIPTION CARD PROGRAM

OJIBWEMOWIN
Iskigamizige Giizis — Maple Sugar Making Moon — April
1

2

Word list
3

On March 1, 2009, the KBIC Dept. of
Health and Human Services implemented a
prescription benefit card (PBC) program for
uninsured patients. The cards take the
place of vouchers for receiving pharmaceuticals prescribed by the KBIC physicians.
The cards are issued by 4D Pharmacy Management company and will be used by the
uninsured until our in-house pharmacy is
established.
“We are not exempt from the rising prescription drug costs that are affecting the
whole nation,” stated Carole LaPointe,
Health Administrator, “and the new relationship with Upper Peninsula Health Plan
(UPHP) and 4D Pharmacy Management will
assist us in cutting these costs significantly.”
Plans to use the cards began last October, after looking at the amount spent on
pharmaceuticals for the uninsured. “We
spent close to $600,000 on pharmaceuticals
last fiscal year, and we just had to start
looking at ways to decrease these costs, to
save contract health dollars,” stated LaPointe.
According to Elvera Lantz, CHS Clerk,
(shown above with KBIC member/patient,
Robert Ellsworth), the card will only cover
prescriptions prescribed by one of KBIC’s
four physicians (Dr. Zobro, Dr. Oh, Dr.
Schultz, and Dr. Johnson). If the patient is
seen elsewhere, they must contact the
KBIC Medical Clinic for further directions on
how to obtain the pharmaceutical they were
prescribed elsewhere.
Patients may be getting generic replacement for their drugs. If they have any questions, they can come to see the pharmacist
or administration.
Cards are activated
within a week of receiving proper information.

niinamad
miigwechiwendam
goshkokaa
ondamendam
giishkaabaagwe
ayekozi
mamiidaawendam
aabadad
goopadizi
zhoobizi

2

4

3

4

5

Across
1. thirsty
2. tempted
3. useful
4. weak
5. thankful
6. surprised

The language page was designed from reference of “A
Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe” by John D. Nichols and Earl Nyholm.

Down
1. worthless
2. tired
3. troubled
4. worried
6

Fill in the blanks
troubled — m _ _ i i _ _ _ _ _ n d a _

surprised — g _ _ h _ o _ a a

useful — _ _ b a d a _

tempted — z _ o o _ _ z i

weak — _ i i n _ _ _ d

thankful — m _ _ g w e c h i _ _ _ _ a m

worried — o _ _ a m _ _ d a _

thirsty — g _ i s _ k a a _ a _ g _ _

worthless — g o_ _ a d i _ i

tired — a y _ _ _ _ i

Sponsored by:
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Tribal Council
Cultural Committee
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Wanted:
Pictures from the original KBIC Medical
Center, which was located within the Tribal
Center building in Assinins, Michigan.
Both inside and outside photos are desired. Photos will be restored and displayed at the newly expanded KBIC Donald
LaPointe Medical Facility, 102 Superior
Ave., Baraga, MI 49908. Contact Carole
LaPointe at (906) 353-4553, or e-mail clapointe@kbic-nsn.gov.

Anishinaabe Anokii
Supported by funding from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA)

(9) Zhaangaswi

Mission: To provide affordable and attractive housing opportunities in a safe
and healthy environment to qualifying tribal members of the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community, encourage self-improvement of the community’s low income families and provide employment opportunities.

Programs and Services provided by the KBOHA:
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Low income rental homes and apartments
1. 158 Homes/apartments in Baraga
2. 50 Homes in Zeba
3. 40 Homes in Marquette/Harvey
Supportive housing/transitional housing to help address family issues;
New, custom built, super-insulated homes for homeownership on Beartown
Road;
Home buyer training to prepare members for home ownership;
Financial literacy training to improve members’ financial skills;
Home maintenance training to improve members’ ability to maintain
homes;
Home rehabilitation program to improve the condition of member-owned
homes;
Home emergency assistance program to remedy negative conditions in the
home;
Individual development account program – a 4:1 matched savings program
for member goals that include:
1. Down payment assistance for home purchase;
2. College tuition and expenses for residents;
3. Business expansion/start-up expenses;
4. Home repair for member-owned homes;
5. Credit repair for homeownership;
6. Vehicle purchase for work/school.
Low cost home improvement loan program for qualifying tribal members;
Low cost tax preparation program for residents and tribal members;
Surplus FEMA mobile home program for tribal members;
Stipend program covering mileage and child care expenses for residents
attending college;
Affordable curbside trash service for residents and members;
Prescription subsidy program to reimburse tribal elders and disabled
households for prescriptions purchased;
Ojibwa Building Supply Do It Best- providing tribal employment, quality affordable building supplies and profits for housing programs;
Ojibwa Builders construction company- providing tribal employment, quality
affordable construction, and profits for housing programs;
Market rate rentals - five rental properties in Baraga and one in Negauneeproviding profits for housing programs.

Ojibwa Housing Authority
Financial Session
The Ojibwa Housing Authority will hold a two part Financial Session on March 4th and 11th from 5p.m. to 8p.m. at
the Ojibwa Housing Authority conference room. The session will cover areas such as tracking spending, budgeting
and reviewing credit reports. This session is mandatory for
anyone entering the Individual Development Account (IDA)
savings program. Those interested in signing up are asked
to call Natalie Mleko or Christine LaPointe at 353-7117.
ONTONAGON TIMBER THEFT
HEARD IN FEDERAL COURT

PRESS RELEASE -- The Federal case against KBIC
member Robert Charles Genschow, “Chief Lonewolf”,
was heard in Federal Court on Monday, March 23, 2009,
and Tuesday, March 24, 2009. The Federal case alleged
Genschow illegally cut trees involving a theft of several
thousand dollars of timber on Keweenaw Bay Indian Community land in Ontonagon County.
Genschow claimed he had the right to take the trees,
because they were on property held in trust for the Ontonagon Band of the Chippewa Indians, of which he was a
Chief of that tribe. He claims the KBIC had no jurisdiction.
The federal government claims the Ontonagon Band of
Chippewa's merged with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Ontonagon Band no longer exits under
treaties from the early 1900's. Robert Charles Genschow
was found guilty in the Federal Court of illegally cutting
trees on the Ontonagon Reservation. Genschow remains
free on bond as he awaits sentencing scheduled for July 7,
2009.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SECOND ANNUAL “DREAM CATCHER” AWARD
April, 2009 – As part of the national Week
of the Young Child celebrated across the
country, (April 19-25, 2009), KBIC Even Start
is spotlighting the people who make a positive
difference in the lives of young children in our
community. This program acknowledges the
valuable contributions made by individuals
who locally serve children in the areas of early
childhood education, social services, parenting
and mentoring.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual
celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood
education association. The purpose of the
Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and
their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those
needs. This year’s national theme is: Bring
Communities Together for Children – Children
Bring Communities Together.
As a Family Literacy Program, KBIC Even
Start recognizes the importance of strengthening the community through literacy, one family
at a time. With a Native American dream
catcher as its logo, KBIC Even Start spins four
strands of educational support to shape its
program with the family at its center. KBIC
Even Start places emphasis on meeting family

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education goals through four core components: adult education, early childhood education, parenting and interactive literacy activities. The program works in collaboration with
many other community programs and services
to meet these goals, appreciating the dedication of parents, teachers and partners.
Through a strong web of support, otherwisedisadvantaged children in our community are
able to learn and grow through the inspiration
and talents of caring adults.
“At KBIC Even Start, we believe that all
young children need and deserve high-quality
early learning experiences that will prepare
them for success in school,” states program
coordinator, Gail Juntunen. “The Week of the
Young Child is a time to publicly recognize the
importance of early learning for all young children and also applaud the many people who
help to make that possible.”
The second annual “Dream Catcher” award
will be announced during April’s Week of the
Young Child. This award is KBIC Even Start’s
tribute to the caring men and women who, in
many different ways, contribute to the education and welfare of young children ages 0-8,
providing them and their families with the ability to “Dare to Dream.”
The public is encouraged to help KBIC Even
Start honor a Baraga County adult who is an

outstanding model of parenting, teaching, or
community service for the young children of
our community.
Nominations for this year’s Dream Catcher
Award can be submitted to the KBIC Even
Start office at 353-8161, Fax 353-8169 or by e
Please
-mail at gjuntunen@kbic-nsn.gov .
submit your name, the name of your choice,
phone number, and reason why this person
deserves to be recognized. Deadline for nominations is noon, Friday, April 17th.

Effective April
1, 2009 — The
Donald A. LaPointe Medical
F a c i l i t y
campus will be
“smoke free.”
We ask that patrons
extinguish tobacco
products prior
to entering the
property.

March 7, 2009 Council Meeting continued from page eight.

with David Haataja (Marquette Casino). Mr.
LaPointe reviewed our Trust and Investment
accounts and because we are not heavily invested in equities (or stocks) our investments
have held up well. We have taken losses, but
they could have been much worse. The majority of our money is in securities, bonds, and
certificates of deposits which are a very low
risk investment.
Our recently transferred
money into Wells Fargo is now 100% safe.
The decisions of prior Council members to
move our investments out of firms such as
Bear Stearns and into the Superior National
Bank Trust Department were very good.
Treasurer Misegan offers a Chi Miigwetch to
those Council members for looking out for our
future.
The Defined Benefit Plan which is 40% equities (as are most retirement plans) has substantial losses. The plan was nearly 95%
funded and our payments were expected to go
down but now they may increase. To avoid
this, we have continued to fund it at a higher
rate in the hope it may help to even out our
future payments.
The finance meetings are very contentious,
and there is a necessity to provide the members with more financial information. This is
the only way the Council can truly be held accountable. Council must be open and straightforward regarding the profits, losses, and expenses of all businesses and all departments
which should correct the problem of inconsistency and impede the double standards that
exist. It will certainly aid the membership’s
understanding of the decisions that are made
by Council.
George Roman, Tribal Liaison from the
Census Bureau, stressed the importance of
having every Native American counted and
identified in the 2010 Census. The Census
Bureau has provided testing opportunities to
Community members in hopes of offering employment to them by the 2010 Census Bureau
on or around the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community location. Mr. Roman requested for
KBIC to appoint two tribal government liaisons
to assist him in achieving an accurate count of
our tribal nation. The Tribal President will provide Mr. Roman with an official letter assigning
Pauline Knapp Spruce, Personnel Director,
and Robin Chosa, TERO Director, as Tribal
Liaisons for KBIC.
Don Carlson on behalf of the Ojibwa Senior
Citizens requested permission of the Council
to seek input from other tribe’s elders who will
be present at the Michigan Indian Elders Association Conference which will be hosted by the
KBIC Ojibwa Senior Citizens on April 27-29,
2009, by adding to their agenda the topic of a
memorandum of understanding between Tribe
to Tribe purchases for gasoline and cigarettes
while visiting on each other’s reservations.
Council spoke of State quota’s each Tribe is
given, especially those tribe’s with Tax Agree-

OJIBWA COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Spring and Summer Library Schedule:
Monday 11-7
Tuesday 11-7
Wednesday 11-7

Thursday 11-7
Friday 11-5
Saturday 11-3

The library has some new books for you:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Eat This Not That for Kids by David Zinczenko
Eat This Not That Supermarket Survival Guide
by David Zinczenko
The Midewiwin, Grand Medicine Society of the
Ojibway by Walter James Hoffman
Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul by
Jack Canfield
Full Court Quest; The girls from Ft. Shaw Indian School Basketball Champions of the
World by Linda Peavy and Ursala Smith
Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet Geringer
Woititz Ed.D
Books & Islands in Ojibwe Country by Louise
Erdrich

ments, which may make the reality of a Nation
to Nation MOU impossible. The Council gave
permission for the topic to be included on the
Michigan Indian Elders Conference agenda to
discuss the issue.
Todd Warner, Director of KBIC Natural Resources, presented Resolution KB1652-2009,
ANA Grant for Habitat Management Inventory.
The Resolution is needed to apply for the
grant for three-years of funding which will allow KBNR to expand to areas they currently
are not looking at and will fund the salary for
the wildlife biologist and a new wildlife technician and hire a contractor. The first year has a
match of tribal support (in-kind) in the amount
of $41,000. Motion by Elizabeth Mayo to
approve Resolution KB 1652-2009, supported by Susan LaFernier, seven supported (S. LaFernier, M. LaFernier, Emery,
Curtis, Loonsfoot, Mayo, Welsh), 0 opposed, three abstained (Matthews, Minton,
Misegan), motion carried.
CEO Larry Denomie announced a change
is needed due to issues with the OASIS Card
(Promotion card—Double Eagle Card) which is
utilized at both the Baraga and Marquette Casino. The card is supposed to work properly if
used at either facility, but there have been
problems identified with the computer system
not recognizing activity jointly. The company
is unable to correct the problem resulting in
customers needing a separate card for each
Casino. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve the agreement with Aristocrat Technologies to remove the Aristocrat OASIS
Version 11 System Purchase and License
Agreement and to substitute David
Haataja’s name for Gerald Hays name in
the standard removal form, supported by
Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., ten supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.
Jennifer Misegan presented proposed ordinance 2009-01 as the First Reading—Ethics in
Government Code. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to waive the first reading of the Ethics
in Government Code due to the length of
the document and to schedule the second
reading at a date to be determined, supported by Toni Minton, eight supported
(Misegan, Minton, S. LaFernier, Emery, Curtis, Loonsfoot, Matthews, Welsh), two opposed (Mayo, M. LaFernier), 0 abstained,
motion carried. The document will be made
available to the pubic at numerous locations
throughout the tribal community.
Council passed Department Head Reports for January 2009; and Meeting Minutes
for November 19, 2008, and November 21,
2008. Council entered into closed session
with CEO, Larry Denomie, and President WarATTENTION KBIC MEMBERS:
The following Committees/Boards have vacant
seats:
Education Committee –
six seats (must be KBIC Tribal members, four
of whom must be parents of enrolled KBIC
children in Grades K-12 attending the L’Anse
or Baraga Schools)
Health Board – six seats
Justice Committee (Child Welfare) –
one seat (three-year term)
Pow-Wow Committee – three seats
Youth Committee – two seats
Please submit a letter of interest by April 3, 2009,
4:30 p.m. to: Warren C. Swartz, Jr. – President,
16429 Beartown Rd. Baraga, MI 49908

April 2009
Calendars Events
April 1 — Ojibwe Language Table
April 4 — Regular Saturday Tribal
Council Meeting, 9:00 a.m., Chippewa
Room.
April 7 — Powwow Logo Contest deadline.
April 8 — Ojibwe Language Table
April 10 — Good Friday—Gov’t Offices
closed.
April 12 — Happy Easter.
April 15 — Ojibwe Language Table
April 17 — “Dream Catcher” Award
Deadline for nominations at 12 noon.
April 22 — KBIC Natural Resources
Department’s 1st Annual Environmental
Fair; EARTH DAY; Ojibwe Language
Table
April 27 — Michigan Indian Elders Association Tri-Annual Meeting.
April 28 — Michigan Indian Elders Association Tri-Annual Meeting.
April 29 — Michigan Indian Elders Association Tri-Annual Meeting; Ojibwe
Language Table.
Events occurring throughout KBIC are
welcome to be listed on the Calendar of
Events. Contact newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov
to list your events. Events are more detailed FYI within the newsletter. For up-today 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.

Logo Contest
Prize Money—$150

Attention: Tribal Community Artists
Deadline for Entries: April 7, 2009 by 4:30 pm
Entry Drop-off is to the KBIC Receptionist Desk or
Mail to:

Pow-wow Committee
16429 Bear Town Rd.
Baraga, MI 49908

All Entries become the
property of the PowPowwow Committee.

Our theme for this year reflects on the change in
our country with the recent elections and the promise and the hope of working together equally for the
progress of our nation.
Artwork must be:
• Drawn on white paper, no smaller than 5" x 5"
and no larger than 8 ½" x 11".
• Drawn in black ink.
• Artwork must be reproducible quality for copying, scanning and imaging purposes.
• Artwork must be signed by the artist.
• Contest is open to KBIC members and descendents.

2009 WINTER SCHEDULE
LAUGH AND LEARN — OJIWBE LANGUAGE TABLE
Wednesday Nights 7—8:30 pm,
Ojibwa Casino Resort Motel Conference Room
This is an informal learning opportunity for all ages.
Attend when you can.
For more information contact: Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. 353-4178

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Powwow pictures
Earn your GED/High School Diploma
Early Childhood Programs for children
Improve parenting skills
Incentives for participation
Transportation and childcare available
Even Start is free to all Tribal
and Non-Tribal members with children
under the age of eight or
who are expecting
Call 353-8161 to register
KBIC EVEN START Family
Literacy Program
755 Michigan Avenue—Baraga, MI 49908

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Permit No. 5
Calumet, MI
PAID

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

U.S Postage
PRESORTED STD

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A263d9fea37aff0c7. Public record. Not legal advice.