The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2019)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gichi Manidoo Giizi – Great Spirit Moon - January 2019

GENERAL ELECTIONS HELD AT THE

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

Issue 174

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Randall R. Haataja

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr.

Rodney Loonsfoot

Elizabeth D. Mayo

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST

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Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Voters registering at the L’Anse District Poll (Zeba Community Hall) with Election Workers.

Voters from the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community cast their ballots at the December 15, 2018, General Election. Preliminary counts were announced by Election

workers immediately following the closing

of the polls. Those results follow:

Baraga District:

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.) 274 votes;

Elizabeth “Beth” Connor 253 votes;

Sue Ellen “Suzie” Elmblad 237 votes;

Kim Klopstein 260 votes.

L’Anse District:

Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.) 253 votes;

Jennifer Misegan (Inc.) 214 votes;

Dale F. Goodreau 309 votes;

Jean (Halverson) Jokinen 251 votes.

Chief Judge results:

Bradley T. Dakota (Inc.) 229 votes;

Bill Jondreau 300 votes;

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. and Kim

Klopstein each secured a three-year term

in the Baraga District. Susan J. LaFernier

and Dale F. Goodreau each secured a

three-year term in the L’Anse District. Bill

Jondreau secured a three-year term as

Chief Judge.

Election results are on the agenda to be

considered for certification by the Tribal

Council at the meeting scheduled for January 5, 2019. Following certification, the

twelve seat council will make nominations

and vote for their Executive Board.

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KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN

COMMUNITY HOLDS

COMMUNITY MEETING

FOR MEMBERS

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





General Election Results

KBIC Holds Community

Meeting

KBIC Youth Christmas

Parties Held

Brozzo Receives Award

Health Department Updates

New Employees—Who’s

Who

Secretary's Report Update

Criminal Report

Deepest Sympathy

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held a Community Meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, to provide the Community with an update on Casino

Projects, Tobacco Manufacturing, and the Halfway House. The meeting was

held at the Big Bucks Bingo Hall.

CASINO PROJECTS UPDATE

Larry Denomie, CEO, presented the outlook of the Casino Projects. At the

General Election in 2016, the voter population approved the casino projects with

specific amounts. Ballot Proposal Question 1. Do you support new casino development projects in Baraga and Marquette, at their current locations, with a total cost not to exceed $40 million whereas the estimated cost of the Baraga Project is $6.5 million, and the estimated cost of the Marquette Project is $33.5 million?

~ submitted by Newsletter Editor

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.

Continues page two.

(1) Bezhig

KBIC Holds Community Meeting continued:

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal by Gundlach

Champion for $40 million was approved by the Tribal Council on

June 28, 2018, prior to finalization of financing in an effort to secure

pricing and to avoid additional budget increases that were to take

effect on July 1. These increases would have led to removing additional areas within the Marquette project, further reducing its marketability and ability to repay the debt. Financing may not have

been made available by the banks we were working with due to the

risk.

The Tribe has worked with Chocolay Township to gain approval

to pass through 2% funds in the amount of $695,000. These are

dollars the Tribe would have paid out in 2% anyway, and this was a

way to get that amount of dollars out of the Casino Project budget.

If we had left it in the Casino Project budget, it would have put us

over the $40 million, and we would have to eliminate something

else. We are utilizing BIA Road funding in all eligible areas of the

project which is approximately $2 million. Eligible areas are all the

areas using that funding have to be public access areas. We decided to apply for grant funding through the Shakopee Tribe but

were denied. Due to funding issues, we had to make some decisions. The entertainment section will cost $1.25 million. The hotel

would cost $8 million. The Council decided to move the hotel to a

Phase II development plan which will actually allow for a larger hotel

with more rooms. Gundlach Champion is the Tribe’s contractor for

both the Baraga and Marquette Casino Projects. Gundlach has

contracted with Cunningham Group and Vanderweil Consultants.

The Marquette Project will have a larger casino floor, starting out

with 500 slot machines with room to encompass 250 more slot machines. Superior Grill is the second eatery in the building and will

offer a quicker meal. The lounge will be centralized and will have a

stage for weekend as well as weekday entertainment. There will be

a 400-seat convention center included as phase II. A 1200-seat

entertainment venue remains in the phase I plan and will be used to

feature headliner acts as well as serve as convention space. There

will be a main restaurant with 161-seats. The Tribe met with Dave

Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s BBQ, who is a Lac Courte

Oreilles Tribal Member. He is helping us to design the restaurant

and develop the menu. It will feature: Michigan Farm Fresh, FireLicked Meat, Fresh Out of the Dirt Veggies, Award Winning Wines,

and Artisan Craft Beers. There will be a second bar in this restaurant.

The Marquette Casino Project is currently ahead of schedule

with 95% of the foundation complete. The steel structure is being

erected, and the event center will be enclosed and temporary heat

installed to work on over the winter months. If winter cooperates, a

November 2019 completion is possible; however, early spring of

2020 is scheduled.

Fund where the $30 million will come from. The second one is the

Senior Trust Fund with approximately $11 million in it. It is guaranteed that this Senior Trust Fund has not been touched, and there

are no plans to do that.

Attorney Danielle Webb addressed the $9.3 million expenditures.

“The $9.3 million is not actually expenditure; it is a line of credit.

You don’t necessarily spend the $9.3 million in one purchase. You

are making multiple purchases. So if a single purchase went over

$500,000, then it would call for the question. It would be Article Six,

Section one into the Constitution which states: The Tribal Council

shall have the power, subject to any limitations imposed by the Statutes or the Constitution of the United States, and subject to all express restrictions upon such powers contained in this Constitution

and attached By-laws. (h) To appropriate from tribal use any available tribal funds, provided, that any appropriation in excess of

$500,000 at any one time shall be of no effect until approved by referendum.”

HALFWAY HOUSE UPDATE

Sarah Smith, Interim CEO, presented an update on the Halfway

House, Oshki Maaji – “New Beginning. “The Halfway House Project

was designed by UPEA, Inc. A survey was completed by CHN last

spring and the boundary stake had to be relocated this past fall.

Soil borings, along with a design change, were done as a change

order to UPEA, Inc.’s contract and included in the below cost. The

project is being constructed by Grand River Community Development, LLC. They are the general contractor for this project. The

cost of the project is:

Survey

$ 1,800.00

Architect/Engineering

$ 99,700.00

Construction

$ 817,110.00

$ 918,610.00

The ground breaking ceremony was held on September 6, 2018,

during the Sobriety week of activities hosted by the Substance

Abuse Programs. Monthly progress meetings are scheduled the

second Thursday of each month to do a site view with the Architect/

Engineer, UPEA, Inc., and contractor. Currently, the foundation

and walls are up. Jeanne Hirzel, Director of Substance Abuse Programs, stated the trusses were being installed as of Friday, December 7, 2018. Roofing sample colors were chosen on Friday and

sent to the contractor.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Halfway house as of 12/15/2018.

Event Center

At the Baraga Project, we have completed upgrades in the water

service; drainage has been corrected for the Pressbox with drain tile

installed. We are doing electrical upgrades, LED lighting will be installed, a new HVAC system will be installed with 100% air return,

and some areas are closed for renovation which should be completed by December 20, 2018. The newly remodeled area and the

old area will be open for New Year’s Eve. The old area will be

closed for renovation the beginning of January and completed in

early to mid-March, 2019. Renovations of the Lucky 7’s will take

place in January and will take approximately two weeks to complete. Design work and bids for the hotel renovations are in process

and will be provided to Tribal Council in January. The face of the

Casino is also receiving a upgrade.

Francis “Hosh” LaPointe, Jr., CFO, summarized the financing for

the Casino Projects. The $40 million needed for financing the construction for both the Baraga and Marquette Casino Projects will be

paid for with $30 million of the Tribe’s own money and two $5 million term loans from Fifth Third Bank. The slot machines, equipment, and furnishing funding will come from an equipment line-ofcredit which the bank is offering up to $9.3 million. We only draw

from this line-of-credit loan as we need it.

Over the past 33-years we were able to tuck away the funds that

will be used into two trust funds. The first one is the Tribal Trust

(2) Niizh

Projected final design of Halfway house.

The meeting corresponds to the Community Policing meetings

(held the second Friday of each month), so Ryan Champagne, who

is a consultant for this project, can attend after the progress meeting. Part of his service was to solicit community engagement to obtain the vision of the Halfway House project. In addition, he is developing job descriptions, working on a business plan, setting up

policies and procedures, and conducting training for future staff to

ensure the building is accredited, and the Tribe can bill for Outpatient/Intensive Outpatient, and the Halfway House has adequate

staffing and a source of funding to be sustainable. This cost is

$100,000.

The expense of the design, survey, soil borings, and consultant

was and continues to be paid out of the Department of Justice

grant. This is a three year grant. Future employees will be paid out

of this fund up until the third year. The construction portion of the

project is being paid out of a Department of Housing and Urban Development Indian Community Development Block grant (HUD

ICDBG) and Tribal funds. The budget modification was presented

and added to the FY2019 budget approval.

There was a Halfway House naming contest that was won by

Jeremy Voakes. He won $200 cash paid by Grand River Community Development, LLC. There were 16 submissions. We chose the

name, Oshki Maaji – “New Beginning”.

TOBACCO UPDATE

Vice President Jennifer Misegan presented an update on Tobacco Manufacturing. In summarizing the presentation, the KBIC

Tobacco Company, LLC (KBICTC) manufactures the tobacco products and is operated by a board separate from the Tribal Council,

but owned in whole by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Asemaa Wholesale and Distribution Company is owned and operated

by the Tribe and the Tribal Council. It is an enterprise similar to the

Tribe’s radio station and convenience stores. Asemaa falls under

the policies of the Tribe.

KBICTC has agreements in place with the Seneca Manufacturing Company (SMC) and Allegany Capitol Enterprises (ACE). Without the relationships with SMC and ACE, KBICTC would not be able

to be in the tobacco manufacturing business. That relationship began in 2008. The Tribe was having difficulty getting products to the

reservation because of some things that were happening on the

reservation that were outside of the it’s control. Larry Denomie III,

CEO, and Jennifer had recently attended an economic development

conference and they met the Chairman of the Seneca Nation. At

that time mail order cigarettes were a huge business on the Seneca

Reservation. The Chairman suggested that KBIC contact the Seneca Import Export Commission. It was being run by Gary Sanden.

Jennifer contacted Gary Sanden and was very determined, it was

then that a relationship was formed. Gary also owns and operates

SMC. They manufacture the brands that we currently sell: Crimson,

Sands, and Heron. Gary Sanden and his partner Travis Heron

formed Allegany Capitol Enterprises which manages KBICTC.

As of September 30, 2018, KBICTC has made 31,346 cartons

here on the reservation. Cigarettes are typically sold in cases and

there are 60 cartons in a case. KBICTC has to purchased King size

cigarettes from SMC and they manufacture the 100’s sizes here on

our reservation. KBICTC then sells their product to Asemaa Wholesale and Distribution Company and up until 9/30 they had sold

66,360 cartons or 11,060 cases. KBICTC will continue to purchase

Kings until they have a Kings maker at their facility, and the plan is

to purchase one as capital becomes available. KBICTC has a

bonded facility here on the reservation, and SMC has a bonded facility. Shipping products from one bonded facility to another is not

risky and the products are not taxed. Once a product comes out of

bond is when the Federal Excise and FDA taxes are paid. The goal

of the Board is to have a bonded facility on the trust property in Marquette.

To date KBICTC has employed 17 individuals, all tribal members and one descendant. There have been three production runs

so far this year. KBICTC is lucky to have a small crew that has

worked on all three of the productions and are experienced and

very hard workers. A few others have been hired along with them.

Stamping the Tribe’s tobacco stamp is done by Asemaa and those

hired are on—call seasonal employees of the Tribe. They are required to meet KBIC’s background and employment physical and

drug testing. The KBICTC does not have a lot of restrictions as that

business was set up to help employ individuals who were not employable in other areas of the Tribe.

An explanation as to where the proceeds for the General Welfare Support Program (GWSP) Benefit was given with every check.

What came from the manufacturing itself was $952,266.00, that is

$14.35 from every carton sold. The stamp fee proceeds are transferred into the general fund and pay for the GWSP. KBICTC is estimating next year’s budget at 116,000 cartons.

There is an opportunity to open up new markets and grow the

stamp fee revenue. In the agreement with SMC, KBICTC has exclusivity in selling their products in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The intention is to develop Nation to Nation Trade Agreements first.

To date KBICTC has raised $1,227,494.00 revenue for the tobacco company.

The gross revenue before expenses was

$326,648.00. With more experience and productions, the expenses

will come down. The last production was the best one and it continues to get more efficient. The expenses other than the production

cost is $232,954.00. KBICTC pays a royalty expense which is

$2.15 per carton to SMC which similar to a franchise fee for their

product which totaled $142,674.00. The management fee for ACE

will decrease throughout the eight years term. Without the use of

the SMC predicate, which is similar to a recipe for a cigarette, we

would have been unable to produce any products, but because

SMC had their predicate approved it was the only way KBIC could

manufacture by partnering. KBIC is very lucky to have gotten in-

volved in this partnership. They are very skilled and knowledgeable.

The Tribe purchased the cigarette machines in 2010. KBICTC

has loan agreements with the Tribe from two separate occasions for

startup costs. Those payments are being made monthly and

KBICTC has already paid back $41,674.00. The total of the loans

was $650,000.00. That is different than any other company

throughout the Tribe. There have been a number of companies

needing startup funds, and the Tribe gives them money to startup

but none have ever paid it back. The KBICTC Board does not receive any stipends or fees. The members of the Board are: Michael

F. LaFernier, Sr., Doreen Blaker, Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Travis

Heron, and Jennifer Misegan. The Federal Tax on every carton is

$10.066 and .64 to the Food and Drug Administration. The industry

is highly regulated by the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) as it brings

in a substantial amount of revenue for the government. The rules

include all of the tobacco being weighed at several stages in the

production process, especially the waste. Nothing can be disposed

of until approved by the TTB. The reason the Tribe created the Asemaa Wholesale and Distribution Company is because only the first

sale of the tobacco product is audited for us should be an arm of the

Tribe. This actually works out best as Asemaa is required to pay

the stamp fee. This is the money that funds the GWSP is always

there for that program. Currently, Bill Jondreau is the Warehouse

Supervisor. He’s doing a good job, and KBICTC is glad he’s helping them out on a part-time basis. There is a plan to add bagged

tobacco to the product line in January.

~Submitted by newsletter editor.

ATTENTION: ALL TRIBAL COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial

Fishing Licenses for the Year 2019-2020 Commercial

Fishing Season are available at the Motor Vehicle/

Licensing Department located in the Tribal Center. The

new license year will begin: May 1, 2019. Applications

must be returned to the Motor Vehicle/Licensing Office

by: Friday, February 1, 2019. 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 Control 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 requests fishing vessel information including the vessel

name, number, and length.

For: Boat Safety Inspections contact the Tribal Police/Conservation Department at (906) 353-6626 to make an appointment or contact U.S. Coast

Guard/Hancock at (906) 482-1520.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Is your charitable organization planning on holding a raffle or

selling raffle tickets on the L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law, through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, granted

Tribes exclusive right to regulate gaming activity on Indian lands. Even

if you or the members of your organization are not tribal members, the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Gaming Commission has the authority to regulate your raffle. It is unlawful to game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission

Office at (906) 353-4222 or stop by the office located at the Tribal Center for an application and a

copy of the rules and regulations.

Application deadline for submission of ALL

Class I Drawings is 30 days and Class II Raffles

is 60 days prior to your event. License Fee will be 16429 Bear Town, Rd.

Baraga, MI 49908

waived when the application is received within this

(906) 353-4222

timeline.

(3) Niswi

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society

Celebrates Christmas

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society hosted its annual

Christmas party at the bingo hall on Dec 19, 2018. Lucky 7’s

catered their Prime Rib and Chicken Dinner. Tina Owens

made some delicious Christmas cookies and deserts. Suzie

Emblad donated and decorated the table in a festive theme.

Councilwoman-elect Kim Klopstein and the Ojibwa Casino

donated small gifts for all the Veterans.

Our KBIC Veterans serve our KBIC community at all our

local powwows, schools’ functions, parades, Memorial Day,

and Veterans Day. Miigwech to all our Veterans’ who have

served on active duty and especially those who serve our

community.

SANTA VISITS WITH KBIC YOUTH

The KBIC Youth Club held the Marquette County Youth

Program’s Christmas Party on the evening of Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the Upper Peninsula’s Children’s Museum in Marquette, Michigan. Jetts Pizza was served, gifts

were handed out, and Santa stopped by to visit.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Emmalyn Smith enjoyed her time with Santa.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM AWARDS

STUDENTS

The Keweenaw Bay Education Committee offers the Education

Incentive Program to local KBIC Tribal students. Monetary incentives are awarded at the end of each of the four marking periods of

the academic year. Students must be enrolled KBIC members,

reside in Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, or Marquette counties

and must attend a public or private school. A student’s Honor Roll

status is defined according to the requirements of their school district.

The following forty-five students were placed on the Honor

Roll for the first marking period of the 2018-19 academic year:

Baraga –– Kamerin Awonohopay, Robert Curtis, Allison Durant,

Dhanya Ekdahl, Noah Evans, Octavia Geroux, Richard Geroux,

Jr., Bailey Harden, Jalisa Heath, Rylee Holm, Breanna Jondreau,

Steele Jondreau, Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Dana

Kelly, Angel Loonsfoot, Layla Loonsfoot, Machai Loonsfoot, Steven

Maki, Jenna Messer, Kylie Michaelson, Nicholas Owens, Isaiah

Peterson, Kylie Peterson, Presley Rasanen, Alana Schofield, Tyler

Shalifoe, Javon Shelifoe, and Caleb Smith.

L’Anse –– Dysean Allen, Erica Bartle, Wakinyan Chosa, Deija Dakota, Kydan Dean, Rion Fountaine, Aiyanna Gauthier, Christopher

Genschow, Robert Genschow III, Dallas Moulden, Jailyn Shelifoe,

Alicia Stein, Mariana Teikari, Rachael Velmer, Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

The following fifty-three students received awards for achieving Perfect Attendance:

Baraga –– Breyelle Bowers, Robert Curtis, Alexxus DeCota, Lealynd Dunleavy, Takoda Dunleavy, Starr Dunleavy, Allison Durant,

Kruze Ekdahl, Madyson Evans, Noah Evans, Destin Gauthier, Liliana Gauthier, Rylee Holm, Chayton Johnson, Steele Jondreau,

William Jondreau, Jr., Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Dana

Kelly, Madison Kelly, Angel Loonsfoot, Darious Loonsfoot, Layla

Loonsfoot, Machai Loonsfoot, Leeah Owens, Madden Owens,

Presley Rasanen, Thomas Rasanen, Alana Schofield, Logan Shalifoe, Javon Shelifoe, Jacob Smith, Alan Swartz Jr., Liam Swartz,

Bentley VanDyke, and Bryten VanDyke.

L’Anse –– Dysean Allen, Deija Dakota, Kayla Dakota, Kydan

Dean, Derek DeCota Jr., Kaylee Forcia, Kobe Forcia, Brendan Friisvall, Chase Larson, Elsie Madosh, Michael Rothenberger,

Xander Seppanen, Matthew Stein, and Prestan Stevens.

Gwinn –– Kaitlyn Shelafoe, Kimber Shelafoe, and Destinee

Stanton.

To be added to the mailing list or

to correct your mailing address,

contact the enrollment office at

(906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

(4) Niiwin

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Kennedy Comer was happy to have a picture with Santa.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Lonoya and Bnenek Kangas with Mr. Claus.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Schofield family visited with Santa making sure he knew their lists.

The KBIC Youth Club held the

Baraga County Youth Program’s Christmas Party on the afternoon of Sunday,

December 16, 2018, at the Niiwin Akeaa

Facility in Baraga, Michigan. Pizza was

served, gifts were handed out, wagon

rides were available, and Santa stopped

by to visit.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Bryton and Jackson Gauthier received a gift Santa listens closely to Dekkar Denomie’s Christfrom Jolly St. Nick.

mas wish.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Madyson Evans enjoyed her time with St. Nick.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Mikah Pallas was happy to spend some time with Kayah DeCota listens closely to Santa’s reinSanta.

deer story.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Audrey Bratt spent a little visit with Jolly St. Nick.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Shopping For Toys For Tots

TAKING CARE OF OUR FOSTER CHILDREN

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society

with the support of the KBIC Tribal Council assisted this year with the Marine

Corps League Toys For Tots. Shopping

was done by Councilman-elect Dale

Goodreau, Don and Karlene Chosa,

Cowboy Loonsfoot, and Rodney Loonsfoot. Miigwech to Isabelle Welsh, Tyler

Larson, and DHHS for assisting. Special

“Thank you” to Lee Deleon for leading

our Toys For Tots Campaign. There

were 475 toys donated through a generous $5,000.00 donation from the KBIC

Tribal Council. Toys were packed on our

KBIC Veterans van and trailer and

brought to the L’Anse Town Hall for distribution.

Merry Christmas from the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Tribal Veterans.

Chi’ Miigwech to our Community for assisting to

make 41 foster children’s Christmas morning much

brighter.

~ Tribal Social Services

KBTPD No Shave November Campaign

Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department held their 2 nd Annual No Shave November - campaign to provide gifts for needy children. Officers and staff of the Tribal

Police in Baraga and Marquette are asked to make a monetary donation in exchange for the privilege of not having to shave during the month of November.

This year KBTPD raised $230.00, which was donated to Tribal Social Services to

buy Christmas gifts for foster children in need. Pictured above is KBTPD Chief

Duane Misegan and Tribal Social Services Director, Caitlin Bowers.

Renee Eliason, President of the United Lutheran

Church of L’Anse, prepares to deliver gifts purchased

by church members for KBIC’s foster children.

(5) Naanan

(6) Ningodwaaswi

BROZZO RECEIVES AWARD

Tribal member Shirley Brozzo of

Marquette was recently awarded the Excellence in Part-Time Faculty Teaching

Award at Northern Michigan University

(NMU). This award recognizes excellence in teaching by part-time faculty. Award recipients have outstanding

peer and student evaluations, are dedicated and enthusiastic teachers, create

safe and open learning environments,

and experiment with innovative teaching

and learning paradigms. Brozzo has

been teaching with NMU’s Center for

Native American Studies for 24

years. She has earned an MFA in creative writing from NMU and has over 40

short stories, poems, essays, and academic papers published nationally and

internationally.

(Left to right) Dr. Kerri Schuiling, Provost and VP

for Academic Affairs; Shirley Brozzo, Recipient

of Award; Dr. Robert Winn, Dean of the College

of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Fritz Erickson,

President of NMU.

Kim LaBerge was recently hired as the Secretary Coordinator for the KBIC Gaming Commission. “I am excited to be here and ready for

this new chapter in my life. I am married, have

a daughter, and two fur babies. I love to spend

time outdoors, to travel, and to spend time with

my friends and family. I am very passionate

about fitness. I am a certified personal trainer

through NETA (National Exercise Training Association) and a certified Pilates instructor

through Fitour. My prior job of 12 years was

spent running a gym and teaching fitness

classes. I am the daughter of Dan Sterbenz of

L’Anse and the late Linda Forcia. I graduated

from the L’Anse High School in 1995.”

(7) Niizhwaaswi

UPDATES BY SOUMIT PENDHARKAR, KBIC DHHS HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR

•

I would like to offer the following notes and updates from the DHHS

Health System (DHHS):

•

I would like to remind everyone of our expanded service hours

starting January 2019 as follows:

SERVICE

HOURS/NOTES

Medical Clinic

7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through

Friday

Pharmacy

8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through

Friday with last prescription preferably at

6:00 p.m.

Lab Service

Starts at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday

and available until 6:00 p.m.

WIC

Adding hours to Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m.; closing on Fridays at 2:30

p.m.; other days as normal

•

The DHHS will utilize a Telepsychiatry Nurse as a patient

navigator. This means the nurse assists the patient during

the visit (eg. taking vitals, nurse documentation, setting up

the equipment) and helps to remove barriers in accessing

care. The nurse also serves as the primary contact for

communication and in follow-up. The nurse may or may

not sit during the visit, based on patient preference.

All scheduling and clinical documentation will occur in the

DHHS electronic health record to support continuity of care

and protect patient confidentiality.

Initially, we are contracted for 17 hours of services per

week. We will increase or decrease hours of services per

week depending on demand after 60 days of live operations. Services will likely be scheduled on Tuesdays and

Thursdays initially.

In January 2019, the DHHS will begin to offer Naloxone administration training and distribute Naloxone to eligible

tribal members as part of its Tribal Opioid Response grant.

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects

of an opioid overdose.

Expanding the use of Naloxone is a key part of the public health

response to the opioid crisis, along with effective prevention,

treatment, and recovery programs for opioid use disorder. New

numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

show that drug overdoses killed more than 70,000 Americans in

2017, a record. The data show that the increased deaths correspond strongly with the use of synthetic opioids known as fentanyls.

•

•

Telepsychiatry will benefit our community in a number of

ways:

•

•

•

•

•

Dr. Darryl Tonemah, Ph.D., M.Ed., B.S., will initially review

a wait list of patients and those patients will be scheduled

appropriately with either a psychologist or psychiatrist. Patients will otherwise be scheduled either via a referral from

one of the DHHS providers or by calling (906) 353-4521.

•

Dr. Darryl Tonemah has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and Cultural Studies from the University of NebraskaLincoln, a masters degree in Community Counseling, three

bachelor degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Gerontology.

Dr. Tonemah has worked with communities around the

world teaching behavioral methods of change. He also is a

member of numerous state and national boards addressing

disparities in education and health care among Native

Communities.

•

On December 10th, select DHHS staff received training on

administering Naloxone. These staff will function as trainers

for patients, community members, and other staff.

• Naloxone will be offered as a nasal spray or injectable.

• Naloxone distribution will occur under the prescriptive authority of a DHHS provider.

• More information will be forthcoming regarding training sessions.

We are currently on path to start telepsychiatry in late January

2019. Some additional details:

In telepsychiatry, the patient will meet the clinician on video

screen. The clinician and the patient talk to each other

same as you would in-person. The clinician will be licensed

to practice in Michigan and will provide the same care as

they would if they saw the patient in-person.

Please plan to meet Dr. Tonemah in person at the

DHHS on January 29, 2018. More information will be

forthcoming about Dr. Tonemah’s site visit.

•

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have

questions at (906) 353-4553. I enjoy learning from your perspective and particularly value listening to concerns directly.

Provide high quality access to mental health specialty

care that is otherwise difficult to access.

Integrate behavioral health care and primary care, leading to better outcomes.

Reduce the need for trips to the emergency room, reduce delays in care, improve continuity of care, reduce

the need for time off work or for accessing appointments

far away, reduce barriers such as stigma, lack of transportation, or the need for long drives to access care.

There is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of telepsychiatry and research has found satisfaction to be high

among patients, psychiatrists, and other professionals.

Telepsychiatry is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic

accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Privacy and confidentiality are equivalent

to in-person care.

Research has also found that overall experiences among all

age groups have been good. There is evidence for children,

adolescents, and adults regarding assessment and treatment (medication and therapy). There are even people for

which telemedicine may be preferable to in-person care, for

example people with autism or severe anxiety disorder.

Telepsychiatry has been found especially effective with respect to the treatment of PTSD, depression, and ADHD.

•

We will be providing psychology and psychiatry services.

Services will include adult/child psychiatry, adult/child psychology, counseling, case management, medication management, school recommendations, and psychometric testing.

Call the KBIC Transitional Hotline at (906) 353-4599 for more information on Stalking.

(8) Ishwaaswi

Tribal Council Secretary’s Report for the Month of December 2018

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you.

Remember: “Indian Country Counts”

“Our People, Our Nations, Our Future”

We continue to recognize the richness of Native American contributions, accomplishments, and sacrifices to the political, cultural,

and economic life of Michigan and the United States.

Thank you to everyone who voted in the December 15, 2018

General Election. We wish everyone a New Year of good health,

happiness, Peace, and Joy.

Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well”

Respectfully, Susan J. LaFernier

We apologize for the lateness of the Minutes as our Recording

and Assistant Secretary were away for many appointments at the

Mayo Clinic. Our continued prayers and well wishes for the Family.

During September, the Tribal Council held one Regular Council

Meeting on Saturday, September 8, 2018, and (5) Special and Finance meetings on September 17, 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2018. This

report will be published in the KBIC “Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe”

newsletter, and the approved minutes may also be found on the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Website.

September 8, 2018 Special Council Meeting (approved):

• Approved the Tribal Council Vice President’s August 2018 Report (Jennifer Misegan).

• Approved the Tribal Council Secretary’s August 2018 Report

(Susan J. LaFernier).

• Approved the CEO’s July-August 2018 Report (Larry J. Denomie III).

• Approved the July 2018 Department Head Reports.

• Approved the bid from JBS Sales and Service, Inc. (Diesel Repair) for the 2009 F-350 Motor Replacement long block for

$17,589.74 for the Fire and Emergency Management Department.

• Approved the new business license for the KBIC Tribal Head

Start Program to operate at the Pre-Primary Building in Baraga,

MI., August 2018-August 2019.

• Approved the September 2018 Donations: $100.00 to the MI

Education Trust Scholarship Benefit for former foster youth;

$2,000.00 for the MTU AISES Pow-Wow; $500.00 to the

Omega House; $300.00 for a sponsorship fee for the Mike

Hazen Memorial Golf Tournament (M. Curtis Team); $1,000.00

to Congressman Doug Lamalfa, $1,000.00 to Congressman

Don Young, $1,000.00 to Representative Tom McClintock,

$1,000.00 to Congresswoman Betty McCollum, $1,000.00 to

Congressman Dan Kildee, $1,000.00 to Congressman Ruben

Gallego, $1,500.00 to Senator Debbie Stabenow, and $500.00

to Congressman Jack Bergman.

• Approved the Legal Services Contract with Casselman and

Henderson to pay the attorney fees on behalf of Jennifer Misegan in her individual capacity in the matter of KBIC vs Khouri et

al.

• Approved a donation to the Peed Family in the amount of

$2,640.00 pending other funding through the CAP office or

CSBG funds for window replacements.

September 17, 2018 Special Council Meeting (approved):

• Approved the Agreement with Kahkonen Excavating, Inc. for

the construction of the Community Garden Access Road and

Parking Lot on Brewery Road in L’Anse, MI, for $15,865.00 to

be completed by November 14, 2018, (NRD).

• Approved the Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement with the

ITC of MI Endowment Fund Tribal Food Access Collaborative

Project $40,000.00, May 1, 2018 – April 30, 2019.

• Approved the HUD Indian Housing Block Grant funding approval grant agreement for FY 2018 and authorized the President to sign.

• Approved the USGS Joint Funding Agreement for the

Streamgaging Station on the Salmon Trout and East Branch

Salmon Trout Rivers and monitoring station on the Middle

Branch Escanaba River near Humboldt, October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019,

• Approved the bid from Copper Country Ford in the amount of

$37,032.72 for a hatchery stocking vehicle (NRD).

• Approved the bid from Larson Well Drilling in the amount of

$15,340.00 for well and water systems.

• Approved Resolution KB 030-2018 Shakopee Mdewakanton

Sioux Community donation request for the non-motorized trail

Phase I to complete Section 7.

• Approved Resolution KB 031-2018 William W. Jondreau, Sr.

commercial lease acquisition with Edward M. Edwards and

grants a business lease for the purpose of operating a storage

unit business.

• Approved to appoint James Bittorf as an Appellate Justice and

approve his contract for Tribal Court, October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2021.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Approved to appoint Lynn Haataja, Sheila Royal, Terri Denomie, Elizabeth Sherman, Hope Laramore, and Gary Loonsfoot,

Jr. to the Education Committee for three year terms.

Approved to appoint Sheila Royal to the Youth Committee for a

term ending April 2019.

Approved to appoint Jennifer Misegan, Amy St. Arnold, Jake

Misegan, Terri Denomie, and Rodney Loonsfoot to the ICWA

Committee for three year terms.

Tabled the Health Board appointments until more information

was provided on the seats that were up.

Approved to appoint Wanda Seppanen to the ICWA Committee

for a term ending March 2019.

Approved the Nurse Practitioner Employment Agreement with

Whitney Newsom, FNP-C, October 1, 2018—September 30,

2020.

Approved to terminate Dr. Arthur Schimelfenig for cause and to

have him complete his transcription duties.

Approved the changes to the KBIC Purchase and Procurement

Policy for the Government excluding the Casinos and Enterprises.

September 24, 2018 Special Council Meeting (unapproved):

• 1st Finance Meeting - six Budget Reviews with Department

Heads.

• Approved the Baraga Casino waterline break settlement and

approved the President to sign.

• Motion to consider the two Tribal applicants and waive the

bachelor’s degree for the Facilities Manager position.

• Approved to table this motion for more information.

September 25, 2018 Regular Council Meeting (unapproved):

• 2nd Finance Meeting – 11 Budget Reviews.

September 26, 2018 Special Council Meeting (unapproved):

• 3rd Finance Meeting - 12 Budget Reviews.

September 27, 2018 Special Council Meeting (unapproved):

• 4th Finance Meeting – seven Budget Reviews.

• Approved the Regroup (Therapy, Inc.) Telehealth Services

Agreement for behavioral health services with the KBIC Health

Center.

• Approved to table for more information the Contract for Sale of

Goods and Services with Halifax Security for a new camera system for the Baraga Casino.

• Approved the Service Agreement with LaCourt Bottled Gas for a

price protection plan to be used for heating and other purposes,

November 1, 2018 – May 31, 2019.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier

(9) Zhaangaswi

TRIBAL COURT CRIMINAL SENTENCES

The Tribal Court has agreed to comply with the request of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s CEO’s office to publish criminal sentencing on a routine basis.

John Paul DeCota, Sr., case #18-111,

§16.513, Improper use of plate – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-111, §16.513:

1. Fine $125.00.

2. Payment probation. Fine and costs must be paid

within three months.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of drug and alcohol testing, if any.

KC Rantanen Velmer, case #18-145, §3.305

(5), Disorderly person – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-145, §3.305(5):

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Ninety days of jail, credit for 21 days of jail, 69 days

jail to be served. Defendant shall be financially

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

the Probation Department within 24-hours when

released from jail. If released on the weekend

must report first business day.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of drug and alcohol testing, if any.

4. Payment probation.

Jodie Chosa, case #18-146, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-146, §3.1308:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Ten days jail, 10 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost

of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug

restricted probation with a $10 monthly oversight

fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the drug and alcohol testing, if any. Defendant

shall report in person a minimum of one time

monthly to the probation department and as requested by the probation officer.

Brett Degenaer, case #18-146, §3.302, Assault and battery – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-146, §3.302:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

3. One-hundred-eighty days jail, credit for 49 days jail,

71 days jail to be served, 60 days jail suspended

and placed in a remedial order for non-compliance

of payment probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

• 1st violation shall be five days jail or until

the non-refundable bond amount indicated on the warrant is paid.

• 2nd violation shall be ten days jail or until

the non-refundable bond amount indicated on the warrant is paid.

• 3rd violation shall be 15 days jail or until

the non-refundable bond amount indicated on the warrant is paid.

• 4th violation shall be 30 days jail or until

the non-refundable bond amount indicated on the warrant is paid.

4. Defendant must report to the probation department

when released from jail to set up a payment plan.

5. No contact with the victim for a period of one year

from today’s date.

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-087, §6.52a:

1. Fine $150.00.

2. Forty-five days jail, 45 days jail suspended. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated. (Concurrent with #18-148).

3. One to three months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Defendant must report to the probation department

a minimum of one time per month or as directed by

the probation officer.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019)

*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

$1,005

+

$160

=

$1,165

2

$1,354

+

$160

=

$1,514

3

$1,702

+

$160

=

$1,862

Cissley Lofquist, case #18-088, §16.513, Improperly registered vehicle – 1st offense

4

$2,050

+

$170

=

$2,220

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-088, §16.513:

1. Fine $125.00.

2. Payment probation.

5

$2,399

+

$199

=

$2,598

6

$2,747

+

$228

=

$2,975

7

$3,095

+

$228

=

$3,323

8

$3,444

+

$228

=

$3,672

Cissley Lofquist, case #18-115, §5.61(1),

Driver’s license required – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-115, §5.61(1):

1. Fine $350.00.

2. Three days jail, three days to be served on GPS

tether. Defendant shall be financially responsible

for the costs of lodging (tether) and any expenses

that incur while incarcerated.

3. Payment probation.

Household

Size

Cissley Lofquist, case #18-157, §3.608, Obstruction of process – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-157, §3.608:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 60 days to be served

on GPS tether, 120 days jail suspended pending

successful completion of all aspects of probation.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging (tether) and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Defendant must report to the probation department

a minimum of one time per month or as directed by

the probation officer.

Danika Strong, case #18-168, §3.305(5), Disorderly person – 1st offense

Sentencing on 12/10/2018, #18-168, §3.305(5):

1. Fine $250.00, suspended.

2. Ninety days jail, credit for ten days jail, 80 days jail

suspended pending successful completion of all

aspects of probation. Defendant shall be financially

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

3. Six to twelve months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall follow the screening until successfully

discharged.

5. Defendant shall bring her medication to the probation officer for assistance to set up for a month at a

time, and shall be done every month until she is

released from probation.

6. Defendant shall sign a release of information with

her prescribing doctor to allow the Probation Office

to monitor her compliance.

Each additional member

+ $349

Alaska:

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,255

+

$273

=

$1,528

2

$1,691

+

$273

=

$1,964

3

$2,127

+

$273

=

$2,400

4

$2,563

+

$273

=

$2,836

5

$2,999

+

$273

=

$3,272

6

$3,435

+

$285

=

$3,720

7

$3,870

+

$285

=

$4,155

8

$4,306

+

$285

=

$4,591

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $436

Sentencing on 12/10/2018, #18-132, §3.1308:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Forty-five days jail, credit for 24 days jail served, 21

days jail to be served. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Payment probation.

Bart Alsup, case #18-159, §3.413, Forcible

entry of detainer – 1st offense

Sentencing on 12/12/2018, #18-159, §3.413:

1. Fine $400.00.

2. Restitution in the amount of $500.00 to be paid

through the Tribal Court for processing.

3. Thirty days jail, credit for 15 days jail served, 15

days jail suspended pending successful completion

of all aspects of probation. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Three to six months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

5. Report as directed by the probation office.

Brett Degenaer, case #18-148, §3.402, Malicious destruction property – 3rd offense

Corey Goodbird, case #16-178, §3.202, Assault and battery – 1st offense

Bart Alsup, case #18-160, §3.415, Maintaining

a public nuisance – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-148, §3.402:

1. Fine $200.00.

2. Restitution to the amount of $130.12 to be paid

through the Tribal Court for processing.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Ninety days jail, 90 days jail to be served. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated. (Concurrent with #18-165).

5. Payment probation.

6. Defendant must report to the probation department

when released from jail to set up a payment plan.

Sentencing on 12/10/2018, #16-178, §3.202:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 15 days jail to be

served, 165 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Defendant shall write a letter of apology to the victim and shall submit it to the probation office for

processing.

Sentencing on 12/12/2018, #18-160, §3.415:

1. Fine $300.00.

2. Thirty days jail, credit for 16 days jail, 24 days jail

suspended pending successful completion of all

aspects of probation. Defendant shall be financially

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

3. Three to six months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Report as directed by the probation office.

Brett Degenaer, case #18-165, §3.402, Malicious destruction property – 4th offense

Sentencing on 11/19/2018, #18-165, §3.402:

1. Fine $400.00.

2. Restitution to the amount of $261.45 to be paid

through the Tribal Court for processing.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Ninety days jail, 90 days jail to be served. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated. (Concurrent with #18-148).

5. Payment probation.

6. Defendant must report to the probation department

when released from jail to set up a payment plan.

Cissley Lofquist, case #18-087, §5.62a, License restrictions, suspended – 1st offense

(10) Midaaswi

Joseph Jossens, case #18-131, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 4th offense

Sentencing on 12/10/2018, #18-131, §3.1308:

1. Fine $400.00.

2. Forty-five days jail, credit for 24 days jail served, 21

days jail to be served. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Payment probation.

Joseph Jossens, case #18-132, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 5th offense

Bart Alsup, case #18-182, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful court order – 1st offense

Sentencing on 12/12/2018, #18-182, §3.1308:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Thirty days jail, 30 days jail suspended pending

successful completion of all aspects of probation.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Three to six months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

cost of drug testing and/or PBT’s, if any.

4. Report as directed by the probation office.

5. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and follow the recommendations until successfully completed.

6. Defendant shall follow his mental health recommendations and take his medication as prescribed.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste

but could be present in your home. As the

second leading cause of lung cancer

deaths in the U.S. and the first leading

cause among non-smokers, radon claims

more than 20,000 lives annually. Radon

could be inside your home.

KBIC Natural Resources Air Program is

offering free radon test kits that are easy to

use. Home kits can be requested by contacting Jane Kahkonen, Air Quality Specialist, at 524-5757, ext. 28.

Bryan K. Chosa

(March 16, 1964—November 20, 2018)

Bryan K. Chosa, age 54, of L’Anse, Michigan, passed away on

Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 16, 1964,

the son of late Clarence Chosa and Marie Arsenault.

Bryan received his GED from L’Anse High School. He was a

member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Bryan enjoyed

making a variety of Native American crafts and spending time with

his family.

Bryan is survived by his sons: Clinton, Trey, and Sam; grandchild: Avery; brothers: Joe and Allen; and sister: Chari. He was

preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life gathering was held at the Ceremonial Room

at the Ojibwa Senior Center on Friday, November 23, 2018. The

Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse assisted the family.

Kyrie Calvin Loonsfoot

(November 21, 2018—November 21, 2018)

Kyrie Calvin Loonsfoot, son of Tiara Drift and Brett Loonsfoot

passed away November 21, 2018, at UP Health System, Portage,

Hancock, Michigan.

Kyrie is survived by his loving parents: Tiara Drift and Brett

Loonsfoot; sisters: Kayah, Kiana, and Khloe Loonsfoot; grandparents: Frances Drift, Erin Loonsfoot, and Norman Schjoth. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in

death by his grandfather: Lester Drift.

Graveside funeral services will be held in the Assinins Cemetery in the spring. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel of L’Anse

assisted the family.

THE KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES

THEIR RECENT GAMING DISTRIBUTIONS

Since 1993 the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been

making bi-annual payments from gaming proceeds of their casinos

to local units of government and to the State of Michigan. These

payments are 2% and 8% respectively and are derived from the net

win from all Class III electronic games of chance commonly known

as slot machines.

The two-percent (2%) payments are made each May and November. Local units of government may make requests throughout

the year. To receive an award, the entity must first make a request

in writing.

For the period of April 1, 2018, through September 30, 2018, the

total to be distributed to local units of government in Baraga County,

which was derived from the Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga, was

$131,871.99. The payments approved by Tribal Council for this distribution are as follows:

Peter R. Morin

(November 28, 1950—December 17, 2018)

Peter R Morin, age 68 of Baraga, Michigan, died Monday, December 17, 2018, at U. P. Health System Marquette.

He was born November 28, 1950, in Bay City, Michigan, son of

Elzior and Elizabeth (James) Morin. Peter was raised in California.

He was in the US Army serving during Vietnam. After the service,

he came to Baraga.. In 1970, he opened Morin Fire Works. He

also owned Pete’s Petting Zoo and Guardian Angel, a private security company providing security to numerous businesses. He

was a Little League coach and named the Padres team. He was a

4-H leader and a member of the Baraga County Fair Board and

was involved with the construction of the horse arena, barn, and

announcer’s booth. He was a very giving man and provided free

firework shows at the fair and also for the 911 Hometown Hero’s

firework show in Houghton, Michigan. He loved kids and animals,

especially his deer and his llamas. Peter was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and a lifetime member of DAV

(Disabled American Veterans).

Peter is survived by his wife: Diane Morin of Baraga; children:

Guy Hiller of Chassell, Brooke Hiller of Chassell, Paula (Mike Lopez) Hakala of Flint, Peter Morin of Alston, Dylan (Shilo) Morin of

Calumet; brothers: Rich (Laurie) Morin of L’Anse, and Ron Morin of

Baraga; sisters: Mardonna and Virginia Ann of downstate MI;

grandchildren: Makayla, Moddox, Ayana, Demi Jo, Aiden, and

Kiira; and numerous friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister: Peggy; brother:

James; and son-in-law: Greg Hakala.

Funeral services with Peter’s best friend, Pastor Dave Hoskins

officiating on Thursday, December 20, 2018, with Baraga County

Area Veterans conducted military rites. A luncheon followed the

service. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse assisted the family.

Baraga County

Baraga Area Schools

Baraga Township

Baraga Township/Bay Ambulance

Village of Baraga

Village of Baraga/Baraga Fire Department

L’Anse Area Schools

L’Anse Township

Village of L’Anse

$ 31,632.16

$ 36,151.03

$ 12,426.92

$ 12,500.00

$ 10,167.48

$ 6,400.00

$ 19,205.24

$ 2,259.44

$ 1,129.72

Distributions totaling $164,460.06 were made to local units of government in Marquette County that were derived from the Ojibwa Casino—Marquette for the same period as follows:

City of Marquette/Room At The Inn

Chocolay Township/Fire, Police, PW,

Community, Sewer Ext. Pro.

Marquette County/NMU CNAS Powwow

Marquette County/Lake Superior Life Care

and Hospice Program

Marquette Area Public Schools/Title VII

Native American Education Program

Michigamme Township/Library

$

5,000.00

$138,460.06

$ 8,500.00

$

2,500.00

$

$

6,500.00

3,500.00

Eight percent (8%) payments are made to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The November 2018 distribution

for the Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga totaled $527,487.97 and

$657,840.29 for the Ojibwa Casino-Marquette.

The next cycle of awards will be made in May 2019. Local units

of government within Baraga or Marquette Counties may apply.

Written requests received before September 30, 2018, will be considered.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Office of Child Support Services

P.O. Box 490, Baraga, MI 49908

Phone: 906-353-4566

Fax: 906-353-8132

“YOUR Children …

OUR Priority”

We provide the following services:

•

•

Paternity Establishment

Establishment of Child Support

•

Outreach Services

•

Mediation

January 2019 Calendar:





Jan. 1-2 — New Year’s Holiday, Gov’t offices closed.





Jan. 5 — Council Meeting, 9:00 a.m. Bingo Hall;

Jan. 4 — Constitution Committee Meeting, 10:00

a.m. Tribal Center;

Jan. 21 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Gov’t offices

closed.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Call the KBIC Transitional Hotline at (906) 353-4599 for

more information on Stalking.

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, MI 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh