The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2012)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Namebini Giizis - Sucker Fish Moon - February 2012 Issue 91

KBIC COUNCIL MEMBERS SWORN IN AT JANUARY’S

SATURDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Vice-President

The Tribal Council

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

held

their

regularly

scheduled

Saturday

Jerry Lee Curtis, Asst. Secretary

Tribal Council meeting

Toni Minton, Treasurer

on January 7, 2012, at

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

the Ojibwa Casino ReEddy Edwards

sort Conference Room

in Baraga, Michigan.

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

President Warren C.

Frederick Dakota

Swartz, Jr. presided

Carole LaPointe

over the meeting with

Jean (Halverson) Jokinen

William

Emery,

Susan J. LaFernier,

Robert D. (RD) Curtis, Jr.

Toni J. Minton, ElizaPhoto by Lauri Denomie.

beth D. Mayo, Jerry Lee

Curtis, Fred Dakota, Newly elected and re-elected council members were sworn in by PresiSPECIAL POINTS

Eddy Edwards, Michael dent Swartz at the January 7, 2012, Saturday Tribal Council meeting.

OF INTEREST:

F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary Left to right: Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Robert D. “RD” Curtis, Jr.,

Carole LaPointe, Jean “Halverson” Jokinen, and President Warren

F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Eliza- “Chris” Swartz, Jr.

• January 7, 2012 Tribal Counbeth “Chiz” Matthews,

cil Meeting

and Isabelle Helene

• KBIC Pharmacy Automates

Welsh present. President Warren C.

Refills

Swartz, Jr. shared numerous Thank You

• Fall Walleye and Lake Trout

and For Your Information items adStocking

dressed to Council.

President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. gave

• KBIC Holds Hazardous and

the President’s Report (page four), SecElectronic Waste Collection

retary Susan J. LaFernier gave the Sec• Youngsters Learn the Gift of

retary’s Report (page two); Treasurer

Giving

Elizabeth D. Mayo gave the Treasurer’s

Report (page two); and Larry Denomie

• New Employees

III gave the CEO Report (page five).

• Deepest Sympathy

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Council passed the Department Head

President Swartz presented William E. Emery

Reports for November 2011.

(left),

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., (center), and Isabelle

Peggy Minton, a member of the ElecWelsh (right) with recognition gifts. All three exAll Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at

tion Board, presented the December pressed their appreciation of having been given the

the

Lighthouse, Sand Point, will

17, 2011, General Election results for opportunity to represent and serve the Keweenaw

be held every third Wednesday

certification. Results for Tribal Council Bay Indian Community. William E. Emery has

of the month at 1900 hours. All

in the Baraga District were: Robert D. served the community for 33 years as a Tribal CounTribal Veterans Welcome!

“RD” Curtis, Jr. 220 votes, Carole La- cil member.

Pointe 219 votes, Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr. low: One nomination for President: Warpresented donation requests for January

186 votes, and Isabelle Helene Welsh ren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. - Warren “Chris”

2012 to the Council for their considera154 votes. Results for Tribal Council in Swartz, Jr. was named President. Two

tion. Motion by Eddy Edwards to apthe L’Anse District were: Elizabeth nominations for Vice President: Elizabeth

prove $180 for the Baraga Area

“Chiz” Matthews 224 votes, Jean D. Mayo (eight votes), Carole LaPointe

Schools 2011-2012 Yearbook ad and

“Halverson” Jokinen 190 votes, William (four votes) - Elizabeth D. Mayo was

to deny the other requests, sup“Gene” Emery 183 votes, and Lyndon named Vice President. Two nominaported by Susan J. LaFernier, eleven

Ekdahl 158 votes. Of the 651 registered tions for Secretary: Susan J. LaFernier

in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, movoters, (782 eligible to be registered), (eight votes), Carole LaPointe (four

tion carried.

406 voters (62%) voted in the General

votes) - Susan J. LaFernier was named

Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to

Election. Eddy Edwards motioned to

Secretary. Two nominations for Assis- utilize Superior National Bank and

approve the December 17, 2011, Gentant Secretary: Jerry Lee Curtis (seven Wells Fargo for depository of funds,

eral Election results, supported by

votes), Carole LaPointe (five votes) - supported by Elizabeth “Chiz” MatJerry Lee Curtis, eleven supported, 0

Jerry Lee Curtis was named Assistant thews, ten supported (Minton, Mayo,

opposed, 0 abstained, motion carSecretary. Three nominations for Treas- J. Curtis, Dakota, Edwards, M.

ried.

urer: Toni Minton (seven votes), Carole LaFernier, R. Curtis, LaPointe, JokiNew and re-elected Tribal Council

LaPointe (three votes), Eddy Edwards nen), 0 opposed, one abstained (S.

members (Robert D. “RD” Curtis, Jr.,

(two votes) - Toni Minton was named LaFernier), motion carried.

Carole LaPointe, Elizabeth “Chiz” MatTreasurer.

Motion by Susan J. LaFernier to

thews, and Jean “Halverson” Jokinen)

Council scheduled a Government Em- have the check signers remain the

were sworn in by President Warren

ployee Appeal of Dismissal Hearing for same as last year, one Executive

“Chris” Swartz, Jr.

case #001-12 to be heard on January 19, Council Official and one other CounReorganization nominations were

2012, at 11:00 a.m.

cil Member sign the checks, supmade and secret ballot vote totals folElizabeth D. Mayo, former Treasurer, ported by Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews,

Continues page two.

(1) Bezhig

Tribal Council meeting continued:

eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to

keep the Tribal Court check signers

the same (Chief Tribal Judge, Associate Judge, Chief Court Clerk, twelve

Council members) and the Child Support Enforcement Program check

signers as the same as last year

(Child Support Director, Child Support Specialist, Chief Tribal Judge,

Associate Judge, Chief Court Clerk,

twelve Council members), supported

by Susan J. LaFernier, eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

DECEMBER 2011

TREASURER’S REPORT

Activities reported by the Treasurer,

Elizabeth D. Mayo, for the month of December 2011.

Donations made for the month of

December were:

•

$7,525 Baraga County Ojibwa Senior Christmas Party;

$7,150 Baraga/Marquette Counties

Ojibwa Senior gift cards ($25 each);

$500 Baraga Fire Department 39th

Annual Kid’s Christmas Party;

$250 L’Anse/Baraga Athletic

Booster Clubs for the alumni basketball game;

$1,000 RICC Annual Christmas

Party — Hannah Misegan request;

$4,320.13 was spent for fifteen children who lost a parent this year;

Donations total—$20,745.13

Tribal Council overspent the allocated budget amount this month due to

Council not allocating the Senior Christmas parties along with the $25 Senior

gift cards. Next year we will add a line

item in the Council’s budget for these

activities.

I would like to request a financial

meeting be held sometime in February,

either the 2nd or the 9th, to go over the

casino audits and also have the new

council members familiarize themselves

with the financial responsibilities the

Tribe has obligated themselves for fiscal year 2012.

It has been an honor and a great

pleasure to have served the Community

as the Treasurer of the Tribe for the last

three months.

This concludes my report for the

month of December.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Treasurer

(2) Niizh

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2011

Activities reported by the Secretary,

Susan J. LaFernier, for the month of December 2011.

ANIN! We honor the greatness in

you.

Remember: “Indian Country

Counts” and “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.

On December 14, 2011, I attended

the Health Board meeting and also the

Department of Health and Human Service’s Departmental Bi-monthly staff

meeting and Christmas luncheon.

Thanks to everyone for a great meeting

and meal.

The employee W.H.I.P.P. (Wellness,

Health, Intervention, Prevention Program) Task Force and volunteers continue to have monthly meetings. It is

never too late to encourage and begin

positive lifestyle changes that will help

us live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well.” The “Walk

and Talk” Program (indoor walking program) began on Monday, December 5,

2011, and continues until April 13, 2012.

Everyone should participate in at least

30 minutes of physical activity five times

a week to stay fit.

I reported last month that a 107 page

opinion affirming the granting of the Part

632 Mining permit to engage in sulfide

ore mining in Marquette County, Eagle

Rock, Michigan, was made on November 21, 2011, by Judge Paula Manderfield in the 30th Circuit Court for the

County of Ingham on our Contested

Mining Case. The case involved KBIC,

the Huron Mountain Club, National Wildlife Federation, and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve v. the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and

Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company.

Judge Manderfield still has not yet issued an opinion/decision on Part 631

Groundwater Discharge Permit. Please

let us know if you would like a copy of

the decision. The Tribal Council did

make a motion on December 3rd to appeal the judge’s decision on Part 632 to

protect Eagle Rock as a place of worship along with the other groups.

Congratulations to R.D. Curtis, Jean

Jokinen, Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, and

Carole LaPointe on their recent election

to the Tribal Council. We will miss Gene

Emery, Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., and Isabelle Welsh for their years of service,

wisdom, and guidance, and we wish

them well with their continued care for

our Community. I would also like to

thank our entire staff at the Government

and Enterprises for all of their work and

dedication to our Tribe. In the coming

weeks, I will be discussing how our departments and businesses can inform

our Community more of the good and

exciting work that they do because there

have been many accomplishments!

The Drug Tip Line number is 353DRUG or 353-3784. The yellow banners are around the reservation with this

drug tip line number displayed. The

Drug Task Force holds monthly meetings and their Mission Statement is: “To

promote education through public

awareness with the specific objective to

eliminate the use of ‘illegal drugs’ for the

betterment of the health, welfare, and

safety of the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community and our neighboring Communities.”

Continue to pray for each other as

well as to honor and remember all of

our veterans, service men and women,

and their families. Remember those

who are ill, our economic struggles, and

all who have lost loved ones during

2011. Thank you, God and Creator, for

the year that ended and for the great

blessings of our land, loved ones, and

friends. Let us continue to be thankful

for our beautiful area. We pray for

peace in the world. We wish everyone

a blessed New Year that brings good

health and happiness!

During December 2011, the Tribal

Council held one Regular Tribal Council

Meeting on December 3, 2011. This

meeting is covered in the January 2011

Newsletter. Tribal Council held four

Special Council Meetings. Following

are the unapproved motions from December.

At a council meeting held December

1, 2011, the following actions were

taken:

•

Approved the April 2, 2011 Tribal

Council meeting minutes;

Approved Resolution KB1864-2011

Diane Y. Charron residential lease;

Approved Resolution KB1865-2011

which cancelled Daniel R. and Elizabeth H. Connor’s residential lease

and transferred to Bruce LaPointe;

Approved the bid from D&H Welding

for a 12’ snow pusher for $3,800 for

the Public Works Department’s end

loader;

Approved the amendment for the

joint funding agreement with the

U.S. Geological Survey for the Silver

River steam gauges;

Approved the replacement of the

U.S. Geological Survey joint funding

agreement for the Yellow Dog Plains

steam gauges for FY2012 (from the

October 20th motion);

Approved the Project BE 11-G55

Dump Site Cleanup budget for

$103,000 (includes a $27,000

match) which began October 1,

2011 (Natural Resources Department);

Approved the IHS Amendment #1 to

the Individual Well Uranium Study

MOA Project BE 08-F62 for the installation of water filtration treatment

systems in homes;

Approved the travel costs for Ronald

T. Edwards and David R. Mayo for

$653.60 each to attend the HACCP

Training in Petoskey, MI on December 6, 2011;

Approved a donation to the Baraga

High School Band for $396.45 for

stainless steel travel cups to sell as

a fundraiser for new instruments;

Approved the renewal license for the

KB Ojibwa Community College’s

Child Care Facility (for 20 children)

effective December 1, 2011;

Approved the renewal license for the

Ojibwa BP Gas Station’s taxed tobacco products;

Approved the renewal of Ojibwa BP

Continues on page three.

Gas Station’s liquor license;

• Approved the MOA with Medco

Health Solutions, Inc. and the provider agreement to provide prescription drug management services for

the Pharmacy;

• Approved to direct staff to prepare a

lease for the KB Ojibwa Community

College based on the original land

use plan and look into buying the

KBO building and leasing it to the

College while they work on their additions;

• Approved the Services Agreement

with Richard Tuisku (Dick Storm) at

the Radio Station;

• Approved the wage (increase) for the

Baraga/Marquette Ojibwa Casino’s

General Manager at $130,000;

• Approved to change the Christmas

Gift Check guidelines: for those who

pass away between the October 1st

date and the check distribution, the

funds may be used for their funeral

expenses.

At a council meeting held December

8, 2011, the following actions were

taken:

•

Approved the donation to the children of our four families who lost a

parent in the last year of $300 per

child for Christmas;

Approved to hire Advance Benefit

Solutions, Inc. through the Employee

Benefits Agency, Inc. effective January 1, 2012, to replace the MEBS

program regarding the employees

Blue Cross and Blue Shield health

coverage;

Approved a new business license for

the “Jiaganish Wadokaged” Warrior’s

Helpers (Richard A. Geroux—

American Legion);

Approved a Services Agreement with

the Western U.P. Health Department

and the Department of Health and

Human Services for the Title XV

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and/or Diagnostic Services;

• Approved giving Liana Loonsfoot,

Weed & Seed Coordinator, Blue

Cross and Blue Shield health insurance coverage during her temporary

hire appointment until March 2012 to

spend the grant dollars.

At a council meeting held December 15,

2011, the following actions were taken:

•

Approved the April 7, 14, and 21,

2011 Tribal Council meeting minutes;

Approved the confirmation for the on

-site training program for

“Conducting Background and Character Investigations under P.L. 101630” to be held here on February 1617, 2012, for $9,950 for up to 40 persons;

Approved Resolution KB1867-2011

Daniel R. and Elizabeth H. Connor

residential lease;

Approved Resolution KB1866-2011

FY 2012 Solid Waste Transfer Management Facility application for

transfer station equipment and assistance to implement the facility project

up to $600,000;

Approved a donation of $1,000 for

the Baraga County RICC (Regional

Interagency Consumer Committee

that serves people with disabilities)

Christmas Party on December 21,

2011, at the KC Hall;

Approved the renewal business license for the Red Apple Family Restaurant;

Defeated a motion to stop all KBIC

sales tax reimbursements on vehicles;

Approved the change (in criteria) of

the KBIC Sales/Use Tax Reimbursement Policy to state: “All owners

must reside in the same household,

unless owned entirely by Tribal

members who are all living on the

KBIC Pharmacy has automated

Prescription Refills

One feature of our new pharmacy phone system is automatic refills. This is the quickest way to obtain your prescription refill. How?

Simply dial 353-4555 (This phone number is on your prescription bag and all medications).*

Choose one of the FIVE options, and your prescription

refill will be automatically sent to our certified techs to begin

processing your refills.

We have also begun using “e-prescribing”. “E- Prescribing” occurs when your doctor sends in the prescription during your office visit. The prescription then goes to a clearinghouse, payment sources are verified, and the prescription

is sent to the KBIC pharmacy computers. This process

takes about 10 minutes, and then it is forwarded to the tech

computer here at KBIC. As soon as the tech gets your prescription, the refill process begins!

Reservation;”

Approved the addendum to the Professional Services Agreement with

Ronald Demaray and Dorsey & Whitney for the continued preparation of

potential IHS contract support costs

claims.

At a council meeting held December

21, 2011, the following actions were

taken:

•

Approved the April 28, 2011 Tribal

Council meeting minutes;

• Approved an additional $600 to Jennifer Curtis for medical travel under

the Community Needs Assistance

Program;

• Approved an additional $3,858.52 for

sales tax on two vehicle purchases

for the Baraga/Marquette Ojibwa Casino;

• Approved that leases be drafted for

the KB Ojibwa Community College

campus, the Green building in

Baraga, and the KBO building for review;

• Approved Resolution KB1868-2011

Sandra J. Swartz residential lease

modification to include her adult children as lessees;

• Approved Resolution KB1869-2011

Barbara J. Swartz residential lease

modification to include her adult children et al as lessees;

• Approved to table a tie vote Resolution KB1870-2011 commercial/

business lease for the Ojibwa Housing Authority from Victor Miron at the

Ojibwa Industrial Park until the environmental questions have been answered;

• Approved to cancel logging operations at the Jondreau and Manitogiig

Allotments on Beartown Road.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

What your Prescription Label tells you.

What happens when you call 353-4555?

You will hear a female voice that will give you the choices

below:

1. PRESCRIPTION # AND CALLING FOR REFILL—

punch in your Prescription number, followed by “#” key.

2. OTHER DOCTOR OFFICE, calling in a prescription.

3. PHARMACY HOURS, 8:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m.

4. CONFIRM TIME OF PICK UP.

5. LEAVE MESSAGE FOR PHARMACIST OR TO HEAR

MESSAGE AGAIN

Choose “1” for ordering your prescription. Enter the numerals only! Do not enter any letters!

Example:

From the label below, you will enter 6-0-0-4-8-9-1-#

When you have had a referral from the KBIC physician,

and you are bringing the prescription(s) they may have written, please have them verified by the KBIC physician FIRST!

Please allow two – three business days for processing refills

and prescriptions.

*Note: If you are an employee and try

to dial 4-5-5-5, this will not trigger the

automated system. You MUST dial the

full number: 353-4555.

(3) Niswi

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2011

cumulative impacts on Lake Superior and water resources within

this ecologically important area,

and (4) numerous incomplete

Permit Application decisions, critical studies, and contingency

plans. For these reasons, the

Community is opposed to the issuance of a mining permit for the

Copperwood Mine.

The following is a list of activities that

occurred in the office of the President

for the month of December 2011:

•

Councilman Dakota, Greg Nominelli,

and I participated in a discussion between Tribal Nations and the Bureau

of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and

Explosives (ATF) on the Prevent All

Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009

(PACT) which revised certain existing provisions governing sales in

cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

products. The meeting took place in

Washington D.C. at the Department

of Justice building.

∼ The Pact Act Consultation was

very well attended with approximately 40 people and 20 tribes

represented. We all met before

the meeting, and our plan was to

educate the DOJ about the importance of the issue to the tribes

and to make it clear that the

states are being aggressive because tobacco companies are

withholding payments from them

under the MSA. All of these

points were made clear. We also

emphasized that the industry is

growing and is no longer on the

edge of the law and pays all its

federal taxes and most use tribal

stamps.

∼ In summary, I believe the DOJ

had this consultation because

they intend to change some of

their pro-state guidance to protribal, and this was the first

step. Our strategy of telling compelling stories and putting into

context the greed of our competitors and states while at the same

time positioning ourselves as law

abiding entrepreneurs was, I believe, very effective. I suspect

that there will be some action

soon by the DOJ withdrawing

some of its previous negative

guidance and then start the process of issuing new guidance. We

also submitted our written comments.

On behalf of the Community I submitted comments on the Orvana

Copperwood Project. The proposed

Copperwood Project is located within

the Lake Superior watershed of Ironwood and Wakefield Townships of

Gogebic County in Michigan’s Upper

Peninsula, approximately 70 miles

from the L’Anse reservation and 45

miles from the Community’s Ontonagon reservation lands.

∼ In conclusion, the proposed Copperwood project and the potential

adverse impacts associated with

the project present a significant

concern to the Community. The

primary problems associated with

the Permit Application include: (1)

inadequate industry standard

mining methods of backfilling tailings, (2) the large size of the proposed tailings basin, its destruction of streams and wetlands

within the Lake Superior watershed, inadequate design and

leachate collection system, and

its distinct possibility of requiring

perpetual care, (3) adverse and

(4) Niiwin

•

The Council passed a resolution of

support for Derek Bailey, Tribal

Chairman of the Grand Traverse

Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, running for the Democratic

nomination for Michigan’s 1st District

of United States Congress. He understands the issues facing Tribes

and will represent the Tribe’s best

interests in Washington D.C. as a

Congressional Representative.

The KBIC was informed that our application for an Economic Development and Entrepreneurship grant in

the amount of $800,000 was approved. The grant is to develop a

wholly-owned corporation and subsidiaries. The first subsidiary under

the new corporation shall be the gas

station and convenience center in

Marquette. The grant provides funds

to hire a CEO for the corporation, a

manager of the subsidiary (the new

gas station), and $617,617 to acquire and operate subsidiary businesses. All businesses will have a

Native American hiring preference

under TERO. There is a $200,000

cash match requirement and the

commitment to utilize the $600,000

HUD ICDBG funds for the new gas

station in Marquette.

Recently I was informed of Michigan’s 142 Public Act 2011, which establishes a 1% tax on health care

claims paid in the state of Michigan.

The short version of this new 1%

Health Care Claim Tax is that the

state has imposed a 1% tax on all

“health care claims” paid in Michigan, with certain exemptions identified in the BCBS’s FAQ. The Act

does not provide an exemption for

Indian tribes or Indians on a reservation. The tax is imposed on health

insurance claims paid by “health insurance companies” and “third party

administrators” (TPA’s), which process health insurance claims, effective January 1, 2012. The health

care insurers and TPA’s must remit

the tax to the state of Michigan. According to the FAQ, BCBS (and presumably other health care insurers

and administrators) will be passing

this tax onto its “”fully insured

groups,” “self funded groups,” and

“non group” (individual) plans, which

would include KBIC’s group health

care plan, effective with the billing for

the January premium. Several tribes

are considering challenging the imposition of this tax on their “”fully insured groups” or “self funded

groups” plans, which ultimately could

include a lawsuit against the health

care insurers (or third party administrators) and/or the state of Michigan.

The Tribe needs to review the financial impact of this tax on the Tribe

and then consider whether or not to

legally challenge the imposition of

the tax on the Tribe.

• I received Ojibwa Housing Authority’s Annual Performance Report

(APR), which is required annually by

HUD. The APR contained the information and narratives as required.

• The Tribal Council decided to appeal

the mining case to the Michigan

Court of Appeals. As most of you

know the future of the Salmon Trout

River and its surrounding natural resources are at great risk. The destruction of Eagle Rock as a place of

worship is ongoing. The absence of

baseline environmental information

to assess the impending environmental risks is evident on the face of

the mining application. Under the

statute, these critical deficiencies

mandated denial of the permit from

the outset.

• On Tuesday December 20, 2011, I

received a telephone call from Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs of the

United States Department of Interior,

Larry Echo Hawk, informing us that

he approved our proposed gaming

facility in Marquette County, determining it would be in the best interest

of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and it would not be detrimental to the surrounding community.

The land into trust was filed in 1999,

and the application for the Secretary’s two part determination was

filed in 2006. The approval is the

second part of a three-step approval

process. The third is the approval by

Governor Rick Snyder, who has one

year to make his decision. We hope

the Governor will look at the Secretary’s determination and conclude

that moving the gaming operation

from Chocolay to the Airport Property is in the best interests of all the

parties. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped

move this application forward.

This concludes my report.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Hazardous and Electronic

Waste and Tire Collection

Events, by Warren Chris Swartz,

Jr., President

12/14/2011, Baraga County, Michigan – During the month of November,

KBIC Natural Resources Department

(NRD), in collaboration with Northwest

Regional Planning Commission

(NWRPC), organized a hazardous and

electronic waste “milk run” collection

event. The event collected hazardous

and electronic waste from municipalities,

businesses, and schools in Baraga

County free of charge for those who

wanted to participate. Items accepted

included: computer monitors, CPU, printers, faxes, copy machines, peripherals,

TV’s, floor copiers, batteries, poison solids, pesticides (solid or liquid), ballasts,

and other items considered hazardous,

especially those items containing merContinues on page ten.

CEO REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2011

The month of December 2011 included

the following activities and reportable

items:

• On December 8th, Council approved

an administrative change in the

Tribes Health Care coverage. The

Tribe is contracted with BCBS of MI

and also has a portion of coverage

self-funded with MEBS, a third party

administrator. Effective January 1st,

Advance Benefits Solutions (ABS)

will replace MEBS as the third party

administrator. The change provides

a minimum savings of $4 per month

per contract. Additionally, it was

proposed that ABS will closely monitor the billing by providers and more

savings due to improper billing by

providers being caught could be realized. The change to employees is

seamless once in place, but to complete the change over, employees

and their adult family members listed

on their policy had to complete required forms. Informational meetings are scheduled for all covered

employees next week to provide

them the opportunity to learn about

the change and get their questions,

if any, answered.

• Planning continues to take place regarding the development of the ANA

Language Preservation Grant application. Ideas generated from community meetings conducted recently

will be used to formalize the plan before it is submitted by the January

31st due date. Jean Jokinen, Grant

Writer, Chris Chosa, THPO Director,

and Gary Loonsfoot Jr., Language

Coordinator, are working on the ap-

•

plication and will present a resolution

for Council’s approval prior to the

deadline.

On December 15th, Council approved

a change to the Vehicle Tax Reimbursement Policy. The change requires that all owners of the vehicle

reside in the same household unless

owned entirely by Tribal members

who are living within the reservation.

Prior to the change, members listed

as owners with a non-member who

resided off the reservation received

50% of the tax on the vehicle.

The HUD ICDBG grant application in

the amount of $600,000 for the

Tribes Solid Waste Management

project was submitted on January

4th. The funds, if approved, will be

used to purchase equipment and

complete site work for the project.

Notice of approval is expected mid to

late summer. The grant was written

by Jim Stingle, Grant Specialist.

The Tribe has received an additional

$28,969 in LIHEAP funding. LHEAP

applications are being processed

with seniors receiving first priority,

members with children second, and

individuals last. With the additional

funding it is estimated that most applicants will be served. Approximately 100 applications are in process and our office has assisted the

CAP office with the review.

The Tribe has been awarded a onetime $800,000 HUD Rural Innovation

Fund grant. The funding, if accepted

by the Tribe, will be used to form a

Corporation separate from the Tribal

Government. A Chief Executive Of-

fice and business manager will be

hired. Approximately $600,000 is

slated to acquire and operate an

economic enterprise. As match to

the grant, $800,000 of the new gas

station project in Marquette was

committed in the application. The

Tribe has until mid January to decide

if they will accept the grant. Gregg

Nominelli, Economic Developer, will

be presenting to Council on January

12th. The grant was written by Jean

Jokinen, Grant Writer.

• On December 15th, Ed Janisse, Eagle Radio General Manager, provided Council with a presentation regarding a plan to consolidate the two

locations they currently operate. The

plan could greatly reduce the financial losses of the operations which

have occurred since its inception in

2001. Following the presentation

and at Council’s request additional

consideration and research is taking

place to tweak the plan which will be

presented as a follow up later this

month.

• In closing I would like to thank Council, staff, and the Community for allowing me to be a part of this great

organization this past year. It is my

opinion that together we have made

great strides in moving the Tribe forward and that 2012 will prove to be

an even more successful year.

As always, if anyone has questions,

concerns, or issues that the CEO’s office can assist with, please don’t hesitate to stop, e-mail, or call.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry J. Denomie, III, CEO

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Fall 2011 Walleye and Lake Trout Stocking, by Warren Chris Swartz, Jr., President

10/4/2011, Baraga County, Michigan

– Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

(KBIC) recently stocked nearly 3,000 fall

fingerling walleye into local waters. One

thousand walleye were micro-tagged

and stocked into Portage Lake. Tagging

these fish will allow for future evaluation

of stocking success. Another 1,200

were stocked into Huron Bay and over

500 walleye were stocked into Keweenaw Bay. Average length of walleye

stocked was just over seven inches with

some fish measuring over 10 inches.

These fish were part of an extended

growth trial at the KBIC walleye ponds.

“The extended growth rearing trial was

an experimental effort. We haven’t held

walleye stock this long before prior to

stocking. Based on the results we consider the trial a success,” stated KBIC

Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Gene

Mensch. This stocking effort follows a

previous stocking of more than 300,000

walleye earlier this summer by KBIC.

In addition, KBIC also recently

stocked 5,100 lake trout into Keweenaw

Bay.

The lake trout were surplus

USFWS Iron River National Fish Hatchery (IRNFH) stock, and are marked with

a unique finclip and fitted with an internal Coded Wire Tag (CWT) for future

stock evaluation studies. Fish stocked

were sub-fingerlings, averaging 3.5

inches in length. Natural Resource Department staff request that people watch

for lake trout from Lake Superior with

finclips (missing adipose fins) as it’s

likely that these fish also have a CWT.

We encourage people to retain the entire head of captured lake trout if they

would like to help with our data collection and research.

You can contact KBNRD at 906-5245757 (ext 12) if you capture a finclipped

or tagged fish or for other information.

(right) KBIC Natural Resources Department

Fisheries Technician, Glenn Tolonen, release

sub-fingerling lake trout into Keweenaw Bay.

(5) Naanan

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Sheila Ekdahl has been hired as the new Motor Vehicle

Clerk. Shelia has lived on the Rez her entire life, with the exception of a few years while she attended college. She currently resides in Baraga. Sheila states, “I have been blessed

with three amazing children: DySean, Dhanya, and Breyelle. I

enjoy being the best mother I can be to my children and enjoy

spending time with friends and family. I’ve had various jobs

throughout our tribe and have enjoyed the learning experience

from each and everyone of them. I had the opportunity to start

working in the Motor Vehicle Department during my summer

youth program years and have continued to work with them as

an on-call worker, thereafter. My supervisor and co-workers

have always been so kind and helpful which makes the work

environment easy to get used to. Chi miigwech for choosing

me for this position, and I am looking forward to working for

KBIC and helping all of our community with their licensing and

titling needs. See you soon!”

Geneva Brennan has be hired as the Office of Child Support Friend of the Court Specialist at the KBIC Tribal Court.

Geneva lives in L’Anse with her husband, Tim. Geneva is a

1987 graduate of Indiana University with an Associates Paralegal Degree. Geneva has three daughters: Erin, Mary, and

Kelsey, and a new grandson, Roman Patrick, who was born

December 15, 2011.

Geneva has worked on-call for the KBIC Tribal Center in

various departments including: the Attorney’s office, Community Assistance Program, KB Outpatient Substance Abuse office, and the KBIC Dental Clinic. Geneva states, “My hobbies

include skiing, kayaking, golf, crafting, and anything outdoors.

I have enjoyed working with the various departments throughout the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and am grateful for

the opportunity to serve in my new capacity as the Child Support Specialist. I look forward to speaking with you at anytime

regarding your questions or concerns.”

$$ FINANCIAL AID DAY $$

WANTED:

Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Youth Basketball Coaches for

Youth ages 10 – 17.

Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center, 16429 Bear Town Rd. Baraga, MI

Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist you on an individual basis to

complete 2012-13 financial aid applications. Please call

353-4117 to schedule an appointment.

Sponsored by Educational Talent Search and the KBIC Education Office.

Open to the public.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Must be willing to travel. Must pass

a background check. Must be over

the age of 21 years of age.

Practice is scheduled to start in March.

For more details, contact Cheryne

at the Youth Office – 353-4643.

Pre-Primary Staff Share Expertise

KBIC Pre-Primary Director, Lisa Denomie, and teaching

staff (right, green shirt) Nissa Morningstar and (left, green shirt)

Stacey Somero have been invited to share their expertise, to

local providers, by the Great Start Regional Resource Center

on "Let's Move! Childcare”. A presentation was held on January 18th, at the Ojibwa Senior Center in Baraga, MI. Each of

the trainers has obtained the three-day Facilitator Training Certificate using the "I am Moving, I am Learning" (IMIL), which is

congruent with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative. Adults who work with children make a major contribution

to promote good health and strong bodies for children by intentionally integrating appropriate physical activities and wise nutritional choices into their daily routine, a proactive approach

for preventing obesity in our children. Shown above with Stacey and Nissa are Angie from BHK and Kristie, a home daycare provider. Another presentation was offered on January

29th.

Youngsters Learn The Gift Of Giving

February is:

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Dating Violence 101

Teen dating violence and abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner.

While we define dating violence as a pattern, that doesn't

mean the first instance of abuse is not dating violence. It just

recognizes that dating violence usually involves a series of

abusive behaviors over a course of time.

Ten Warning Signs of Abuse

While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of

the most common abusive behaviors:

> Checking your cell phone or email without permission

> Constantly putting you down

> Extreme jealousy or insecurity

> Explosive temper

> Isolating you from family or friends

> Making false accusations

> Mood swings

> Physically hurting you in any way

> Possessiveness

>Telling you what to do

If you or a loved one is in a violent relationship, please get help.

•

Call the National Dating Violence

Hotline 1.800.799.7233.

• Seek

on-line

support

www.loveisrespect.org through their live-chat feature.

• Text ‘loveis’ directly to 77054 to begin a text chat with an

advocate.

• Or locally call:

OVW Programs and Services

906.353.4598......

Working Together to End Violence.

906.353.4598

This project is supported by Grant No. 2009 TW-AX-0034 awarded by the

Office of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily

reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against

Women.

Photo by Terri Denomie.

Shown above are some of the children of the KBIC Head

Start and Early Head Start programs, all the Head Start classmates learned an important lesson, the gift of giving. Not being aware there was a local can drive, the KBIC Head Start

and Early Head Start classes decided to begin their own nonperishable food drive to donate to the local St. Vincent DePaul

Store. The donated goods were taken to St Vincent De Paul

Store on Dec. 14, 2011, just in time for distribution to the community’s Christmas Baskets which are made available for

Baraga County in-need families.

In addition, employees of the KBIC Head Start and Early

Head Start Program opted to donate cash and gifts for a

needy cause in lieu of a gift exchange amongst themselves.

The group donated cash and a Toys for Tots box overflowing

with gifts!

ATTENTION — ATR clients who have one year in

the program and have completed their phase

(either phase 1, 2, or 3), and did their six month

follow up. You are eligible and encouraged to attend the March 5, 2012, 5—8 p.m. session at the

Chippewa Conference Room with special guest

speaker, D/Lt. George Sailer of the UPSET Narcotics

Team. You must register for this session! Please call

R.D. Curtis at 353-8121. There will be nice prizes

given away, but you must be present to win them!

(7) Niizhwaaswi

January 4, 2012

Mike Koskinen

Baraga County Board of Commissioners

16 N. Third Street

L’Anse, MI 49946

RE: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Financial Contributions to Baraga County

Dear Chairman Koskinen:

Members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council

read, with a great degree of concern, the article in the Daily Mining

Gazette which stated that members of the Community “use every

service in the county but aren’t paying for it,” apparently quoting a

member of the Baraga County’s Finance Committee. The Tribal

Council was concerned because this comment is fundamentally incorrect and demonstrates a total lack of knowledge and understanding of how many dollars the Community and its members provide in

the way of financial benefits to the Baraga County community.

Pursuant to an agreement with the State of Michigan, the Community distributes payments semi-annually to the local units of government in Baraga County equal to 2% of the net profits from its slot

machines at the Baraga Casino. The agreement provides that the

payments “shall be based upon compensating said local units of

government for governmental services provided to the Tribe and for

impacts associated with the existence and location of the Tribal Casino in its vicinity; provided further, however, that out of said aggregate payment, each local unit of government shall receive no less

than an amount equivalent to its share of ad valorem property taxes

that would otherwise be attributed to the class III gaming facility if

that site were subject to taxation.”

The 2% distributions, which began in 1994, are made twice each

year to local units of government within Baraga County. Over the

course of the past five years, the 2% distributions to local units of

government have totaled $1,398,556.29.

For FY2011, in response to written requests by the local units of

government in Baraga County, 2% funds were distributed to Baraga

County, Baraga Area Schools, Baraga Township, Village of Baraga,

L’Anse Area Schools, L’Anse Township, Village of L’Anse, Baraga

Township—Baraga Ambulance, and Village of L’Anse—Fire Department.

Over the course of the past 21 years, the Community has been

working with the Baraga County Road Commission and Bureau of

Indian Affairs to have virtually all the major roads in Baraga County

included in the Community’s Indian Reservation Road Program.

The Indian Reservation Road Program includes public roads to and

within Indian reservations and trust lands and is funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Highway Administration. In

the years from 1990 to 2011, the total project costs for projects undertaken jointly by the Community and BCRC amounted to

$19,500,000 of which the Community contributed $11,000,000 for

these projects. (This funding amount does not include funding for

improvements to roads owned and operated by the Community.)

These projects included design and construction of bridges, improved paved roads, improved gravel roads, installation of large

span culverts, stream crossing enhancements, road culverts and

drainage repairs and improvements. For FY 2012-2013, it is anticipated that the Community will be distributing approximately

$1,000,000 in each of those years to fund additional improvements

of Baraga County public road and bridge improvements that are part

of the Indian Reservation Road Program.

In addition to the requests for 2% payments from local units of

government, the Community receives numerous requests from various civic groups for donations each year. During the past five years

the Community has donated approximately $135,603 to various

civic groups such as the L’Anse and Baraga High School Basketball

Teams, Baraga Lumber Jack Days, Village of L’Anse Skate Park,

Lock-In parties, Softball Associations, Yearbook Ads, Baraga

County Little League, Baraga County Lumberjack Days Fireworks,

Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Copper Country

Mental Health, Superior Alliance of Independent Living, Keweenaw

Family Resource Center, Bethel Church, Superior AmeriCorps,

American Legion Post 444, Eagles Auxiliary, Bay Cliff Health Camp,

March of Dimes, Baraga Fund Drive, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Baraga Special Olympics, The Salvation Army, Toys for

Tots, and Social Services Back to School Backpacks, to name a

few.

With regard to the issue of governmental services utilized by the

members of the Community, please be advised that the Community,

and not Baraga County, provides to the members of the Community

(8) Ishwaaswi

virtually all of the governmental services which are utilized by the

members of the Community. The Community has a staff of 309

governmental employees whose jobs are dedicated to providing

governmental services to the members of the Community, including

the Health & Human Services Department medical and dental clinic

(which includes three doctors, 11 nurses, one dentist, two dental

hygienists, and two dental assistants), New Day Substance Abuse

Treatment Center, Social Services Department, Tribal Court, Child

Support Office, Tribal Police and Conservation Department, Natural

Resources Department, Public Works Department, Community Assistance Program, Commodity Foods Program, Ojibwa Housing Authority, Ojibwa Community College, Head Start, and Pre-primary

Education, to name a few of the departments of the tribal government and provide services to members of the Community. These

departments are funded through revenues generated by the Community’s business enterprises and through various federal grants

and programs.

In addition, all medical and dental services provided to members

of the Community that are referred to Baraga County Memorial Hospital or to local doctors and dentists are paid for by the Community

or the Indian Health Services. In FY 2011, these payments totaled

$216,796.

It should also be noted that the 12 law enforcement officers of

the Tribal Police Department, the 16 environmental and natural resources employees of the Natural Resources Department, and the

60 members of Bear Town Firefighters, in addition to providing services to the members of the Community, also indirectly, and sometimes directly, provide services to residents of Baraga County who

are not members of the Community.

It goes without saying that the Community is the largest employer in Baraga County. In Baraga County alone (not including

employees of Marquette County) the Community has 498 employees (government and casino) with a total annual wage payroll of approximately $14,500,000 per year. A substantial portion of the

Community’s Baraga County employee annual payroll is spent in

Baraga County, in support of local business. Moreover, approximately, 41% of the Community’s Baraga County employees are non

-Indians who receive approximately $5,900,000 of the Community’s

annual wage payroll for Baraga County employees.

In conclusion, the statement quoted above to the effect that

members of the Community “use every service in the county, but

aren’t paying for it” is fundamentally incorrect as demonstrated by

the forgoing factual information:

• The Community provides to its members virtually all of the governmental services utilized by its members at virtually no cost

whatsoever to Baraga County.

• Over the past five years, the Community has paid $1,389,556.29

as 2% payments, directly to units of local government, including

Baraga County as direct compensation for governmental services and for impacts associated with the existence and location

of the Community’s Baraga Casino.

• Since 1990, the Community has funded over $11,000,000 for

improvements to the public roads and bridges in Baraga County,

which is over 50% of the costs associated with those improvements, notwithstanding the fact that the members of the Community living in Baraga County only account for approximately

13% of the total population of the county.

• The Community makes donations of thousands of dollars each

year to civic groups in Baraga County, which are over and

above the 2% payments.

• As Baraga County’s largest employer, a substantial portion of

the Community’s annual wage payroll of $14,500,000 supports

local business and indirectly, the entire Baraga County community.

Please don’t hesitate to contact either Chris Swartz or Elizabeth

Mayo at 906-353-6623 if you have any questions concerning the

foregoing.

cc: Anne Koski, Baraga County Treasurer

Robert Teddy, Baraga County Sheriff

Joseph O’Leary, Baraga County Prosecutor

Harold J. Miron, Chairman, Baraga County Road Commission

W.H.I.P.P. News….

Thank you to everyone who participated in

the “Maintain, Don’t

Gain” Holiday Challenge that took place

November 21, 2011,

through January 6, 2012.

We had 34 KBIC employees complete the challenge, with 28 who maintained or didn’t gain. We lost a total of

98 pounds over the Holiday season!

That is AWESOME!! Congratulations to

all who either maintained or didn’t gain!

The 28 who maintained or didn’t gain

were put in a drawing for a chance to

win a choice of a one-month membership to Free Spirit Fitness (KBIC Fitness

Center), a $20 Pat’s Foods Card, or a

$20 Pines Card. A list of the drawing

winners follows:

George DeCota – Beartown FF

Sheila Ekdahl – Licensing Dept.

David Firestone – Ojibwa Seniors

Gina White – Ojibwa Casino

Larry Budreau – Ojibwa Casino

Carole LaPointe – DHHS

Lori LaFernier – OVW

Mariah Dunham – Youth/Fitness

Kristen Gabe – Ojibwa Casino

Roberta Jondreau – OHA

Connie Sullivan – Ojibwa Casino

Norma Kokko – Accounting

Lisa Denomie – Pre-Primary Program

Jodi Hella – OHA

Duane Misegan – Police

Jim Stingle – Grants

Vicky Emery – Accounting

Brenda Aldrich – Ojibwa Casino II

Gayle Freeborn – Ojibwa Casino II

Peggy Winters – Ojibwa Casino II

Distance Learning

Technology Launched

Keweenaw

Bay

Ojibwa Community College’s newly installed

distance learning technology was used for distance instruction for the first time on

January 17. John Westman taught the

Marketing class while on an out-of-town

business trip to the West Coast. Chris

Anderson provided on-site technical

support. Since video-conferencing is

becoming more common in business,

using the distance learning equipment in

a business class was very appropriate

to help familiarize students with business practices.

Instructors received an orientation to

the new equipment before spring semester and have been using the audiovisual equipment in their classes. Jesse

Koenig, Liberal Studies Department

Chair,

said

“The

new

equipment will

enable instructors to create a

richer,

multisensory learning

environment.”

~ submitted by Dr.

Lynn Aho,

Dean of Instruction,

KBOCC

Library

The library now has the book Best

Jobs for the 21st Century. Careers are

broken down in various ways, such as

personality, job interests, age, etc. It is

catalogued as a "reference book.” It can

not be checked out of the library.

The library will be receiving

Michigan Income Tax books

1040 and Home Heating Credit

books for your tax returns. If

you need a more specific form, come to

the library, and we can help you locate it

on the state's website.

Library patrons with either an Android or Apple device can now access

the library's regional on-line catalog.

Access your device's website from the

following applicable sites to check out all

that is available for you. Please call the

library for help. You may also click on

our page @ www.ojibwa.com, click

"Education" and there you will find the

library's page.

Android:

https://

market.android.com/details?

id=sirsidynix.bookmyne&feature=search

_result. Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/

us/app/bookmyne/id350625461?mt=8

~ submitted by Mary Bergerson,

Tribal Library Director

48 Contiguous

United States:

House

hold

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP Standard Deduction

$ 908

$147

$1,055

$1,226

$147

$1,373

$1,545

$147

$1,692

$1,863

$155

$2,018

$2,181

$181

$2,362

$2,500

$208

$2,708

$2,818

$208

$3,026

$3,136

$208

$3,344

Each additional member

+ $319

Alaska:

Household

Size

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

$1,134

$252

$1,386

$1,532

$252

$1,784

$1,930

$252

$2,182

$2,329

$252

$2,581

$2,727

$252

$2,979

$3,125

$260

$3,385

$3,524

$260

$3,784

$3,922

$260

$4,182

+ $399

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

~ submitted by Cheryne Clements,

Youth/Fitness Programs Director

Community

*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.

Each additional member

If you’re listed as a prize winner,

please contact, Cheryne Clements, at

353-4643 or cheryne@kbic-nsn.gov.

In reality, everyone who finished is a

WINNER! Please keep up the great

work at continuing to live a healthy life

style.

Ojibwa

News…

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2011)

SHIRLEY A. SCHAFFER

(April 27, 1950—January 3, 2012)

SHIRLEY A. SCHAFFER, age 61, of

Sparta, WI, passed away at her home

Tuesday, January 3, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. Shirley was

born April 27, 1950, in Michigan, to Julie

Theresa Crebessa.

Shirley married

James Haley. She was a loving mom

and grandma who cherished her family

very much. Shirley was a member of

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Shirley is survived by her children:

Christina (fiancé Jason Fleming)

Schaffer of Cadott, WI, Annie Schaffer

of Sparta, WI, and George Schaffer of

Bangor, WI; a sister: Virginia (Terry)

Hendricks of Milwaukee, WI; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren;

along with other relatives and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her

husband, James Haley, and her mother.

Funeral services and burial will be held

at a later date in Baraga, Michigan.

Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of

Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements.

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that

qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed

a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid

monthly to a non-household member.

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.

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.

FDPIR Resource Standards—see 7 CFR 253.6(d)

$3,250 for households with at least one elderly or

disabled member.

$2,000 for households without any elderly or disabled members.

ATTENTION KBIC MEMBERS:

The following Committees/Boards

has vacant seats:

Indian Child Welfare/Justice

Committee –

Three (3) regular seats

Economic Development –

One (1) regular seat

Please submit an application (located at

the Tribal Center in Kim Klopstein or

Peggy Minton’s office) by 4 p.m. on

February 17, 2012, to:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr. – President

16429 Bear Town Rd.

Baraga, MI 49908

(9) Zhaangaswi

Hazardous and Electronic Waste and

Tire Collection Events continues:

cury. A total of 31,169 pounds of waste

were collected including 261 computer

monitors and over 11,000 pounds of

paint and related materials. KBIC NRD

Response Program Specialist Katie

Kruse would like to extend a special

thanks to NWRPC staff for making several trips to Baraga County from Northwest Wisconsin to collect the waste.

Similar collection events are also

planned for 2012 and 2013, so additional opportunities will be available.

NRD also organized a tire collection

event in November for all Baraga

County residents. Over 300 used tires

were collected during the event. Baraga

County residents were provided free disposal for up to four tires with additional

tires costing $2 per tire. “The event

went pretty well being that it was during

the same week as the rifle deer opener,

and it snowed just before the event.”

“Suggestions for the next event include

shortening the event to one day, and

increasing the number of free tires accepted per person,” said KBIC NRD Environmental Specialist, Char Spruce. A

total of $140 was collected and will be

used to pay for part of the tire disposal

costs. KBIC NRD plans to host another

tire collection in 2012.

Collecting and disposing hazardous

and other waste materials is a critical

part of preventing potential contaminant

release to the Lake Superior ecosystem

which helps protect this precious resource.

Historically the lack of resources in the Baraga County area has

meant that regular collection events

have simply not been possible. With the

help of U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding we will be able to

(10) Midaaswi

establish a regular collection program,

leading to increased protections for our

wonderful Lake Superior.

Unloading a truck full of tires during the November collection event. Photo credit: Char Spruce.

Northwest Regional Planning Commission truck

at the KBIC NRD collecting hazardous and

electronic waste for disposal. Photo credit: Keith

Rolof.

VATICAN ANNOUNCES A 17TH CENTURY MOHAWK-ALGONQUIN WOMAN,

BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA, WILL BE CANONIZED A CATHOLIC SAINT.

A second critical miracle has been

credited to prayers to the Blessed Kateri

Tekakwitha.

Kateri, was a Native

American ikwe, who died at the age of

24, in 1680. Five-year-old, Jake Finkbooner, of Ferndale, Washington, split

his lip playing baseball in 2006. He developed a deadly flesh-eating strep infection, and lay near death at the Seattle

Children’s Hospital. Jake’s father, Donald, a Native American of the Lummi

Tribe, was urged by a parrish priest to

pray with Jake’s mother to Kateri to

seek a miracle from God. The priest indicated that Kateri had been deeply disfigured by smallpox and believed she

would be a good person to call upon for

this young child whose face and head

were infected. After Jake received a

visit by a member of the Tekakwitha

Conference which serves and advocates Christianity to hundreds of thousands of Native Americans and is located in Great Falls, Montana, Jake’s

conditioned turned towards his survival.

This woman brought a small coined image of the Blessed Kateri and a prayer

card to Jake’s parents. Jake’s mother

read that prayer card to Jake every day.

Today, Jake is being trained to be an

altar boy and he still plays baseball.

The Vatican scrupulously investigates miracle claims for proof that recovery was not a result of medical or

surgical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states

about 10% to 15% of patients with

Jake's variation of strep die.

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in what

is now New York, to a Mohawk chief

and Algonquin Christian mother. When

she was four or five she was badly

scarred in the smallpox epidemic which

killed her parents and most of her family. She was then raised by two aunts

and an uncle. Kateri was also known as

Lily of the Mohawks. The date to celebrate her canonization is to be announced by February 2012.

ATTENTION: ALL TRIBAL

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and

Large Boat Commercial Fishing

Licenses for the Year 2012-2013

Commercial Fishing Season are

available at the License Department

located in the Tribal Center. The new

license year will begin: May 1, 2012.

Applications must be returned to the

Licensing/Motor Vehicle Office by:

Friday, February 10, 2011. All applications for licenses will be reviewed and selected by the Tribal

Council. The license fees are: $75.00

for Small Boat-On Reservation;

$200.00 for Small Boat-Off Reservation; and $500.00 for Large Boat-Off

Reservation. All tribal members who

apply must have completed the required U.S. Food and Drug Administration Hazard Analysis and critical Point (HACP) 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.

The application also requests fishing

vessel information including the vessel name, number & length.

For: Boat Safety Inspections, contact

the Tribal Police/Conservation Department at 353-6626 to make an

appointment, or contact U.S.

Coast Guard/Hancock at 482-1520.

Childbirth Education Class

When: Tuesday, March 13, 2012,

and Tuesday, March 27,2012

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Donald A. LaPointe Health

Center, Conference Room

2nd floor

To Register call:

Laura Cladas RN at 353-4527

or Ruth Keller at 353-4543

Are you Pregnant???? We would like

to invite you and your birth partner to

join our two session Childbirth Education Class. This class will help you

through the process of giving birth, including breathing and relaxation techniques. You will learn so much more

from Health Care during Pregnancy to

Health Care After Pregnancy.

This class will cover a wide variety of

topics including prenatal care, physical

and emotion changes during pregnancy, avoidance of drugs and alcohol,

nutrition, signs and symptoms of labor,

stages of labor and delivery, analgesia

and anesthesia, types of deliveries,

your local hospital OB routines, breastfeeding and infant feeding, immunizations, newborn bonding and attachment, infant car seat use, postpartum

physical and emotional changes, exercises, and family planning.

Again, you are welcome to come to

class. We look forward to seeing

you.

FEBRUARY 2012

Calendars Events

Feb. 3: Constitutional Committee

Meeting, 1 pm, Council Chambers;

Feb. 4: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9

am, Ojibwa Resort Conference

Room;

Feb. 7: Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar

screenings at Superior View;

Feb. 8: Mining Impacts Film “Locked

out:”

Feb. 9: Ojibwa Seniors regular

scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m.;

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day;

Feb. 15: Veteran’s meeting 7 pm;

Feb. 18-19: LVD’s Powwow;

Feb. 20: President’s Day—Gov’t offices closed;

Feb. 21: Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar

screenings at Ojibwa Senior Citizens

Center;

Feb. 22: Ojibwa Sr. Pasty Prep at 1

pm—volunteers needed; Financial

Aid Day;

Feb. 23: Ojibwa Sr. Pasty Sale today

(volunteers needed at 5:30 am);

Feb. 28: Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar

screenings at Superior View.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Events occurring throughout KBIC are welcome

to be listed on the Calendar of Events. Contact

newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov to list your events. Some

events are more detailed FYI within the newsletter.

For up-to-date event listings, visit www.ojibwa.com

and click on calendar. For Youth events, see @

www.ojibwa.com, click on youth club, or contact 353

-4643/Main Office at Youth Club, or 353-4644 for the

facility attendants or the Kitchen/craft rooms.

KBIC Youth Program Activity

Fund Guidelines

Each fiscal year, a per-child amount

is approved by the KBIC Tribal Council.

The amount is currently $250.00. The

fiscal year begins on October 1. The

fund services the following counties;

Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, and

Marquette. A separate Activity Fund

Request Form must be completed for

each child.

To qualify for the fund:

1. The child must be an enrolled KBIC

member, or a child of an enrolled

KBIC member, and both the child

and parent/guardian must reside

within the same household within

the service area.

2. The child must be age 0-17 or in

high school.

3. Parents may be required to provide

proof to the Youth & Facilities Coordinator that they have physical custody for the child they are submitting

receipts for (court document or

signed consent by other parent).

4. Requests that will be paid must fall

under one of the following criteria:

organized extracurricular activity

fees, athletic fees, in or out of

school (examples – basketball,

gymnastics, skating, hockey, skiing,

swimming, football, etc.), athletic

equipment (to be used for team

sports), camps (sports, Bible, and

culture), school-related activities

(such as: Band, Youth in Government, Driver’s Education, and

school pictures), and school clothes.

Educational travel is funded, and

the funding can be banked through

the eligible child’s high school (7-12

grade) career (banked means each

year’s funding can carryover and be

used in following years).

5. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to keep track of how much is

spent for each child. An original receipt for a qualifying purchase must

be submitted for all funding reimbursements.

6. Submit the original receipt for purchase made within the past 90 days

and completed Activity Fund Request Form to the Youth & Facilities

Coordinator who will complete a

purchase request form and forward

the documents to accounting for

processing (processing takes threefive days). The Youth & Facilities

Coordinator will contact the parent/

guardian to make arrangements for

issuing the reimbursement check.

(Approved/Amended by Council

11/04/2010)

To the KBIC and Baraga County Community:

I would like to express a chi miigwech for all of the concerns expressed

to myself regarding the theft of my picture disk out of my purse at the Donald

LaPointe Medical Center. I am very

grateful that it has been returned!

Sincerely,

Elvera Lantz, CHS Clerk

(11) Ashi bezhig

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:

Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist

Church

“We welcome each of you to our

worship services, at 9:00 a.m. each

Sunday.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

• Establishment, Enforcement and

• Location of Custodial and

Modification of Child Support Orders

Non-Custodial Parents

• Paternity Establishment

To place an ad, submit an article, or

relate information or ideas on possible

articles contact: Lauri Denomie at

(906) 201-0263, or e-mail

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

To be added to the mailing list

or to correct your mailing address, contact the enrollment

office at (906) 353-6623 ext.

4113.

• Community Education

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

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Employment Opportunities

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

* Traffic Controller/Officer Manager — Feb. 3, 2012

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

Holy Name of Jesus

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Pastor

Father John Longbucco

Father Antony Lukka

* Teaching Assistant II — Feb. 3, 2012

* Nurse Practitioner — Feb. 10, 2012

ons

siti

Community Service Supervisor

Cal

* Unit Manager

* LPN

* RN

* Account Executive/Sales

Confessions: Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 11:30 a.m.

* Cashier

* Receptionist/Clerical Worker

* Youth Program & Facility Attendant

* Family Aide

* Van Driver

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.

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STARDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

353-6565

saintann@up.net

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.