The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2020)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gichi Manidoo Giizi – Great Spirit Moon - January 2020

CLOSE VOTES ARE TALLIED AT KEWEENAW BAY

INDIAN COMMUNITY GENERAL ELECTION

Issue 186

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Vice-President

Voters from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community cast their ballots at the

December 14, 2019, General

Election. Preliminary counts

were announced by Election

workers immediately following the closing of the polls.

Those results follow:

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Baraga District:

Rodney Loonsfoot (Inc.), 252

votes;

Donald L. Chosa, Jr., 193

votes;

Michael P. Lahti, 208 votes;

Carole L. LaPointe, 112

votes;

Don Messer, Jr., 209 votes.

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

L’Anse District:

Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. (Inc.),

307 votes;

Eddy Edwards, 240 votes;

Jean Jokinen, 203 votes;

Jennifer Misegan, 214 votes.

Associate Judge results:

Violet M. Friisvall Ayres,

(Inc.) 284 votes;

Tyler Larson, 225 votes.

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Dale Goodreau

Randall R. Haataja

Kim Klopstein

Rodney Loonsfoot

Elizabeth D. Mayo

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Voters in the L’Anse District registering with Election Workers.

Rodney Loonsfoot and Don Messer, Jr. each secured

a three-year term in the Baraga District. Gary Loonsfoot,

Jr. and Eddy Edwards each secured a three-year term in

the L’Anse District. Violet M. Fiisvall Ayres secured a

three-year term as Associate Judge.

Election results are on the agenda to be considered

for certification by the Tribal Council at the meeting

scheduled for January 4, 2020. Following certification,

the twelve seat council will make nominations and vote

for their Executive Board.

~ submitted by Newsletter Editor

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY HELD AT SOFT

OPENING OF THE OJIBWA CASINO MARQUETTE



General Election Held for KBIC



KBOCC Holds 1st Annual Powwow



Soft Opening Held at Ojibwa

Casino Marquette



KBIC Youth Christmas Parties

Held



Education Incentive Program

Awards Announced



Wiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society

News



Criminal Report



Deepest Sympathy

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council participated in the Ribbon Larry Denomie III, General Manager Ojibwa Casinos, spoke of the history

Cutting Ceremony.

of today’s historical undertaking for the Community.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held a soft opening

event at the new Ojibwa Casino Marquette, on Friday, December 20, 2019. Tours were given, words of appreciation were

offered, an honor song was provided by Woodland Singers, a

ribbon cutting ceremony was held, and Hors d’oeuvres and

refreshments were served in the new Event Center.

Larry Denomie III, General Manager of Ojibwa Casinos,

said, “Welcome to the new Ojibwa Casino Marquette! Before I

turn the MIC over to the President of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, I want to express my sincere gratitude to

everyone who has been involved in this historical undertaking

for our Community.

As many of you know, the Community’s intentions were to

build its new facility at the former airport property in Negaunee

Township. Over 15 years and hundreds of thousands of dollars were invested into that site. The decision to plant our flag

here, in Harvey, came as a result of the lack of cooperation

and support from Michigan’s former Governor, Rick Snyder.

However, we are not here today to dwell on the past, we are

here today to celebrate the opening of this beautiful facility.

Continued on page two.

(1) Bezhig

Ojibwa Casino Marquette Soft Opening continued:

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Tribal Council,

past and present some of whom are here today. They have

long recognized the need to move their casinos into the future.

Their vision and dedication includes ensuring the valuable programs and services offered to its members continue and grow.

Our new casino was made possible through the support,

hard work, and dedication of many. I want to start by thanking

you; our trusted, loyal, and supportive customers. The investment by the KBIC into the Ojibwa Casinos was made possible

because of you, and we hope you enjoy all we have to offer

here as well in Baraga.

We also need to thank the voting membership of the KBIC.

Moving our projects forward would never have been possible

without the majority vote from them.

Our financial partners, who invested in our vision and have

supported our projects, include Fifth Third Bank and Superior

National Bank.

Our internal team, involved in seeing our projects through,

worked diligently to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable at times. We have learned so much along the way

that our Tribe is positioned well to push through to the next

phase that will include a hotel – which, unfortunately, was one

obstacle we weren’t able to overcome in phase I.

It’s also very important to recognize our external partners

who have been with us for decades in our wild ride of ideas,

locations, and obstacles. Our General Contractor, Gundlach

Champion, and all of their great staff have provided us with a

lot of support and advice along the way. They actually have a

closet at their offices with all of our former plans, renderings,

meeting notes, and so on. We are grateful for their hard work

and dedication toward seeing our projects through. The

Cuningham Group of Minneapolis is the design and engineering firm that has developed what you see and feel today. They

too have been along on this ride over the decades. This project is somewhat ahead of schedule because of all of the subcontractors brought on board by Gundlach, too many to list today. We greatly appreciate their dedication toward exceeding

the projected opening of our new casino.

Lastly and even most importantly, I personally want to

thank our amazing staff, past and present. They have been

such troopers in ensuring we were able to open today. That

goes for every department and every employee who has

worked tirelessly over this past week, especially as well as the

12 plus months of construction, to get where we are today –

without you, none of this would have been possible – Thank

You!

Finally, and as you can see or may have heard, we aren’t

at 100% yet. I apologize in advance for some technical issues

we are working through. We will also be finalizing installation

of our digital media project, as well as opening our new restaurant, the Marquette Tavern, in late January to early February.

Our restaurant has been designed by and the menu created

by Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s BBQ. Once we

are at 100% we will host a Grand Opening event and it’s tentatively scheduled for April of 2020 – we hope to see you then

and many times before.

Before we complete the ceremonial ribbon cutting, I’d like

to introduce our Tribal Council President, Chris Swartz, who

will share some thoughts with you this morning as well. Once

the ribbon cutting ceremony is complete, we have some or

hors d’oeuvres and refreshments in our new Event Center –

please join us and again, thank you.”

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. recognized the Tribal

Council present at today’s event. President Swartz said,

“Today is the collaboration of a lot of hard work. We are very

proud of our new casino and we hope everyone agrees this is

a brand new facility that has been designed for your enjoyment. Today, we are seeing the first tribe issued a Casino

Gaming License a few decades ago. Since then, we’ve come

a long way. I can remember when I came back from the U.S.

Air Force and there was a casino in a two-car garage in my

home town of Zeba. That was the first casino ever in Indian

Gaming. Since then, Indian Gaming has been a huge asset

and a funding source for tribal governments. It is now a 35billion dollar operation, and with that said, we are able to provide many services to our members that we were unable to do

in the past. Indian Gaming has been a huge asset for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Since that two-car garage,

we have expanded, as you can tell. We are here today opening our new casino and Indian Gaming here in Marquette is in

the best interest for both of our communities as we prepare

for generations to come and allow us to support the local com(2) Niizh

munity and continue to move forward. None of this could

have happened without the support of our employees, contractors, and all who have been a part of this endeavor. We

really appreciate them. The Baraga Casino and the new

members of our team who have been trained are ready to

serve our most important assets, our guests. Miigwech from

the entire Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Welcome and

Merry Christmas. We hope to see you all here on New

Years’ Eve for our first big event and that you will be able to

take part at the Ojibwa Casinos of Baraga and Marquette.”

THE KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

ANNOUNCES THEIR RECENT GAMING DISTRIBUTIONS

2% Distributions and 8% Payments

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, 2019, through September 30, 2019,

the total to be distributed to local units of government in Baraga

County, which was derived from the Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga, was $139,372.65. The payments approved by Tribal

Council for this distribution are as follows:

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

$ 34,219.28

$ 41,196.47

$ 13,784.52

$ 10,000.00

$ 10,596.92

$ 5,000.00

$ 20,561.20

$ 2,317.63

$ 1,696.63

Distributions totaling $174,984.69 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/Hospitality House of the U.P.

City of Marquette/YMCA

Chocolay Township/Fire, Police, PW, Community,

Water Tower

Marquette County/Planning Div. 2040 Master Plan

Region Rallies

Marquette County/Land Bank Auth. — Home

Heating and Appliance

Marquette County/Health Dept. — Dental

Outreach Programs

Marquette County/Lake Superior Life Care

Hospice Adult Services

Marquette County/Health Dept. — Suicide

Prevention Alliance

Marquette County/Community Action Alger

Marquette Meals on Wheels

Marquette County/Superior Watershed Partnership

Marquette County/Aging Services — Retired and

Senior Volunteer Program

Marquette County/Marquette Transit Bus

Transportation Program

Marquette Area Public Schools/Title VII Native

American Education

Forsyth Township/Police Vehicle

Forsyth Township/T.E.A.M. ATV’s

Onota Township/U.P. Central Trails

$ 10,000.00

$ 6,000.00

$ 76,000.00

3,000.00

$ 15,000.00

2,000.00

5,000.00

2,500.00

5,000.00

2,500.00

$ 6,800.00

$ 21,684.69

$ 2,500.00

$ 10,000.00

Eight percent (8%) payments are made to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The November 2019 distribution

for the Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga totaled $557,490.62 and

$699,938.71 for the Ojibwa Casino-Marquette.

The next cycle of awards will be made in May 2020. Local units

of government within Baraga or Marquette Counties may apply.

Written requests received before March 31, 2020, will be considered.

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen Blaker, KBIC Tribal Council Treasurer

KEWEENAW BAY OJIBWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HOLDS 1ST ANNUAL POWWOW

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

VIP’s: (left to right): Leon Chosa, Head Male Dancer; Mia Goggleye, Head Female Dancer; Rodney

Loonsfoot, Head Veteran Dancer; Deija Dakota, Miss Keweenaw Bay; Sara DeCota, Miss Junior Keweenaw Bay; Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Members - Dan Garceau, Diane Jondreau, Joe Eckerberg,

Jerry Mayo, George DeCota, and Donald Chosa, Jr.

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 56 students were placed on the Honor Roll

for the first marking period of the 2019-20 academic year:

Baraga – Breyelle Bowers, Tayliana Bryan, Daniel Connor,

Jr., Robert Curtis, Connor Dakota, Tyler Dakota, Alexxus DeCota, Allison Durant, Dhanya Ekdahl, Noah Evans, Richard

Geroux, Jr., Bailey Harden, Jalisa Heath, Wyatt Hebert, Rylee

Holm, Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Jayla Isaacson,

Breanna Jondreau, Charlotte Jondreau, Layla Loonsfoot,

Nikira Maki, Steven Maki, Kylie Michaelson, Avery Miller, Virgil

Mongozid, Leeah Owens, Madden Owens, Kylie Peterson,

Brooklyn Rajacic, Presley Rasanen, Alana Schofield, Logan

Shalifoe, Tyler Shalifoe, Javon Shelifoe, Kayla Szaroletta, and

Robert Webb-Grisham.

L’Anse – Dysean Allen, Erica Bartle, Jace Chosa, Tokala

Chosa, Deija Dakota, Kydan Dean, Jonah Dowd, Robert Genschow, William Genschow, Payton LeClaire, Rion Maki,

Tianna Pillsbury, Willow Rexford, Alicia Stein, Mariana Teikari,

Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe.

Marquette – Aden Hamalainen.

The following 63 students received awards for achieving

Perfect Attendance:

Baraga – Ethin Awonohopay, Kamerin Awonohopay, Breyelle

Bowers, Daniel Connor Jr., Robert Curtis, Conner Dakota,

Sara Dakota, Tyler Dakota, Lealynd Dunleavy, Starr

Dunleavy, Allison Durant, Kruze Ekdahl, Madyson Evans,

Noah Evans, Destiney Gauthier, Octavia Geroux, Reed Geroux, Richard Geroux, Jr., Rylee Holm, Jayla Isaacson, Sayge

Johnson, Steele Jondreau, Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin

Kahkonen, Adrianna Kyllonen, Aaliyah Loonsfoot, Layla

Loonsfoot, O’Dell Loonsfoot, Steven Maki, Kevin McIntyre,

Virgil Mongozid, Presley Rasanen, Alana Schofield, Logan

Shalifoe, Tyler Shalifoe, Caleb Smith, Jacob Smith, Deklin

Swartz, Kayla Szaroletta, and Robert Webb-Grisham.

L’Anse – Dysean Allen, Neldelya Chosa, Tokala Chosa,

Brady Curtis, Alice Curtis, Deija Dakota, Kydan Dean, Derek

DeCota, Jr., Kiera DeCota, Kaylee Forcia, Kobe Forcia, Brendon Friisvall, Nathan Friisvall, Chase Larson, Payton LeClaire,

Leeland Meador, Hunter Picard, Michael Rothenberger, Xander Seppanen, Matthew Stein, and Cassandra Zasadnyj.

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe and Destinee Stanton.

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College held their 1st

Annual Powwow on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the Niiwin

Akeaa Facility in Baraga, Michigan.

Grand Entry was held at 1:00 p.m.

with Rodney Loonsfoot, Head Veteran leading the Wiikwedong

Ogichidaa Society Honor Guard into

the arena for Grand Entry and posting of the colors. Woodland Singers served as Host Drum and were

assisted by invited drum Four Thunders. Mitch Bolo, emcee, did a

great job keeping everyone informing of the events. Arena Directors,

Raistlin Awonohopay and Bryan

Welsh were assisted by Virgil

Loonsfoot and Braedon Butterfield.

The KBOCC Powwow was a

learning process and organized by

students of Christine Awonohopay’s

AS202 Powwow Planning and Management class. The class had 15weeks to raise funds for the event.

The organizers are very appreciative of the donations made by the

Community that made it possible to

hold their 1st Annual Powwow.

ATTENTION: ALL TRIBAL COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial

Fishing Licenses for the Year 2020-2021 Commercial

Fishing Season are available at the Motor Vehicle/

Licensing Department located in the Tribal Center. The

new license year will begin: May 1, 2020. Applications

must be returned to the Motor Vehicle/Licensing Office

by: Friday, February 7, 2020. 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 before issue of a license. 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.

A message to our Community

“After 29 years of

serving on the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community

Tribal

Council, I decided not

to run for re-election.

I thank all of you for

your

support

and

good wishes.

Our

Tribe will remain as a

special part of my life.

The best things in

life are the people we

care about, the places

we’ve been, and the

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

me m o r i e s

we ’ v e

Mike and Susan LaFernier

made along the way.

Susan and I wish you many happy, healthy New

Years! Miigwech!”

Mike LaFernier, Sr.

(3) Niswi

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.

Michael Miron, case #19-113, §3.1112, Shoplifting – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/18/2019, #19-113, §3.1112:

1. Fine $250.00.

2. Ten days jail, 10 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant shall be financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Witness fees of $57.22 for the cost of bench trial.

4. Three to six months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if

any.

5. Defendant shall report a minimum of one time a month in person

to the probation office and as scheduled by the probation department.

Michael Miron, case #19-132, §3.608, Obstruction of process – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/18/2019, #19-132, §3.608:

1. Fine $250.00.

2. Thirty days jail, 30 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant shall be financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Six to twelve months of standard alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if

any.

4. Twenty-four hours of community service.

5. Defendant shall report a minimum of one time a month in person

to the probation office and as scheduled by the probation department.

Wiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society News

The Wiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society (KBIC Veterans)

joined KBOCC in their inaugural Powwow at the Niiwin Akeaa

Center on December 7, 2019. In addition to providing

the honor guard,

Rodney Loonsfoot

served as Head

Veteran and Stan

Spruce

offered

words of remembrance

for

the

Japanese

attack

on Pearl Harbor as

the event fell on

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

the 78th anniverWiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society participates at sary of that tragic

the 1st Annual KBOCC Powwow.

event.

Wiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society (KBIC Veterans) members

continue to support the Baraga County Honor Guard in providing military rites for deceased Veterans. In addition to the

Tribe’s Veterans, the American Legion Posts 444 in Baraga

and Post 144 in L’Anse comprise the group which is authorized by Department of Defense to conduct the rites. Despite

consisting of three Veterans groups decreased membership

and participation in all the groups make conducting each service a challenge. The group participated in three funerals

over the last four weeks including one just prior to the KBOCC

Powwow.

Sam Loonsfoot, case #19-138TNR, §10.502, Hunting and

trapping license – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/18/2019, #19-138TNR, §10.502:

1. Fine $100.00. Must be paid within 90 days.

Michael Schofield, case #19-131, §3.202, Assault and battery (domestic) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/18/2019, #19-131, §3.202:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, credit for 11 days jail served, 90

days jail shall be served, 79 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall obtain a new substance abuse screening and

shall follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully discharged.

4. Defendant shall obtain a mental health assessment and shall

follow the recommendations of the assessment until successfully discharged.

5. Defendant shall complete a DAIP, anger management counseling, or equivalent.

6. Defendant is responsible for any restitution, if any, and shall be

paid through the Court Clerk’s office. VOCA shall obtain the

amount of restitution within 30-days and report to the probation

office.

7. Twelve to eighteen months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT

testing, if any.

8. Defendant shall report a minimum of one time a month in person

to the probation office and as scheduled by the probation department.

George Gauthier, case #19-114, §3.1706, Controlled substance (sale, buprenorphine) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 11/20/2019, #19-114, §3.1706:

1. Fine $1,000.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 90 days jail shall be served, 90

days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms

of probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Twelve to twenty-four months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant

shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT

testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the probation office within 24-hours of

release from jail.

(4) Niiwin

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Members of Wiikwedong Ogitchidaa Society and the American Legion

Posts 444 in Baraga and Post 144 in L’Anse.

Adjutant Rodney Loonsfoot is

Baraga County Toys for Tots

Coordinator.

Rodney, along

with Donald and Karlene Chosa,

shopped at Walmart on two occasions buying gifts for Toys for

Tots. Utilizing the $5,400 donated from the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community and the 15%

discount Walmart gave, they

purchased $6,000 in toys for

tots..

The Veteran group sorted the

gifts for Baraga County families

in need on December 14, 2019.

Vice Commander Donal d Toy distribution throughout

Chosa, Jr. organizing toys into Baraga County was done on

categories.

December 15, 2019.

January 2020 Calendar:



Jan. 1 — Gov’t. Offices closed for New Years Holiday;

Jan. 4 — Quarterly Council Meeting, Big Bucks Bingo Hall, 9

a.m.;

Jan. 10 — Constitution Committee

Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Tribal Center;

Jan. 25 — Midwinter Powwow, Niiwin

Akeaa Facility, 1:00 p.m.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

event. License Fee will be waived when

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

the application is received within this timeline.

KBIC SENIORS - TAX PREPARATION

REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Eligible Seniors: Enrolled KBIC Members 55 years of age and older

residing in Baraga County or on the Marquette Trust property.

How the Program Works: Eligible seniors will receive reimbursement up to $100 for their 2019 tax return preparation. This year’s

program also provides reimbursement up to $26 for completion of

your 2019 Home Heating Credit return.

To qualify for reimbursement, eligible seniors must use a tax preparer who has been issued a Preparer Tax Identification Number

(PTIN) by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Lake Superior Community Development Corporation and

Sally Snyder are excluded from the program.

To receive your reimbursement, please turn in your original receipt

to Sheila Royal, Administrative Specialist, in the CEO’s Office. Please allow up to 10 business days for payment processing. (Reimbursement for personal returns only, business returns

are not covered.)

(5) Naanan

KBIC YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTIES HELD

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Youth Programs

held two KBIC Youth Christmas parties for the Community’s

youth.

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, our youth located in the

Marquette/Harvey area attended their party at the Marquette

Children's Museum, at 6:00 p.m. The children were able to

visit with Santa and received either a gift or a gift card. Jett’s

Pizza was served and the children were able to participate in

the museum’s activities.

On Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2019, Baraga area

youth participated in their Christmas party at the Niiwin Akeaa

Facility. Children visited with Santa and received a gift or gift

card. Dominoes Pizza was served and participants were able

to take a horse drawn wagon ride.

Marquette Party

All Santa pictures by Lauri Denomie.

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

Mitchell Fulsher visited with Santa and his elf.

Kennedy Perrault excitedly accepted her gift from Santa.

Eila Hurdman told Santa her Christmas list.

Addison Perrault had a very nice visit with Santa.

Santa Claus closely listens as Maija Voet gave her Christmas List.

Peyton Peterson enjoyed her visit with Santa.

Brenik and Loraya Kangas pose with Santa.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Micah Hill braved the picture event with Santa.

Adilynn Shelafoe visits with Santa.

Baraga Party

Aaliyah Maki told Santa she’s been a very good girl this year.

Connor family visited with Santa, making sure he got their Christmas lists.

Kane Peterson enjoyed his time with Ole St. Nicholas.

Xander Seppanen made sure Santa had his list.

Aleah Chosa had a very nice visit with Mr. Claus.

Paige Cote was very excited with her gift.

Destiney Gauthier certainly loved her gift.

Dayella Picard enjoyed her time with Mr. Claus.

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.

Dalton Francois poses with Santa Claus.

Kahrin Boyd isn’t quite sure of Ole St. Nicholas.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION HELD IN HONOR OF

AMY ST. ARNOLD AFTER 43 YEARS SERVING

THE KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

cate for our Native students through RAP sessions. Amy

also has made sure that each year the graduating seniors are

honored by hosting a wonderful banquet, so the Community

can celebrate our young people’s accomplishments. She

keeps a local library for employees in the breakroom and

oversees our Community Library that is located in downtown

Baraga. She has successfully written several grants to help

fund the books and Library Services many people enjoy. On

a personal note, Amy also sold me my first cool car, a Toyota

Celica. Amy, you will be missed. Miigwech for all you have

done for the Tribe.”

Educational staff (pictured above) and other Community members joined

Amy St. Arnold, Education Director, for a celebration of her retirement after

43 years of service at KBIC. Front (left to right), Beth Dix, Amy St. Arnold,

Liz Badke, Jennifer Westman, (back row) Helen Jondreau and Shellie Pascoe.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held a retirement

celebration on Thursday, December 19, 2019, to honor Amy

St. Arnold as she retires. The retirement luncheon was held at

the KBIC Tribal Center.

Sarah Smith, CEO, said, “Amy graduated from Baraga High

School in 1971, and obtained her Liberal Arts Degree from

Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois, in 1972. She attended

Lake Superior State College for Psychology and Sociology,

and later the Ojibwa Community College for Government and

Behavior Modification. Amy has worked for the Tribe for 43

years and 4 months as of December 2019. She has held many

different positions within her career. She began her career as

a clerk typist at Michigan Technological University Admissions

Office in October of 1972. She then moved on to be a secretary at Lake Superior State College in their Psychology Department. She was an Economic Developer for the Inter-Tribal

Council of Michigan in 1972. Amy then began working for the

tribe as the Johnson O’Malley Coordinator part-time in 1997.

She was the Bookkeeper for the Elderly Nutrition Program from

September 1983 to April 1984. She was the Adult Education

Director from July 1985 through June 1986. From May of 1986

to September 2001, Amy was the Director of Higher Education.

From May of 1988 through June 1990, she also managed the

Print Shop. Amy was part-time Assistant CEO from October

1998 to November 2002. From November 2002 to January

2003, she was the Librarian. January 2003 to present, she has

been our Education Director. In other capacities, she has

served as a member of the Keweenaw Bay Education Committee, Inc., the Baraga Education Support Team, Indian Child

Welfare/Juvenile Justice Committee, and the Hiring/Personnel

Committee. She served for a total of 15 years on the Council

from 1989 to 2003. For thirteen of those years, she was the

Treasurer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Council.

Amy’s contribution to this Community includes starting

many educational programs for providing encouragement for

our Tribe to further their education. She developed a program

for the youth, allowing them to receive an incentive for perfect

attendance and honor roll. Amy has championed obtaining tutors in the local schools for high school and later elementary

students. She also started the college intern program. As part

of her department, a GED tutor is provided for those not completing their high school diplomas. In order to further educational opportunities, Amy has formed partnerships with outside

organizations including Northern Michigan University, KBOCC,

Baraga Schools, L’Anse Schools, and L’Anse/Baraga Community Schools. Currently, Amy administers the Student Sovereignty Fund, Ann Misegan Scholarship, Loan Forgiveness Program, Senior Scholarship, Merit, Forestry, and BIA Scholarship. Amy has also faithfully kept the Tribe apprised of the

changes occurring with the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, giving updates through attending, participating, and reporting on

the Education Directors’ meetings. She also works with the

local schools and at a state level in reviewing historical information to make sure it is in line with our Tribal Community.

She meets with the local schools on a regular basis to advo(8) Ishwaaswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Officer Justin Wonch began employment with the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department as a part-time officer

assigned to the Harvey, Michigan location on December 10,

2019. Shown above Chief Judge William W. Jondreau, Sr.

congratulates Justin as he took his Oath to protect and

serve the people of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Face-to-Face Crisis Response Available

Dial Help’s Mobile Response Team (MRT) was

launched in 2017, offering face-to-face crisis support during regular business hours in the four-county area

(Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon). These

hours have been expanded to seven days a week, 9 a.m.

to 9 p.m. Organizations and schools can request the

MRT to intervene with clients or students who are in crisis. Community members can also request MRT services for themselves, friends, or loved ones in crisis.

“The MRT serves a lot of youth through the schools,

but we’re also available after school and on weekends.”

said Kara Eastling, LLPC and counselor at Dial Help.

“Our MRT workers meet the person in crisis in a public

space or in their home, and work with them to process

the crisis and develop a plan to get through it. We serve

adults in addition to local youth. Having that face-to-face

option can make a big difference in helping someone feel

supported.”

To request MRT services, call (906) 482-HELP OR

800-562-7622. To learn more, visit www.DialHelp.org

or call (906) 482-9077. The Mobile Response Team is

funded by Portage Health Foundation, with after-hours

services funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Foundation, and Superior Health Foundation.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020)

Paul J. Lahti

(August 21, 1940—December 16, 2019)

Paul J. Lahti, age 79, of L’Anse, MI, passed away Monday, December 16, 2019,

at his home. He was born in L’Anse on August 21, 1940, the son of the late Toivo

and Stella (Vashaw) Lahti. Paul attended school in Baraga. He drove logging truck

in his earlier years and retired from CCI. He was a member of Sacred Heart

Catholic Church, L’Anse, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the former

Eagles Club. Paul enjoyed going to the Eagles and the Jack O’Lantern for a beer

and hunting. His favorite past time was mowing his lawn.

Paul is survived by his loving family, brother: James “Jim” (Rhonda) Lahti of

L’Anse; sister: Elvera Lantz of L’Anse; nephews and nieces: Jesse (Abby) Lahti of

L’Anse, Malisha Maki of L’Anse, Mindy Lantz of Elo, and Don (Karina) Lantz of Marquette; grand nieces and nephews: Kaylee, Ty, Deegan, Talan, Miah, Megan,

Anna, Emberlee, Donovyn, Larry, and Aubreigh; and his cousin Sharon Tammelin.

Several close friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services for Paul will be held in the Assinins Cemetery in the spring.

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

*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

$1,005

$160

$1,165

$1,354

$160

$1,514

$1,702

$160

$1,862

$2,050

$170

$2,220

$2,399

$199

$2,598

$2,747

$228

$2,975

$3,095

$228

$3,323

$3,444

$228

$3,672

Steven Michael Ghiardi

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

Each additional member

+ $349

Alaska:

Use this

amount

(August 21, 1964—December 18, 2019)

Steven Michael Ghiardi, age 55, of S. River Dr., Gwinn, Michigan, passed away

unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019, at his home.

Steve was born August 21, 1964, in Ishpeming, Michigan, to John E. ‘Jack’ and

JoAnn M. (Mayo) Ghiardi, and graduated from Gwinn High School, Class of 1983.

He was employed for a short time at Big Boy in Marquette, Michigan, until his

health prevented him from working.

Steve was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn, the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community and a proud member of AA where he enjoyed support from

his fellow members and friends. He was avid sports fan, especially cheering for the

Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers, and listening to high school sports on the radio.

Steve loved woodworking and his daily walk to the post office.

Surviving are his loving mother: JoAnn Ghiardi; his sister: Jodi (Jeremy) Smith of

Marquette; nephew: Tyler (Kendra) Smith; aunts: Barbara, Dorothy, Karen, and

Dolores Mayo, and Marlene Damgaard; uncle: John (Doris) Mayo; numerous cousins; and his special canine companion, Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his father in 2014; his brother: Mark Ghiardi in

1966; and uncles: Bill, Bob, Donald, and Ulie Mayo.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2019, at

St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Allen Mott officiating. Burial will be in the

Gwinn Cemetery. The family will greeted relatives and friends in St. Anthony’s

Baraga Room prior to the 11:00 a.m. service. The family was assisted by the Koskey Funeral Home of Negaunee, Michigan.

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS—Now what to eat?

By Dr. Dale Schmeisser

Most of us change our eating habits over

the six week period from Thanksgiving to

New Year’s. (Some extend it all the way to

SuperBowl, more on that later). We love to

be generous with each other—celebrating

family and friends with gifts and good company.

That usually extends to being

“generous” with food, too. It’s a fact of life,

there’s no reason to feel guilty about it, and by all means don’t

go into punishment mode when the holidays are over. If you

gained a few pounds or found that your blood sugars didn’t

quite stay in your goal range, the post-holiday calm can help

restore your confidence and a healthful eating pattern. Feeling better is often the result. Here are some ideas for getting

back on track:

Empty the cabinets and fridge of the extra sweets and high

calorie snack foods that are left over. If you do a lot of baking,

you may find that there’s a whole container of cookies left in

the freezer. You’ll have an easier time getting back on track if

you move them out of the house altogether, except for a few.

Don’t depend on willpower to resist, your power comes from

deciding what’s in the house in the first place.

Make a point of increasing the amount of vegetables on the

plate at lunch and supper. Veggies tend to fill you up at a

lower calorie cost than the protein and starch, and because

they fill you up, they make it easier to opt for no dessert or a

lighter one. Here in the UP, fresh veggies can be expensive

in the winter. Frozen is a great choice, and if canned fits your

taste or your budget better, by all means open a can of green

beans, carrots, beets, or whatever suits you best. KBIC commodities now stocks salt-free canned vegetables, and they’re

available at the grocery stores as well. But if you’re using

regular canned vegetables, consider rinsing and cooking in

fresh water, this reduces sodium content by quite a bit.

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

$1,255

$273

$1,528

$1,691

$273

$1,964

$2,127

$273

$2,400

$2,563

$273

$2,836

$2,999

$273

$3,272

$3,435

$285

$3,720

$3,870

$285

$4,155

$4,306

$285

$4,591

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $436

Re-start a regular meal pattern. Over the holidays, timing

of meals and snacks can get out of whack: dinners at odd

times, parties where we eat late into the night. After January

1, try getting back to a regular pattern of eating. For most

people, three meals at regular intervals helps prevent getting

too hungry and then overeating, and in most cases improves

the overall balance of foods through the day. Some folks do

well with a snack or two, but they tend to be healthier snacks

and smaller when snacks are between meals rather than

when they are eaten instead of a meal.

Focus on sturdy foods. It’s cold out there, a cup of oatmeal or eggs and toast in the morning and a stew for supper

are just right for this time of year. You can find many recipes

for lighter versions of stews and casseroles online. Sometimes it’s simple to modify your own favorite recipes—use ½

the amount of oil to sauté, less cheese, add vegetables to a

casserole to boost the nutrition, decrease the calories per

serving. A crusty roll is a great substitute for a biscuit or garlic

bread.

A word about Superbowl: For many people the Superbowl

has become a major food holiday. Magazines are full of recipes for the game—no, for the whole weekend. Pre-game parties, Superbowl breakfast, lunch, and supper, snacks for the

game. (Really?) One news agency reported the most sought

-out Superbowl recipes from online searches. In 2019 the

most popular foods for Superbowl Sunday were chicken wings

and chili. But when they looked at individual states, they

found that folks in Illinois searched jalapeno popper recipes,

Mississipians searched granola bar recipes, North Carolinians

searched Cobb salad recipes, and people in Michigan

searched pizza recipes. My advice to my fellow Michiganders—chili is a great choice, especially if you add plenty of

beans. For the pizza, add lots of veggies on top, choose sausage or pepperoni, and offer a dish of veggies with dip or a

nice salad on the side. Or don’t, it’s one weekend, then

please reconsider the four previous tips. HAPPY 2020!!!

(9) Zhaangaswi

UNDERSTAND STALKING

ARE YOU BEING STALKED?

“Going to work, attending your kids

activities, going out for the evening…these things seem routine.

For me, they’re terrifying because I

never know what he will do or when

he will show up.”

Stalking is a series of actions that make you feel afraid,

distressed, or in danger.

Stalking is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time.

Are you…

 Always looking over your shoulder?

 Confused about how someone always seems to know

where you are?

 Unsure when that person will show up again?

 Nervous about checking your e-mail or phone because it

might be him/her/them again?

 Scared of what that person might do next?

~ Stalking Survivor

You may be a victim of stalking.

Stalking victims often feel scared, angry, annoyed, isolated, and/or confused.

WHO ARE STALKERS?

Most stalkers target people they know.

Many stalkers commit this crime against people who they’ve

dated/been romantically involved with. Stalkers may also be

acquaintances, family members, and/or strangers.

More than 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men

will be stalked in their lifetimes.

While most stalking victims are females and the majority of

perpetrators are male, anyone can be a victim or perpetrator

of stalking.

Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

WHAT DO STALKERS DO?

Most stalkers use multiple tactics to scare their victims. These

behaviors may include (but are not limited to):



Unwanted contact through repeated calls (including hangups), texts, e-mails, or messages.

Following you.

Sending unwanted gifts or letters.

Tracking you using technology (like GPS, apps, or hidden

cameras).

Showing up or waiting for you at your home, work, or

school.

Damaging your property.

Spreading rumors about you — in person or online.

Posting or sharing or threatening to post or share intimate photographs of you.

Harassing your co-workers, family, or friends.



Gathering information about you by using the internet or

going through your trash.

Hacking your accounts, changing your passwords, or impersonating you online.

Threatening to hurt you or those close to you — family,

friends, pets.

Other actions that control, track, or frighten you.

The stalking is not your fault and you cannot control the stalker’s behaviors.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BE SAFE?

RESOURCES

It can be helpful to think of strategies to help keep yourself

and loved ones safe. You may want to:

 Call 9-1-1 if you’re in imminent danger or have been

threatened.

 Trust your instincts. If you think that you’re in danger,

you probably are.

 Connect with a local victim service provider who can

help you explore options and make a detailed safety plan.

Not sure where to go? Call the hotlines listed under

“Resources.”

The stalking in not your fault and you cannot control the

stalker’s behaviors.

 Document everything that happens — keep a record or

log.

See stalkingawareness.org/what-to-do-if-you-arebeing-stalked/ for a sample log.

 Tell people you trust about the situation. See if your

school, workplace, or building security can help with your

safety plans.

 Consider getting a Court Order to keep the stalker away

from you. Contact your local domestic violence/sexual assault agency or family Court for more information.

 Learn more safety strategies at stalkingawareness.org.

VOCA, Wanda Seppanen

201-0200

TRANSITIONAL HOME 353-4599

(10) Midaaswi

If you do not know how to reach your local service provider, or

for additional assistance, you can contact the following hotlines:

Victim Connect

Victimconnect.org/

855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)

National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN.org

800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Thehotline.org

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

SPARC

Learn more at StalkingAwareness.org

This project was supported by Grant No.—2017TA-AX-K074 awarded by

the Office on 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.

Annual exams help keep an eye out for diabetes —