The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2019)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Ode’mini Giizis – Strawberry Moon - June 2019

Issue 179

RENOVATION CELEBRATION HELD AT OJIBWA CASINO

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for

the Baraga Ojibwa Casino Grand Reopening on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Pictured left to right are Warren “Chris” Swartz,

Jr. Tribal President, and Larry Denomie III,

Ojibwa Casinos General Manager.

Larry Denomie III reminded everyone,

“What we are celebrating here today

started 33-years ago in a small smoke-filled

room located in the Pressbox with four

blackjack tables. It was actually my first full

-time job out of high school. The growth we

have experienced has been made possible

through the continued support of our valued

guests, Tribal Leadership, and dedicated

employees both past and present. Our

mission is to provide our guests with an exceptional entertainment experience, a positive environment for our team members,

and prosperity for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and our local partners.

Giving back to the surrounding community

is also an important part of what we do.

Because of the community’s patronage, the

Tribe has been able to donate well over a

million dollars annually and provide critical

programs and services to our families, our

friends, and our neighbors. Additionally,

the Tribe’s annual payroll for 600 plus employees is approximately 18-million dollars.

A lot of which goes back into the economies where they live.

The investment being made to improve

the Ojibwa Casinos is historical for our

Tribe, nearly 50 million dollars. Of that

nearly seven million dollars has gone into

the Baraga Casino to improve the air quality, infrastructure system, and updating the

interior and exterior of the Casino as well

as a full revocation of the Lucky 7’s restaurant. There will be updates to the motel

and the Pressbox over the coming months.

The remainder of the investment is for our

new building at the Marquette Casino,

Ojibwa Casino II which will open this December (2019).

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Dale Goodreau

Randall R. Haataja

Kim Klopstein

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Rodney Loonsfoot

Elizabeth D. Mayo

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST



Ojibwa Casino Renovation

Celebration with public



KBOCC Graduation 2019



Education Incentive Awards



KBOCC STEM Program attends Space Camp



KBIC Health Systems Updates



KBIC Headstart 25th Graduation Held



Criminal Report



Deepest Sympathy

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Tribal President Warren “Chris”

Swartz, Jr. gave the toast. “To a wonderful celebration and with extreme gratitude to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and everybody who is making this

moment a great one! It’s been a long

time coming, and we look forward to providing you a new gaming experience.

Thank you.”

The event continued throughout the

night with Renovation Celebration Drawings.

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College Class of 2019

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

KBOCC Class of 2019 (left to right) Eva Lind, Zelina Huhta, Robin Roe, and Melissa Treadeau.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Tribal President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (right)

gave the Celebration Toast pictured with Ojibwa

Casinos’ Manager Larry Denomie III (left).

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College held their graduation on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, Michigan. KBOCC

issued associate degree diplomas to: Eva Lind for Associate of Arts/

Continues page two.

(1) Bezhig

KBOCC Gradation continued:

Anishinaabe Studies, and Zelina Huhta, Robin Roe, and

Melissa Treadeau for Associate of Science/Business Administration.

KBOCC offers four certificate programs which are approved by the Higher Learning Commission for Business, Office Systems, Environmental Science, and Criminal Justice

Corrections Certificate. Earning certificates were - Criminal

Justice Certificate: Damion Back, Nicholas Carter, Sam

Loonsfoot, Alex Johnson, and Peter Goodreau. Environmental Science: Ronald Tilson.

Lori Sherman, President, gave the welcome, and after

thanking the KBIC Honor Guard and the Four Thunders drum

for the Processional song and posting of the colors, she introduced Donald Chosa, Jr. for the Invocation. Donald Chosa, Jr.

is a newly elected member of the KBOCC Board of Regents.

He has 20 years of teaching experience at various colleges

and universities, the longest being Northern Michigan University. At NMU he was instrumental in developing the core

classes for the Native Studies Department. He has served on

a variety of professional boards and committees. Currently he

serves on the KBIC Enrollment Committee and is active with

the Ojibwa Senior Citizens. Presently Donald volunteers his

time helping his wife Karlene teach Anishinaabemowin at the

KBIC Pre-primary daycare.

Tribal President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the Council Address. “I am honored to be part of today’s graduation

ceremony. Today the College Graduates are a step closer to

their dreams and will soon be receiving the rewards for all the

hard work you’ve done. I wish you all courage as you step forward in the next chapter of your lives. For most, college is

challenging, but you’ve made it, and today you are graduating.

On behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, I take this

opportunity to wish you all the very best and may you have a

bright and prosperous future. Congratulations, we are very

proud of you, and we wish you great success in your future. It

shows that education is part of the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community, and we are honored to be able to offer you that.”

B. Louise Virtanen, Dean of Instruction, presented the

Dean’s List. These full-time students have completed 12 or

more credits, have no incompletes, no more than four credits

below the 100 level, and earned a semester GPA of between

4.0-3.5. Fall: Damion Back, Tiia Friisvall, Elizabeth Koski,

Bobbi Loonsfoot, Sophia Michels, Hope Minton, Melissa

Treadeau, Abigial Turpeinen, and Sydni Voakes. Spring:

Dana Awonohopay, Nicholas Carter, Dalene Chosa, Emily

Hella, and Meno Jondreau. Fall/Spring: Samantha Chagnon,

Kristen Dean, Jody Joki, Courtney Jones, Carisa LaFernier,

John Lusty, Tina Murry, Jennifer Smith, and Bryan Welsh.

The Honors list recognizes the achievements of full-time

students who have completed 12 or more credits, have no incompletes, no more than four credits below the 100 level and

who have earned a semester GPA of 3.49-3.0. Fall: Meno

Jondreau and Sky Loonsfoot. Spring: Daniel Curtis, Donald K.

Denomie, Jr., and Sean Spruce. Fall/Spring: Terri Curtis and

Alexis Mantta.

Scholastic Achievements recognizes the accomplishments

made by part-time students who have no incompletes, no

courses below the 100 level and who have earned a semester

GPA of 3.25 and above. Fall: Mckenzie Barrett, Mary

Barnette, Cheryl Bogda, Sam Loonsfoot, Derek Meleen, Nicole

Soli, and Ronald Tilson. Spring: Raistlin Awonohopay, Dylan

Friisvall, Payton Hulkkonen, Shelly Harrison, Ayeasha Kokko,

Elizabeth Koski, Eva Lind, Joann Pennock, Marsha Pharr,

Robin Roe, Courtney Tembreall, Madelyn Turpeinen, and Jessica Wickstrom. Fall/Spring: Elizabeth Connor, Jaycie Forcia,

Nicholas Gehring, Abigail LaForest, Victoria

Rajala, and Janna Magnant.

Sophia Michels received the Student of the

Year Award. Meno Jondreau received the Outstanding

Fre sh man

Award.

Hope Mintron

r e c e i ve d

t h e

Zoongide’ewin Award.

The Faculty Member of

B. Louise Virtanen, Dean of Instruction, the Year Award was

(left) with Cecilia Mitzi Marcotte, Instructor,

given to Cecilia Mitzi

Faculty Member of the Year (right).

Marcotte.

(2) Niizh

Departmental Awards were given to: Courtney Jones

(Anishinaabe Studies), Jody Joki (Business Administration),

Jennifer Smith and Abby Turpeinen (Early Childhood Education), John Lusty (Environmental Science), Emily Hella

(Liberal Studies Freshman), Dalene Chosa (Liberial Studies

Transfer), Damion Back (Corrections), and Sarah Kagabitang

(Liberal Studies Art Student).

Karen Colbert offered a musical selection. After which,

Melissa Treadeau, Valedictorian, gave the Graduating Class

Address.

Dr. Jill Hodges gave the Commencement Address. Dr. Jill

Hodges is a member of the KBIC and is a member of the

KBOCC Board of Regents. Jill received a Ph.D. in Rhetoric

and Technical Communications from Michigan Technological

University. She is retired from the position of Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Michigan Tech. Jill is currently

practicing mediation and restorative practices when called up.

She loves to hunt and fish which are skills that her father and

brother taught her as a young child. She is married to her

husband, Bill, and they have two children and one grandson.

Dr. Hodges said, “It is an honor to share some thoughts

with you today. Today will always be a memorable time for

you and for me. This is called commencement, which comes

from the word commence which means to begin. Which path

will you choose to begin today? My path has been very unconventional. After high school, I completed one year at

Michigan Tech. I would not take anything difficult because I

had no self-confidence that I could manage what I considered

difficult topics. So I quit. When I was 44-years-old, I realized

that I needed to go back to school. I went back to Michigan

Tech and got a degree in High School English Education. I

got involved in AISES, which is a great organization, and I

met Lori Sherman. Upon graduation I accepted a position in

the writing center at Michigan Tech. As I was there working

full-time, I just kept going to school. I liked going to school. I

figured that out after I kind of freaked out in the 70’s. I received a master’s in 2005, and I kept going to school, kept

working, and got a Ph.D. in 2010. In the summers, I was

asked to do some sexual prevention work. I did not know anything about that. So I went back to school to learn about sexual harassment prevention education. That led me to being

asked to take a position at the President’s office. My path

took crazy turns. I made some mistakes. I made some bad

choices. I made some really good choices. I met a lot of

great people.

I’d like to share seven things that I have learned on the

path so far and probably a thousand. Remember to always

see others. I don’t mean to just look at other people and your

thoughts about them. When you saw me, you had thoughts

about me; immediate judgments about me. That maintains

what you hear today because hearing it through those opinions that you formed about me right when you saw me. We

have to stop sometimes, pause, and really see the person

who is in front of us. I call these my opinion or judgment

glasses, and sometimes, I have to take them off. Without

knowing we cover everything through our thoughts. So stop

trying to see through your judgments of things, whether it’s a

job, an opportunity, or a career. Try to be quiet inside and not

give your response immediately until you have had time to see

that job or opportunity for what it is without your opinions covering what you see.

Second — don’t feed your stress. You may have heard

this teaching. A grandfather was talking to his granddaughter

and said there are two wolves inside of us that always battle.

One is a good wolf and that represents things like kindness,

bravery, humility, and love. The other is a bad wolf which

represents greed, hatred, jealousy, and fear. The granddaughter stops and says, “So grandfather, which one wins.”

The grandfather quietly says, “The one we feed.” As we know

stress is an inevitable part of life. We can learn from intelligent choices to not make things worse for ourselves. There is

many things in life over which we have no control. But choosing how to handle stressful situations is in your and my control. We don’t have to be victims. Much of which we consider

negative stress can be redirected if we choose not to feed the

stress. We have to find a place of shelter to calm our minds.

The shelter might be taking a walk, shutting the phone off, and

by not talking on-line about what stresses because there has

been research on that. The more you talk about your stress

on-line, the more stress you get. What we have to do is walk

in beauty as the Navajo say. Please pay attention to what’s

around you and who is around you. We miss so much of what

is around us right now by incorrectly putting our trusts in

things like internet connections. The connection should be

between us as human beings, individuals. When we are in a

difficult position with someone else, always ask yourself how

have I contributed to this situation. Again research finds 95%

of conflict comes from both parties in some way, shape, or

form. How might have I contributed to the conflict that I might

be in right now? I’ve done something; I just have to realize

what that is. So we can take control of how we respond to

stress and sometimes that is the only thing we can control.

Third — fail harder. Strange saying. My son worked for a

company awhile back. They had that saying on their wall.

What looks like weakness is actually where your strength lies.

What looks like strength, sometimes that’s over-confidence

which is an attempt to cover up fear. If you don’t try, you’re

never going to fail, and then you will never learn. Back in

1972, I failed an Economic class. I retook that course many

years later, and I got a good grade in that class. I learned that

I could trust myself, I was a capable woman who could succeed. It has been said there are three kinds of people. Those

who make things happen, those who watch things happen,

and those that think what happened. Which type would you

like to be known for?

Fourth — Acknowledge that sometimes we have no idea

where our path is going or even where our path is. We can

become blind to that path, and sometimes we get trapped into

thinking too strongly that we do know where we are going.

Especially if we are driven by self-ambition, and we want certain things very badly. That is a type of blindness. We think

we know where we are and where we are going, but we don’t

know as much as we think. We have to admit at times that we

have no idea which direction to go. At these times we have to

remain open to help from unexpected places. Sometimes we

have to ask for help. Help has come to me from people who

have entered my life in unexpected ways. Some of my jobs

have come from connections with others that I never expected. Opportunities have come to me when I felt stuck,

blocked, my face was up against a wall. Help came. I pray a

lot, and I know that the Creator has pushed a lot of my wants

aside as they weren’t good for me at the time. Have you ever

seen the movie, Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey? Jim Carrey

calls himself Bruce Almighty because God, Morgan Freeman,

decided to give Jim Carrey his power. So now Jim Carrey has

God’s power. God went on a little vacation. Jim Carrey is

tired of listening to everybody’s voices asking for all these

things that they want. He decides to just give everybody everything that they want. The world falls apart. Everything starts

collapsing and falling apart. He asked God, what happened?

God said human beings do not know what they want. I found

that to be very powerful and very true. We don’t know. We

think we do. When I ask for what I want, I stay open to help

from unexpected places and in unexpected ways. I have experienced help in ways that I never imagine. Always remain

open. Never burn a bridge, you don’t know where the help will

come from. I’ve got help from people that I’ve encountered

many years before.

Fifth — be quiet. It’s hard to do in this day and age, to be

quiet. Quiet means turning things off, including your mind.

Just be quiet and spend some time with you. We live in a

paradise here, truly. There are so many places that we can

go to be alone to pay attention to our thoughts, to be more in

touch, and to absorb the choices we can make and their consequences down the road. I’ve made some choices not thinking of the consequences. You have to do that. We have to

learn to trust the present moment; to not look back and not

look to the future just to hear now. You can trust this moment.

Our lives are made of these moments. Take the time to get

quiet, you will discover a quietness within you that comes a

nurturing place for kindness, courage, love, and compassion.

Feed these qualities in yourself, and you can trust those gifts.

Sixth — be generous. You are rich, that’s right. I’m not

specifically talking about monetary things or material things.

We can give from our best selves, our enthusiasm, our spirit,

our trust, our openness, our nonjudgmental attitudes, and our

presences. Our presences is so important. Sharing this

wealth first of all with yourself, honor yourself and then share it

with others. We all have a tremendous amount of gifts that

the Creator has given us. Share them and be generous with

them.

Seven — invite yourself to be happy. I know that sounds

strange, but invite yourself to be happy. Find joy in the world

around you. Recognize happiness, look for it because it is

here. It is all around us right now. Look around us right now

and roll around in it. You know like a dog gets down and rolls

around in something. Roll around in happiness. Ask yourself

daily, will I be the center of love and kindness today? It is

something I’m trying to practice. Will I be the center of love

and kindness today? In closing, I now see you are commencing on a journey. Remember when you don’t see clearly or

you encounter challenges, get quiet and breathe. Don’t respond right away. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from the failure. Ask for help from the Creator and from others. Do not

feed your stress. Be open to help from unexpected places

and in unexpected ways. Be generous in the giving of yourself and the gifts that you have and choose to be happy each

day. When we work on doing or remembering these things

daily, we feed the good wolf. Miigwech!”

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Conferring of Degrees for the four graduates: (above, left

to right) Melissa Treadeau, Associates of Science/Business

Administration, (Summa Cum Laude); Robin Roe, Associates

of Science/Business Administration, (Summa Cum Laude);

Zelina Huhta, Associates of Science/Business Administration,

(Cum Laude); and Eva Lind, Associate of Arts/Anishinaabe

Studies, Magna Cum Laude.

Donald Chosa, Jr. gave the closing prayer and blessing. A

feast followed for the graduates, families, friends, KBOCC

staff, and other visitors.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

To place an ad, submit an article, or relate information,

ideas, or possible articles contact: Lauri Denomie at

(906) 201-0263, or e-mail: newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

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 32 students were placed on the Honor Roll

for the third marking period of the 2018-19 academic year:

Baraga – Robert Curtis, Conner Dakota, Takoda Dunleavy,

Allison Durant, Dhanya Ekdahl, Noah Evans, Bailey Harden,

Jalisa Heath, Rylee Holm, Jayla Isaacson, Kamrin Kahkonen,

Keegin Kahkonen, Dana Kelly, Layla Loonsfoot, Steven Maki,

Jenna Messer, Kylie Michaelson, Addyson Rajacic, Presley

Rasanen, and Alana Schofield.

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

Dean, Christopher Genschow, Elsie Madosh, Rion Maki, Willow Rexford, Alicia Stein, Rachael Velmer, and Paige Zasadnyj.

Marquette – Aden Hamalainen.

The following 24 students received awards for achieving

Perfect Attendance:

Baraga – Robert Curtis, Sara Dakota, Tyler Dakota, Jayden

Denomie, Lealynd Dunleavy, Starr Dunleavy, Destin Gauthier,

Reed Geroux, Steele Jondreau, Kamrin Kahkonen,

Keegin Kahkonen, Dana Kelly, Presley Rasanen, and Robert

Webb-Grisham.

L’Anse – Dysean Allen, Deija Dakota, Kiera Dakota, Derek

DeCota Jr., Kiera DeCota, Kaylee Forcia, Kobe Forcia, Xander

Seppanen, and Prestan Stevens

Negaunee – Brayden Velmer.

(3) Niswi

MICHIGAN INDIAN ELDERS ASSOCIATION 2019

SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE

The Michigan Indian Elders Association (MIEA) is pleased to

announce that it will make available (3) $1,000 scholarships and

(6) $500 scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to at least

nine qualified students with the $1,000 scholarships being awarded

to top three qualified students, as determined by committee review

and lottery, if necessary. Each student must be currently enrolled

in a course of study at, or have a letter of acceptance from, a public college or university or technical school and must meet the following qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS – the student:

 Must be an enrolled member (copy of Tribal Card) or be a direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the MIEA

constituent Tribes/Bands (must be verified in writing by your

Tribal Enrollment Department).

 Must have successfully completed and passed all five General

Education Development (G.E.D.) equivalency tests with a minimum score of 40 and an average score of 45 and must possess a G.E.D. certificate; or must have graduated from an accredited high school with a 3.00 grade point average; or if currently enrolled at a college, university, or trade school, must

have an accumulated grade point average of 3.00.

 Must, except for special and extenuating circumstances, attend

college, university, or trade school on a full-time basis.

 Must complete the provided application form and submit it with

required supporting documentation, and the mailing must be

RECEIVED BY THE COORDINATOR postmarked no later

than June 15, 2019. (PLEASE NOTE, incomplete or late applications will not be considered).

An application form can be downloaded by visiting http://

michiganindianelders.org/students.php on the web. The application can also be obtained from the Tribal Education Department of

each of the constituent Tribes/Bands (includes Keweenaw Bay Indian Community).

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

Current Positions

Teaching Assistant

Part-time

Department

Closing Date

PrePrimary

06/03/2019

College Interns (KBIC Member) Temporary, Full-time Education

Open until filled

IT Help Desk Technician

Full-time

IT

Open until filled

Physician

Full-time

DHHS

Open until filled

On-going recruitment (open continuous):

Unit

Manager (Newday). (on-call positions): Cleaning

Person, Facility Attendant, Laborer, LPN, Prep Cook,

Natural Resource Technician, Nurse Practitioner,

OVW Unit Manager, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Receptionist/Clerical Worker, RN, and Van

Driver.

(4) Niiwin

For complete job announcement and application requirements contact: KBIC Personnel Department,

16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, Michigan, 49908.

(906) 353-6623, ext. 4176 or 4140, or visit us at

www.kbic-nsn.gov. For Casino jobs — Human Resources Office, Baraga (906) 353– 6623, Marquette

(906) 249-4200, ext. 205, or visit www.

Ojibwacasino.com.

KBIC Housing Home

Repair Program

The KBIC Housing Home Repair Program is now open.

The program has limited funds

and is run on a first come, first

serve basis. For more information and an application

please contact Natalie Mleko

at (906) 353-7117 ext .112.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

prior to your event. License Fee will be waived when the

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

application is received within this timeline.

Boozoo,

May is a very busy month for the Tribe’s Veteran’s Group

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Veterans). Foremost is

participating in the remembrances at local cemeteries over the

Memorial Day weekend. Also, with the good spring weather

comes the spring burials for those who walked on over the winter which means we’re assisting in one to two military funerals a

week in May and June.

Honoring these Veterans is becoming an increasing challenge. The Baraga and L’Anse American Legion Posts, many

years ago, formed an Honor Guard certified by Department of

Defense to conduct the military burial rites. Aging and declining

membership led them about a year ago to come to us asking

for help to which we agreed as without our few numbers the

services wouldn’t be possible. The average age of the honoring party is typically 70, with several members in their 80’s and

the youngest at 52.

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa faces the same challenges in an aging and less active membership as the American Legion and

Veteran’s of Foreign War Organizations. May also is usually

the beginning of the Powwow season with the group representing Keweenaw Bay Indian Community at regional Powwows. The carrying in and presenting of our Tribe’s Eagle Staff

and Flag and the U.S., Service and POW/MIA Flags at Powwows again honors those fallen veterans and demonstrates our

support to those of our people currently serving in the military to

defend us.

If you’re an honorably discharged Veteran and are interested, check out our Facebook page Wiikwedong Ogichidaa

Society or contact myself, George DeCota or Rodney Loonsfoot.

~ Miigwech, Joe Eckerberg

(5) Naanan

YOUTH INVOLVED WITH KBOCC STEAM OUTREACH PROGRAM ATTEND SPACE CAMP

On March 24, 2019, 14 students and staff from the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College STEM OUTREACH

Program flew to Huntsville, Alabama, to attend the Pathfinder

Family Camp. While they were there, they participated in a

myriad of activities designed to teach them how NASA astronauts train. The youth trained as a team and confronted mission scenarios with the use of their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through the week, our youth participated

in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted

from the NASA’s astronaut program. They learned about

space hardware, built a rocket, experienced launching a

simulated spaceflight mission, as well as developed their

communication and team building skills during various camp

challenges. Other activities included: training as an astronaut in the 1/6th gravity chair, the five degrees of freedom

simulator, and the multi-axis trainer! This is based on a

trainer that was used from NASA’s first manned space flight

program—the Mercury Program. It’s constructed of three

large concentric rings with a chair in the middle where

you sit. Then you get spun around and upside down as

the rings move inside each other. Each youth had a

blast trying it, they had to answer questions during their

spin to see if they could still continue their mission.

They also used a G-force simulator and took a ride on

the Moon Shot which simulates a blast into space. The

G-Force accelerator is a huge centrifuge which spins

you around to create a force equivalent to three G.

During this ride, even the most simplest moves is a lot

of work. The youth were also taught the history of the

NASA Space Program, as well as learning about the

upcoming ORION Mission to Mars. During their mission, they also experienced Space Station experiments

and learned what the astronauts did while they were on

board the Space Station. They grew their own food and

learned about the experiments astronauts complete during

their missions.

The Marshall Space Flight Center is home to the development of the Space Launch System and the most powerful

rocket designed to carry human explorers, their equipment,

and payloads deep into space, eventually bring us to Mars.

Rocket Park is home to 27 missiles and rockets and shows

the history and rise of the U.S. Space Program. It has lots of

facts and information regarding the launches of some of the

most historic space missions in history. Our youth enjoyed

learning about and looking at the artifacts in the museum.

During their time at the camp, they designed and won first

place for their mission patch. The youth designed and wrote

a statement regarding what they, as a team, believe in. It is

as follows:

“We are team Vega, from the Keweenaw Peninsula in

Michigan. This patch displays various tribal designs, showing

off our indigenous culture. The stars represent the 14 members of our team. The core of the patch is Turtle Island,

which represents Mother Earth. The colors within her back

symbolizes the four directions of the medicine wheel and are

accompanied by specific colors. The shapes on her shell

symbolizes race, religion, beliefs, and where we come from.

Our patch signifies that we as individuals can change the

world and everything in it as well as beyond it. We dare to

disturb the Universe. Chi-miigwech, Aho.”

They graduated, received their first place pin, and have a

memory for a lifetime. Space Camp has given our youth a

renewed interest in STEM fields! It was an amazing trip with

so much learning and knowledge gained.

KBIC HEADSTART GRADUATES 25TH CLASS

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Nineteen Head Start youth graduated as the Class of 2019 on

Friday, May 17, 2019. KBIC Head Start held their 25th Graduation

Ceremony at the Zeba Community Hall in Zeba, Michigan. Terri

Denomie, Center Director, welcomed all the young graduates, their

parents, families, and community members who attended on the

youngsters’ big day. The graduates performed five songs for their

audience: “Little Green Frog”, “Ambe Giiweda” (Row, Row, Row

Your Boat), “Skidamarink”, “Ojibwa Number Song”, and “I’m a Little

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Graduate”. The young graduates received a diploma and backpack

full of special gifts from KBIC Tribal Council Representative, Doreen

Blaker. Graduates are pictured above in no specific order: JR Bemis, Cleora Cote, Maiachi DeCota, Eliza Fudala, Aubree Hartzog,

Sayge Johnson, Hadley Klein, Kai Lahti, Madison LaPlante, Khloe

Loonsfoot, Brie Manning, Avery Marczak, Lillith Mares, Aubree

Messer, Mikah Pallas, Emma Rothenberger, Ahniyah Shalifoe,

Sadie Voakes, and Alexis Witz.

~ Submitted by Newsletter Editor.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

wishes our Ojibwa Seniors who are 80years and older in this month a very

Happy Birthday!

Please let our

Joan V. Antila

Enrollment Office

Betty J. Brickel

know if someone

Julia A. Cardinal

was missed or

Frederick Dakota

information

is

Kay E. Duncan

incorrect by call

Ralph C. Eckerberg (906)

353-6623,

Arla C. Flower

ext. 4111.

Patricia A. Hickman

~ Miigwech.

Lena Kuopus

Elizabeth J. Shirtz

“Youth is the gift of nature. But age is the

work of art.” ~ Garson Kanin

Think Spring! Spring Fling

Held in Baraga County

Baraga County’s Annual Spring Fling was

held Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the KBIC Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, Michigan. The

event was well attended and families received

free books, tote bags, balloons, and a number

of give-away items from over 20 booths. Children had the opportunity to play in the Bouncy

House, attend a Teddy Bear Clinic, get their

faces painted, take a strider bike course, and

participate in a number of other activities. The

Copper Country Great Start Collaborative along

with BHK Child Development organized the

event.

~ Submitted by Newsletter Editor.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(Left to right) Cousins: Sky Lewis and Jallena

Whiteman-Brunk participating at the BCMH Teddy

Bear Clinic.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

ITC-MTFAC provided MyPlate educational place

mats and displays as well as info on how long it

takes to work off a bad diet. For the craft, the kids

made lei necklaces they could snack on with pretzels, Cheerios, non-toxic noodles dyed with vinegar

and food coloring, and paper flowers. The kids

loved it! Pictured above,

(Left to Right) Aaliyah

L o o n sf oo t ,

K a dy n c e

Loonsfoot, and Amber

Soli. Booth attendants on

right: (standing) Kristy

Clisch, and Carol Seppanen.

Pictured to left, Brodie

Voakes spends time at an

activity booth with his father, Christopher Voakes.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

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

*The net monthly income standard for each household size

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

the applicable SNAP standard deduction.

48 Contiguous United

States:

Household

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

1

$1,005

+

$160

=

$1,165

2

$1,354

+

$160

=

$1,514

3

$1,702

+

$160

=

$1,862

4

$2,050

+

$170

=

$2,220

5

$2,399

+

$199

=

$2,598

6

$2,747

+

$228

=

$2,975

7

$3,095

+

$228

=

$3,323

8

$3,444

+

$228

=

$3,672

Each additional member

+ $349

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,255

+

$273

=

$1,528

2

$1,691

+

$273

=

$1,964

3

$2,127

+

$273

=

$2,400

4

$2,563

+

$273

=

$2,836

5

$2,999

+

$273

=

$3,272

6

$3,435

+

$285

=

$3,720

7

$3,870

+

$285

=

$4,155

8

$4,306

+

$285

=

$4,591

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $436

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.

Chad DeCota, case #18-125, §8.901, Contempt of court – 1st offense

Charlotte Loonsfoot, case #19-042, §3.1409, Contributing to the

neglect or delinquency of a minor – 1st offense

Sentencing on 04/29/2019, #18-125, §8.901:

Sentencing on 04/29/2019, #19-042, §3.1409:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Thirty (30) days jail, 30 days jail suspended pending successful

completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 90 days jail to be served concurrently with case #19-040, 90 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall complete a parenting class.

4. Defendant shall sign releases of information for services provided

for the Probation Office.

5. Twelve to eighteen months standard alcohol and drug restriction

probation with the $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost of drug and PBT testing, if any.

6. Defendant shall comply with her after-care program for substance

abuse.

Chad DeCota, case #19-047, §3.202, Assault and battery

(domestic) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 04/29/2019, #19-047, §3.202:

1. Fine $400.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail, 45 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

Chad DeCota, case #19-048, §3.1308, Disobedience of a lawful

court order – 4th offense

Sentencing on 04/29/2019, #19-048, §3.1308:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety (90) days jail, 90 days jail suspended pending successful

completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

Charlotte Loonsfoot, case #19-040, §3.1706, Controlled substance (methamphetamine) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 04/29/2019, #19-040, §3.1706:

1. Fine $2,000.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 days jail to be served.

Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall sign releases of information for services provided

for the Probation Office.

4. Twelve to eighteen months standard alcohol and drug restriction

probation with the $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost of drug and PBT testing, if any.

(8) Ishwaaswi

Dennis Miller, case #98-114, §3.202, Assault and battery

(domestic) - 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/06/2019, #98-114, §3.202:

1. Fine $300.00.

2. Restitution for Court costs, $725.42.

3. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 days jail to be served.

Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Payment Probation.

5. Defendant shall be banished from the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community when released from jail for a period of one-year.

Kelly Shelifoe, case #19-044, §5.15, OUIL – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/08/2019, #19-044, §5.15:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail, credit for one day jail served, 44 days jail

suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging

and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendation of the screening until successfully dis-

charged.

4. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any.

5. Defendant shall report one time per month to the probation office.

William Carpenter IV, case #19-027, §3.202, Assault and battery

– 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/08/2019, #19-027, §3.202:

1. Forty-two (42) hours of community service, a minimum of twentytwo hours shall be completed within the next two weeks.

2. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for 56 days jail, 34 days jail suspended

pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendation of the screening until successfully discharged.

4. Defendant shall obtain an anger management assessment and

follow the recommendation until successfully completed. Defendant shall sign a release of information for monitoring purposes.

5. Six to twelve months standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any.

6. Restitution shall be determined at a later date and shall be paid

through the Court, if any.

7. No Contact Order regarding the victim remains in effect throughout probation period.

William Carpenter IV, case #17-187, §16.513, Unregistered vehicle – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/08/2019, #17-187, §16.513:

1. Ten (10) hours of community service to be completed within the

next two weeks.

2. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT testing, if any.

Ashley Denomie, case #19-064, §5.61, Driver’s license required

– 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/08/2019, #19-064, §5.61:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. One to three months non-alcohol restricted probation with a

$10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of drug testing, if any.

3. Defendant must show proof of attempts at obtaining her driver’s

license to the Probation Department.

Troy Roberts, case #19-058, §3.202, Assault and battery

(domestic) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/13/2019, #19-058, §3.202:

1. Fine $1,000.00. The Court suspends the fine pending successful

completion of all aspects of probation.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, credit for 36 days jail, 144

days jail are to be served. Defendant is financially responsible for

the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

Troy Roberts, case #19-065, §3.1103, Use of motor vehicle without authority but without intent to steal – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/13/2019, #19-065, §3.1103:

1. Fine $1,000.00. The Court suspends the fine pending successful

completion of all aspects of probation.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 days jail are to be served.

Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

Troy Roberts, case #19-066, §8.901, Contempt: commission

outside the presence of the court – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/13/2019, #19-066, §8.901:

1. Fine $1,000.00. The Court suspends the fine pending successful

completion of all aspects of probation.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 days jail suspended

pending successful completion of all aspects of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

Taylor Drift, case #18-191, §3.202, Assault and battery – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/13/2019, #18-191, §3.202:

1. Fine $250.00.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail, 45 days jail are to be served. Defendant

is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated. Defendant may be released directly

to inpatient treatment facility, and remaining jail time suspended.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendation of the screening until successfully discharged.

4. Three to six months standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any.

5. When released from treatment, the Defendant shall report three

times per week to the Probation Department until the Probation

Officer deems otherwise, then shall report one-time a month minimum.

Taylor Drift, case #19-030, §8.901, Contempt of court – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/13/2019, #19-030, §8.901:

1. Fifteen (15) hours of community service.

2. Ten (10) days jail, 10 days are to be served. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated. Defendant may be released directly to

inpatient treatment facility, and remaining jail time suspended.

3. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of random

and PBT testing, if any.

4. Defendant shall report to the Probation Department the next business day. If released on a weekend, Defendant shall report the

next business day.

5. When released from treatment, the Defendant shall report three

times per week to the Probation Department until the Probation

Officer deems otherwise, then shall report one-time a month minimum.

Richard Loonsfoot, Jr., case #19-060, §3.403, Maliciously injuring or destroying a structure – 1st offense

Sentencing on 05/15/2019, #19-060, §3.403:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for three days jail served, 45 days jail

shall be served, 42 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Restitutions in the amount of $329.99 and $10,937.92 shall be

paid through the Court Clerk’s office.

4. Twelve months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation

with a $10.00 monthly fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the costs of random and PBT testing, if any.

5. Defendant is banned from the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community

College (KBOCC) until his restitution is paid in full. (This ban shall

be lifted to allow the Defendant to attend “Thinking for change” on

Tuesday and Thursday only).

Jones Joins Jacobson Funeral Home

as Apprentice

Jacobson Funeral Home in

L’Anse announces Courtney

Jones will be joining their staff as a

Funeral Director Apprentice.

Owner, Susan Jacobs, says, “I am

honored to have Courtney train

under me as a licensed funeral

director apprentice. She is very

caring and compassionate which

is essential when working with

families who are dealing with

death.”

Becoming a licensed funeral

director requires a one-year apprenticeship working directly under

a licensed funeral director to learn

all aspects of embalming, body

preparation, arrangement conferences, funeral services, and much

more. To become a licensed funeral director, she will also be required to graduate from an accredited mortuary school and pass

National and State Boards. There are certain aspects required of a

licensed funeral director such as: manage a licensed funeral home

establishment, any preparation of a decedent, signing a death certificate, and direct a burial or disposition of a body.

Courtney grew up in Alston, MI, daughter of Tom Clisch and

Kristy Seppanen. She started participating in funerals at age eight

performing as a soloist. Over the years she has experienced many

family members passing away and was always curious of what all

was involved on the back side of preparing for a service and helping

families. “I chose to talk with Susan about becoming an apprentice

because Jacobson Funeral Home has been used by our family for

generations, and she does such a professional job.”

Courtney has two associate degrees from Casper College in

Wyoming. She has been continuing her Cultural education at the

KBOCC for more understudies and will be attending Wayne State

University School of Mortuary Science from here online along with

campus visits. She is also involved as the Director of the L’Anse

School Choir, Coach for L’Anse Drama Club, and Director of the

Bay Area Chorus. Courtney also teaches crochet classes and music lessons at the Village Gift Store downtown L’Anse. In her free

time, she enjoys her cats, gardening, herbology, and crocheting.

Courtney and her husband Zach Jones reside in Pelkie.

Courtney can be reached at Jacobson Funeral Home at 5247800 or by email courtney@jacobsonfuneralhome.com

To be added to the mailing list or to correct

your mailing address, contact the enrollment

office at (906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

(9) Zhaangaswi

The Healing Circle Run/Walk will

be from July 13-20, 2019, which

connects 10 Ojibwe communities to

promote physical, emotional, mental,

and spiritual healing. Every step is a

prayer.

All are welcome to participate on

Monday, July 15th. There will be a

morning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. in

Baraga near the Sand Point Lighthouse at the start of Day Three of

the Healing Circle route. All are welcome to participate in the morning

ceremony in KBIC and to help cover

miles from Baraga to Lac Vieux Desert. As the map shows, the core

runners (and walkers) will start their

morning in the Sokaogon Chippewa

Community and end at the roundhouse in the old Indian village near

Watersmeet, MI. There will be an

evening shared meal and ceremony

there and all are welcome to attend. This gives everyone a chance

to share their experiences and

prayers from the day.

If you are interested in signing up for a segment

please check the HCR event on GLIFWC's Facebook

page for more information.

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann

Brunk

(July 19, 1937—May 17, 2019)

GREAT LAKES INDIAN FISH AND WILDLIFE

COMMISSION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

FOR ONJI-AKIING CAMP

Great Lakes Indian Fish and

Wildlife Commission and USDA

-Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest are accepting applications for Onji-Akiiing (From

the Earth) Camp. The Natural

Resource Culture Summer

Camp will be held July 15-19,

2019, at Camp Nesbit, Sidnaw,

Michigan, in the Ottawa National Forest.

Onji-Akiing is

open to youth entering 5th-8th

grade in the fall of 2019. Students will stay in camp cabins

and eat meals in the dining

commons area.

The camp

centers around the Medicine

Wheel, addressing not only the

physical but also the emotional,

mental, and spiritual aspects of

adventure-based learning workshops. You will explore natural

resource careers, Native American treaty rights, building leadership

skills, and environmental stewardship.

2019 Programs: *Environmental Sciences (e.g., aquatic ecology,

bird life, forestry, terrestrial ecology, wildlife, fire science, career

fair, et.); *Team building; *Copper Bowls; *Service learning;

*Cultural exploration; *Hunting, fishing, and archery; *Fireside programs; *Canoeing; *Bandolier Bags; *Indigenous games and ceremony.

Camp Goals: *To get youth excited about the outdoors and

(10) Midaaswi

Continues page eleven.

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann

Brunk, age 81, of Baraga,

MI, passed away on Friday,

May 17, 2019, at her home

with her family by her side.

Bede-way-ghezhi-gokwe

(Bear Clan) “Coming of the

storm”, was born on July 19,

1937. in Hayward, WI, a daughter of John and Alice

(Brown) Kenosha. She attended school in Lac du Flambeau, WI. Betty married Albert Brunk, Sr. in 1954 in Lac

du Flambeau. They lived in Watersmeet and Marquette

prior to moving to Baraga in the 1960’s.

She was a member of the Lac du Flambeau band of

the Ojibwa Indians, and the Lakeside Covenant Fellowship Church. She was baptized as a Christian in 2013 in

Lake Superior. Betty enjoyed doing crossword puzzles,

watching westerns, baking bread, being on her iPad, and

spending time with her grand babies.

Surviving are her four sons: Albert (Ann) Brunk of

Baraga, Robert (Vanessa) Brunk of Watersmeet, David

Brunk and Ron Brunk both of Baraga; daughters: Brenda

Brunk, Nancy (Dave) Pawlowski, and Sally Brunk all of

Baraga; sister: Patricia Edwards of Lac du Flambeau; 15

grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and

great great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband: Albert Brunk, Sr.; daughter: Sharon Brunk; and siblings:

William Kenosha, Vetalene Williams, Elaine Kenosha,

Joyce Maki, Roberta LaBarge. Lucille Olds, Viola Pine

Johnson and Irene Pine.

Her wake began Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 5:00 p.m.

at the Ceremonial Room in the Ojibwa Senior Center in

Baraga, MI, and continued until the time of the funeral

service on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Jim

Williams and Pastor Rachel Cox officiated. Burial was at

the Baraga Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the

Ojibwa Seniors.

Pallbearers were—Grandsons: Bill Brunk, Sr., David

Brunk, Jr,, Creighton Brunk, and Tony Veker, Jr,; great

grandson: Mannie Brunk; son-in-law: Dave Pawlowski,;

and nephews: Bob Hazen and Tom Williams. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse, MI, assisted the family.

Friends may sign Betty’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobosnfuneralhome.com.

UPDATES BY SOUMIT PENDHARKAR, KBIC HEALTH SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR

them very much, my husband and I look forward to a new

chapter in our lives here at KBIC.”

I would like to offer the following updates:





We started offering additional Saturday pharmacy

hours May 11th . Thus far, on two Saturdays, we’ve filled

27 scripts. Please note, the pharmacy operates additional

hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call

the pharmacy (906) 353-4555 in advance two to three

days if you are planning to pick up a refill on Saturday.

Also, if you are an active patient and go to a walk-in clinic

on Saturday, your script can be filled at the pharmacy.

Our hours of service are as follows:

SERVICE

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

Friday.

Pharmacy

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

Friday, with the last prescription preferably at 6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays,

starting May 11, 2019.

Please note the Pharmacy is now

open Tuesday mornings 8 a.m. to

10:00 a.m. They were previously

closed due to staff carrying out bubble pack activity.

Lab Service

Starts at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, available until 6:00 p.m.

WIC

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

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

p.m.; other days as normal.





HOURS/NOTES

Medical Clinic





The surveys are an important tool to gauge how well our

services meet the community needs and help identify areas where improvements can be made. We’ve instituted

three patient surveys to date (Pharmacy, Traditional Medicine Clinic, Telepsychiatry) and our goal is to survey the

medical clinic and dental clinic as well.

I encourage patients to complete the patient survey. The

information gained provides invaluable feedback and allows us to constantly improve services to better serve the

community.



Expanded hours continue to be popular. For the medical clinic, from January 2019, through May 17, 2019,

there have been 145 appointments before 8:00 a.m. and

156 appointments after 4:30 p.m.

We will be adding Micah David, MSN, FNP-C, as our

new Nurse Practitioner. Micah completed her Associates Degree in Nursing with Deaconess College of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Chamberlain College of Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing with a

Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty track with Chamberlain College of Nursing. Micah will be able to diagnose

and treat acute problems, chronic problems, educate patients about self-management of chronic illnesses, develop treatment plans, perform routine or annual physical

examinations, provide primary care procedures such as

splinting, administering immunizations, taking cultures,

debriding wounds. Please see below a brief statement

from Micah:

“My name is Micah David, and I wanted to both thank you

and express how very proud I am to have been chosen as

the newest member of the KBIC clinic. While technically

considered a newly graduated Nurse Practitioner, my experience of employment in the healthcare field has been

for over 25 years. Most of my experience has been in Intensive Care, but I have also worked in Family Practice,

Behavioral Health, and several other care settings. I consider myself to be the patients’ medical advocate as I assist them though the health care system. It is my firm belief that each of us are defined, not just by our physical

health, but also our mental and spiritual health. In my

practice, I try to balance natural healing techniques with

modern medicine to achieve the best possible outcome

for my patient. My most recent accomplishment is graduating with honors from Chamberlain University which is in

Chicago, Illinois. Though patient care is my passion, I

consider myself a lifelong learner and truly enjoy studying

each facet of medicine. In addition to my patient care experience, a few other accomplishments include developing programs, applications, and databases for several

medical practices. Some of these applications include

use of electronic media to develop and create medical

study guides, videos, and flash cards for other nurse practitioner students and sharing with others who are interested in studying medicine. Most of my family both immediate and extended reside in Illinois, and though we miss

The Telepsychiatry Clinic person is continuing strong,

with nearly 97.87% of patients reporting they would

recommend telephychiatry to another. Please note,

telepsychiatry services include psychiatry, psychology,

and psychometric testing. Patients are scheduled either

via a referral from one of the KBIC Health System providers or by calling (906) 353-4521.

We launched the KBIC Pharmacy Patient Satisfaction

Survey. The early results show 94.87% of patients recommending the KBIC Pharmacy to another person. The

anonymous survey is available in hardcopy at several

places (Tribal Center, Senior Center, the KBIC Pharmacy).

It can also be completed in-person during the check-in

process at the KBIC Clinic. Completed surveys can be

placed in collection envelopes at the sites noted or electronically submitted if completed during the check-in process.

The New Traditional Medicine Clinic launched March

8th. The early results continue to be favorable with 100%

of patients reporting they would recommend the Traditional Medicine Consultant to another person. This clinic

is funded through the Tribal Opioid Response Grant. Additional clinic dates are as follows:







July 12th and 26th

August 16th and 23rd

September 6th and 20th

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please

call (906) 353-4521. Walk-ins are welcome!

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have questions at (906) 353-4553. I enjoy

learning from your perspective and particularly value listening to concerns directly. I also wish to thank the staff at the

KBIC Health System. Their contributions continue to assure our success.

ONJI-AKIING CAMP continued:

strengthen their connection to it. *To educate

on the importance of traditional ecological

knowledge. *To encourage cultural resource

careers. *To build confidence, leadership, and

self-reliance. *To promote and protect treaty

rights. *To honor all our relations. *To deeper

understanding of traditional ways.

For more information contact: Heather Bliss

(GLIFWC) at (906) 458-3778 or e-mail hnaigus@glifwc.org. More information and application is available at www.glifwc.org and click on:

Outreach programs and classes (bottom left).

June 2019 Calendar:







June 1 — Referendum Election;

June 7 — Constitution Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m.,

Tribal Center;

June 12 — Happy Father’s Day.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

(11) Ashi bezhig

KBIC Holds Community Meeting to

inform Tribal Members of

Referendum Vote

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

held a Community Meeting on Thursday,

May 23, 2019, at the Big Bucks Bingo Hall

in Baraga, Michigan. Topic was to discuss

the upcoming Referendum Election to be

held on June 1, 2019. “Do you approve of

an investment of 4-million dollars into the

acquisition of a medical marijuana grow

and dispensary business? The investment

would come from the Elder’s Trust Fund

which would be paid back to make solvent.

The investment would cover the acquisition of real estate to be used for a

dispensary and grow facility, retaining

political and legal representation, licensing fees, and all other associate

costs.” Yes or No?

Unfortunately, the Election results

were not available at time of press.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Office of Child Support Services

P.O. Box 490, Baraga, MI 49908

Phone: 906-353-4566

Fax: 906-353-8132

“YOUR Children …

OUR Priority”

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, MI 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

We provide the following services:

•

•

•

Paternity Establishment

Establishment of Child Support

Outreach Services

•

Mediation