The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2019)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Miinke Giizis – Blueberry Moon - August 2019

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

CELEBRATES LAKE SUPERIOR DAY

Issue 181

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

Eighty-seven community members, including representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and Lundlin Mine gathered at the Sand

Point Day-Use area on the morning of Friday,

July 19, 2019. Participants broke up into

groups and hiked the shore of Lake Superior

from Assinins to Pequaming with the sole purpose to clean the beach.

An opening ceremony was held prior to

heading to the shoreline. The opening ceremony was conducted by Terri Denomie, Lisa

Denomie, and Kathy Smith.

Following the morning clean up, a lunch

and learn session was held. The Lunch and

learn was organized by Kathy Smith and

Karena Schmidt, KBNRD employees, and

Deanna Hadden and Kit Laux, KBOCC employees. KBNRD employees, Erin Johnson

and Stephanie Cree hosted a Natural Resources themed Jeopardy game at the lunch

and learn session.

This has become an annual event which

originated from the late Todd Warner, KBNRD

Director. Numerous staff have organized the

annual event. This year’s Lake Superior Day

event was organized by Shannon DesRochers, a KBNRD employee. This was the

fourth Lake Superior Day event Shannon has

organized. Photo credit: Jerry Jondreau.

KBIC JOIN IN WITH GLIFWC’S HEALING CIRCLE RUN/WALK

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST



KBIC Celebrates Lake Superior

Day



KBIC Join in with GLIFWC

Healing Circle Run/Walk



Annual Pauline Spruce Memorial Water Walk Held



Second Quarterly Tribal Council Meeting held July 13, 2019



Education Incentive Awards



Criminal Report



Deepest Sympathy



Employment Opportunities

Sponsored by Great Lakes Indian Fish and

Wildlife Commission, the Healing Circle Run/

Walk was held July 13-20, 2019. The Healing

Circle Run/Walk connects 10 Ojibwe reservations in northern Wisconsin, Michigan, and

Minnesota to promote physical, emotional,

mental, and spiritual healing. Every step of

the run is a prayer. It is an opportunity for

people to come together to pray for healing for

themselves, their communities, their nation,

Aki (earth), and all our relatives.

Members of the KBIC Community joined

the activity on Monday, July 15 th and covered

82 miles from Baraga to Lac Vieux Desert

with over eighty participants. The day began

with a morning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. in

Baraga near the Sand Point Lighthouse. Core

runners (and walkers) started their morning in

the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and

ended at the

roundhouse in

the old Indian

village

near

Watersmeet,

MI.

Participants shared

evening

meal

and

ceremony

where

they

were able to

share their experiences and prayers from the

day. Chi-miigwech to the KBIC Tribal Council

and Cultural Committee for their support, the

community members who participated, and to

the organizers for this year’s run including:

Doreen Blaker, Gerry Mantila, and Keith

Rolof. Photo credit: Peggy Loonsfoot.

Warren "Chris" Swartz, Keith Rolof, Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., Virgil Loonsfoot, George DeCota, Doreen

Blaker. Photo credit: Peggy Loonsfoot.

Participants at the 6TH Annual Pauline Spruce Memorial Water Walk. Photo credit: Rodney Loonsfoot.

KEWEENAW BAY HOLDS 6TH

ANNUAL PAULINE SPRUCE

MEMORIAL WATER WALK

The Keweenaw Bay 6th Annual

Pauline Spruce Memorial Water Walk

initiated the 41st Keweenaw Bay

Maawanji’iding on Wednesday, July

24, 2019. Jessica Koski, KBIC member, who was employed at the time at

the Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources

Department (KBNRD) organized the

1st Annual Water Walk, to raise awareness of the state of our water. The late

Pauline Spruce and Terri Denomie,

both KBIC members, jumped in and

Continues page eleven.

(1) Bezhig

JULY 13, 2019 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Quarterly Tribal Council Meeting was held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Big Bucks Bingo Hall in Baraga, Michigan.

President Warren Swartz, Jr., presided over the meeting with Gary

F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Susan J. LaFernier, Toni Minton, Doreen Blaker,

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Dale Goodreau, Randall Haataja, Kim Klopstein, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Rodney Loonsfoot, and Elizabeth

D. Mayo present.

Under old business: Paul Mooney, Assistant Attorney, and Gary

F. Loonsfoot, Jr., KBIC Cannabis Developer, addressed the Mark

Abraham Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is non-binding and

states the intentions of the parties moving forward. Some changes

were made to the terms of the Letter to reflect that the businesses

would be incorporated under Tribal Law instead of State Law. The

letter is not binding, and it only states the intentions of the parties.

First, KBIC will start a Corporation under section 17 of the Indian

Reorganization Act, as a Federally Charter Company, which will be

the operating entity. Mark Abraham’s company, Venco, will initially

own 70% of the operating entity. However, Venco is only entitled to

35% of the operating entity’s proceeds; the other 35% Mark holds

will remain in an account until the Community is allowed to participate in the operating entity. There will be three separate entities

(Elder Trust Fund and two unnamed companies) that will own 10%

each of the operating entity. State law allows entities to invest in a

cannabis business so long as they do not own more than a 10%

interest and do not manage or participate in the company. Having

three separate companies allows the Community to have an ownership interest in the operating entity right away and gives the Community flexibility to distribute profit to different projects. The number

of companies may change as the transaction progresses, and the

Community receives feedback from the State of Michigan.

The Community itself will be purchasing all the real-estate and

all the equipment property except for the cannabis from Mr. Derek

Parker. The plan is the Community will lease the real-estate and

the equipment to the operating entity and will collect rent directly

from the company that we have created. The Community’s intention is to loan the operating entity funds, so the company can buy

the cannabis directly from Derek Parker. The purpose for this is the

Community cannot directly purchase the cannabis. We have to go

through a licensed entity and as Mark Abraham is licensed, he can

actually purchase it. The loan the Community is making to Mark will

be evidenced by a promissory note or loan document.

Next, the Community is going to create a fourth section 17 company “CommunityCo” . “CommunityCo” will be the Community’s

main means of participating in the operating entity. “CommunityCo”

will go through the state’s background check and licensing process,

so it can participate in the operating entity. Once the state approves CommunityCo, Mark will transfer half of his ownership in the

operating entity to CommunityCo as reimbursement for the debt.

Rather than repay the loan the Community made to Mark with cash,

Mark will give half of his ownership interest as payment. We anticipate CommunityCo will be licensed in three to four months. Once

the ownership interest transfers, the Community in total will own

through the companies that it creates, 65% of the operating entity.

This is how the Community will get directly involved in the cannabis

business; having ownership interest in the operating entity in addition to the three other Tribal entities we discussed earlier. Eventually, we’ll begin branding where we will have to create a fifth company; branding our own brands/strains and potentially seeking patents for some strains. Revenue will begin immediately upon licenses transferring to the operating entity in the form of lease payments to the Community.

The Community will enter into an operating agreement with Mark

Abraham once the initial operating entity is formed. The operating

agreement is essentially a governing document for the company

which states who will be managing the company, where the money

is going to go, structured framework of how this company is going to

operate, etc. The initial operating agreement will be five years.

After five years, each party can decide whether or not they want to

renew the agreement or cancel. It will automatically renew if two

conditions are met. The first is the Elder Trust Fund receives ten

million in gross proceeds from the operation of the initial five year

term. The second is if the operating entity opens two provisional

(off-reservations) dispensaries. After the initial five years, we would

enter into a new operational agreement with new bench marks.

KBIC will have the option to buy out Mark Abraham for the amount

discussed in the agreement (52.5% of one-year of sales). Mark

Abraham will not have a choice in the matter. Mark Abraham has

requested to be involved for at least five years. There will be a

number of agreements coming forth related to the operating entity,

including a lease agreement and a loan document. Mark Abraham

has agreed to assist the Community with opening an on-rez dispensary at the Community’s request. Opening an on-rez dispensary

will largely depend on changes in federal law regarding cannabis.

The minute we take over, there will be a whole different protocol;

it will be from seed to sale. Each plant will be assigned a bar code

tracking it from one room to another until it hits the transporters

hands. There will be opportunities for Tribal Members to become

transporters which requires a $66,000 fee and a certain vehicle.

The Community cannot start a transporter entity or a testing entity

(2) Niizh

and have to be separate entities from owners of a grow and dispensary. Currently there are two licensed testers in the State of Michigan. A Community meeting will be held to update the membership.

This letter is not intended to be a legally enforceable agreement,

and no cause of action shall arise in respect to this letter’s execution. All parties acknowledge and agree that this letter shall be superseded by later agreements which include any operating agreements, lease agreements, or promissory notes. If agreements are

not fully executed, this letter shall expire and have no further force

or effect, and neither the Community or Venco/Mark Abraham shall

have any further rights or duties to each other. In the event this letter is terminated, and agreements are not executed, each of the

parties agree to return promptly to the applicable party all documentation provided pursuant to this letter. Motion by Robert RD Curtis, Jr. to approve the Mark Abraham Letter of Intent between

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Abraham, supported

by Kim Klopstein. Ten supported (G. Loonsfoot, S. LaFernier,

Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Goodreau, Klopstein, M. LaFernier, R.

Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, one abstained (Haataja), 0 absent, motion carried.

President Swartz shared numerous Thank You and For Your Information items addressed to Council.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report

(page three), Vice President Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., gave the Vice

President/KBIC Cannabis Development Report (page four), Secretary Susan J. LaFernier gave the Secretary’s Report (page four),

and CEO Sarah Smith gave the CEO Report (page five). Council

approved the Department Head Reports for May 2019.

Under new business: Doreen Blaker, Treasurer, presented the

July 2019 donations. Motion by Rodney Loonsfoot to approve

July 2019 donations as: $2,000.00 for Gold Sponsorship to

MTU Parade of Nations; $500.00 for the 2019 Whirl-i-gig

Women’s Fishing Tournament; $800.00 for Ireland Chosa

(school trip) to Washington DC trip; refer the canopy purchase

for ceremonial funeral fires to the Cultural Committee; refer

Rebecca Graham’s medical travel expenses to the Marquette

Hardship Fund through KBIC/DHHS; and request the OVW Director to present the Sauna request in person at the next

Thursday Council meeting — for a total of $3,300.00, supported by Kim Klopstein.

Ten supported (S. LaFernier,

Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Goodreau, Haataja, Klopstein, M.

LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (G. Loonsfoot), motion carried.

Doreen Blaker, KBIC Housing Department Director, presented

three bids to replace the 22-year old Superior View Elder Complex

Apartments boiler system. There are grant dollars available for this

purchase. After some discussion, motion was made. Motion by

Elizabeth Mayo to approve Bianco Plumbing bid for $32,300.00

for boilers at Superior View Senior Complex, co-supported by

Susan J. LaFernier and Randy Haataja. Ten supported (S.

LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Goodreau, Haataja, Klopstein, M. LaFernier, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (G. Loonsfoot), motion carried.

Council adjourned with no further business on the agenda.

ATTENTION

KBIC MEMBERS

The 2nd Reading for Proposed Ordinance 2019-01 Chapter 9.5

Garnishment amending Title Nine of the Tribal Code to grant

the KBIC Housing Department authority to garnish a tenant’s

paycheck to recover for rent owed will be held on Thursday,

August 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the former Big Bucks Bingo

hall during the Tribal Council meeting.

The Tribal Council will receive verbal and written comments from

Tribal members at the public hearing in accordance with the Legislative Process public hearing procedure adopted by the Tribal

Council.

Copies of the Proposed Ordinance 2019-01 are available at the

Tribal Center, KBIC Health Center, Pines Convenience Center,

Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center, Tribal Court, Commodity Foods

Center, Housing Department, and Ojibwa Community College.

Copies are also distributed to Departments within the Tribe.

August 2019 Calendar:



Aug 2 — Constitution Committee Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Tribal

Center;

Aug 9 — Gov’t offices closed: Employee Picnic;

Aug 15 — Open House, 12 noon, Oshki Maaji, KBIC Halfway

House.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

President’s Quarterly Report for the Months of April, May, and June 2019

The following is a summary of activities that occurred in the Office

of the President for the months of April, May, and June 2019.

 The Council and the Cannabis Committee toured Fresh Coast

Pharms. Fresh Coast Pharms is marijuana grow facility for medicinal purposes. It is the largest in the Upper Peninsula and is

near Marquette, Michigan.

 I participated in a consultation with the State of Michigan regarding on-line internet gaming being proposed by the state. I

am concerned about the impact this is going to have on our

gaming facilities. In fact, it may violate the gaming compact.

 I spoke to Paul Mitchell from the democratic national party. He

invited me to a meeting in Negaunee to discuss issues with

them at the May 4 meeting. Mascots, VAWA, and stamp sands

were discussed. He informed me that a number of high-ranking

politicians are going to attend, and it is an opportunity for outreach. I told him I would put it on my calendar. I did not attend.

I was also asked to attend the upcoming Democratic Debate in

Detroit, MI, at the end of the month. A number of tribal leaders

from the U.P. think it would be a good idea to attend.

 I attended a public meeting in regards to the upcoming vote to

the wind turbines. The presentation was at NMU. I talked

about the effects large wind energy conversion systems would

have to our tribal treaty resources, and it was an opportunity to

educate people on treaty resources.

 We sent a letter to Representative Jack Bergman. We asked if

he would explain why he would not support the Violence

Against Women Act (VAWA).

 I signed the SORNA Grant for three years. In the past, it was

only for two years. The purpose of the grant is to implement

and maintain the SORNA and make us an independent jurisdiction as opposed to the state coming here. We must maintain

confidentiality when using the system for background check purposes.

 Talked to Jay Gage and Katelyn Rader from the Senator’s Office. We discussed the issues surrounding the wind turbines,

and its impact on tribally protected treaty rights.

 Portage Lake was opened on Friday, April 26, for the quota lake

season. We were open for 11 days and harvested about 400

fish.

 Attended a consultation with USDA on the Farm Bill. We discussed a number of options available to tribes.

 I prepared for the save meeting and created an outline to discuss the importance of treaty rights to non-Indians. The changing of the habitat is of primary concern.

 I attended a Renovation Celebration at the Ojibwa Casino Resort and gave opening remarks. It was an opportunity to share

the history of the casinos, and how the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community Tribal Council issued the first gaming license.

 I talked with Mark Masicotte from the Baraga County Economic

Development Committee (EDC). We spoke over coffee at the

Hilltop Restaurant. He is interested in collaborating with KBIC

on economic opportunities. We agreed to meet three or four

times a year.

 I signed an agreement between Baraga County and the KBIC to

house inmates at the county jail.

 I signed an amendment for the IHP for the proposal that will be

submitted to the Copper Country Intermediate School District to

build a home on tribal property. This will help the low income

and will be done by the end of next school year.

 I talked to Margie Hail and Gail Jestila about services offered by

BCMH and how we can collaborate our efforts in the community.

 I attended a senior banquet organized by the KBIC Education

Committee. We recognized our high school graduates, and

they received a number of gifts.

 I participated in a Michigan Senate Natural Resources Committee meeting held at the Baraga County Courthouse. The purpose of the meeting was not to oppose the KBIC application as

TAS for water and air quality and to hear from the public. The

Baraga County Commissioners went on record opposing the

Community’s application for a number of reasons. The following day, I talked to Chairman Koskinen and was placed on the

June agenda to discuss our concerns of the letter. Commissioner Rolof told me there was no formal action taken on the

statements of the Commission. The next day Senator

McBroom’s office called and asked about the Community’s concerns regarding our application for treatment as a state. I gave

the staffer my number and asked her to have the senator contact me any time to discuss the issues. Senator McBroom followed up and informed the Community he was still supporting

the action to oppose the Community’s application to the EPA for

treatment as a state for water and air quality.

 I participated in a conference call with the State of Michigan,

Wenona Sengel, and other tribes. The purpose of the call was

to discuss a possible tunnel under the Mackinac Bridge. Tribes



are still opposed to the tunnel and are asking to decommission

the line.

We provided a letter of support and agreed to serve as a partner on a project entitled, “Improving Resilience of Coastal Communities Threatened by Contaminants in Fish and Climate

Change”. KBIC will collaborate with MTU and GLIFWC. We

view this project as a continuation of sharing and generating

knowledge together. This core research is critical to community

priorities as we continuously seek ways to protect and restore

Lake Superior Fisheries and our identity as a fishing community.

I participated in a tribal tour from the DOJ along with staff and

other council members. An agenda was passed out, and we

discussed the Native American Issues, the Federal Wire Act,

cross-deputation, and training opportunities.

I attended a Marquette Township Commissioner meeting held in

Marquette. The purpose of attending was to request the township to reconsider its request related to the dispensing of medicinal marijuana. We discussed the facts and opportunities to

the board, and they agreed to form a committee to look into this

further. The work group is scheduled to meet in the first week

of June. We have met, and the Vice President will have more

on that in his report.

I attended an investment review meeting with M3 Financial. M3

is our fiduciary for our 401k plan. They reported, since January

of 2015 the assets increased by over 23% and over that time

they have negotiated a 31% decrease in participant-paid plan

fees. After review, the committee decided to go with their recommendation that Council accept the Blackrock Fund proposal.

The result of that would be an additional fee reduction of nearly

15%. The anticipated results of the recommendation would offer historically better performing funds and decreasing costs. In

addition, M3 proposed additional employee education on their

investments.

We have a list of groups and individuals who supported or opposed our application for treatment in a similar manner as a

state in regards to water quality standards. The following are in

support of our application: The Upper Peninsula Environmental

Coalition (UPEC), Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Keweenaw Land Trust, Superior Watershed Partnership, Friends

of the Land of Keweenaw, Baraga County Democratic Party,

and Resident Catherine Andrews. The following is a list of

those opposing KBIC’s TAS application under the clean water

act: Baraga County Board of Commissioners, Michigan Association of Timbermen, Harold Zweng, Township of Baraga, Amy

Isaacson - Baraga Township Supervisor, Weyerhaeuser, and

the Village of L’Anse submitted two comments letters opposing

TAS under the Clean Water Act.

I met in Watersmeet with the Chairman of LVD and his staff on

a proposal regarding Nation-to-Nation trade and commerce

agreement.

I formed a Housing Grievance Committee for hearing housing

issues. The initial board consists of: Vicki Dompier, Jeffery Loman, Serene Gauthier, Brenda Brunk, and Gary Loonsfoot Sr.

The Vice President and I participated in a work group meeting

with Marquette Board of Trustees. The purpose of the meeting

was to discuss medical marijuana ordinance in their jurisdiction.

We will continue to attend all of their meetings until our business

is up and running in Marquette.

The Council approved a number of semi-annual 2% requests for

donation. We dispersed $111,738.21 to Baraga County for the

first half of 2019. The Council also approved 2% donations in

the amount of $151,299.13 for Marquette County for the same

period.

Attended the graduation ceremony for area seniors whom have

graduated.

I participated in a conference call with the Governor’s Office.

The purpose of the conference call was to update tribal leaders

on recent discussion regarding Enbridge’ line 5 that goes under

the Mackinac Bridge. They were discussing a possible tunnel

agreement. Enbridge has chosen litigation instead of acting in

good faith. National transportation board has said there is nothing that can be done regarding anchor strikes.

At noon today, the Governor will sign an Executive U.P. Energy

Task Force who will be charged with addressing overall energy

needs in the U.P. This will include looking at the current distribution of propane in the U.P. This task force will be an advisory

board with 13 voting members. They want to have tribal representation and are working to identify a person for that role.

They will produce a report including a propane plan to the Governor. They are in the process of reviewing the complaint that

was filed yesterday afternoon. Dr. Payment is formalizing a request on behalf of the CORA tribes to see if there is anything,

they can do. I was appointed to that task force.

I met with Senator McBroom at the Baraga Lakeside Inn to discuss concerns of the Community.

Continues page four.

(3) Niswi

President Report continued:



I attended another meeting of the Baraga County Board of Commissioners. The purpose of attending was to try to get the commissioners to reconsider its opposition of the Community’s application of TAS for water quality standards from the EPA.

I participated in a monthly tribal state telephone conference. We

talked about wolf delisting and moose issues.

We were asked to attend the next Baraga County Democratic

Party meeting to be held July 16 at the Baraga County Courthouse to discuss our treatment as a state application for air and

water quality standards. I informed them we would attend to

educate and participate in a Q&A. KBNRD will attend the meeting with me.

I met with Scott Dianda about a business proposal related to a

business venture into the micro business of marijuana. They

proposed a turnkey operation that includes the building, technical support, and other services.

I reached out to Ernie Stephens from the National Indian Gaming Association to see if they could assist KBIC in the State of

Michigan’s attempt to create casino style gaming here on the

L’Anse Indian reservation through the internet which is a viola-



tion of IGRA and the gaming compact we have with the State of

Michigan.

We have closed on the Fifth Third Bank casino loan. We have

access to the cash to finish the casino in Marquette.

I spoke with Patrick Harden from MDNR about our assessment

nets in Beaufort Lake. He said he replied to a number of complaints regarding our assessment nets. We told him there is an

opportunity to share data for the protection of treaty-protected

resources. We suggested he inform those complaining that we

have a collaborating effort; and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community does has assessment nets and that is what they are, assessment nets, and they are helping to protect the resources. I

had a discussion with George Madison and others at the MDNR

to inform them when they get more of these calls they should

inform the residents of Michigan that the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community does have treaty rights and exercise them in a manner that is protective of the resource. We agreed to team up to

protect the resources.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz

Vice President’s Quarterly Report for the

Months of April, May, and June 2019

Tribal Council Secretary’s Quarterly Report for

the Months of April, May, and June 2019

Mino-Gizheb. The 2nd quarter, April through June, has been extremely busy. Although, just recently designated as the Director of

Cannabis Development (effective June 17 th), it has consumed a

majority of my time for several months, now.

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you

Remember: “Indian Country Counts”

“Our People, Our Nations, Our Future”

April



On the 14th, I, along with Council Representatives Doreen

Blaker and Mike LaFernier visited the ELF Facility. We were

shown around the compound and were given a guided tour of

the facilities and the operations.

On the 16th, I, along with our future operator, Mark Abraham,

and our legal advisers: Joseph O’Leary, Craig Aranoff, and

Mannie Lentine visited the ELF Facility. This was to familiarize

Mr. Abraham with the grow and to give our consultants a visual

of our plans.

May



On the 1st, Councilwoman Blaker and I held an informational

meeting in Marquette, MI. The purpose of this meeting was to

inform the Marquette voters of the facts regarding the purchase

of the ELF Facility, as well as, establishing a provisioning center, also known as a dispensary. It was also our intention to

educate the attendees of the Elder Trust Fund. We spent about

20 minutes informing the Community of the economic opportunity our investment would yield, and about an hour discussing

housing issues. Thankfully, Ms. Blaker had anticipated the

Community’s concerns and was able to address them.

On the 23rd, I organized a Community meeting that was open to

the public. We had all interested parties available to present.

Presenters in attendance were: President Swartz, Vice President Loonsfoot, Derek Parker from “Fresh Coast Pharms”, Attorney Joseph O’Leary, and Quadrant Consulting: Mannie Lentine and Craig Aranoff. A video presentation was given as a

virtual tour of the facility. This was provided by Mitch Bolo with

assistance from Alden Connor. A Q&A session followed with

many community members asking questions and having them

answered by those presenting. A rough count showed approximately 60 people in attendance.

June



On the 1st, a referendum vote was held to determine whether or

not our Community desired to invest $4,000,000 in the grow

and sale of medical cannabis, off reservation. The results of

said referendum were 217 in favor and 155 against. These results were certified at the following Council meeting held on

June 7th.

 On June 11th, I traveled to Warren, MI, to view Mark Abraham’s

current grow and dispensing operation. We first viewed the

grow which is still under construction. At that time, his operation was around 20% complete. Then, we traveled about 45

minutes north to view his provisioning center, known as “Bigfoot

Wellness”. This operation was the first licensed dispensary in

Michigan and was very well organized and set-up. Patient care

is priority one at his facility, and his staff were very helpful with

all of my questions. I traveled down on the 11 th and visited the

facilities on the 12th, and headed home that day.

I will continue to work towards getting our investment up and running. Recent developments are very favorable to the KBIC’s venture. These will be shared in my weekly report to Tribal Council.

Miigwech,

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr.

(4) Niiwin

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

and economic life of Michigan and the United States.

We wish everyone a Happy Summer Season!

Mino-Bimaadizin “Live Well”

Respectfully, Susan J. LaFernier

Our Regular Saturday Council meetings are now held quarterly.

The Regular meeting was held on April 6. There were five Special

Meetings during April with a Work Session on April 30. There were

two special meetings during May with a Work Session on May 14,

and six special meetings during June with a Work Session on June

18. The minutes are up to date and approved.

Members of Council and Departments attended the annual U.S.

Attorney (Andrew Birge) and Federal Agency Staff visit and update

on May 21, 2019.

For your information: June 1, 2019 Referendum Election results:

217 voted YES and 155 voted NO for the proposal which was 52%

of the registered voters. “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 Elders

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 associated costs.” There are also

816 eligible voters but 717 are registered (99 voters need to register)! Your vote does make a difference.

100th Anniversary of Action on Women's Right to Vote: On May

21, 1919, the House passed what would become the 19th Amendment of the Constitution by a vote of 304-90. The amendment was

ratified by the required three-fourths of the states and became the

law of the land a little over a year later, on August 18, 1920.

“Leaders like Susan B. Anthony and others have inspired generations of women to live their dreams and to be courageous. They

fought to make sure the promise of America was available to

women from all walks of life, so “we the people” are able to make

our voices heard.”

For your information: New pocket size Tribal Constitutions with

the Judicial Amendment are available at the Enrollment Office. We

will be advertising for two members and two alternates for the Constitution Committee.

This report will be published in the KBIC “Wiikwedong DazhiOjibwe” newsletter, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Website.

April 30, 2019 Work Session

 Reviewed the KBIC Youth Programs Chaperone Policy, and it

was approved at a May meeting

 Discussion regarding the CEO Evaluation and Job Description

Update.

May 14, 2019 Work Session

 Review/Revision of Comprehensive Strategic Plan Value:

“Strong Families”.

June 18, 2019 Work Session

 Discussion/Review of KBIC Personnel Policy: 4.7 Job Descriptions; 4.8 Job Postings; 4.10 Transfers; 4.11 Promotions and a

handout of the Ojibwa Casinos Internal Promotion Employee

Acknowledgment Form.

CEO’s Quarterly Report for the Months of April,

May, and June 2019

1. MISSION STATEMENT: To provide exceptional services for

our membership; a safe, positive work environment for employees; and sustained economic prosperity while protecting

our sovereignty and preserving our culture and natural resources for future generations.

VISION STATEMENT: A Tribe that preserves the Anishinaabe culture, advances economic diversity, provides opportunities to enhance independence, and promotes the health

and well-being of our Community.

2. Updates: Two trainings were held government wide. These

were reasonable suspicion training and dealing with employee conflict. There were several audits that took place.

This included: the Welfare Assistance and ICWA Programs,

Conservation Law Enforcement Officer Program, Great

Lakes Restoration Initiative, and the pharmacy. BIA Forestry

also came to do a site visit. Starting planning with Housing,

Realty, and Attorney’s office on a joint venture with the local

school for building a new house on Beartown Road using Indian Housing Block Grant funds for a low income family to

purchase in the future. Halfway House is substantially completed. A punch list has been generated and is being worked

on. Staff is currently purchasing furniture for the building.

New Acorn Trail water system is up and running for Marquette Trust property.

3. Meetings/Conferences: Attended Health Board, Community

Policing, Halfway House, Mold Remediation, and Constitution Committee meetings. Pleased to announce that the

changes have been made to the request by Council to look

at removing the Secretary of Interior from the Constitution.

The redline version will be coming to the committee for the

next regularly scheduled meeting. These meetings are held

the first Friday of each month. In relation to Acorn Trail water

system, I participated in updates to Title 15, along with Public

Works and Tribal Attorney’s office. In addition, I attended the

Senior Education banquet that celebrated all the graduating

seniors from the L’Anse, Baraga, and the L’Anse/Baraga

Community schools.

4. Employee Changes: Over the course of April through June,

there has been three direct reporting changes, which include

the Niiwin Akeaa Programs Director, the THPO Director, and

the Health Administrator. All are currently in interim positions. The government currently has 314 employees, with

225 Native American, as of 06/30/19. Weekly lists of government employee changes are provided as requested. Summer youth (46) and summer interns (4) have started work

during this quarter. I would like to recognize Jason Dunn,

Arlan Friisvall, and Kathy Mayo for coming in over the holiday

to take care of the generator problem at the health department. Also, I would like to give praise to Carl Rasanen for

pursuing rebate funding through Efficiency United for updates to housing units through either the mold grant or

through modernization that resulted in a rebate. To date,

there has been over $30,000 received and potentially will be

over $100,000.

5. Statistical Data/Case Load Information: Two department

head meetings were held. Part of the topics included were:

review of budget modifications, vehicle purchasing and the

purchasing and procurement policy, reclassifications, potential CEU’s to be offered by KBOCC, General Welfare Exclusion Act form, changes to process for the Tier I agreements,

and updating the strategic plan from 2017 to identify any new

weaknesses or threats, and action plans to address them.

6. Financial Update: There is currently a claim being worked

on for overpayment of Contract Support Costs received from

Indian Health Service in the amount of $246, 485. Received

notice of funding for BIA CLEO in the amount $47,000, BIA

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Invasive Species

$187,428, BIA Invasive Species Management $49,000, BIA

LES Drug Enforcement Operation or training $22,510, BIA

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Wild Rice and Native

Plants Restoration $225,210, BIA Wetland Monitoring

$88,752, Indian Health Service BEMAR funds $156,000 for

New Day and $105,000 for the Health Department, Forestry

Silviculture training funds $4,380, DHHS Title IV-B $3,650,

and Indian Health Service Diabetes $161,343.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Smith, CEO

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

your event. License Fee will be waived

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

when the application is received within

this timeline.

2019 KBIC LOAN REPLACEMENT

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AVAILABLE

The KBIC Education Department announces the availability of the 2019 KBIC Loan Replacement Scholarship application. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community supports

college education for its members. Many students do not

receive enough financial aid to pay for their education and

must take out extensive loans. The Tribal Council has approved five loan replacement scholarships for college students pursuing degrees during the 2019-20 academic

year. The scholarship amount is $1,000 for the 2019 fall

semester and will continue for the 2020 winter/spring semester for the same amount if the student continues to

meet the requirements.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:



Enrolled Tribal member;

Legal resident of Baraga County or Marquette Trust

Property;

 Attending an accredited college/university for the 201920 academic year;

 Enrolled as a full-time student;

 Must currently be a minimum of Sophomore status;

 Must provide documentation of financial aid awards

and federal student loan status for the fall 19 and winter/spring 20 semesters;

 Must be in pursuit of an Associate, Bachelor, Master,

or Doctoral degree documented by their college;

 Must provide a copy of most recent official transcript

verifying a minimum GPA of 2.50 for Associate or

Bachelor degree and a 3.00 GPA for Master or Doctorate degree

Eligible students must complete an application, submit a

copy of their most recent official transcript, a copy of their

final financial aid award documents, and a copy of their

loan obligation for the 2019-20 academic year.

For more information and to request an application, contact Amy St. Arnold, Education Director, at 906-353-4117

or at amy@kbic-nsn.gov. The application deadline is August 9, 2019, at 4 p.m.

Grand Opening

August 15, 2019, at 12:00 p.m.

Lunch & dessert will be provided!

Ribbon cutting will be held before lunch.

KBIC Halfway House

1600 Brewery Road

L’Anse, MI 49946

(5) Naanan

August Is Breastfeeding

Awareness Month!

Please support breastfeeding in

public, it takes a community!

Time to make breastfeeding the “Normal”

way to feed our infants. If you need help or

more information on breastfeeding or the

WIC Program please call: Lena Wascher

BSN-RN, CLS, at the KBIC Heath System

at 353-4527.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Enjoying Fourth Of July

Celebrations!

Photo Collage continues on page twelve.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

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.

Travis Gauthier, case #19-070, §3.202, Assault and battery

(domestic) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/17/2019, #19-070, §3.202:

1. Fine $1,000.00. Half of fine suspended.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, credit for 39 days jail served,

141 days jail shall be served. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Six to twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted probation with

a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be financially

responsible for the cost of drug testing and PBT’s, if any.

4. Defendant shall write a letter of apology to the victim and hand it

in to the Probation Department.

5. Restitution of $1,352.00 shall be paid to the Tribal Court for processing to the Ojibwa Housing Department in relation to the plea

bargain agreement stemming from Nolle Prosequi in regards to

case #19-086.

6. Restitution to be determined in regards to the victim’s expenses

and shall be paid to the Tribal Court for processing. The Defendant is reserved the right to a restitution hearing.

Travis Gauthier, case #19-075, §3.202, Assault and battery –

2nd offense

Sentencing on 06/17/2019, #19-075, §3.202:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 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. Twelve to twenty-four months of alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the cost of drug testing and PBT’s, if

any.

4. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening within two

weeks of being released from jail. Defendant shall sign release

of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance.

Sam Loonsfoot, case #19-081, §5.15, OUIL – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/17/2019, #19-081, §6.15:

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 terms 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 follow

the recommendations of the screening until successfully discharged. Defendant shall sign release of information to allow the

Court to monitor compliance.

4. Three to six months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the cost of drug testing and PBT’s, if

any.

5. Defendant shall report at least once per month to the probation

department.

Amanda Strong, case #17-212, §8.901, Contempt of court – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 06/24/2019, #17-212, §8.901:

1. Ten (10) days jail, credit for ten days jail served. Defendant is

financially responsible for the costs of lodging and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated, if any.

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

and PBT’s, if any.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully

discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance.

4. Defendant’s General Welfare Support Program Check shall be

garnished until Defendant’s Court obligations are paid in full.

5. Payment Probation.

Amanda Strong, case #19-089, §8.901, Contempt of court – 2nd

offense

Sentencing on 06/24/2019, #19-089, §8.901:

1. Fine $250.00. Defendant shall perform 25 hours of community

service in lieu of fine, to commence immediately upon release of

jail. Defendant shall report tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. to

work out a community service schedule.

2. Twenty (20) days jail, credit for 17 days jail served, three days jail

suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging

and any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

3. Three to six months of standard alcohol and drug restricted pro(8) Ishwaaswi

bation with a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the cost of drug testing and PBT’s, if

any.

4. Defendant shall report to the probation department as directed by

the probation officer and at a minimum of one time per month.

5. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully

discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance.

Ashley Beck, case #19-073, §8.901, Contempt of court – 1st offense

Sentencing on 06/26/2019, #19-073, §8.901:

1. Ten (10) days jail, credit for one day served, nine days jail suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation.

Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated, if any.

2. One to three months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the cost of drug testing and PBT’s, if

any.

3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall

follow the recommendations of the screening until successfully

discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information to allow the Court to monitor compliance.

Brandon Cote, case #19-084, §3.608, Obstruction of process –

1st offense

Sentencing on 06/26/2019, #19-084, §3.608:

1. One-hundred (100) hours of community service. Probation office

will set up a community service schedule.

2. Defendant shall perform an additional 292 hours of community

service in lieu of fines/probation fees ($3,500.00) which the Defendant owes to the Community. Probation office will set up a

community service schedule. In the event the Defendant provides proof to the probation office that he is gainfully employed,

this requirement will become null, and a payroll garnishment will

be issued.

3. Twelve to twenty-four months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly oversight fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost of drug testing

and PBT’s, if any.

4. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, served 60 days jail, 120 days

jail suspended and shall be placed into a remedial order. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated. The remedial order

shall be enforced as follows:

A. First violation – the Defendant shall serve three (3) days jail