All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2010)

GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Onaabani Giizis - Crusty Snow Moon - March 2010

Issue 69

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY’S

SIXTH WINTER TRADITIONAL POWWOW

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

William E. Emery, Vice-President

Stanley Spruce photo.

Head Veteran Dancer, Ted Shalifoe, leads the KBIC Color Guard in the grand entry at

the Sixth Annual Winter Powwow.

Stanley Spruce photo.

Stanley Spruce photo.

Gerry Mantila, Cultural Committee Chair- Dorothy Sam, Cultural Committee’s

person welcomes guests to the day’s Spiritual Advisor, offers the opening

prayer.

events.

The Keweenaw Bay

Indian

Community’s

Cultural

Committee

held their Mid-winter

powwow on Saturday,

January 30, 2010, at

the Niiwin Akeaa Community

Center

in

Baraga, Michigan.

The day began with

morning ceremonies to

Honor the Tribal Council. Gerry Mantila, Cultural Committee Chairperson, gave the welcome and an opening

prayer was offered by

Dorothy Sam, Cultural

Committee’s Spiritual

Advisor.

The guest speaker

for the event was Warren Petoskey, and

Tashina

EmeryKauppila sang Nagamowin

(Amazing

Grace). The Cultural

Committee recognized

the

current

Tribal

Council — Warren

(Chris) Swartz, Jr., William (Gene) Emery,

Susan J. LaFernier,

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Eddy Edwards,

Jerry Lee Curtis, Fred

Dakota, Michael F.

LaFernier, Sr., Gary F.

Loonsfoot, Sr., Elizabeth (Popcorn) Mayo,

Toni J. Minton, and Isabelle Helene Welsh.

Cody Blue, Cultural

Committee member,

offered the closing remarks preceding the

Honor Song offered by

Eric Awonohopay.

Head

Veteran

Dancer Ted Shalifoe,

led the KBIC Color

Guard in the 1:00 and

6:00 p.m. grand entries. Auddie Connor,

Jr. and Taylor Drift

served as Head Male

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Asst. Secretary

Eddy Edwards, Treasurer

Toni Minton

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Jerry Lee Curtis

Frederick Dakota

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Isabelle H. Welsh

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

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February 6, 2010, Tribal

Council meeting

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KBIC Sixth Winter Powwow

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Healthy Heart Fair

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You Can Make A Difference

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KBIC Veterans Deliver Gifts

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Sand Point Recreational Improvements

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Drug Conviction Report

DHHS Superior Spirit Award

Winner for February

New Employees

Aabinoojiyens

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Stanley Spruce photo.

Tashina Emery-Kauppila, as she beautifully sang Nagamowin (Amazing Grace).

and Female Dancers with Chummy Connor and Tiana Drift as

Head Youth Male and Female Dancers. This year’s event feaEric Awonohopay offers the Honor tured Raistlin Awonohopay and Samantha Tolonen as Junior

Warren Petoskey, Guest Speaker.

Head Male and Female Dancers. Four Thunders served as host

Song.

drum and provided songs along with invited drums Woodland

As editor of the Giikendaam Chiwikwegamag, I like to extend a Chi Miigwech to Singers, Summercloud, and Bahweting Singers. Emcee, Ted

Stanley Spruce and Kelly Dowd for offering to photograph both of these events, as I Holappa, kept everyone informed of the events, and Arena Direcwas unable to attend due to illness. I greatly appreciate it. ~ Lauri Denomie

tor, George Gauthier, kept the arena moving smoothly with the

Stanley Spruce photo.

Stanley Spruce photo.

Continued page six.

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FEBRUARY 6, 2010 — TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Tribal Council held their regularly

scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on

February 6, 2010, at the Ojibwa Casino Resort

Conference Room. Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr.,

presided over the meeting with William E. Emery, Susan J. LaFernier, Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Eddy Edwards, Jerry Lee Curtis, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.,

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Toni Minton, and Isabelle

Helene Welsh present.

President Swartz

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

were given for January 2010, by President

Swartz (page three), Secretary Susan J.

LaFernier (page four), and Treasurer Eddy Edwards (page five). Council passed the Department Head Reports for December 2009.

John Cadeau gave a presentation of the

services offered by Saint Vincent De Paul that

are available to all members of Baraga County.

Their organization is two-fold. They have the

Thrift Store where approximately 25 individuals

volunteer for a total of 700-900 hours per

month. The Thrift Store accepts many donations of clothing, food items, etc. from the community. The goods are then sold in the Thrift

Store and the funds are allocated to the second part of the organization, the Conference.

The Conference meets and allocates money to

those in need when requests are made for assistance in utilities (52% last year), rent (21%

last year), and food (12% last year). In January 2010, they dispersed approximately $2400

for utilities shutoffs and $490 in back rent assistance, and there are no income guidelines to

be eligible for this assistance. The Conference

members volunteer in total approximately 2000

hours per year. Council thanked Mr. Cadeau

for his presentation and for all the benefits that

Saint Vincent De Paul offers our community.

Eddy Edwards brought forth the donation

requests received in the month of January

2010.

• Council tabled a request from Foster Galer

Nomination to receive the 2009 Taimi

Lynne Hoag Award

for Environment Stewardship.

Submitted by:

President KBIC

Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr.,

Nominee: Susan J. LaFernier, KBIC Tribal

Council Secretary

Eligibility: Current elected Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community Tribal Council member

Criteria: In 2004, the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community (KBIC) Tribal Council met to discuss new metallic sulfide exploration activity

occurring in the Yellow Dog Plains and Michigamme Highlands in western Marquette and

Baraga Counties. Susan LaFernier was Tribal

Council Vice-President at that time. Exploration targets were and still are in both KBIC

ceded territories and on our L’Anse Reservation. After reviewing available information, the

Tribal Council decided that the surety was ac-

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on behalf of his daughter Miranda for financial assistance to cover necessary orthodontic treatment.

Council tabled a request from Logan Roe

for travel assistance to attend a three-day

high school bowling state quarter finals.

Council tabled a general annual sponsorship donation for the Native American

Rights Fund.

Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to deny the

request for donation on behalf of the

Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall of Fame

for a second statue of Jim Thorpe, supported by Toni Minton, seven supported

(Emery, S. LaFernier, Matthews, M.

LaFernier, Mayo, Minton, Welsh), three

opposed (Edwards, Loonsfoot, Curtis),

0 abstained, one absent (Dakota) motion carried.

Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to deny the

request of donation for Chris Deschene,

Navajo, who is running for the Arizona

Secretary of State, supported by Jerry

Lee Curtis, ten supported (Emery, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Mayo, Minton,

Welsh), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Dakota) motion carried.

Motion by Toni Minton to deny the request for donation by Forsythe Township for clock tower restoration, supported by Isabelle Welsh, ten supported

(Emery, S. LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Mayo, Minton, Welsh), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Dakota) motion

carried.

Motion by Isabelle Welsh to approve a

$1000 donation to the Pine Ridge Indians for emergency relief after storms,

supported by Jerry Lee Curtis, ten supported (Emery, S. LaFernier, Matthews,

Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Mayo, Minton, Welsh), 0 opposed,

ceptable and offensive to the traditional and

cultural values of KBIC. The Tribal Council

subsequently adopted Resolution KB-13012004 which “prohibits...mining activities within

the boundaries of the L’Anse Reservation and

all activities related thereto unless and until

substantial evidence can be produced to satisfy its concerns.” Susan was a strong force

behind adoption of Resolution KB-1301-2004

and has been tireless in raising these concerns and educating local residents about sulfide mining, acid mine drainage and associated threats to our waters, and our environment. Susan has been tireless in her efforts to

educate both herself and others about KBIC’s

concerns with sulfide mining and speaking to

local, regional, and national leaders about this

issue. A small sampling of Susan’s efforts includes:

• 2009 Address to President Obama’s National Ocean Policy Inter-Agency Task

Force in Cleveland.

• Addressing the Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Strategy Coordinator, Lt. Governor Jon Cherry, about mining

issues, activities, and concerns during

strategy development.

• Providing comments to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on deficiencies in the proposed Michigan Part

632 mining rules during hearings in Lansing, MI.

• Addressing participants about KBIC’s concerns during the first two annual “Protect

the Earth” walks to Eagle Rock, a KBIC

cultural and religious location.

• Key participant in development of proposed KBIC Mineral Exploration and Min-

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0 abstained, one absent (Dakota) motion carried.

Motion by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. to

approve a $500 donation to the BHK

Child Development Board for their children’s programs, supported by Eddy

Edwards, nine supported (Emery, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Minton,

Welsh), one opposed (Mayo), 0 abstained, one absent (Dakota) motion

carried.

Motion by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. to

approve a $200 donation to the Superior Americorp for their Peace Bench

Program, supported by Isabelle Welsh,

eight supported (S. LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis, M. LaFernier,

Mayo, Minton, Welsh), two opposed

(Emery, Loonsfoot), 0 abstained, one

absent (Dakota) motion carried. President Swartz will contact the Superior

Americorp as to where we’d like this bench

located within the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community lands.

Motion by Susan J. LaFernier to approve a $100 donation to the Superior

Alliance Independent Living as a Festival sponsorship, supported by Elizabeth D. Mayo, ten supported (Emery, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Mayo, Minton,

Welsh), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Dakota) motion carried.

Motion by Jerry Lee Curtis to approve a

$500 donation to the Special Olympics,

supported by Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, ten supported (Emery, S.

LaFernier, Matthews, Edwards, Curtis,

M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Mayo, Minton,

Welsh), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Dakota) motion carried.

—Total donations approved $2300.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

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ing Ordinance.

Ongoing consultation with Michigan Governor and staff about degradation of waters

and the environment that will result if sulfide mining occurs and our opposition to

polluting the water.

Participation in contested case hearings as

a Plaintiff opposing the granting of mining

and associated permits to Kennecott Minerals for their proposed Eagle Mine.

Attendance at meetings of the MDNR and

Natural Resource Commissions to educate

and inform them about potential sulfide

mining activities in our ceded territories

and on our Reservation.

Traveled to London, England, to attempt to

meet with Rio-Tinto company officers to

discuss the Community’s concerns and

potential impacts of sulfide mining to our

community’s environment, natural resources, and our traditions.

Susan’s environmental stewardship efforts

are not limited to sulfide mining issues for our

community. Additional activities having received her support and participation include

household hazardous waste collection and

education, KBIC spring cleanup, illegal dump

cleanups and prevention, promoting Lake Superior Day events, working with Tribal youth

on adopt-a-roadway, and lobbying for development of local recycling and composting services. She is a strong advocate for development of our Tribal water quality standards and

achievement of TAS status for our Tribe and a

promoter of the three R’s, reduce, reuse, and

recycle.

~ submitted by Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2010.

Activities Reported by the President, Warren

(Chris) Swartz, Jr., for the month of January.

• The Community received notice that Director, Steven Chester, was leaving his post at

the Michigan Department of Environmental

Quality. Governor Granholm announced

that Jim Sygo would serve as Interim Director of MDEQ as of January 5, 2010. Subsequent to the announcement, we were informed the MDEQ’s decision rejected that

portion of the Hearing Officer’s decision

which held that Kennecott’s construction of

the portal (entrance) to the mine would have

to be relocated to avoid interference with

Eagle Rock. In addition, the decision clarified or supplemented various portions of the

Hearing Officer’s decision, none of which

were favorable to the Petitioners, including

KBIC. MDEQ’s Final Order granted Kennecott’s application for permits for the mine

and directed the permits shall be issued with

an effective date of January 14, 2010. The

decision, interestingly, comes during a time

of transition for the agency with the former

director gone and the new one yet to arrive.

The company would begin constructing the

mine this year with production expected to

commence in 2013. The DEQ had earlier

approved Rio Tinto’s mining application in

December 2007. The decision was appealed in a lengthy contested case hearing.

During the contested case, DEQ lawyers

argued that Eagle Rock is not a place of

worship because it is not a constructed

building such as a Christian church or a

mosque. The DEQ decision expresses the

agency’s opinion that Eagle Rock is not a

legitimate place of worship, as defined under Michigan mining law, and the religious

rights of area Native Americans are irrelevant in the Eagle Mine case. “WHAT A

SHAME!”

• I attended an informational meeting at the

L’Anse Village offices. Congressman Stupak was at the meeting and heard a number

of concerns from area residents and businessmen. I provided the group with an update of the Economic Development Committee and asked those in attendance to contact Gregg Nominelli as he is the contact

person regarding the proposal for KBIC to

provide economic development services to

the County.

• I participated in a conference call with the

Department of Interior to develop a Department-wide Tribal consultation policy.

• I responded to an issue regarding a raffle

license with the National Wildlife Turkey

Federation. I called Nick Lindemann, and

we were able to resolve the issues regarding the issuance of his raffle license.

DRUG CONVICTION

REPORT

In a continuous effort to reduce the illegal use of controlled

substances in our community,

the Drug Task Force has requested the publication of pertinent information regarding any

convictions of the Controlled Substances section of the KBIC Tribal Code §3.1706. The

Tribal Court has agreed to comply with the

Drug Task Force’s request and will publish a

Drug Conviction Report on a routine basis.

John Wayne DeCota, case # 09-270, controlled substance (sale) – 1st offense

Factual basis: I sold an illegal substance,

morphine, to a confident informant.

Sentenced on 12/17/2009 to:

1. $1000 fine.

2. 12-18 months standard drug and alcohol

restricted probation with a $10 monthly

probation fee. Defendant is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and will be

financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT testing.

• I attended a VOIGT Task Force meeting in

Lac Courte Oreilles. At the meeting we selected new officers. Elected as Chairman

was Tom Maulson from Lac Du Flambeau.

The group chose Giiwe Martin from Lac

Vieux Desert to serve as Vice-Chair.

• I signed sub-contracts for KBIC Tribal Court

and our Registration station. We received

funding from GLIFWC to help offset some of

the expenses associated with running the

above programs.

• We advertised for two vacant gaming commissioner positions. We are still in the process of filling those positions of the gaming

commission.

• The Council elected to participate in a ballot

initiative regarding the proposed racinos.

However, later in the month, we received

information from MGM that it’s their policy to

oppose off reservation casinos. Due to their

policy, it was decided not to include tribes

who have off reservation casinos or are proposing an off reservation casino. The community will receive a refund in the mail.

• Tribal Council had the opportunity to view a

PowerPoint presentation on prescription

drug abuse. It was an eye opening presentation to say the least. Becky Tussing did

an excellent job with her presentation and is

going to present her finding in a public forum

in the near future.

• We continue to receive updates on the MIwater ballot initiative campaign. Protecting

Michigan’s water from the adverse impact of

sulfide and uranium mining was and is worthy of our very best effort. In the past year

with the help of many, they drafted very

powerful legal language that, if passed by

the electorate, would give Michigan the

strongest sulfide and uranium mining law in

the country. This achievement cannot be

over stated; this took bringing together a

coalition of diverse supporting groups including:

National Wildlife Federation,

Friends of the Land of Keweenaw, Front 40,

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Organic Consumers Association, Save the

Wild UP, Upper Peninsula Environmental

Coalition, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve,

Michigan Environmental Councils and others.

• The Tribal Council continues working on updating the Community’s Strategic Plan. I’m

confident the initial review will be done early

in the month of February.

• I forwarded Congressman Stupak’s appropriations form for FY’2011 to the CEO. I informed him of the February 19, 2010, deadline and that if he had any questions to contact the appropriate staff on the attachment.

Carole LaPointe informed me that she would

be putting in an identical request from last

year for electronic health records initiative.

The CEO indicated that he would bring it up

at the department head meeting.

• I attended a bi-monthly department head

meeting. A number of topics were discussed at the meeting.

• The Community was asked to help Michigan

Attorney General Mike Cox protect the

Great Lakes from the Asian Carp. They

have

launched

a

website,

www.stopasiancarp.com, to help educate

our citizens and those across the Midwest

on the dangers the carp pose. They are

asking for signatures on a Petition located

on this site that they’ll present to President

Obama and Congress to encourage action

through Executive and Legislative branches

of government.

• I nominated Susan J. LaFernier to receive

the 2009 Taimi Lynne Hoag Award for Environmental Stewardship (page two).

• We received a draft version of the deer

management plan being proposed by the

State of Michigan on January 20, 2010, with

a deadline of February 3, 2010. This provides the Community to provide input/

comments on the plan. However, with the

tight deadline of two weeks, it’s a challenge

to provide meaningful input.

• We appointed Honorable David R. Mechlin

as Justice to the Appellate Division of the

Tribal Court for a term of three (3) years

commencing October 1, 2009, and expiring

September 30, 2012. His appointment to

the Appellate Division is made pursuant to

the Appellate Ordinance 2008-03.

• I provided a short letter of support for a

grant that The Cedar Tree Institute is submitting to the USEPA next week to continue

their work organizing churches around environmental issues. Over the years, the KBIC

has served as a key partner in several projects for the Cedar Tree Institute. This grant

focuses on organizing good stewardship

practices and energy conservation with the

faith communities across the Upper Peninsula especially church communities in

Baraga, L’Anse, Assinins, and Zeba.

• I participated in a Tribal-State forum group

conference call pursuant to the 2002 accord.

The Pokagon Band, Nottawaseppi Huron

Band, and the Gun Lake Band volunteered

to jointly host the 2010 summit in Lansing at

a site to be determined. A brief discussion

took place of what should be on the agenda.

We plan to discuss this at an upcoming conference call.

3. 180 days jail, 120 days suspended, credit

for two days served, Defendant is to serve

58 days. Days to serve may be done on

tether in lieu of jail provided the Defendant

pays for the tether in advance. Defendant

is financially responsible for the costs of

lodging/tether.

4. The Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged.

5. The Defendant is to perform ten hours of

community service.

6. The Defendant is to provide his doctor with

a signed letter stating that the Defendant is

not to be prescribed narcotic pain medications.

Troy Roberts, case # 09-264, controlled

substance (sale) – 1st offense

Factual basis: I sold methadone and loricet

to an undercover C.I., and I’m not licensed to

sell them.

Sentenced on 01/12/2010 to:

1. $1000 fine.

2. 24 months standard drug and alcohol restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation fee, to run concurrent with other

cases. Defendant will be financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT

testing.

3. 180 days jail, to be served concurrently

with other cases. The Defendant shall be

responsible for the costs of lodging.

4. The Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully completed. Defendant may follow recommendations of prior screening.

5. The Defendant is to report to the probation

officer twice weekly and perform at least

one drug test per week and is subject to

random alcohol/drug testing, and the Defendant will be responsible for the costs of

those tests.

Troy Roberts, case # 09-266, controlled

substance (sale) – 2nd offense

Factual basis: I sold methadone and loricet

to an undercover C.I., and I’m not licensed to

Respectfully submitted,

Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr., President

Continued page nine.

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SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2010.

Activities reported by the Secretary, Susan J.

LaFernier, for the month of January 2010.

We all need to commit to do our part to

make a difference to protect our environment

and change the world. I hope that you have

been learning how to save and conserve energy to protect our Earth if you are able. I continue to emphasize that every month is

“Energy Awareness Month,” and our theme for

the year was “Commit to Conserve.” There

are simple everyday conservation measures

we can all easily commit to. There are also

everyday measures we can do to reduce air

pollution, conserve water, reduce/reuse/

recycle/re-buy materials, and prevent pollution

in general. Once again, October was Energy

Awareness Month! This year’s theme, “A Sustainable Energy Future— Putting All the

Pieces Together” encourages you to see yourself as a piece of a large puzzle shaping our

energy future and moving our nation toward

energy independence. All of this information is

available on the EPA.gov and energy.gov

websites.

Thank you to everyone who cares and protects our earth and water everyday. It is our

responsibility: Tribes, residents, municipalities,

businesses, and visitors need to protect and

restore the quality of Lake Superior’s (and all

of our lakes) waters, land, and wildlife. The

lakes have always been and always will be

important to the quality of our life.

We continue to have monthly meetings with

our employee wellness group and our Blue

Cross representative/Employee Benefit

Agency. The official name for the Task Force

is: W.H.I.P.P. (Wellness, Health, Intervention,

Prevention Program). The members of the

task force also developed a mission statement

that reads: “The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Wellness, Health, Intervention, Prevention Program (W.H.I.P.P.) is dedicated to improving and maintaining the general health

and well being of our employees, dependents,

and community members. Our goal is to provide information, activities, motivation, services, and recognition to enhance the ability of

people to better manage their own health, improve their quality of life, and reduce their risk

of disease and injury.

Positive lifestyle

choices develop a culture that is focused on

celebrating and improving the quality of life for

all. It is never too late to encourage positive

lifestyle changes that will help us live longer,

healthier, happier lives. All employees who

currently receive Blue Cross insurance coverage attended a presentation on their benefits

regarding “Preventive Care Services,” on

January 19. The Task Force will be sponsoring a booth at the Health Fair on February 12.

They will feature healthy “brown bag lunches”

with recipe samples and also samples of

healthy snack food (trail mix, etc.). A mini version will also be presented for the Marquette

Casino employees.

We are extremely disappointed to learn that

the final decision of the MI Department of Environmental Quality on January 14, approved

the issuance of Kennecott’s mining permit and

groundwater discharge permit for the proposed Eagle project sulfide copper/nickel mine

on the Yellow Dog Plains without addressing

even “one” of the hundreds of environmental

problems identified during the course of the

contested case proceedings and decided that

Eagle Rock is not a “place” of worship.

(Separate article, page five). As we know, on

August 18, 2009, the Administrative Law

Judge Patterson issued a proposed decision in

our contested case hearing regarding the Kennecott’s mining permit and groundwater permit

for the Yellow Dog Plains. He held that “the

excavation and drilling in the immediate area

of Eagle Rock and fencing it off will materially

affect its use as a place of worship. This

should in some manner be accommodated

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and would best be done by relocating the access to the mine to a location that will not interfere with that function. This decision was

sent to DEQ Director, Steven Chester, who

considered the comments and then made a

request for more information regarding Eagle

Rock and the legality of the judge’s decision.

We were informed that Director Chester resigned from his position effective January 4.

On January 14, Frank Ruswick, Jr., Senior

Policy Advisor for the DEQ, made the above

decisions. The DEQ and the DNR then

merged on January 17, and became the MI

Department of Natural Resources and Environment with Rebecca Humphries as the Director.

The MDNRE is holding a public hearing to

review the permit to build Kennecott's south

haul road, known now as the Woodland Road,

from the Yellow Dog Plains to Humboldt Township on February 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Westwood High School in Ishpeming. The company plans to cross eight waterways including

the Yellow Dog River, Mulligan Creed, Dead

River, Middle Branch Escanaba River, Wildcat

Canyon, and more. According to the company, thirty-eight acres of wetlands will be removed.

Please continue to call/write your elected

officials and Governor, and tell them that the

short term benefits are not worth the harmful

long term effects on our health, rivers, Great

Lakes, woods, and wild places because of the

great potential for acid mine drainage. Please

call me or write if you would like to review the

National Wildlife Federation’s DVD “Mining

Madness, Water Wars: The Great Lakes In

The Balance.”

Thank you to our Cultural Committee and

everyone for honoring our Tribal Council on

January 30, held preceding the Sixth Annual

Winter Traditional Powwow.

The guest

speaker was Warren Petoskey and Tashina

Emery-Kauppila sang a beautiful song: Nagamowin (Amazing Grace). I also had the pleasure of recognizing our honored elders Florence Uusitalo and Leonard Bill Cardinal at the

Powwow.

April 1 is CENSUS DAY— Remember

“Indian Country Counts, Our People, Our Nations, Our Future!”

Remember to continue to pray for and

honor all of our veterans, service men and

women, and their families. Also remember

those who are ill, have lost loved ones in the

last year, our economy struggles, and for the

people of Haiti. Let us be thankful for our

beautiful area, and we pray for peace in the

world, good health, happiness, and a blessed

New Year.

We also 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.

I am pleased to announce that the Drug

Court Program discretionary grant application

will be submitted by the February 11th deadline.

Remember the Drug Tip Line number is

353-DRUG or 353-3784. The yellow banners

are around the reservation with this drug tip

line number displayed.

In January 2010, the Tribal Council had

one Regular/Reorganizational Tribal Council

Meeting and four Special Council Meetings.

The Regular/Reorganizational Council Meeting

was held on January 2, 2010, and is covered

in the February 2010 Tribal Newsletter.

At the council meeting held January 7,

2010, the following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of August

6, 13, 15, 20, 27, 2009;

• Approved adding discharge papers and/or

a DD214 for veterans to receive a veteran’s license plate;

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Approved Resolution KB1727-2010, (Two

out of the three members of the Gaming

Commission resigned. This Resolution

authorizes the Tribal Council to act as the

Gaming Commission until new members

have been appointed.);

Approved the posting for two Gaming

Commissioners until February 19;

Approved waiving the approval of the December 17, 2009 meeting minutes regarding the Gaming Regulatory Amendatory

Ordinance that needed to be sent to the

NIGC;

Approved the three-year plan and IMLS

basic grant for the library services application and the grant match of $1000;

Approved Resolution KB 1726-2010 which

requests ITC to relinquish our Head Start/

Early Head Start program service area, so

we can proceed to operate our program as

the direct grantee;

Approved Resolution KB 1725-2010 which

requests the BIA to fund through the

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

of 2009 appropriations seven cooperative

projects with the Baraga County Road

Commission;

Approved the renewal of International

Game Technology (IGT) manufacturer/

distributor license for gaming equipment;

Approved three Class I Social Gaming Licenses for the L’Anse High Bowling Club,

Keweenaw Bay Cutter Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Keweenaw Bay Cougar Peewees Hockey

Association and waived the license fees;

Approved the Bay Mills Community College Immersion class students travel funds

to attend the classes at Bay Mills for the

winter session only;

Approved the purchase of the 2010 Community calendars to be used as match for

the ANA Language grant;

Approved to accept the ICDBG grant for

$600,000 for the proposed new gas station

and have staff begin the process to put the

Harvey property in Chocolay Township into

trust;

Approved a donation of $2600 for four

month’s rent for Jerome Crebassa due to

his medical condition;

Approved the lease agreement with Bayview Vision/Kirk R. Schott, O.D. until 2015;

Approved the authorization of the execution of assignment for the security agreements with Superior National Bank for the

six accounts under the Guaranteed Loan

Program;

Approved the Loan Purchase Agreement

and Assignment of Loan Documents with

Superior National Bank for Tim and

Monica Kohn;

Approved the Tribal Attorney to include the

information in the Lamson Brief regarding

the reasons why the business licenses for

Varline/Magnant were denied in September.

At the council meeting held January 14,

2010, the following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of September 3 and 4, 2009;

• Approved the Tribal President’s wage at

$33 per hour effective January 14, 2010;

• Approved directing the CEO/staff to begin

the process of utilizing the recent ICDBG

grant for a gas station in Harvey on the

Tribal property in front of the Casino;

• Approved Resolution KB1728-2010 Annual

Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report with WUPPDR and to

change the L’Anse gas station to Harvey.

At the council meeting held January 21,

2010, the following actions were taken:

•

Approved the meeting minutes of September 9, 2009;

• Approved the appointment of Honorable

David R. Mechlin as an appellate court justice for three years;

• Approved Resolution KB1729-2010 requesting that the Secretary of the Interior

take title to those lands in Chocolay Township, Marquette County described in the

Fee to Trust Acquisition Application for the

proposed construction and operation of a

Tribal gas and convenience center;

• Approved the Association of State and

Territorial Health Officials (astho) SubAward Agreement with KBIC/Department

Health and Human Services. The clinics

will be an accreditation beta test site to improve the health of the Tribe.

At the council meeting held January 28,

2010, the following actions were taken:

• Approved a donation to Mary Campioni for

$985.89 for assistance to pay for her

scooter chair pending available funding

from assistance programs;

• Approved a donation of $1000 to the Haiti

Fund;

• Approved the meeting minutes of September 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 2009;

• Approved Resolution KB1732-2010 requesting that the Michigan congressional

delegation sponsor an amendment to specifically name the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College in the Equity of Land

Grant Status Act of 1994 to participate in

the nation’s land grant system;

• Approved changes to the Community Center “Facility Use Policy”;

• Approved the Project Manager position

announcement with changes - who will

perform engineering duties in planning,

designing, ad overseeing construction and

maintenance of building structures and facilities;

• Approved the renewal of Jeff Lamson’s

Cue Master liquor license for on-premises

consumption;

• Approved Todd Warner, NRD Director, to

proceed with a Project Review protocol/

process to identify property or land use

issues before a project is initiated;

• Approved tabling Gaming Commission Action Number 005-2019 and 006-2010 requesting a postponement of hearings

scheduled for December 15, 2009, to review information until the following week;

• Approved the renewal of a manufacturer/

distributor of gaming equipment license for

Shuffle Master, Inc.;

• Approved the appointment of Hope

Laramore as the Interim Personnel Director with a wage of $21.22, grade eleven,

effective February 9;

• Approved a services agreement with the

University of Wisconsin System—

Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to provide chronic wasting disease

sample testing for KBIC;

• Approved the Tribal Attorney to draft a

contract for services between KBIC and

the Economic Development Corporation of

Baraga County to establish a County Economic Development office and business

incubator for the benefits of all residents

and businesses of Baraga County.

ble to understand how the MDEQ approved

these permits without addressing even “one”

of the hundreds of environmental problems

with the proposed mine that have been identified by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community,

the Natural Wildlife Federation, the Huron

Mountain Club, and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve during the course of the contested case proceedings. These issues have

been ignored by the MDEQ which will be to

the ultimate detriment of the waters and natural resources of our Tribe’s Ceded Territory

and the Upper Peninsula.

We also find it hard to understand that, on

the one hand, President Obama has allocated

$475 million dollars to restore the Great Lakes

and confront serious threats to these waters

and, on the other hand, the State has once

again determined by issuing the Mining Permit

and the Groundwater Discharge Permit to

Kennecott for the Eagle Project that the discharge to the waters, as authorized by the Part

31 permit, will neither be injurious to the public

health, safety, and welfare or to any uses protected by Part 31, nor will likely cause pollution, impairment, or destruction of natural resources, or the public trust therein. We urge

you to try and find a sulfide acid mine that has

not caused any of these environmental problems anywhere in the United States even in

states that have strict mining laws.

You, however, can make a difference in

protecting, restoring, and guarding our most

precious natural resources and the gift of water—our Great Lakes. We ask that you continue to become involved and educate yourselves to find out all that you can about sulfide

acid mining and the proposed mines for the

Upper Peninsula, especially the Eagle Project

in the Yellow Dog Plains.

The MDEQ’s decision that Eagle Rock is

not a “place” of worship after Administrative

Law Judge Patterson recommended that provision be made to avoid direct impacts to Eagle Rock that may interfere with the religious

practices there on, also reveals that

“undermining” Native American religious practices and sacred places is also allowable by

the state in order to protect the private interest

of the mining companies. This determination

is clearly contrary to the provisions of state law

and we will appeal these decisions.

Please become involved because sooner

than we want to admit, our lakes and land will

no longer be Great, and no amount of money

will be able to restore them or our way of life.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

High School

• Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little,

Brown, and Company, 2007.

• Alexie, Sherman. The Lone Ranger and

Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. New York:

Harper, 1993.

• Bruchac, Joseph. Jim Thorpe: Original AllAmerican. New York: Dial/Penguin, 2006.

• Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine. New

York: Harper, 1984.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We are extremely disappointed with the

Final Decision of the Michigan Department of

Environmental Quality approving the issuance

of the Mining Permit and the Ground Water

Discharge Permit to Kennecott for the proposed Eagle Project sulfide copper/nickel mine

in the Yellow Dog Plains. It is simply impossiContinued top next column.

Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr.

KBIC Tribal President

JANUARY 2010

TREASURER’S REPORT.

Activities Reported by the Treasurer, Eddy

Edwards, for the month of January 2010.

Treasurer’s report was given verbally and

transcribed by the newsletter editor.

First thing I did as Treasurer was met with

the Tribal President and the Chief Financial

Officer to go over the expectations, the roles,

and the responsibilities of this office of Treasurer. It was a productive meeting. From the

meeting, I understand that some of my main

responsibilities are going to include the protection of the Tribe’s assets, particularly the

money, taking the lead on the budget process, handling 2% distributions that come twice

a year, and also dealing with the monthly donation requests which are all forwarded to me,

and need to prepare a summary of those for

the Council which are on the agenda for later

today. So those are some of the things that I

will be working on as Treasurer. I have also

begun a long process of learning the Tribe’s

current financial condition, all of its processes,

how it handles the money, and how the budgets all work. I’ve done a lot of work in those

regards already. I’m always open to informing

Tribal members of the financial condition of

the Tribe; so at any time, I am always available to Tribal members to answer any questions about that.

The other thing I want to mention is that

we have been doing some work on the business loan program that the Tribe offers in

conjunction with Superior National Bank.

Tribal members are eligible, and you can borrow up to $20,000 for business use, but you

must also meet the bank’s loan underwriting

criteria. There is currently money available in

that loan program for Tribal members. So if

you know a Tribal member who has a business or wants to start a business, they can

talk to Superior National Bank about that loan

program.

Respectfully given,

Eddy Edwards, Treasurer

Native American Classics continued:

•

•

•

•

Susan J. LaFernier

KBIC Tribal Secretary

Tribal Council

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

NATIVE AMERICAN CLASSICS

The following is a list of books complied by

Dr. Loriene Roy, an instructor at the University

of Texas (Austin). Dr, Roy is a member of

White Earth in Minnesota, and the first

(former) Native American President of the

American Library Association. Some of these

books are available at our library. Dr. Roy

suggests these books are Native American

classics.

Continued next column.

•

•

Hogan, Linda. Solar Storms. New York;

Scribner, 1995.

Ihimaera, Witi. The Whale Rider. New

York: Harcourt, 1987.

Loyie, Larry. Goodbye Buffalo Bay. Oroville, WA: Theytus Books, 2008.

McGregor, Lurline Wailana. Between the

Deep Blue Sea and Me: A Novel. Honolulu: Kamehameha Publishing, 2008.

Momaday, N. Scott.

House Made of

Dawn. New York: Harper, 1966.

Silko, Leslie Marmon. Gardens in the

Dunes: A Novel. New York: Scribner:

1999.

Middle School

• Belarde-Lewis, Miranda. Meet Lydia: A

Native Girl From Southeast Alaska. Tulsa,

OK: Council Oak Books, 2003.

• Erdrich, Louise. The Birchbark

House. New York: Hyperion, 1999.

• Simermeyer, Genevieve. Meet Christopher: An Osage Indian Boy from Oklahoma. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American

Indian; Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books,

2008.

• Solomon, Chad and Christopher Meyer.

The Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws:

The Sugar Bush. Toronto, Canada: Little

Spirit Bear Productions, 2006.

• Swentzell, Rina. Children of Clay: A Family of Pueblo Potters. Minneapolis: Lerner,

1992.

• Tingle, Tim.

Walking the Choctaw

Road. El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos

Press, 2003.

Continued page eleven.

(5) Naanan

KBIC Sixth Annual Winter Powwow continues:

assistance of the Assistant Arena Director, Joe

Jacker. The day’s events included a Lester

Drift, Jr. Memorial and a Pink Shawl Honor

Dance. Megan Tucker provided a beautiful

hoop dance for those in attendance. The Cultural Committee honored Jade Chaudier, Miss

Keweenaw Bay, and Tribal Elders, Leonard

(Bill) Cardinal and Florence Uusitalo. The

event included a grand feast which was enjoyed by all.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Kelly Dowd photo.

Taylor Drift and Auddie Connor, Jr., Head

Female and Male Dancers.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

On Call positions:

* Community Service Supervisor

* LPN

* RN

* Account Executive/Sales

* Cashier

* Receptionist/Clerical Worker

* Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant

* Youth Program & Facility Attendant

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

∗

∗

∗

Executive Director—Gaming Commission, 03/12/10

Child Support Enforcement Director, 03/03/10

Health Outreach Worker, 03/03/10

For current job listings, complete job announcements,

applications and closing dates contact: KBIC Personnel

Department, 16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI 499089210 or 906-353-6623, ext 4176 or 4140 or visit:

www.ojibwa.com.

Don Burnstick, March 12, NMU,

$5.00 admission

For more information: Call 2271397, or e-mail:

nasa@nmu.edu

Kelly Dowd photo.

Leonard (Bill) Cardinal — Bill was born on

June 10, 1928, in Baraga, Michigan. His parents were Leonard Holmes and Rosemary

Cardinal. He is married to Julia Durant and he

has three children — Leonard, James, and

Colleen Cardinal; and two step children —

Kathy Chapman and Clayton Ekdahl. Bill also

has four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. He worked on the Soo Line

Railroad for forty years and was the Vice

President of the Railroad Yard Masters Union.

Bill served as our KBIC Tribal Chairman and

as a Council member. He was also the President of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens where he is

still a member and also President of the Most

Holy Name of Jesus Church Council. Bill is a

member of the American Legion Post 444 and

is an United States Naval Air Veteran of World

War II. His favorite hobby is listening to music.

Florence G. Uusitalo — Florence was born at

home in Assinins, Michigan. Her parents were

Thomas Shelifoe and Mary Jane Monguse.

Florence was married to Raymond Kemppainen (1949-1960) and to Carl Uusitalo (1962

-1992). She has eight children — Thomas,

David, Peter, Carol, Jennifer, and Susan

Kemppainen, and Anna and Janet Uusitalo.

She has 23 grandchildren and 28 greatgrandchildren. Florence worked as the Tribe’s

Community Health Representative (CHR) for

16 ½ years. She also worked at the Baraga

County Shelter Home for 10 ½ years and was

a restaurant owner for five years. Florence

served a three year term on the Tribal Council.

She is a member of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens

and a member of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church. Her hobbies include quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, and visiting

the casino.

Kelly Dowd photo.

Tiana Drift and Chummy Connor, Head

Youth Female and Male Dancers.

To be added to the mailing list or to correct your mailing

address, contact the enrollment office

at (906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

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

ideas on possible articles contact Lauri Denomie at

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov or 906-201-0263.

Many Attend Healthy Heart Fair

KBIC’s Department of

Health and Human Services

held their annual Healthy

Heart Fair on Friday, February 12, at the Ojibwa Senior

Citizens. The favored event

drew many community members who came to learn how

to better take care of their

health, get their blood tests

done, perhaps received a

chair massage, or just to

browse the booths and entered drawings to win one of

the many prizes that were to

be given away at the end of

the day. Prizes being offered included yoga mats,

water bottles, cooking supplies, blankets, gift cards,

just to name a few.

This year’s vendors were:

Baraga & L’Anse High

School Nurse’s Aid students,

Baraga County Home Care

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Continued page eleven.

Susan J. LaFernier submitted

Newsletter photo

2010 CENSUS — How to Be

Counted as an American

Indian or Alaska Native

Rion welcomes his new

baby brother, Anen Arthur

Fountaine, born November

30, 2009, to Kristine and

Cory Fountaine of Harvey.

Anen weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz.

and was 19 ½ inches long

at birth.

Welcome

Conner Lee

Dakota, born

November

11, 2009, to

A m a n d a

Strong and

Michael Dakota,

Sr.

C o n n e r

weighed 5

lbs. 11 oz. and was 18 inches

long at birth. Maternal grandparents are Becky Chosa and

Neil Strong, and his parental

grandparents are Dale Dakota,

Sr. and Connie Rios.

Come Census time it’s very important that every American Indian and

Alaska Native person is counted -- and

counted as an American Indian or

Alaska Native. The way a person is

counted as American Indian or Alaska

Native is simply by checking off the box

that says “American Indian or Alaska

Native” on the Census form. The box

is under the question about the person’s race.

Saying that you’re American Indian

or Alaska Native on the 2010 Census

form is a matter of self-identification.

No proof is required. No one will ask

you to show a tribal enrollment card or

a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood

(CDIB).

Whether a household is counted as

an American Indian or Alaska Native

household depends entirely on the

Continued page ten.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

Phone: 906-353-4566 • Fax: 906-353-8132

• Email: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the following services:

• Establishment, Enforcement and

• Location of Custodial and

Modification of Child Support Orders

Non-Custodial Parents

• Paternity Establishment

• Community Education

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

BUILDERS

Residential Building Specialists

353

353--7127

The DHHS Superior

Spirit Award Winner

for February

Elvera Lantz is the DHHS

Superior Spirit Award winner

for February. “Elvera Lantz,

CHS Clerk, is always in her office when you need her assistance. She is courteous, caring, and helpful. She is truly

sympathetic to our ailments, no

matter how big or small they

may be. Her compassion helps

one feel more at ease when

unpleasant illnesses occur in

one’s families.”

Elvera received a beaded

lanyard for her name badge

and is able to park in the spot

specifically designed for the

DHHS Superior Spirit Award

winner.

Congratulations,

Elvera!!

BUILDING

SUPPLY

PLUMBING

& HEATING

For all your building supplies

For all your maintenance needs.

353

353--8850

New

ess

Busin

353

353--6967

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing Authority

"Owned and operated by the

Ojibwa Housing Authority.

All proceeds go to

affordable housing activities

in our community."

Newsletter designed ad

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Update

And Steps You Can Take To Help Slow the Spread of Exotics.

From Asian Carp to Zebra Mussels, the invasion of exotic ecological

threats to the Great Lakes continues at a concerning pace. Managers

throughout the region have been working hard to minimize the potentially devastating effects of these Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) to the

Great Lakes, native fish, and wildlife communities the lakes host. Recently, new threats have been identified and are detailed here:

Asian Carp:

Seven carp species native to Asia have been intro-

duced to the United States. The four species considered true Asian

Carp are listed here, with the Bighead carp being the identified species

of concern for its potential to invade lower Lake Michigan. To date, this

has not occurred, but the species has been identified within six miles of

Lake Michigan, and DNA has been identified even closer, prompting

concern and the development of control and eradication plans by the

US Fish and Wildlife Service and several partnering management

agencies.

Asian Carp of concern. 4 species of focus, with bighead carp the

closest threat to lower Lake Michigan as of Feb 4, 2010.

(information/ illustrations from USFWS)

Bighead Carp

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis

Typical viral symptoms of external bleeding in a

gizzard shad, Photo by USFWS/ Dr. Mohamed

Faisal.

The recent identification of these and other AIS threats to Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, in general, have prompted management

agencies to remind people that they can assist in minimizing the

spread of exotic species and in contributing to the understanding of

their spread.

BE VIGILANT. If you observe a large scale fish kill, or if you encounter a fish that appears sick, contact the KBNRD at (906) 524-5757.

BE CAUTIOUS: Take steps to minimize the chances that you

spread an exotic species. Clean boats, trailers, and fishing equipment

thoroughly and allow them to dry in the sun before transporting to a

different water body. Do not release unused bait into the wild. Do not

move water from one water body to another. Taking these steps can

greatly reduce the risk of spreading VHS and other exotic threats.

BE INFORMED: be aware of any management regulation changes

or alerts that relate to exotic species introductions or spread.

KBNRD has been actively involved in AIS management with many species and intends to stay abreast of new threats and introductions of exotic species to Lake Superior and the surrounding region with active

preventive measures, surveillance, and assistance from the community

Silver Carp

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Black Carp

Mylopharyngodon piceus

Grass Carp

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS): Recent detection of VHS

in Lake Superior has prompted the KBIC Natural Resources Department to begin planning for intensified disease surveillance and prevention at the Pequaming Hatchery Facility and in the field. VHS is an extremely serious disease that can result in large scale fish mortality

events in some instances. Many local fish species have been identified as susceptible to VHS, and they include the following:

Photo 1. Exotic Eurasian Ruffe documented at the Misery River in

Houghton County, MI.

Photo 2. Sea Lamprey captured on Silver River, Baraga County, MI.

Photos and Articles submitted by Gene Mensch.

KBIC Veterans Deliver Gifts to D.J. Jacobetti Home

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSv)

Update (updated Feb 19, 2010)

Large scale fish kills (VHSv implicated as cause) in the Great

Lakes Region have occurred in:

Black crappie

Great Lakes muskellunge

Bluegill

Round goby

Common carp

White bass

Freshwater drum

Yellow perch

Gizzard shad

Species in which VHSv has been confirmed in smaller mortality

events in the Great Lakes:

Rock bass

Smallmouth bass

Walleye

Species that have been identified as carriers of VHSv in the Great

Lakes:

Bluntnose minnow

Brown trout

Channel catfish

Cisco (lake herring)

Emerald shiner

Lake whitefish

Northern pike

Pumpkinseed

Silver redhorse

Spottail shiner

White perch

Brown bullhead

Burbot

Chinook salmon

Coho salmon

Lake trout

Largemouth bass

Pink salmon

Rainbow trout (steelhead forms)

Shorthead redhorse

Trout perch

White sucker

State of Michigan Informational Release

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSv) Briefing, 2009

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Symptoms of VHS include but may not be limited to external and internal bleeding, pale gills, erratic swimming behavior, and a listless appearance.

(8) Ishwaaswi

The Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community assists the KBIC Veterans through an allocated donation for gift bags to be delivered to

the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans during the Christmas Holiday.

The Council received the following thank you from the home

which they’d like to share with the

KBIC Veterans and the community. Pictures were provided by

D.J. Jacobetti staff.

On behalf of our members at

the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for your very generous donation of gift bags that included fruit, candy, socks, cards

and dice. These bags helped

make Christmas a little more

memorable for our Veterans. The

“quality of life” of our veterans is

enhanced in a most positive way

through your kindness, caring and

thoughtfulness. Donations such

as yours help our residents enjoy

a good life, and we sincerely believe our veterans deserve the

very best. Thank you again for

your generosity.

Kathy Loehr, Volunteer Coordinator, D.J. Jacobetti Home

All Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at

Lighthouse, Sand Point, will

be held every third Wednesday

of the month at 1900 hours.

All Tribal Veterans Welcome!

Kathy Autio

was hired by

the

Ojibwa

Community

Library as the

Library Assistant starting on

February

1,

2010. She is

e xc i t e d

to

once

again

find work in

her field of

Newsletter photo study as she

has an Associate Degree in Library Science from Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL. She is

looking forward to meeting the community and

helping them with all their library needs. She

also subs in the Baraga Area Schools Library.

Kathy's husband's name is John, and he is

the pastor at Mission United Lutheran Church,

Pelkie. Kathy grew up on a dairy farm in northern Illinois. John hails from L'Anse and has

been back home now for almost five years.

Together for 26 years of marriage, they have

two daughters, Julia and Kirsti.

Julia is a junior at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, majoring in Elementary

Education. Kirsti is a senior at Houghton High

School and will join her sister at CMU in the

fall to study journalism or psychology.

Kathy's hobbies include cooking, baking,

traveling, and shopping. She has been active

in her church with quilting, bazaar co-chair,

youth leader, helping with Vacation Bible

School, and reader/communion assistant. She

was a 4-H leader for the Personal Appearance

Club for the last couple of years. She enjoys

taking walks with her family and dog, Holly, a

sheltie.

Char lott e

Loonsfoot has

been hired as

the

Wildlife

Technician for

Keweenaw

Bay

Indian

Natural Resources Department.

Charlotte

is the youngest daughter

of

Virgil

L

o

o

n

s

foot.

Newsletter photo

Charlotte has

five children, Adrian Loonsfoot (age 17),

Shauna Pelto (age 16), Christian Pelto (age

15), Virgil Mongozid (age six), and Robert

Mongozid (age one). They moved to Baraga

fourteen years ago.

Charlotte states, “Boozhoo, I graduated at

Ojibwa Community College in 2009, with an

Associates Degree in Environmental Science

and Liberal Studies. I plan to attend MTU in

the fall part-time to further my education. I enjoy looking for eagle feathers, camping, going

to pow-wows, and fishing with my family. I

also like to draw, paint, sew, bead, and weave

baskets.

I am very happy to have this opportunity to

help our Mother Earth and to help our people

to understand how we are connected to everything around us, the four legged, the two

legged, the flyers, and the swimmers. Everything has a purpose, and we need to respect

and understand how one little plant or animal

depends on many things to survive. We all

need to clean up after ourselves and to be

careful with nature.

I look forward to learning and experiencing

all that’s in the wild with my new job at

KBTNRD.”

W.H.I.P.P.

(Wellness, Heath, Intervention,

Prevention, Program) Task Force

Mission Statement: “The Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community Wellness, Health, Intervention, Prevention Program is dedicated to improving and maintaining the general health

and well being of our employees, dependents,

and community members. Our goal is to provide information, activities, motivation, services, and recognition to enhance the ability of

people to better manage their own health, improve their quality of life and reduce their risk

of disease and injury.

Positive lifestyle

choices develop a culture that is focused on

celebrating and improving the quality of life for

all.”

Thank you to everyone who made the recent Health Fair on February 12th a success!

Everyone loves the health fair, and there is

always great information and free items for

your good health and well being. The WHIPP

Task Force had a booth, and it was beautiful.

Thank you to all who donated and worked so

hard to prepare and make sure that everything

was taken care of. The information regarding

healthy brown bag lunches and healthy snacks

was also provided to our employees in Marquette. There were also great prizes.

March is “Observe Workplace Eye Wellness Month.” More than 2000 people injure

their eyes on the job each day. Remember to

wear the proper eye safety/protection gear for

your job and make sure it fits well, keep germs

away from your eyes, and visit your eye doctor

to keep your eyes healthy. Also March is

“Nutrition Month.”

Did you know that

“blueberries” have more antioxidants than any

other fruit in North America? Blueberries are

essential in fighting cancer, diabetes, and agerelated memory changes. This fruit is rich in

vitamins A and C which boosts cardiovascular

health. How fortunate we are to have this fruit

growing in our backyards. Benefits of eating

fruits and vegetables:

• Fruits and vegetables taste great;

• Fruits and vegetables are the original fast

food—easy to fix and serve;

• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps

you feel more energetic;

• Fruits and vegetables are good for your

health;

• Fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk

of certain cancers and heart disease;

• Fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol

and almost all are naturally low in calories,

fat, and sodium;

• Most fruits and vegetables are a good

source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary

fiber;

• Fruits and vegetables help promote a

healthy digestive tract.

Remember to get your cholesterol checked

to keep healthy hearts, veins, and brains

healthy. A quick lesson on cholesterol levels:

Total Cholesterol: includes your LDL, HDL, and

all other lipoproteins. A desirable level is less

than 200 mg/dl.

Low-Density Lipoprotein

(LDL) is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it transports cholesterol through the

body and can build up in the artery walls. An

optimal LDL reading is less than 100 mg/dl

(less than 70 if you have heart disease already

or are at very high risk). The higher your LDL

count, the greater your risk of heart attack.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is considered

this “good” cholesterol because it can reduce

your risk of heart disease by transporting cholesterol away from arteries and to the liver,

where it becomes harmless. A desired level is

40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in the

blood. Hormones regulate the release of these

fats to meet the body’s energy needs between

Continued page ten.

OUR FINAL SNOWSHOE WINNER!

Bill Lahti is the final winner of the Library's snowshoe giveaway. Bill is a

weekly patron of the library. He was thrilled to win the youth snowshoes as

he is waiting for his first grandchild, Alex, to be born. What a great baby

gift!

The library would like to thank the Diabetes Program for buying the

snowshoes and promoting wellness.

~ Mary Bergerson, Library Director

Drug Court Report continued:

sell them.

Sentenced on 01/12/2010 to:

1. $1000 fine.

2. 24 months standard drug and alcohol restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation fee to run concurrent with other cases.

Defendant will be financially responsible for

the costs of drug and PBT testing.

3. 180 days jail to be served concurrently

with other cases. The Defendant shall be

responsible for the costs of lodging.

4. The Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully

completed. Defendant may follow recommendations of prior screening.

5. The Defendant is to report to the probation

officer twice weekly, perform at least one

drug test per week, and is subject to random alcohol/drug testing. Defendant will

be responsible for the costs of those tests.

Brittany Maki, case # 09-287, controlled

substance (possession) - 1st offense

Factual basis: I used controlled substances

without a prescription, Hydrocodone, Methadone and THC.

Sentenced on 01/25/2010 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. 180 days jail, 150 days suspended pend-

Library photo

ing successful completion of all the terms

of probation, credit for 13 days served, 17

days to be served. Defendant is financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and

other expenses while incarcerated.

3. The Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and is to comply with the

recommendation of that screening until

successfully discharged.

4. 6-12 months standard drug and alcohol

restricted probation with a $10 monthly

probation fee. Defendant will be financially

responsible for the costs of drug and PBT

testing.

5. Upon discharge from jail, Defendant must

submit to drug testing three times per

week until she can provide ten negative

(non-dilute) tests in a row. Thereafter testing will be at the discretion of the probation

officer.

6. Defendant will be released directly into an

inpatient treatment facility and remaining

jail time will be suspended.

Teresa Loonsfoot, case # 10-002, controlled substance (use) – 1st offense

Factual basis: I smoked marijuana, and it is

illegal.

Sentenced on 02/08/2010 to:

1. $150 fine.

2. 6-12 months standard drug and alcohol

Continued page ten.

(9) Zhaangaswi

website: www.kboha.com

Mission: To provide affordable and attractive housing opportunities in a

safe and healthy environment to qualifying tribal members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, encourage self-improvement of the

community’s low income families, and provide employment opportunities.

Programs and Services provided by the KBOHA:

• Low income rental homes and apartments

1. 158 Homes/apartments in Baraga

2. 50 Homes in Zeba

3. 40 Homes in Marquette/Harvey;

• Supportive housing/transitional housing to help address family issues;

• New, custom built, super-insulated homes for homeownership on

Bear Town Road;

• Home buyer training to prepare members for home ownership;

• Financial literacy training to improve members’ financial skills;

• Home maintenance training to improve members’ ability to maintain

homes;

• Home rehabilitation program to improve the condition of memberowned homes;

• Home emergency assistance program to remedy negative conditions in the home;

• Individual development account program – a 4:1 matched savings

program for member goals that include:

1. Down payment assistance for home purchase;

2. College tuition and expenses for residents;

3. Business expansion/start-up expenses.

•

Low cost home improvement loan program for qualifying Tribal

members;

• Low cost tax preparation program for residents and Tribal members;

• Surplus FEMA mobile home program for Tribal members;

• Stipend program covering mileage and child care expenses for

residents attending college;

• Affordable curbside trash service for residents and members;

• Prescription subsidy program to reimburse Tribal elders and disabled households for prescriptions purchased;

• Ojibwa Building Supply Do It Best—providing Tribal employment,

quality affordable building supplies and profits for housing programs;

• Ojibwa Builders Construction Company—providing Tribal employment, quality affordable construction, and profits for housing programs;

• Market rate rentals—five rental properties in Baraga and one in

Negaunee- providing profits for housing programs;

• Ojibwa BP, Car Wash and Laundry- providing Tribal employment,

superior products and service, and profits for housing programs.

BIA Scholarship Deadline

2010 CENSUS continued:

race of “Person 1” -- the first person listed on

the Census form. If that person says he or she

is American Indian or Alaska Native, then the

household will be counted as one with an

American Indian or Alaska Native

“householder.” The Census Bureau uses the

definition of American Indian or Alaska Native

published by the US Office of Management

and Budget (OMB): “A person having origins in

any of the original peoples of North and South

America (including Central America), and who

maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.” This definition of who’s Indian is quite

different than the one in federal law that says

an Indian person is a member of an Indian

tribe. What gives American Indian and Alaska

Native people special status in law is a political

relationship -- as a member of a Native governmental entity -- not who one’s ancestors are.

Simply saying that one is Indian on a Census

form does not convey any special relationship

or privileges.

For the first person in the household, it’s

question nine on the form. For additional members of the household, it’s question six. The

question looks like this:

The

only

way to ensure

that you are

included in all

the counts as

American

Indian or Alaska

Native is to

check just that

one box on the

form.

Application due date is March 19, 2010, 4:00

p.m.

W.H.I.P.P. continued:

meals. High levels can increase your risk for

heart disease. A desirable level is less than

150 mg/dl. An employee said she remembered the difference between LDL and HDL

as: LDL = lousy (bad) and HDL = happy

(good).

Spring begins March 20th!!!

Please submit an application (located in

Peggy Minton or Janice Halverson’s office) by

the due date to:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr. – President

16429 Beartown Rd.

Baraga, MI 49908

~ submitted by Susan J. LaFernier

Healthy Heart Fair WHIPP Prize Winners

Apple Ipod — Jacqueline Jossens; $50 VISA

Card — Valerie Voakes, Cheryl Erikainen,

Vicky Mleko; $25 Pat’s Foods Card — Helen

Tollefson; Samuel Dix; Ashtin Koski; Violet

Friisvall; $20 Larry’s Market Card — Sarah

Dix, Brandy Chosa, Tim Kohn; Intelligent Water Bottle — Melissa Treadeau; Ojibwa Casino

Insulated Mug — Stephanie Pinnow, Beth Dix,

Marcella Franti, Steve Murray, Cindy Curtis,

Sharon Ollila, Connie Sullivan, Angela Kelly,

Shawnie Stein, Cassie Dix.

Susan J. LaFernier Photo.

~ submitted by Newsletter Editor

(10) Midaaswi

The deadline to apply for a BIA Scholarship for the 2010-11 academic year is May 1,

2010.

Applicants must be enrolled KBIC members, residents of Michigan attending a two or

four year accredited Michigan college in pursuit of a two or four year degree, and must

complete the FAFSA (Free Application for

Federal Student Aid).

Applications are available from the Education Office, Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center,

16429 Bear Town Rd. Baraga, MI 49908.

For more information, please contact Amy

St. Arnold, Education Director, at 906-3534117 or e-mail: amy@KBIC-nsn.gov.

ATTENTION KBIC MEMBERS: The following

Committees/Boards have vacant seats:

Election Board – 2 seats

Education Committee – 1 seat for a threeyear term and 1 seat for a two-year term

(must be KBIC Tribal member and a parent of

enrolled KBIC child in Grades K-12 attending

the L’Anse or Baraga Schools)

Justice Committee (Child Welfare) – two

seats;

Enrollment Committee – seven seats;

Hiring Committee – seven seats;

Natural Resource Committee – two seats;

Pow-Wow Committee – four seats.

Drug Court Report continued:

restricted probation with a $10 monthly

probation fee. Defendant is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and will be

financially responsible for the costs of drug

and PBT testing.

3. 90 days jail, 84 days suspended, credit for

two days served, Defendant is to serve

four days of community service in lieu of

jail. Defendant will be financially responsible for the costs of lodging, if any.

4. The Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged.

5. The Defendant is to complete the Even

Start program, obtain her GED, and provide the probation officer with proof of her

efforts. When the Defendant completes

the program, her fines will be reduced at

an amount to be determined at that time.

Healthy Heart Fair continued:

& Hospice, Baraga County Medical Equipment, Bay Ambulance, KBOCC, KBOCC Destiny grant, KBIC Diabetes program, KBIC Healthy Start, KBIC WIC, KBIC Diabetes Case

Management Service, KBIC Natural Resources, KBIC

VOCA, KBIC Medical Clinic, KBIC CHS & Electronic Health

Record, L'Anse Health Mart, MSU Extension Family Nutrition Program, Northern Orthotics & Prosthetics, Aspirus Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice, Message Therapy, and

WHIPP.

~ submitted by Newsletter Editor

Newsletter photo

Newsletter photo

Sand Point Recreational Improvements

The Sand Point area is a tremendous community asset. The combination of beautiful Keweenaw Bay vistas, cultural areas, great swimming beaches, natural areas, the marina, and lighthouse make the site

a unique place. As part of the Brownfield assessment process, a Sand

Point Concept Master Plan was developed in 2003, and served as a

general guide for future development of the Sand Point Recreation

Area. The area south and east of the lighthouse has an existing informal campground with scattered sites, swimming beaches, picnic area,

a fishing pond, marina, and wetlands. Shoreline stabilization is also an

issue with piles of discarded concrete slabs and tires being used along

the shoreline. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) would like

to develop this area with the proper planning and design assistance to

protect the resource while developing the infrastructure needed to realize the potential of this community asset for locals and tourists alike. A

detailed design plan and construction documents are needed to insure

the resource is developed and protected properly. A partnership has

been formed, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was

signed between Michigan Technological University- Engineers without

Borders (MTU-EWB) and KBIC in April 2009. In 2010, KBIC was

awarded funding thru Michigan Coastal Zone Management to provide

the required professional design assistance from a landscape architectural and engineering firm to mentor the students and provide the com-

munity with a working document complete with a design plan, site specifications, construction documents and cost estimates. KBIC’s Park and

Recreation Committee recognizes the variety of activities enjoyed by

many people in this area and are interested in receiving comments on

initial planning designs. Please send comments to Parks and Recreation

Committee c/o KBIC Tribal Chairman Office, 16429 Bear Town Rd.,

Baraga, MI 49908.

~ submitted by Evelyn Ravindran

Native American Classics continued:

•

•

Wallis, Velma.

Two Old Women: An

Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and

Survival. New York: Harper, 1993.

Elementary

• Bruchac, Marge. Malian's Song. Lebanon,

New Hampshire: University Press of New

England, 2005.

• Harjo, Joy. For a Girl Becoming. Tucson:

University of Arizona Press, 2009.

• John, Roberta. Proud to be a Blacksheep. Flagstaff: Salina Bookshelf, 2006.

• Keams, Geri. Snail Girl Brings Water: A

Navajo Story. Flagstaff: Northland Publishing, 1998.

• King, Thomas. A Coyote Solstice Tale.

Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2009.

•

•

•

•

Kreipe de Montano, Marty. Coyote in Love

with a Star. Washington, DC; New York:

Smithsonian Institution, National Museum

of the American Indian; New York; London;

Paris: Abbeville Press, 1998.

Messinger, Carla. When the Shadbush

Blooms.

Berkeley. Toronto: Tricycle

Press, 2007.

Smith, Cynthia Leitich.

Jingle

Dancer. New York: Morrow, 2000.

Tapahonso, Luci.

Songs of Shiprock

Fair. Walnut, CA: Kiva Publishing, 1999.

Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok

Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of

Friendship & Freedom. El

Paso: Cinco Puntos Press,

2006.

(11) Ashi bezhig

BE COUNTED. . . Ý NATIVE AMERICAN ON CENSUS 2010

Newsletter editor designed ad

March 2010 Calendars Events

Mar. 6 — Regular Saturday Council Meeting, 10 a.m.

Mar. 12 — Comedian Don Burnstick at NMU

Mar. 13 — “Learning To Walk Together” NMU Powwow, 12 noon

Mar. 17 — Veterans meeting, 7 p.m.

Mar. 19 — KBIC Committee Application deadline, 4 p.m.

Mar. 25 — Ojibwa Sr. Citizen’s Pasty Sale

Mar. 26 — Ojibwa Sr. Citizen’s Monthly meeting at 12:30 p.m.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Events occurring throughout KBIC are welcome to be listed on the Calendar of

Events. Contact newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov to list your events. Some events are more

detailed FYI within the newsletter. For up-to-date event listings, visit www.ojibwa.com

and click on calendar. For Youth events, see @ www.ojibwa.com, click on youth club,

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

the Kitchen/craft rooms.

Kelly Dowd photo.

Stanley Spruce photo.

(12) Ashi Niizh

Permit No. 5

Calumet, MI

PAID

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

U.S Postage

PRESORTED STD