All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2007)

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GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Manoominike Giizis - Rice Making Moon - September 2007 Issue 39

Tribal Council Members:

Susan J. LaFernier, President

29th Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding

Warren C. Swartz Jr., Vice-President

Toni Minton, Secretary

Gary F. Loonsfoot Sr., Asst. Secretary

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Larry J. Denomie III, CEO

Doreen Blaker

William E. Emery

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Jerry Lee Curtis

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

•

August 4, 2007 Tribal Council meeting

•

KBIC Weed & Seed

•

KBIC Leaders Meet With U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

•

KBIC Wins Tribal Walking Challenge

•

KBTPD Receives New Patrol Units

•

Fiesta! A Good Time Had.

•

KBIC College Graduates

•

Okosimaan Gitigaan (Pumpkin

Garden)

•

Aabinoojiiyens

It was beautiful weather for the well attended grand event weekend in Keweenaw Bay. The Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community’s Annual Pow-wow was held on July 27-29, 2007, at the Ojibwa Campgrounds in Baraga, Michigan. This

year’s event began on Friday evening with a 7:00 p.m. Grand Entry, a great welcoming speech by President Susan

LaFernier, the Princess Coronation and the honoring of the elders.

Chelsea Lynn Seymour is representing Keweenaw Bay once she was crowned Friday evening, as Miss Keweenaw

Bay. The fourteen-year-old Keweenaw Bay Indian Community member, of the Eagle Clan, will wear the crown for the

next twelve months as she travels to many locations as KB’s royalty. Chelsea is the daughter of Michael and Tammi Seymour of Harvey, Michigan. She is a Fancy Shawl dancer, who has been taught her culture and how to respect her heritage, she vows to be good role model and pass all that she has learned to the younger generation.

The honored elders were presented with quilts and other gifts on Friday evening as well. The Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community appreciates the dedication that Dave, John, Nellie and Veronica have given to our community and country.

Dave Firestone is the son of Doris Picard, grandson of Leonard and Eliza Picard. He retired two years ago as the Elderly

Continued on page six.

(1) Bezhig

AUGUST 4, 2007 — TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Tribal Council held their regularly scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on August 4, 2007. Susan LaFernier presided over the meeting with Warren C.

Swartz Jr., Jennifer Misegan, Larry Denomie III, Jerry Lee Curtis, William E. Emery, Michael LaFernier Sr., Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews and Elizabeth D. Mayo present. Invocation—an opening prayer in Ojibwa and the Lord’s Prayer were cited.

Numerous Thank You and For Your Information items were reviewed by Council.

Susan LaFernier reported in the President’s Report, that she believes good

news will be coming in the next few months regarding the Indian Health Care Improvement Act which has not been reauthorized by Congress for ten years. Senator Dorgan, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has been

working hard to get this Act passed recently by adding it as an amendment to the

State Children’s Health Insurance Program Bill. (See news release on page three

for further information.) On July 30, 2007, the Michigan DEQ issued a proposed

decision to grant a Mining Permit to Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company for the

proposed Eagle Project mine in Marquette County. They will now hold public input

sessions to accept public comment on the proposed decision on: September 1112, at 1:00-4:30 pm and 6:00-9:30 pm at the West Branch Community Center;

September 13, 2007, at 1:00-4:30 pm at the Old KI Sawyer AFB; and on September 19, 2007, at 1:00-4:30 pm and 6:00-9:30 pm at Lansing Center in Lansing,

Michigan. The public input sessions will also cover Kennecott’s applications to the

Michigan DNR for the use of state-owned surface property for Kennecott’s proposed processing and storage facilities. Written comments will also be accepted

until October 17, 2007, and a final decision may be made on or before November

14, 2007, unless more information is required. On July 24, 2007, President

LaFernier met with Bruce Peterson, District Conservationist, Mike LaPointe, Area

Conservationist, and the State’s new Conservationist Garry Lee. President

LaFernier gave them a tour of the Tribal Center and they also visited Sand Point

reclamation area, marina, and campgrounds. Peterson’s goal is to meet with the

leaders of the 12 recognized tribes in Michigan to discuss the programs and assistance that the Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide and to learn

more about the history and natural resources needs of each Tribe. President

LaFernier and CEO Larry Denomie attended the Baraga Casino’s employee meeting on July 25, 2007, at the Bingo Hall. They discussed budgets and the budgeting

process, the excellent customer service training, the review of the evacuation/

disaster plan, the chain of command, and they received a marketing update. John

Mantila, Casino General Manager, informed them and the employees at this meeting that the July 2007 issue of the “Midwest Gaming & Travel Magazine” has announced the winners of various categories regarding customer’s visits to the Midwest Native American Casinos. Our Ojibwa Casino’s won four categories for

Michigan: Best Slot Attendants, Most Friendly Staff, Most Knowledgeable Staff,

and the Friendliest Dealers! A combined community presentation on drugs, the

lake levels, and other topics of interest will be held toward the end of August, or the

beginning of September. Remember the Drug Tip Line number is 353-DRUG

(353-3784). Please call if you know of the sale or use of illegal drugs on our Reservation or in our Communities. Your name will remain confidential unless you

choose otherwise. The 29th Annual Keweenaw Bay Maawanji’iding Pow-Wow,

“Embracing Our Past to Protect Our Future” was held on July 27-29, 2007. It was

wonderfully attended. President LaFernier expressed a thank you to the Pow-Wow

Committee who worked very hard for many months for a fine pow-wow. Congratulations to Miss Keweenaw Bay, Chelsea Lynn Seymour, and to our honored elders:

Dave Firestone, John Jacker, Nellie LeMaire and Veronica Adams. President

LaFernier stated that she was honored to present the welcome on Friday evening.

On July 28, 2007, President LaFernier attended an evening reception in Marquette

at a private home to honor the distinguished service of United States Senator Carl

Levin. She was able to meet with him and discuss issues specific to the status of

our Marquette Casino transfer to the former airport location. Senator Levin recently decided to support the H.R. 2176 Bill that would authorize an off-reservation

casino in Port Huron (if it reaches the Senate) for the Bay Mills Indian Community

that has been a project since 2002, with Governor Engler. The Council met a few

weeks ago regarding future economic development and President LaFernier stated

that she plans to discuss the casino issue and our land claims report in our next

Economic Development Planning meeting with Council. At that meeting, the Council formed a task force committee to work on the issues of our Marquette airport

casino project. Larry Denomie, David Haataja, John Mantila, Eddy Edwards, John

Baker, Francis (Hosh) LaPointe and President LaFernier were chosen for that

committee. On July 30, 2007, Tribal Council held a meeting for Tribal members

only at the OCC gymnasium. President LaFernier thanked those who attended

and those who prepared for this meeting. Jennifer Misegan and Warren (Chris)

Swartz Jr. presented a power point presentation on the history of our tax agreements since 1977, history of our cigarette tax case and sales/use tax case, with the

various options and decisions that Council will have to make. There was a time for

questions and comments included in the meeting format. Attorney Mary Streitz, of

Dorsey & Whitney law firm, and Tribal Attorney John Baker were also present.

The Council will be presenting more on these topics in the near future.

Larry Denomie III presented the CEO Report for July. The Senior Assistance

Program funding was supposed to be distributed in July. It has taken longer than

expected to receive all of the seniors’ responses back. The distribution of payments to vendors will be processed the week of August 6, 2007. The CEO’s office

will be reviewing this year’s process in an attempt to improve the procedure to ensure payments are distributed more timely next year. Attorney Joe Mrstik resigned

his employment with KBIC legal department. His last day was July 27, 2007. An

amended job description is being devised and will be presented to Council in the

near future. Attorney Christoff Geiger is away for a period of time also, due to a

family emergency. This puts Attorney John Baker handling legal matters for up to

thirty days. LeAnn Tallbear of South Dakota will begin her employment with KBIC

as the new Grant Writer on August 6, 2007. Tribal Council held a meeting on July

19, 2007, addressing the communities economic development needs. A conclusion meeting will be held on August 9, 2007, to complete the discussion and review

the options to meet the community’s needs in this area at that time. The Police

Department’s new patrol vehicles have arrived and the unmarked vehicles are being used to patrol the reservation at this time. The two black Dodge Chargers currently have light bars and will be detailed with graphics in the very near future. A

plan is being developed to move the Anokii Business Center to a tribal owned vacant building in the industrial park. The move is expected to be completed within

the next 60 days. The community’s health insurance plan options presentation

meeting has been moved from July to August to allow the representative more time

to gather specific information needed for the presentation. Dotti Pryor, Manager of

the Pressbox presented to Council the need for replacement of the current scoring

system. The new proposed system would not only bring in additional revenues but

would meet the needs of the bowling leagues much better. Tribal Council approved the new scoring system for the Ojibwa Lanes (Pressbox). Tribal Council

has amended the Emergency Funding policy. Changes to the policy will better

reflect the needs of the community and members. The medical assistance section

of the program has been expanded to include gas allowance for medical appointments that are less than 100 miles away but not considered local. Additional funding was also approved but will not become effective until the new fiscal year

(October 1).

Toni Minton presented the Secretary’s Report for July 2007. During the month

of July, Council held one regular meeting and four special meetings. The regular

Tribal Council meeting was held on July 14, 2007, and is reported in the August

2007 Tribal Newsletter. The following actions occurred during the special meeting

held on July 12, 2007: approved meeting minutes from June 2, 2007, and June 7,

2007; approved the Service Agreement of STS Consultants for Brownfield Cleanup

Criteria and Assessment for $35,200; agreed to request a rehearing of the Byykkonen vs. KBIC Case; approved the Risk Assessment Protocol Services Agreement with DPRA Inc. for $11,600; approved the BMI Radio Station Blanket/Per

Program License Extension Agreement for both of our radio stations; approved 35-7 Poker for the Baraga & Marquette Casinos; and designated the Powerdam

Road Junkyard as a Brownfield Site for the NRD to move forward with an assessment to identify environment problems that may be present. The following actions

occurred during the special meeting held on July 19, 2007: approved meeting minutes from June 14, 2007, June 21, 2007, and June 22, 2007; received an Accreditation Update from Mary Breslin of the Higher Learning Commission; allocated

$50,000 to the Tribal Health fund; approved a new scoring system for the Pressbox

from Qubica for $60,173.60; approved the service agreement with Chris Voakes

Customs to paint the school bus for $2,298; approved the construction contract

with Larsen Well Drilling/LLC Larson Pump Company for a new well and a replacement well at New day for $17,380; approved the Purchase Agreement to purchase

Joseph Waara’s property for $206,000; moved the September 1, 2007, regular

scheduled meeting to September 8, 2007, due to the Labor Day Holiday; donated

Continued in next column.

Continued on page three.

(2) Niizh

Continued from page two.

$1000 to Carl Levin’s reception; and awarded the bid for a new roof at the Health

Center to Drift Roofing for $24,478. The following actions occurred during the special meeting held on July 26, 2007: approved meeting minutes from August 6,

2005, and June 28, 2007; approved up to $30,000 for Anishnaabemowin Immersion Classes from Bay Mills Community College to be held here; approved revisions to the Emergency Funding Policy. The funding amount will increase to $300

on October 1, 2007; approved KB1563-2007 for the ITC Community Services

Block Grant; approved the area selected for TSI; approved the bid from Ojibwa

Builders for the Radio Station Roof for $5,100; approved the business license of

Koski’s Wheels owned by Stacey Koski; approved July donations totaling $1,300;

and approved revised progressive agreements with WMS Gaming for Baraga &

Marquette. The following action occurred during the special meeting held on July

27, 2007: approved the Broker Dealer Contract between KBIC and Financial Telesis for the 401K plan.

Jennifer Misegan presented the Treasurer’s Report for July 2007. The approved June donations totaled $4,425 and were: Todd Pittsley stockcar sponsorship—$250; Tashina Emery for a Travel Club Trip—$300; Zeba’s Finest Softball

Team sponsorship—$375; and Baraga County ATV Planning Group (sponsorship

of first annual run event)—$3,500. The approved July donations totaled $1,300

and were: Ethan Smith cello purchase—$250; Gardner Bess III BMX sponsorship—$250; Jennifer Klopstein stockcar sponsorship—$250; Senator Debbie Stabenow campaign sponsorship—$250; and Rangers Post 6165, VFW, sponsorship

of Vietnam War Moving Wall Memorial—-$300. On July 26, 2007, Tribal Council

met with Chief Financial Officer, Francis (Hosh) LaPointe. Mr. LaPointe reviewed

the Government Audit at length, and several questions were discussed. It was a

clean audit, and Jennifer thanked the Accounting staff. Department Heads and

Managers have been busy working their proposed budgets for fiscal year 2008.

Their budgets have all not been completed, which may postpone our annual

budget meetings by one week.

Motions were passed for approval of the minutes for August 11, 2005, minutes

for July 12, 2007, and department head reports for the month of June 2007.

Council authorized the use of six canoes for canoe races at the employee picnic. Council also authorized four deer tags for the New Day Pow-wow and for the

ceremony feast being held at New Day. Elizabeth Connor requested sponsorship

funding for an all-native team (10 participants) traveling to a tournament in Black

River Falls being held in late-summer. Council authorized $500 sponsorship

money and three tanks of gas for the team.

Council entered closed session with Pauline Spruce, John Baker, Tracy Emery, Jennifer Misegan, Susan LaFernier, and Larry Denomie on the agenda. Upon

return to open session, Council authorized to dissolve a “line of credit” with Four

Directions Petroleum (which was never utilized); authorized an addition of $10,000

to the Pow-wow budget to cover the honorariums for the committee members; and

approved the Assistant Tribal Attorney’s Job Description.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Commits

to Bringing Indian Health Care Improvement Act

to a Vote this Session of Congress

Washington—August 1, 2007—In a statement today on the floor of the U.S.

Senate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (N-NV) said he would bring S.1200,

the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) reauthorization bill, to a Senate

vote during “this session of Congress”—a promising sign for Native people who

have, for years, endured substandard health care services.

“I say to my friend, through the Chair, that we are going to do the bill this year if

it reported out of the finance committee,” said Reid, referring to Senate Byron Dorgan (D-ND). “We will find a way.” Reid later added, “So I support my friend from

North Dakota and will do everything I can to move this forward and do something

this session of Congress.”

Substandard health care in Indian Country translates into devastating statistics.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported in 2003, that “American Indian

youths are twice as likely to commit suicide, Native Americans are 640 percent

more likely to die from alcoholism, 650 percent more likely to die from tuberculosis,

318 percent more likely to die from diabetes, and 204 percent more likely to suffer

accidental death compared with other groups.”

“On behalf of Indian Country, I am extremely grateful for the Leadership’s commitment to this crucial vote,” said NCAI President Joe A. Garcia. “The vote is

Continued in next column.

years overdue, and I thank Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for

their attention and work on behalf of Improved health care for Native people. We

are almost there.”

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee,

promised Dorgan, on the Senate floor that the final mark-up/meeting on the IHCIA

will be held in the Finance Committee on Wednesday, September 12.

“I appreciate the sense of urgency Senators Reid and Baucus are expressing

with their commitments to move this legislation, and I commend them for it,” Dorgan said. “The crisis in Indian health care needs urgent attention and action, and I

am grateful for their pledges to see that both the Finance Committee and the full

Senate will consider this legislation promptly.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a co-sponsor of S.1200 said, “The Indian

Health Care Improvement Act is crucial to the health of American Indians and

Alaska Natives. I welcome the Majority Leader’s commitment to finally give the full

Senate the opportunity to support this legislation.”

The IHCIA would allocate funding to address the current needs in Indian health

and provide Indian people with the same modernized and technologically advanced health care delivery systems and services that are already afforded to

mainstream America.

“NCAI will continue to work with Congress to ensure these promises are fulfilled

in the next few months,” said Garcia. “We expect bi-partisan support from the full

Senate.”

Okosimaan Gitigaan (Pumpkin Garden)

Submitted by Barb Bradley

For my NMU Native American Studies Service Learning Project this niibin, we

planted an okosimaan gitigaan at the tribal community center in Harvey. With the

Center for Native American Studies, KBIC Weed and Seed, and KBIC Youth Committees working together, we were able to provide a gardening experience for tribal

youth. Most of the children (ages five-twelve) were from the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community, but we also had two participants from the Sault Tribe and one from

Lac du Flambeau. Our lessons included:

•

Using the medicine wheel as a tool for the stages of a garden (in which we

also planted a four-colored flower medicine wheel in the center of our gitigaan)

Learning the difference between heirloom and hybrid miinikaanan (seeds) and

about several pumpkin varieties (we also planted native, heirloom sunflowers)

Composting (And yes, there is a word for “compost” in Ojibwemowin – nebwashkigaadegin.)

Installing a zhingob (balsam) weather stick for predicting fair or foul weather.

Making a “scare-away girl”, oshaakaaniniikwezens (since traditionally, it was

the women and girls in the Ojibwe culture who shooed away the crows)

We used Ojibwemowin garden

terminology throughout our six workshops and each child went home

with an Ojibwe garden glossary.

Even during our snack times, of

wholesome food and drinks from the

Marquette Food Coop, we carried on

conversations using the language

when it was known.

Throughout heat waves, hailstorms, and drought our little gitigaan

has been growing, but we’re not

counting our okosimaanan until

they’re harvested. From this experience, I can see that new “seeds”

have been planted in the children. It

seems that they have grown closer

and have more respect for Maamaa

Aki now. I can see it in their smiles

when they are in the garden. We are

hoping that this little gitigaan will be

the beginning of a larger community

garden.

KBIC youth Neebin Pietila-Ashbrook with

Oshaakaaniiikwezens (scare-away-girl).

(3) Niswi

2007 Ann Misegan Memorial Scholarship Recipient Chosen

Jennie Haataja, a Michigan State University

sophomore from L’Anse, has been selected as the

second recipient of the Tribe’s Ann Misegan Memorial Scholarship. The Tribal Education Committee,

along with a member of the Health Board, reviewed

the applicants and selected Haataja to receive the

scholarship.

Jennie is majoring in Medical Technology. She

is a graduate of L’Anse High School and worked as

an intern in the Tribal Dental Clinic this past summer.

Ann Misegan was a long time Tribal Council

member whose priority was the health of the Tribal

membership. She was adamant that Tribal members be trained for as many positions

as possible within the Tribe and also encouraged members to seek further education,

especially in health fields. She was a member of the Tribe’s Health Board as well as

their Dental Assistant for many years. She held an LPN certificate from Northern

Michigan University and worked as a nurse for Baraga County Memorial Hospital before coming to work for the Tribe. This scholarship seeks to reward members who have

the same passion for health care that Ann did.

This scholarship amount is $1,000 twice per year for up to six years and will be

awarded to a new student each fall. Applicants must meet the following criteria: be an

enrolled Tribal member, attend an accredited college/university as a full-time student;

pursue a degree in a Health Care field documented by their college (preference will be

given to students either in a nursing or dental program); and be a resident of Baraga or

Marquette County. Applications for the 2007-08 academic year will be available in

June 2008. For more information on this scholarship, please contact Amy St. Arnold,

KBIC Education Director at 906-353-6623, ext. 4117.

Meet Sheyanne

Marie,

born

07/19/2007,

Jennifer Reed and

Fred Cote III. She

weighed 6 lbs. 14

oz. and was 20

inches at birth.

Meet Rion Richard Fountaine, born 07/12/2007, to

Kristine Maki and Cory

Fountaine.

He weighed

6lbs. 4.3 oz. and was 18.5

inches at birth.

Meet Rowen Rexford, born

07/17/2007, to Chris and

Betsy Rexford. She weighed

8 lbs. 9oz. and was 21

inches at birth.

The Education Department is pleased to announce the following eleven KBIC

College graduates for the 2006-07 academic year:

•

Linda Abbott, Certificate, Northern Michigan University, LPN

Miranda Voakes, Associate Degree, Northern Michigan University, Criminal Justice

Daniel Paavola, Associate Degree, Northern Michigan University, Climate Control

Technology

Gregory Bressette, Associate Degree, Gogebic Community College, Criminal Justice

Janice Halverson, Associate Degree, Bay de Noc Community College, General Education

Diana Shannon Chaudier, Bachelor Degree, Northern Michigan University, Media

Production & New Technology

Michael Owens, Bachelor Degree, Northern Michigan University, Philosophy

Angela Badke, Bachelor Degree, Michigan Technological University, Liberal Arts

Lora Duschene, Bachelor Degree, Michigan State University, Communications

Kristin Mantila, Bachelor Degree, University of Michigan, Biological Anthropology

and Zoology

Jean Jokinen, Bachelor Degree, Lake Superior State University, Business

Congratulations to all of our graduates. We are very proud of you and your accomplishments!

(4) Niiwin

Meet Abrie Leigh Sirrine, born

05/27/2007, to Theresa Sirrine of

Pawpaw, Michigan.

She

weighed 6 lbs. 5oz. and was 19

¼ inches at birth. Abrie is the

granddaughter of Jim Wood and

the great-grand-daughter of

Louella Wood.

Meet Jessica Tamayo, born

10/18/2006, to Manuel and

Rhonda Tamayo of Kaukauna, WI. Jessica (who is now

nine months old) is pictured

with her big sister Blanca

(age 2 ½), and is held by her

big brother Steven (age six).

Grandparents are Ronald

and Elizabeth Spruce.

KBIC Wins Tribal Walking Challenge

FROM THE DESK OF THE TRIBAL PRESIDENT

The Grand Traverse

Band of Ottawa and

C h i p p e wa

Indians

Steps the

Healthier

Annishinaabe

challenged all Michigan

tribes to a walking challenge. The challenge

started on March 21,

2007, and finished on

July 13, 2007. All participants

from

KBIC received a log

book and a pedometer. The winner was

determined by the highest average number of

Pictured are (front r to l) Mary Tikkanen, Heather Wood, Denise steps

per

particiMaki, Theresa Massie, Gina LaBeau. (Back r to l) Kathy Lanczy,

pant.

The

results

were

Lilly Capozzoli, Alyna Tollefson. Missing from the photo are

follows:

Keweenaw

Mike Beiring, Monica Kohn, and Dr. Joseph Zobro.

Bay - 1,243,339 steps;

Grand Traverse - 780,979 steps; Little Traverse - 728,932 steps; Huron Potawatomi - 675,062 steps; Little River Band - 522,299 steps; Saginaw Chippewa - 325,440 steps

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you.

Our Fall and school activities have already started; it was a great summer except for

the lack of rain. Please continue to be very careful in the outdoors, as it is very dry and

most of the State has been issued an outdoor burning ban. The Tribal Council also

finds that extreme fire hazards exist on all Keweenaw Bay Reservation lands which

include Baraga, Marquette, and Ontonagon County lands. In order to protect our members and Reservation from catastrophic wildfires, the Council passed Resolution KB

1569-2007 which was effective on Thursday, August 27, 2007, that forbids all open

burning until the Council deems it necessary to lift the ban except for the use of cultural

fires for ceremonial purposes. Continue to pray for our KBIC Beartown Firefighters;

they have had a busy summer, and we are appreciative of their hard work and devotion

to keep everyone safe.

Many of us will be traveling to NMU in Marquette on September 10th to attend the

public hearing on the Kennecott Eagle Rock project in the Yellow Dog Plains to comment on the permits, State land lease agreement and mine reclamation plan. If you

cannot attend the hearing, we ask that you please submit your written comments to the

DEQ (see notices) and write the Governor. Make everyone you know aware of the potential dangers to our air, water, and land. Our Tribe continues to oppose this mine

project and we continue to work on this opposition.

I also urge you to read the pamphlet regarding the donation of blood. I have heard

that 70% of people could save lives by donating but only 5% give. It is a wonderful way

to help someone in need. To know love “Zah gi di win” is to know peace. Feel and

give absolute kindness for all things around you. To love yourself is to live at peace

with the creator and in harmony with all creation (another one of our seven teachings)

Congratulations to our Casinos for being awarded the “Best Slot Attendants, Most

Friendly Staff, Most Knowledgeable Staff, and the Friendliest Dealers” by the Midwest

Gaming and Travel Magazine July 2007 issue. Good job everyone! We are very proud

of you and appreciative of your hard work. Also a big Megwetch to everyone who

planned and helped with our great, fun filled employee picnics throughout the summer.

Say thank you to them; they deserve a pat on the back for all of their hard work.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend (continue to do your best at school).

Almost all of KBIC's 11 participants who completed the challenge had

over a million steps, the few who didn't were very close. KBIC was recognized at the Michigan Indian Family Olympics at Central Michigan University

in Mt. Pleasant, on July 20, 2007, as the winners of the challenge. KBIC also

received a (home-bound) plague and a (traveling) plaque that will continue on

to the next winner. Both of the plagues are on display at the KBIC health department. KBIC’s goal is to keep both of the plagues at KBIC next year as

well.

~Susan J. LaFernier, President

Fiesta! A Good Time Had.

(Above) Evelyn Holappa; (Bottom right) crafters—(l to r) Brenda McKittrick, Diane

Charron, and Nancy Haataja; (Top picture)—Ojibwa Senior Citizens having fun!

Cultural Center Grand Opening

Fun was had by all

at the annual senior

picnic sponsored by

the Tribal Health Department

programs. Fiesta was the

theme this year. Snocones served as margaritas, and the sombrero hats added festive color. The participants learned about

nutrition during the diabetes bingo.

Salsa

music was the background while they ate

their fajitas and socialized.

Piñatas and

night light crafts finished the day, and

everyone went home

smiling and laughing.

September 24-28, 2007

Located at:

Ojibwa Campground, Baraga, Michigan

Public Invited

Come and tour the newly renovated Cultural Building

Participate in Cultural Preservation Activities

throughout the week

Oral History Workshop

Cultural Teachings

Traditional Craft Workshops

Black Ash Basket Weaving

Rush Mat Weaving

Beading

Dreamcatchers

Drum Workshop

Feast

AND MUCH MORE!

Watch for schedules coming out soon

For more information contact:

Bev 353-7020

Gerry 353-6623 Ext. 4134

Summer 353-6623 Ext. 6272

(5) Naanan

Continued from page one.

Nutrition Director of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens and

has worked for over ten years in different capacities for the tribe. Dave’s interest is writing poetry,

and he has two poems published. His hobbies are

custom leather work, impersonating Elvis, playing

the harmonica, riding his new Harley and picking

up litter two hours a day. Dave has two companions—his black labs.

John Jacker is the son of Annabelle LaFernier

and John Bernard Jacker. As a child, John attended the orphanage at the old tribal center and

then transferred to Alpena, Michigan. He has been

married to his wife, Carol, for forty-two years, and

together they have raised eight children. John

moved back to the reservation in 2000. John

served in the United States Air Force.

Nellie LeMaire is 96 years old. She was married to the late Henry LeMaire, and together they

raised his five children in the Marquette area, and

her grandchildren, Robbie, Mike and Roger. Nellie

worked for the Holy Family Home Orphanage in

Marquette until she retired. She was an active

member of St. Christopher where she volunteered

for many years helping out with funerals, catering,

fundraising sales and working with Father John

Hascal. She is known as Aunt Nellie and loves to

sit and talk about the old days of the sugarbush.

Veronica Adams is the daughter of Mary and Bill

White. Veronica married Jack Beauchamp of Mason, Michigan, had six children and was widowed.

Later she married Wallace Adams and worked for

the Keweenaw Home Care. Now retired, she is

enjoying life as a grandmother, hanging out at the

senior center and participating in pow-wows.

Saturday scheduled festivities included an adult

fry bread contest where KB’s Valerie Voakes won

unanimously. Valerie lives in L’Anse and has been

making fry bread all of her life. She has been a

food vendor for the past six powwows. Alicia Rosebear, 15, from Minneapolis, Minnesota (Frybread

Express) won the youth fry bread contest. Alicia

told us that she just learned to make fry bread this

weekend from a good teacher, her Auntie Ann.

The Youth Two-Step winners (ages up to 15)

were Raistline Awonohopay (Menominee, Ojibwa)

of Baraga, Michigan, and Megan Tucker (Lac du

Flambeau, Ojibwa) of Zeba, Michigan. They also

were the youth head dancers for the weekend.

The Adult Two-Step winners (16 and up were: Michelle Reed (Ojibwa) and Alex Alvanez of Almore,

AL. Michelle Reed was the head female dancer

and Tim Loonsfoot was the head male dancer for

the weekend. Head Veteran dancer was Albany

Potts (Ojibwa) and female Veteran dancer was Denise Cadeau (Ojibwa).

This year’s pow-wow was organized by a new

pow-wow committee who did a fine job with such a

big event. If you didn’t make it to this year’s event,

mark your calendar for next year (it’s always the

last full weekend in July), as next year’s event

promises to be even bigger. As the emcees announced, “We’re telling everyone. Keweenaw Bay

sure knows how to treat their guests!”

“Val’s Place” sold out of Indian Tacos this year!

Valerie Voakes won the Adult Fry Bread competition. Valerie was presented her plaque by Marty

Curtis, Chairman of the KBIC Pow-wow Committee (left).

Newly crowned, Chelsea Lynn Seymour, Miss Keweenaw

Bay, with Shauna Pelto, Miss Keweenaw Bay 2006, and

her parents Tammi and Mike Seymour.

(Above) Alex Alvanez and Michelle Reed, Two(Right) Raistline Awonohopay and Megan Tucker.

(Above) Co-Host Drum — Pipestone from Lac Courte Step Champions!

Oreilles, Wisconsin. (Below) Host Drum — Medicine Trail

from Atmore, Alabama.

Honored elder, Nellie LeMaire, found time to

visit vendor alley. She purchased herself a pair

of Indian crafted moccasins.

Cousins. Three of Fred Dakota’s beautiful granddaughters… (l to r) Savannah Dakota,

Keegin Kahkonen and Gabby

Mayo.

Regalia, compliments of Auntie

Hope Dakota, I see. You do

such fabulous work.

Master of Ceremonies (l to r) Neil Lawhead (Ottawa/

Paumunkey) and Pete Gahbow (Ojibwa) .

Not shown: Ted Holappa (Ojibwa) was Honorary Emcee

and Lester Drift (Ojibwa) Arena Director.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Elvera Lantz, pow-wow committee member, (left) presented Alicia Rosebear,

winner of the Youth Fry Bread competition with her plague.

Who better to be a judge than the fry bread maker of

Keweenaw Bay, Doreen Blaker (above in yellow).

(Above/right) A very polite young visitor to Keweenaw

Bay. And an awesome traditional dancer (far right).

KBTPD RECEIVES NEW PATROL UNITS

Best Western Lakeside Inn

Baraga, MI

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 11th

1:00 p.m.

Pat’s Foods in L’Anse

September 27 , Thursday

Diabetes Medication

October 30th, Tuesday

Know Your Numbers

November 20th, Tuesday

Don’t Sweat It

Your Tour Guide Will Be:

Dale Schmeisser, RD

Learn how you can earn a

prize valued at $20 or

greater!

To register or for more

information contact

Kathy at 353-4519 or

Heather at 353-4546.

To register or for more

information call Heather

at 353-4546 or

Kathy at 353-4519.