# The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2020)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A691395c378bb3279

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

WIIKWEDONG
DAZHI-OJIBWE
The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe
Manoominike Giizis – Rice Making Moon - September 2020
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AWARDS KEWEENAW BAY
INDIAN COMMUNITY WITH CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

Issue 194

Tribal Council Members:
Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President
Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Vice-President
Kim Klopstein, Secretary
Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary
Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer
Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.
Eddy Edwards
Dale Goodreau
Randall R. Haataja
Susan J. LaFernier
Rodney Loonsfoot
Don Messer, Jr.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Pictured above (left-to-right) are: Attorney Paul Mooney, KBIC Assistant Attorney; Dione Price, Environmental Specialist; Serene Gauthier, Environmental Response Program Specialist; Lyndon Ekdahl, Systems and Facilities Coordinator; Sarah Smith, KBIC CEO; Evelyn Ravindran, Natural Resources Director;
and Frances Smith, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit Duluth.

U.S. Department of
Homeland Security
United States
Coast Guard

Commanding Officer
Marine Safety Unit Duluth
16460/086-20
July 27, 2020

515 W. First Street (Rm. 145)
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 725-3800
Fax: (218) 725-3850

Ms. Evelyn Ravindran
Natural Resource Director
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
14359 Pequaming Road
L’Anse, MI 49946
Dear Ms. Ravindran:
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your support in responding to the F/V
Kathy oil discharge this past winter.

SPECIAL POINTS
OF INTEREST


U.S. Coast Guard Awards
KBIC with Certificate of Appreciation



Homeowner Ventilation Improvement Program Offered



Coronavirus
gram



Niimigimiwang Transition
Home’s new ride



KBIC Community Powwow



KBIC Headstart Family Day



KBIC Employment Opportunities



Ojibwemowin



Criminal Report

Support

Pro-

In late February 2020, Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Duluth responded to a
report of oil being discharged onto the ice by the moored fishing vessel.
The combination of a cracked intake pipe with oily bilges caused a discharge from the vessel every 2-3 days, incidentally polluting the Portage River. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community decisiveness and
enthusiastic support decreased the need for Federal involvement,
streamlining the response. The threat to the marine environment was
effectively mitigated as a result of your efforts and the alliance you
formed with MSU Duluth. Additionally, your continued involvement has
aided in the prevention of further incident from F/V Kathy.
I believe firmly that understanding each other’s goals, capabilities, concerns, and mutual interest provides a solid foundation for future collaboration in emergent and routine operations. Your actions as an environmental steward and partner are greatly appreciated and serve as an
example for others to follow. I have enclosed Marine Safety Unit Duluth
challenge coins for you, Dione Price, Lyndon Ekdahl, and Serene
Gauthier. In the sea going service, the phrase “Bravo Zulu” means “job
well done,” and “keep up the good work.” So, to you and your team…
Bravo Zulu!
Sincerely,

F.M. SMITH
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Continues page six.

(1) Bezhig

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC)
Homeowner Ventilation Improvement Program (HVIP) Policy
The KBIC HVIP will provide assistance up to
$5,000.00 for rehabilitation to improve ventilation for
homes owned by eligible members of the Keweenaw
Bay Indian Community in Baraga County. Defined
ventilation function of the home. There is a need for
rehabilitation of homes, so homeowners can improve
ventilation to reduce the risks of COVID-19 (provide
doors, windows, air conditioners, air purifiers, bathroom fans, ceiling fans, furnace filters, roofs/
insulation, forced air, replace old carpet with vinyl or
wood flooring).
1. Cosmetic repairs or expansion projects are NOT
allowable costs. Examples of cosmetic repairs are
landscaping, fences, driveways, paint. garages,
barns or storage sheds are expansion projects.
2. This assistance is a grant to the Tribal Member
and paid directly to the vendor, contractor, or appropriate agency. Payment is made only after the
CAP Office has approved the application, and the
Tribal Member has received a letter of approval.
Partial payment can be made up front for materials, and the remainder upon satisfactory completion of approved repair(s).
3. To be eligible the home must be the primary residence of the applicant for a period of nine (9)

CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT PROGRAM –
FOR THOSE MEMBER WHO DID NOT
RECEIVE AN EARLIER PAYMENT
The Tribal Council has established the Coronavirus Support Program to assist members with expenses related to hardships caused by the coronavirus. The program will issue payments of $500 to all
members over the age of 18 as of June 17 who did
not receive a payment from the Coronavirus Relief
Fund and who demonstrate a need by selecting from
the categories on the form. Those members who
are currently incarcerated in prison are not eligible.
In order to receive the payment, a member must
complete the Address Verification Form and have it
notarized. Notary Publics are commonly found at
banks, at law offices, at libraries, and even at shipping stores, such as the UPS Store. If members are
unable to print the form from our website, a form and
a postage paid envelope to return it can be mailed to
them by contacting the Enrollment/Licensing Department.

Rave Alerts
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community approved
the purchase of the RAVE system. This is an emergency alert system that allows Tribal members to opt
in to alerts from the Community such as: beach
alerts, weather alerts, closure of offices, water issues, hazardous events such as mercury spills,
housing issues, COVID-19 updates, etc.
You can download the 911 app
and opt in to KBIC’s alert system by
signing
up
at
https://
www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/
reg.action?pa=kbic or text START to
226787 so you can receive text
messages for important information.
(2) Niizh

months. The home must be in Baraga County.
4. Homes must be wood frame, modular, manufactured, or mobile homes. Travel trailers and recreational vehicles are not eligible.
5. A licensed contractor, qualified tribal member, or
agency must do the work. If a homeowner/family
member is doing the repairs, labor costs cannot
be included in the bid.
Appendices
a) Primary Residence: The residence at which the
owner lives at least nine months per year.
b) Manufactured Homes: Dwelling that is factory
built on a permanent, steel frame chassis, constructed in conformance with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards established by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD).
c) Modular Home: A dwelling that is factory-built
wood frame structure, constructed in conformance with the National Uniform Building Code
(UBC).
For information please contact the CAP Office at
(906) 353-4162.

Once the form is received, the Enrollment/
Licensing Department will submit them weekly to the
Accounts Payable Department. Checks will be
mailed to the member at their provided address.
If members have questions or need additional information, please contact our department.
(906) 353-4111 or 353-4114,
jennifer@kbic-nsn.gov

ENROLLMENT/LICENSING
DEPARTMENT IS OPEN
TRIBAL MEMBERS
The Enrollment/Licensing Department is open,
by appointment only, for Motor Vehicle transactions
and has been since June 15, 2020. The extension
that was granted for Licenses and Registrations by
the Tribal Council was for 30 days from the date
the office was opened and has now expired. It is
expected that members are to have current motor
vehicle registrations as well as current Hunting/
Fishing/Trapping Licenses.
If an appointment or a H/F/T License is needed,
please call: (906) 353-4114 or (906) 353–4111, or
e-mail jennifer@kbic-nsn.gov or jeanne@kbicnsn.gov.
As a reminder, when coming to an appointment,
please use the Main Entrance of the Tribal Center
and wear a mask. Everyone will be required to
have their temperature taken. Fees will be collected prior to coming into the Department. Be
sure to have the receipt, and as
always, proof of verification of
current insurance is required.
Also H/F/T Licenses and enrollment cards will be sent by mail
only.

StrongHearts Native Helpline Adds
Sexual Violence Advocacy
(EAGAN, MN)
Reaching the mark
and every milestone with determination and dedication,
StrongHearts
Nativ e
Helpline launched
a sexual violence
advocacy on Monday, August 3,
2020. Adding this
type of advocacy
will address a long
-standing need in
Indian Country.
“It’s an atrocity
that Native Americans continue to
experience
the
Photo credit: StrongHearts Native Helpline.
highest rates of
sexual
violence
across the nation, and until now, there hasn’t been a
national culturally-appropriate service for them,” said
Anna Nicolosi, Operations Manager. “In response,
we have developed advocacy training to prepare our
advocates to meet the needs that are unique to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.”
According to the National Institute of Justice research, 84 percent of Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, while 56 percent experience
sexual violence. Of those victims who experienced
sexual violence - an astounding 97 percent were victimized by non-Native perpetrators. Additionally, 82
percent of Native men experience violence in their
lifetimes, while 28 percent experience sexual violence.
The dispiriting truth is that when compared to
other races in the United States, Native American
women are twice as likely to experience sexual assault or rape and most likely at the hands of a nonNative. It’s an extension of abuse that began with
European contact and has continued to this day,
adding up to over 500 years of abuse. This continued tool of colonization represents a lack of respect
for Native peoples and an assault on humanity.
StrongHearts advocates are prepared to handle
the devastating impacts of sexual violence in Indian
Country and will continue to provide peer to peer
support, crisis intervention, assistance with safety
planning, education, and referrals to Native-centered
resources. For free, confidential and anonymous advocacy, call 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483) or
visit StrongHearts Native Helpline online at
strongheartshelpline.org daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
CT. Callers reaching out to StrongHearts outside of
operating hours may connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline by choosing option one.
To place an ad, submit an article, or relate information, ideas, or possible articles contact:
Lauri Denomie at (906) 201-0263, or e-mail:
newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

SCOTUS Affirms Reservation —
Upholds Jurisdiction to Protect
Native Women
By: StrongHearts Native Helpline Staff
Supreme Court of the Land
Legal experts are calling McGirt v. Oklahoma
(McGirt) the most significant Federal Indian Law
case of the century. On July 9, the Supreme Court’s
McGirt decision upheld the treaty affirmed reservation borders of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The
ruling upended previously held legal opinions that
jurisdiction over major crimes transferred from federal courts to state courts. Further, that jurisdiction
in fact belongs to a federal or tribal court.
“This ruling is critical in the prosecution of domestic violence crimes against Native women,” said
StrongHearts Native Helpline Director, Lori Jump,
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
“Jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction is at the heart of
why rates of violence are so high for Native Americans living on trust or reservation lands.”
The reservation boundaries of the Muscogee
Creek Nation were at stake, but the ruling has a significant impact on who has jurisdiction over major
crimes as they relate to both Native and non-Native
perpetrators on tribal land. Also if the Supreme
Court had decided to judicially disestablish the
Creek Nation’s reservation, the majority of those
lands within the Nation’s historical boundaries would
no longer be considered “Indian country.”
Violence Against Women Act
Further, that disestablishment of an existing reservation would not only serve to diminish tribal land
but also would eliminate the same tribal jurisdiction
that Congress recently, and intentionally, reaffirmed
with regard to crimes of domestic violence committed by non-Natives in the 2013 reauthorization of the
Violence Against Women Act. Fortunately, this was
not the court ruling.
Major Crimes Act
Previous actions by the federal government, such
as the Major Crimes Act of 1855, created a legal
framework that resulted in jurisdictional confusion
when responding to and prosecuting crimes in Indian country. Through the Major Crimes Act of 1855,
the U.S. Government assumed concurrent jurisdiction over “serious crimes” committed by a Native
American in Indian country. Even basic assistance
such as officers responding to 911 calls, was impacted as it could be possible that the law enforcement agent responding to a call might not be the officer who has jurisdiction over that crime.
In the McGirt case, the State of Oklahoma
wrongly assumed jurisdiction when it convicted
Jimcy McGirt for violent sex crimes on the reservation of the Creek Nation’s reservation. McGirt appealed his case asserting that the State of Oklahoma didn’t have authority over a Tribal member on
tribal land.
Deadlock Tie Breaker
There were two criminal cases brought before the
SCOTUS, but in one instance there was a conflict of
interest. Prior to his role on the SCOTUS, Associate
Justice Neil Gorsuch had presided over Sharp v.
Continues page four.

(3) Niswi

Murphy in a federal appellate court. The case involved a Tribal member who had committed murder
on the Creek reservation. He also contended that a
state court didn’t have jurisdiction. In Murphy’s 2018
appeal to the SCOTUS, Gorsuch ultimately had to
recuse himself; and without Gorsuch, the potential
for deadlock on the SCOTUS prevented its natural
conclusion. Thus, the Murphy case was hinged
upon the outcome of McGirt.
In the landmark ruling, Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion, “Today we are asked whether the land
these treaties promised remains an Indian reservation for purposes of federal criminal law. Because
Congress has not said otherwise, we hold the government to its word.”
SCOTUS Upends Previously Held Legal Opinions
Although many experts agree that the SCOTUS
opinion was accurate and reflected the original intent
of the treaties in question, non-Native legislators argued that Native people left Indian territory of their
own accord and as such forfeited title to the reservation. Further, that due to the lack of Native inhabitants, the reservation ceased to exist. In reality, Native people were continuously forced out of Indian
Territory by white settlers and the U.S. Government.
Regardless, the crux of it all as pointed out by SCOTUS was that only an act of Congress could disestablish a tribal reservation, see Solem v. Bartlett
(1984).
StrongHearts Stands with Survivors
StrongHearts Native Helpline recognizes the importance of the McGirt decision for victims and survivors of violence. Tribal nations are one step closer
to holding all perpetrators accountable for committing crimes against Native people on Tribal Lands.
StrongHearts’ mission is to restore power to Native
Americans impacted by domestic, dating, and sexual
violence by providing a system of safety, sovereignty, and support with a vision to return to our traditional lifeways where our relatives are safe, violence is eradicated, and sacredness is restored.
To explore your options for safety and healing,
visit strongheartshelpline.org for one-on-one chat
advocacy or call 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. As a collaborative effort
of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, after hours callers can connect with
The Hotline by choosing option one.

TRIBAL COURT CRIMINAL
SENTENCES
The Tribal Court has agreed to comply
with the request of the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community’s CEO’s Office to
publish criminal sentencing on a routine basis.
LuAnn Jossens, case #20-030, §8.901, Contempt
of court – 2nd offense
Sentencing on 07/22/2020, #20-030, §8.901:
1. Ninety days of jail, 30 days of jail to be served, 60
days of jail suspended. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any expense
incurred while incarcerated.
2. Probation shall be extended for twelve months.
3. Defendant shall obtain a new substance abuse
screening and shall follow the recommendations of
(4) Niiwin

the screening until successfully discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information to allow
the probation office to monitor compliance.
4. Defendant shall enroll and complete the “Thinking
for Change” Program.
5. If the Defendant secures a bed in an inpatient facility, Defendant shall be transported directly to an
inpatient treatment facility from the County Jail,
once a bed has been secured. At that time the remainder of the jail time to be served shall be suspended.
Ashley Chosa, case #20-081, §3.412, Illegal entry
upon lands – 2nd offense
Sentencing on 07/22/2020, #20-081, §3.412:
1. Ten days of jail, credit for three days of jail served,
seven days of jail suspended. Defendant is financially responsible for the cost of lodging and any
expenses incurred while incarcerated.
2. Defendant shall perform twenty hours of community service.
3. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall follow the recommendations of the
screening until successfully discharged.
4. Defendant shall obtain a mental health assessment and shall follow the recommendations of the
assessment until successfully discharged.
5. Defendant shall sign release of information for all
service providers to allow probation office to monitor compliance.
6. Defendant shall be on standard alcohol and drug
restricted probation with a $10 monthly fee until
community service hours are completed or a minimum of thirty days.
Jared Gauthier, case #20-068, §5.15, O.U.I.L. – 1st
offense
Sentencing on 07/22/2020, #20-068, §5.15:
1. Fine $500.00.
2. Ninety days of jail, credit for one day of jail served,
89 days of jail suspended. Defendant is financially
responsible for the cost of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.
3. Three to six months of alcohol and drug restricted
probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost
of drug and PBT testing, if any.
4. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall follow the recommendations of the
screening until successfully discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information to allow the
probation office to monitor compliance.
5. Defendant shall submit to a baseline drug test today.
Vanessa Beaver, case #20-088, §8.901, Contempt
of court – 2nd offense
Sentencing on 07/29/2020, #20-088, §8.901:
1. Ten days of jail, 10 days of jail suspended. Defendant shall be financially responsible for the cost of
lodging and any expense incurred while incarcerated.
2. Defendant shall perform thirty-five hours of community service.
3. Probation will run concurrent with case #20-037.
Tiara Drift, case #20-089, §8.901, Contempt of
court – 2nd offense
Sentencing on 08/03/2020, #20-089, §8.901:
1. Defendant shall perform 40 hours of community
service.
2. Ninety days of jail, credit for four days of jail
served, 86 days of jail suspended which shall be

placed into a remedial order. Defendant shall be
financially responsible for the cost of lodging and
any expenses incurred while incarcerated.
3. Six to twelve months standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation
fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for
the cost of drug and PBT testing, if any. Defendant shall report to the probation office daily or at
the discretion of the probation officer.
4. Defendant shall obtain a new substance abuse
screening and shall follow the recommendations of
the screening until successfully discharged.
5. Non-refundable bond shall be applied to the Defendant’s Court obligations.
6. Remedial Order: Defendant shall serve suspended days if any probation violations occur as
follows:
1st violation - Six days jail.
2nd violation - 10 days jail.
3rd violation - 10 days jail.
4th violation - 15 days jail.
5th violation - 20 days jail.
6th violation - 25 days jail.
Nathan Sherman, case #20-038, §3.202, Assault
and battery (domestic) – 1st offense
Sentencing on 08/03/2020, #20-038, §3.202:
1. Fine $500.00.
2. Ninety days of jail, credit for one day of jail served,
89 days of jail suspended. Defendant is financially
responsible for the cost of lodging and any expense incurred while incarcerated.
3. Three to six months of standard alcohol and drug
restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation
fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for
the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any.
4. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall follow the recommendations of the
screening until successfully discharged.
5. Defendant shall obtain an anger management assessment and shall follow the recommendations of
the screening until successfully discharged.
6. Defendant shall enroll and complete the “Thinking
for Change” Program.
7. Defendant shall sign a release of information for all
service providers to allow the probation office to
monitor compliance.
Steven Gray, case #20-049, §3.1101, Larceny – 1st
offense
Sentencing on 08/03/2020, #20-049, §3.1101:
1. Fine $300.00.
2. Ninety days of jail, 90 days of jail suspended which
shall be placed into a remedial order. Defendant is
financially responsible for the cost of lodging and
any expense incurred while incarcerated.
3. Three months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation
fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for
the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any. Report to
the probation office at the discretion of the Probation Officer.
4. Restitution in the amount of $123.99 to Pines Convenience Center payable through the Tribal Court
Clerk’s office.
5. Defendant shall obtain a substance abuse screening and shall follow the recommendations of the
screening until successfully discharged. Defendant shall sign a release of information with provider to allow the probation office to monitor compliance.
6. Remedial Order: Defendant shall serve sus-

pended days if any probation violations occur as
follows:
1st violation – Five days jail.
2nd violation – 10 days jail.
3rd violation – 15 days jail.
4th violation – 15 days jail.
5th violation – 20 days jail.
6th violation – 25 days jail.
Steven Gray, case #20-046, §13.505, Involvement
in accident resulting in damage to vehicles;
stopping; violation as misdemeanor – 1st offense
Sentencing on 08/12/2020, #20-046, §13.505:
1. Fine $100.00.
2. Three months of standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation
fee. Defendant shall be financially responsible for
the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any. Report to
the probation office at the discretion of the Probation Officer. (Concurrent with #20-049).
3. Defendant shall provide within 90 days documentation that he has obtained a driver’s license or is
attempting to obtain a driver’s license.

Niimigimiwang Transition Home has
A New Ride

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

The KBIC Niimigimiwang Transitional Home Programs and Services now has their own program vehicle to use for their residents and other travel
needed.
“Our KBIC Niimigimiwang Strategic Plan was developed in the summer and winter of 2018, for the
KBIC Niimigimiwang Transitional Home, and our
own program vehicle was one of the program goals,”
stated Team Lead, Carole LaPointe. “When the
funding became available, it was a no brainer to apply for it to obtain the vehicle. There were several
hiccups along the way, related to the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown of the Casino and Tribal Government,” Carole stated, “but we finally worked
through them all and were able to complete the purchase in late June 2020.”
The vehicle, a 4-door, eight passenger 2020
Chevrolet Suburban, was purchased using State of
Michigan’s Division of Victim Services (VOCA) funding. We were instructed to apply for the funds
through an amendment in 2019. This allowed us to
seek bids and purchase the vehicle from Keweenaw
Chevrolet, up in Houghton.
We are very happy with the vehicle which is spacious, cleanable, and provides confidentiality of the
residents seeking services. The State VOCA office
was adamant that we have a safe vehicle which can
handle the Upper Peninsula’s ever changing
weather conditions.
(5) Naanan

U.S. COAST GUARD AWARDS KBIC continued:

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

KBIC present their guest with a gift of appreciation. Pictured left-to-right are: Lyndon Ekdahl, Systems and Facilities Coordinator; Evelyn Ravindran, Natural Resources Director; Sarah Smith, KBIC
CEO; Dione Price, Environmental Specialist; Guest, Frances Smith, Commander, U.S. Coast
Guard, Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit Duluth; and Serene Gauthier, Environmental Response Program Specialist.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Office of Child Support Services
P.O. Box 490, Baraga, MI 49908
Phone: 906-353-4566
Fax: 906-353-8132
“YOUR Children …
OUR Priority”

We provide the
following services:
• Paternity Establishment
• Establishment of Child
Support
• Outreach Services
• Mediation

(6) Ningodwaaswi

KBIC and USCG Collaborations
Our Community’s way of life and the
continuance of our culture and traditions
rely on us exercising our treaty rights
and honoring our connections to all
creation. Our teachings remind us of
our stewardship responsibilities and the
interconnections to all within our homelands upon which we reside today.
Tribal members of the Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community (KBIC) still live an
active subsistence and ceremonial life;
it is of vital importance, we continue traditions that make and strengthen these
ties to the natural world and those within
it.
Our tribe is aware and concerned
with potential environmental threats to
our community and works collaboratively with partners to protect these
shared resources. The KBIC Natural
Resources Department (NRD) staff has
attended and participated in bi-annual
Upper Peninsula Area Committee
(UPAC) and Region 5 Regional Response Team (RRT5) meetings. These
meetings comprise of members from the
United States Coast Guard (USCG), local governments, state, and federal
agencies with the goal of efficiently
minimizing the adverse effects of oil,
chemical, and other incidents that affect
safety, human health, and the environment. From these interactions, the opportunity for numerous trainings on spill
response have been made available.
NRD staff attended a 2019 Department
of Interior Spill Response Training,
hosted a 2019 Inland Oil Spill Training,
and attended a 2020 Oil on Water Spill
Training. In 2019, KBIC was gifted 700
feet of boom for our Spill Response program from the USCG Portage Station.
In 2020, Serene Gauthier, KBIC Environmental Response Program Specialist, was able to utilize her training for
an incident on the Portage Canal to effect a positive outcome to a potentially
threatening situation on Lake Superior
waters as part of a collaborative team
effort with KBIC and USGS Marine
Safety Unit. KBIC staff: Evelyn Ravindran, Serene Gauthier, Lyndon Ekdahl,
and Dione Price were honored by
USCG Marine Safety Unit, Duluth, for
their response and mitigation activities
concerning this incident, with a letter
and challenge coins in July. In addition,
on August 18, 2020, the USCG
awarded KBIC with a public service recognition for their demonstrated environmental stewardship in working together
to go above and beyond to protect the
environment. These efforts laid a foundation for future work and wouldn’t have
been possible without the strong leadership and cooperative work within the
KBIC government to quickly respond to
the situation.
The KBIC looks forward to continued
collaborations and relationships with the
USCG. Discussions are taking place on
training, boom deployment, vessel
safety, and continued response activities. The USCG Marine Safety Unit has
also provided guidelines and information on response trailer inventory, equipment replacement avenues, and training
opportunities of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
holds Community Powwow
The annual Maawanj’iding held at Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was cancelled this year due to the COVID
-19 Pandemic. Other Tribal communities also canceled
their annual powwows during this trying time. Many of our
community members were missing the drums and dance.
As Baraga County had five recovered COVID cases,
the Tribal President asked the Powwow Committee if they
would hold a small Community event.
The KBIC Community Powwow as held at the Powwow
grounds on Saturday, August 15, 2020. That morning,
Mother Earth cleansed the grounds with what then brought
by 12 noon, beautiful breezy weather in the mid-70’s; a
very comfortable environment for drumming and dancing.
The 1:00 p.m. Grand Entry was held appropriately on
Indian Time, 1:30 p.m. with three members of the KBIC
Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society leading the way for approximately 20 dancers into the arena. People appeared
to gather in their own family groups and wearing a mask
was at your own choice. A table was set up at the arena
entrance with masks and sanitizer.
Donald Chosa, Jr. served as Head Male Dancer with
wife Karlene Chosa as Head Female Dancer. One drum,
Woodland Singers, provided the music for the afternoon
event. Mitch Bolo served as emcee and a few vendors set up,
including Rez Robin’s food stand.
A potluck feast was held at 5:00 p.m. The Powwow Committee organized the event and did a great job at keeping people safe. There were no sponsors as there were no payouts,
however many spot dances from donations from community
members were offered.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Above: (left to right) Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Members - Tribal President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Stanley Spruce, Gerald Magnant; Deija
Dakota, Miss Keweenaw Bay; Karlene Chosa, Head Female Dancer; and
Donald Chosa, Jr., Head Male Dancer. Below: Grand Entry and dancers.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Lake Superior State University Alumnus
Joel Postma Named Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Persons Coordinator for Michigan

KBIC HeadStart Holds Family Day
for their Graduates

Sault Ste. Marie, MI — Lake Superior State University alumnus Joel Postma has been appointed coordinator for missing and murdered indigenous persons for Michigan by the Department of Justice
(DOJ). Postma, a 1992 graduate of the criminal justice program and a veteran FBI agent from Detroit, is
one of only 10 coordinators named by the DOJ to investigate such cases involving Native Americans.
This new position is part of a DOJ effort to respond to missing and murdered Native Americans
nationwide, in this case, spanning the 12 federally
recognized tribes in Michigan. Postma is tasked with
identifying cases in Michigan and collaborating with
tribal communities and law enforcement.
Earlier in his career, Postma investigated missing
children, runaways, drug crimes, and deaths in Indian Country in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
He also served on the Tribal Multi-disciplinary Team
and Child Protection Team. Postma additionally created a ride-along program to facilitate relations between tribal law enforcement and the FBI.
LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley said, “Joel
is a great example of the Superior Education here at
LSSU. We are proud of the work that Joel has done,
not only during his time at LSSU, but also into his
new endeavor.”
About Lake Superior State University: Lake
Superior State University is one of Michigan's most
affordable public universities with One-Rate at Lake
State tuition for all. Surrounded by three Great
Lakes, LSSU is an unsurpassed location for research, innovation, and real-world experiences. Signature programs include fisheries and wildlife management, engineering, nursing, criminal justice, business, robotics engineering, and fire science. In
2019, Lake State launched the first cannabis chemistry program in the nation. LSSU also was the first
campus nationwide to offer an accredited four-year
fire science program; it is one of three in the U.S.
LSSU was the first campus nationwide to offer an accredited four-year robotics engineering technology
program and is the only university nationwide to offer
undergraduate education in industrial robotics. LSSU
also offers several certificate programs, including a
one-year culinary arts chef certificate at its 5,000
square-foot, state-of-the-art Les Cheneaux Culinary
School in Hessel. Regional centers are in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, and Petoskey. LSSU opened
its newest location in St. Helen in 2020. Additional
LSSU hallmarks include the annual Banished Words
List that receives worldwide media coverage and a
student-run Atlantic salmon hatchery at its renowned
Center for Freshwater Research and Education.
LSSU’s NCAA Division I hockey team has won five
national championships; men compete in five other
sports and women in six at the Division II level. Lake
State was founded in 1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, the
oldest city in Michigan (1668), on the site of the former U.S. Army’s Fort Brady. Lake State has approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, with 88 percent coming from
Michigan, and with
every county represented. Ninety percent of full-time students receive financial
aid.

As COVID-19 closed the doors of schools across
the country, no graduation could be held this year.
An ending was needed for KBIC HeadStart’s 23
graduates. Baraga County has had five recovered
COVID cases, and as summer was going by quite
fast, teachers and staff who have been working from
home decided to hold a Family Day event for their
graduates and families.
The event was held on Monday, August 3, 2020,
at the Curwood Park in L’Anse, Michigan. Graduates received filled backpacks and a COVID teeshirt from the Headstart Program. Lunch was offered and of course, play. Due to safety concerns,
no group picture was possible. Below are some random shots of the 2020 Headstart Graduates!

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Brighton Gauthier displays his Shaniya Elmblad displays her HeadCOVID tee-shirt.
Start Diploma and backpack.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Sisters, Kylee LaPlante and Lilianna Gauthier have fun tie-dying with
Terri Denomie, HeadStart Director.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Mason Stark
painted rock.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(8) Ishwaaswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

displays

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

his

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON
INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)
FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*
(Effective Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020)
*The net monthly income standard for each household size
is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income standard and
the applicable SNAP standard deduction.
48 Contiguous United
States:
Household
Size

Use this
amount

SNAP Net
Monthly
Income
Standard

SNAP
Standard Deduction

1

$1,005

+

$160

=

$1,165

2

$1,354

+

$160

=

$1,514

3

$1,702

+

$160

=

$1,862

4

$2,050

+

$170

=

$2,220

5

$2,399

+

$199

=

$2,598

6

$2,747

+

$228

=

$2,975

7

$3,095

+

$228

=

$3,323

$3,444

+

$228

=

8

FDPIR Net
Monthly Income Standard

$3,672

Each additional member

+ $349

Alaska:

Use this
amount

Household
Size

SNAP Net
Monthly
Income
Standard

SNAP
Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net
Monthly Income Standard

1

$1,255

+

$273

=

$1,528

2

$1,691

+

$273

=

$1,964

3

$2,127

+

$273

=

$2,400

4

$2,563

+

$273

=

$2,836

5

$2,999

+

$273

=

$3,272

6

$3,435

+

$285

=

$3,720

7

$3,870

+

$285

=

$4,155

8

$4,306

+

$285

=

$4,591

Each additional member

CARES ACT-IHBG
Co-Vid 19 Expanded
Rental Assistance
Program

Better Self-Management is
Only a Click Away!
Chronic Disease PATH
Join MSU Extension for a series of six sessions offered free and fully online. PATH is a
workshop dedicated to supporting individuals living with chronic conditions.
Attend from the comfort of your own home.
The teaching process makes this program effective. Classes are highly
participatory. Mutual support and success building participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
Communicate with others who understand your self-care challenges. Learn new techniques to improve your day to day and overall
care plan.
The workshop is free. Participants registered for the six-week workshop will receive a free book. This class is offered online: Wednesdays, September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, and 21, 5:30 p.m.—7:30
p.m.
Topics discussed:
 Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain,
and isolation.
 Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
 Appropriate use of medications.
 Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals.
 Nutrition
 Decision making
 How to evaluate new treatments
Registration is open! For more information and to register visit:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/CDPATHONLINEDaniels/
For questions, contact: Pam Daniels 231-592-0792 or e-mail
danie270@msu.edu.

+ $436

This rental assistance program is
for eligible low income Tribal members renting from private landlords’/
property owners, separate of the
Tribe’s housing program. A direct
payment of up to $500 per month may
be made to the private landlord/
property owner for eligible tenants impacted by Co-Vid 19. No more than
two rental payments will be allowed
per family/person. Must live in one of
the following counties: Baraga, Marquette, or Ontonagon. This program
is on a first come, first serve basis.
If you are currently receiving rental
assistance from a federal/state program, you are not eligible for this program.
The following must be turned in
with the application:




A copy of your current lease or
signed letter from your landlord/
property owner verifying your residence
Proof of income

Any questions or need an application mailed to you, please call the
Housing Offices at (906) 353-7117 or
e-mail doreen@kbic-nsn.gov.
Please turn in a completed application to the KBIC Housing Office or
mail it to:
KBIC Housing Office
220 Main St.
Baraga, MI 49908
(9) Zhaangaswi

As told by Donald Chosa, Jr.
Transcribed by Lauri Denomie.

Boozhoo. Hello, my name is Wolves Howling All
Around You, or Donald Chosa, Jr. I am from the
Bois Forte Nett Lake Reservation in Northern Minnesota, and the L’Anse Band of Ojibwe Indians, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My clan is Golden Eagle.
Manoomin and asemaa, wild rice and tobacco,
have great importance in our Anishinaabe Culture.
They are gifts from the creator, and they are used by
our people in all ceremonies that take us from the
cradle to the grave. Anishinaabe are encouraged to
carry asemaa with them at all times. Asemaa is offered in the morning and evening to give thanks for
the day, and ask for special help before anything is
harvested. Late in the summer, when the first
leaves begin to turn yellow, no matter where we live
or what we are doing in life, a restless feeling comes
upon us. It’s a sense of urgency that we need to get
back home for the ricing season, and it takes precedence over any other thing in our life.

amount is prepared for us to eat. But even before
we eat, a smaller amount is burned with asemaa in a
fire. It usually is an amount like two grams of
cooked rice along with one blueberry and small
crumble of brown sugar.
Asemaa is present at most Ojibwe ceremonies. It
is offered to the thunder beams during a storm and
protection and safety is prayed for. It is given to
other people when asking for knowledge or favors.
For example, asemaa is given to a namer before a
baby is named. Asemaa is also offered before a legend is told and before a trip is taken. People who
have died are given tobacco to take with them on
their journey. There are several ways asemaa can
be used. It can be smoked in a pipe, it can be put in
a fire or put in the water, at places like a special
rock, waterfall, tree, or on a clean place on the
ground. Manoomin and Asemaa are probably the
most important things in our spirituality. We must
protect them.

Above is Alice Peterson Geshick, Bois Forte Tribal Member, ricing.

Fill-in-blanks

My first memories of ricing are riding in a canoe
to set up camp. We slept in tents, played by the
river, and caught crayfish. At the age of 11, my
friends and I took out a canoe and tried ricing. At
the age of 14, I went out with my mom and really
riced. I’ve riced almost every year since then except
when I was in the Marine Corp. and in college.
When I missed ricing, I felt a deep sadness and
longing for home.
Until about a year ago, when we returned to
Michigan, my wife and I lived right in the middle of
Nett Lake Village. During ricing season we would
wake up early in the morning to the sound of canoes
banging. We would get dressed into our ricing
clothes and load up our canoes as we smelled
smoke from birch fires in the village. Before we got
into our canoe, we offered asemaa to the spirits who
protect the lake. At the end of the day, we would
bring the first rice back behind my mother-in-law’s
house where we had a fire going. We parched the
rice in a long pan, cooled it, and put some aside to
be jigged. I wear special moccasins to do this. The
rice is used for a Wiikonding-feast for the first rice.
Whatever we kill or harvest, before we can eat it, we
have to wiikonge so we can share the food with the
spirits. When we wiikonge, only a very small

g _ t _ g _ _ n (a garden)
o _ _ n (potato)
m a n d _ _ m _ _ a a _ (ear of corn)
n a _ _ _ o s (Lake Trout)
m _ _ _ _ m i n (wild rice)
b i z _ _ k i w i _ _ _ y a _ _ (beef)
o k_ _ _ m a a _ (squash)
g a a _ _ _ g _ _ _ o o n _ (smoked fish)
m _ _ o o m _ _ k e (she/he rices)
Word Search (front, backward, diagonal)
e a d k p b i s q d g mmh s
h n o o g i i g i k s a a g a
mj p b h f mi u i k n f r a
a a i f o c n t b d g o p t y
n s n a me g i s h o o c mI
d e q o d e r g a x j mb z I
a a p k o c g a i e f i k i w
a u mo p mv a t t d n h z I
ms h s i j i n r b i a e u w
i c n i mb d n g q v g mp I
n f o ma n o o k i n w a y k
a i w a h me y a e w c s a I
a g r a d g f o f h i k e f h
k v b n a me g o s b t n p z
mj q e k a y p j c t j v r I
c t a x g z d b y h b o e z b

(10) Midaaswi

Word List
manoomin
manoominke
namegos
gaaski-giigoonh
mandaaminaak
okosimaan
opin
bizhikiwi-wiiyaas
gitigaan

The language page was designed from
reference of http://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/~
Designed by newsletter editor

MSU Extension launches an Opioid, Substance
Use Disorder Community Education Program.
Free community presentations are available that
educate what communities can do to promote prevention and recovery.

people in Michigan.
To learn more about MiSUPER’s opioid misuse
prevention efforts and to request a presentation for
your community, organization, or coalition, visit the
MiSUPER website at https://www.canr.msu.edu/
misuper/index.
This article was published by Michigan State
University Extension. For more information,
visit https://extension.msu.edu.

BARAGA AREA—IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
1. Casino housekeeping

6.

Guest Services clerk

2. Food and beverage line cook

7.

Slot Attendant

3. Food and beverage bartender

8.

Count Team member

4. Food and beverage server

9.

Cage Cashier

5. Food and beverage prep cook

10.

Vault Cashier

MARQUETTE AREA—IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Every day, seven Michigan residents die from an
opioid overdose. To address opioid use disorder
and overdose deaths across Michigan, Michigan
State University Extension, Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and the Northwest
Health Department of Michigan are offering opioid
misuse prevention education to Michigan communities through the Michigan Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (MISUPER) project.
The presentation is available to rural community
groups and can vary in length from 30 to 60 minutes.
People will learn alternatives to opioid use recovery
strategies.
Each of us can take action to reduce a loved
one’s chance of opioid use disorder, a long-term
chronic disease. MiSUPER’s community education
presentations aim to empower Michigan communities to prevent opioid misuse and support people in
recovery.
Eric, a recovery coach from Otsego County,
Michigan, started using opioids because of an injury
and became dependent on them. He said, “It can
happen to anyone. I have learned a lot. What I
have learned is that people need support and that if
you have other alternative therapy, such as physical
activity, meditation, medical assisted treatment, therapy, and family support you can recover. Changing
your lifestyle and seeking help is important. If you
have air in your lungs you have a fighting chance.”
MiSUPER presentations address several topics
related to opioid misuse prevention and highlight
stories of hope and recovery:
 What are opioids and what impact do opioids
have on the body?
 How has the opioid crisis impacted Michigan
communities?
 What treatment, recovery, and alternative to
opioid options are available?
 How can I minimize a loved one’s risk of an
opioid overdose and support their recovery?
 What can we do to prevent opioid misuse and address the opioid crisis?
Two state-wide webinar presentations have been
scheduled on September 11, from 10 to 11am and
on September 14, from 6-7pm on the topics mentioned above. The webinars are free and open to all

1. Casino Housekeeping

9.

Guest Services Clerk

2. Food and Beverage Cashier

10.

Slot Attendant

3. Food and Beverage Dishwasher

11.

Count Team Member

4. Food and Beverage Barback/Busser

12.

Cage Cashier

5. Food and Beverage Line Cook

13.

Security Officer

6. Food and Beverage Prep Cook

14.

Games Dealer

7. Food and Beverage Bartender

15.

Gift Shop Clerk

8. Food and Beverage Server/Hostess

For more information, please contact our HR Team — Baraga
HR Office at (906) 353-4120 or Marquette HR Office at (906)
249-4200, ext. 4704.
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Employment
Opportunities
Current Positions
Assistant Tribal Prosecutor, Legal;
Facility Attendant, Niiwin Akeaa;
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, DDHS;
Wildlife Technician, NRD;
AIS Specialist, NRD;
Seasonal Plant Technician, NRD;
Education Director, Education;
Seasonal Fire Technician;
Enrollment/Licensing Coordinator, Tribal Center;
Dentist, DHHS;
Plant Technician—College Intern, NRD;
Community Health Worker, DHHS;
Accounting Manager, Housing;
Family Health Educator, DHHS;
Peer Recovery Mentor, Oshki Maaji/New Beginning;
Physician, DHHS.
On-going recruitment (open continuous): Unit Manager
(Newday). (on-call positions): Cleaning Person, Facility Attendant, Firefighter, Laborer, LPN, Outpatient Counselor, Prep Cook,
Natural Resource Technician, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist,
Pharmacy Technician, Receptionist/Housing, Receptionist/Clerical
Worker/Tribal Center, RN, Teaching Assistant II, Tobacco Stamping Worker, Treatment Counselor, Unit Manager (OVW), and Van
Driver.
For complete job announcement and application requirements contact: KBIC Personnel Department, 16429 Bear Town Road,
Baraga, Michigan, 49908. (906) 353-6623, ext. 4176 or 4140, or
visit us at www.kbic-nsn.gov.
(11) Ashi bezhig

Sarah
S mi t h ,
CEO, introduces and
welcomes Sue Ellen
Elmblad as our new
Elderly
Nutrition
Director as of August
14, 2020. Sue Ellen
was previously an
employee of the tribe
for many years and
worked in the Community
Assistance
Programs as both the
clerk and as the administrator. She is
honored and excited for the opportunity to serve our
community and elderly.
You can reach Sue Ellen “Suzie” Elmblad at the
Ojibwa Senior Citizens’ Center or by calling (906) 3536096, or e-mail selmblad@kbic-nsn.gov.

September 2020 Calendar:



September 7 — Gov’t offices closed for Labor Day
holiday;
September 25—Gov’t offices closed for Michigan
Indian Day holiday.

To be added to the mailing list or
to correct your mailing address, contact
the enrollment office at (906) 353-6623,
ext. 4114.

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, MI 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A691395c378bb3279. Public record. Not legal advice.