All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2009)

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GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Manidoo Giizisoons - Little Spirit Moon - December 2009

Issue 66

Tribal Council Members:

14th ANNUAL SPIRIT OF THE HARVEST POWWOW

Newsletter editor photo.

Pictured above is Jailyn Shelifoe, one of the young shawl dancers

who participated in the fancy shawl exhibition.

Michigan Technological University’s AISES held their Annual Spirit

of the Harvest Powwow on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Student Development Center located

on the Michigan Technological University Campus. Lori Muhlig, Multicultural Affairs Native American Outreach Coordinator and a KBIC member, led the group in organizing the

14th annual event.

This year’s events began on

Thursday, October 22 in the Baraga

and L’Anse Middle Schools. The

assembly presentation featured

Lowery Begay, World Renown Hoop

Dancer from the Navajo Nations.

Assisting Hoop Dancer Lowery was

Raymond Gauthier Tolonen from the

Baraga Area Schools.

Children

from Baraga School ended their day

by participating in a mini-powwow

with Michigan Tech students and

Lowery Begay.

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Susan J. LaFernier, Vice-President

Toni Minton, Secretary

William E. Emery, Asst. Secretary

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Jerry Lee Curtis

Frederick Dakota

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Isabelle H. Welsh

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

•

Baraga school staff photo.

•

November 7, 2009, Tribal

Council meeting

14th Annual Spirit of the Harvest Powwow

KBIC Primary Election Results

KBOCC Hosts International

Recruiters

KBIC Youth Attend NCAI

meeting

Marquette Youth Enjoys Halloween parties

DHHS Superior Spirit Award

Winner for November

Drug Conviction Report

New Employees

Deepest Sympathy

Photo by Stanley Spruce.

Newsletter editor photo.

Women’s Traditional and Jingle Dress Dancers, Peggy Shelifoe,

Robelle Degenaer, and April Lindala.

Lowery Begay, Head Male Veteran Dancer led

the KBIC Color Guard at the twelve noon grand

entry. Lawrence Williams served as the Head

Male Dancer; Linda Cohen served as the Head

Female Dancer; Robert Voakes served as Head

Youth Male Dancer; Jade Chaudier (Miss Keweenaw Bay) served as Head Youth Female

Dancer; Jake Swaney served as Head Male

AISES Dancer; and Jessica Koski served as Head

Female AISES Dancer. Drumming and songs

were provided by Four Thunders who served as

Host Drum along with invited drums Loon Travelers and Summer Cloud. Robert Rajacic served as

Arena Director and Stanley Spruce kept thing rolling along smoothly as Emcee. The afternoon

brought an appearance from Hoop Dancer Lowery

Begay and a Pink Shawl Honor Song. Partici-

Pictured above is Raymond

Gauthier Tolonen with World Renown Hoop Dancer Lowery Begay.

pants enjoyed a 6:00 p.m. feast before heading to

the Crystal Shawanda concert who was the headline featured performer for this year’s event. Crystal Shawanda performed in full concert at the

Rozsa Center.

A Speakers’ Forum was also held on Friday,

October 23 which included various speakers. Earl

Otchingwanigan spoke about the Anishinaabe language, Keenan Quarter played the violin, Jessica

Koski spoke to the audience about navigating

through college, a Hoop Dance was performed by

Lowery Begay, and Crystal Shawanda ended the

day with a motivational talk and a preview of her

singing concert.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is a significant and proud sponsor of the Annual Harvest

Powwow held at Michigan Technological University.

Ojibwe Canadian Country Star, Crystal Shawanda, in concert at MTU.

(1) Bezhig

November 7, 2009 —

Tribal Council Meeting

The Tribal Council held their regularly

scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on

November 7, 2009, at the Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference Room.

Warren (Chris)

Swartz, Jr., presided over the meeting with

Susan LaFernier, Toni Minton, William E. Emery, Jennifer Misegan, Fred Dakota, Michael

F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Elizabeth D. Mayo, and

Isabelle Helene Welsh present. Vice President LaFernier shared numerous Thank You

and For Your Information items addressed to

Council. Reports were given for October

2009, by President Swartz (see page three),

Vice President Susan LaFernier (see page

two), Secretary Toni Minton (see page five),

Treasurer Jennifer Misegan (see page four),

and CEO Larry Denomie (see page eight).

Council passed Department Head Reports for

September 2009.

Zena Huhta addressed the Council under

open business with a request for financial assistance in setting up her recently purchased

wood stove. She has purchased a FEMA

trailer and is concerned with the costs for heating her home which has electric heat. Consensus of the Council was for Zena’s request

to be brought to the Ojibwa Housing Authority’s Board meeting next Tuesday. She was

given the option to address the Council at their

next scheduled meeting if needed.

Vice President LaFernier and CEO Larry

Denomie gave an update on the Wellness

Task Force. The committee has been having

monthly meetings with our Blue Cross representative. The group has been enthusiastic

and has many great ideas that our employees

will be seeing in the near future such as

healthy cooking recipes, weight management

and stress reduction programs, fitness memberships/discounts, and healthy options in our

vending machines. The Wellness Program

naming contest was held with 12 entries from

employees. The Task Force picked three entries and combined them for a new name and

logo. The official name will be W.H.I.P.P.

(Wellness, Health, Intervention, Prevention,

Program). The three winners (Paul HalversonNewday, Norma Kokko-Accounting, and Mary

Linden-Health Clinic) will receive a three

month OCC Fitness Center certificate. The

logo is being developed, which includes a

medicine wheel and the quotes: MinoBimaadizi “Live Well”; Mind, Body, Spirit, Culture, Wellness, Health, Intervention, Prevention; and “Harmony in Health”. The Committee

is currently working on receiving quotes for

conducting health screenings which will be a

considerable expense. Also the Committee is

working on developing a calendar for events

happening relating to exercise and wellness in

the community. The committee has developed

a mission statement: “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.”

Treasurer Jennifer Misegan suggested

Council form a Tobacco Task Force consisting

of three or four Council members (Jennifer

Misegan, Michael LaFernier, Sr., Jerry Lee

Curtis, Fred Dakota, Elizabeth Mayo expressed interest) and other interested individuals from the Tribe, including CEO Larry Denomie, Economic Developer Greg Nominelli, and

Pine’s manager, Patricia Gerard. The task

force will work with nation to nation trade, ciga-

(2) Niizh

Continue bottom next column.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2009.

Activities Reported by the Vice President,

Susan LaFernier, for the month of October

2009.

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 have

emphasized all year that every month is

“Energy Awareness Month,” and our theme for

the year was “Commit to Conserve” Campaign. 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

them, “A Sustainable Energy Future. Putting

All the Pieces Together” encourages you to

see yourself as a piece of a larger puzzle fitting into the big picture, 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: Tribe’s, residents, municipalities, businesses and visitors to protect and

restore the quality of Lake Superior’s (and all

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

lakes have always been and always will be

important to the quality of our lives.”

The Chelsey LaFernier Memorial Walk was

held on October 9, and was absolutely wonderful! All of our communities participated,

and a great thank you to everyone who made

this event possible. I know that her family

greatly appreciates all of the hard work, caring,

and love that was shown and given.

I and five others had the distinct pleasure to

attend the Grand River Enterprises Six Nations, Ltd. Appreciation Gala held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas on October 13-16,

2009. It was an event to remember as one of

the giveaway prizes was a white Mercedes

Benz car. We also attended a very informational seminar presentation entitled: Legal Perspectives regarding current trends in the Tribal

tobacco world.

Thank you to everyone on another great

Harvest Feast held on October 17. Everyone

enjoyed seeing each other and there was

great food as always.

I had the distinct pleasure to be invited to

speak at the Obama Administration’s National

Ocean Policy Interagency Task Force Meeting

and Public Listening Session held in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 28, 2009, in regards to

the importance of the Great Lakes to the

Tribes. This is the sixth and final public session to be held before the final report will be

presented in December. The task force of six

shall develop recommendations that include:

a) a national policy that ensures the protection,

maintenance, and restoration of the health of

ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems

and resources; b) a United States framework

for policy coordination of efforts to improve

stewardship of the oceans, our coasts, and the

Great Lakes; c) an implementation strategy

that identifies and prioritizes a set of objectives

the U.S. should pursue to meet the objectives

of a national policy for the oceans, our coasts,

and the Great Lakes. I had lunch with one of

the task force members, Ms. Tinka Hyde, Dirette manufacturing, and work with related ordinance developments, possibly stamping our

own cigarettes, etc.

Council member Elizabeth Mayo suggested

a program be developed to recognize council

members and judges when they pass on.

Suggestions made included flags being raised

half-staff and presenting their family with the

recently purchased wooden tribal symbols to

Continue bottom next column.

rector of Water, EPA Region Five (which is our

region). I also toured the 1925 ore carrier

“William G. Mather” and enjoyed a boat tour of

the Cuyahoga River which is being “cleaned

up” along Lake Erie. Forty years ago the river

started on fire from the steel mill contamination

that is located on its banks.

We are still asking if anyone has any information regarding forgotten graves and information on graves that do not have any identification at the Pinery Cemetery to please call

me or Summer Cohen. The map will be completed shortly, and we will then meet to discuss the information that is still needed or

missing, and we will be ready to go in the

spring. For your information, Council has now

approved to have the aspen trees cut down

from the May fire, and Red Pine trees will be

planted in that space.

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 and would best be done so by

relocating the access to the mine to a location

that will not interfere with that function.” Our

written exceptions/comments regarding this

decision were sent on October 2, directly to

Steven Chester, DEQ Director, who considered the comments and has now made a request for more information regarding Eagle

Rock and the legality of the decision. This information will need to be filed by December 7,

when he will then make a final determination

and order on the permits. Please continue to

call/write your elected officials 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.”

Council passed the 2010 budgets on October 5. It will continue to be a challenge in

these difficult economic times for all in the

coming year especially with our high unemployment rate in Baraga County.

Remember to continue to pray for and

honor all of our veterans, service men and

women, and their families, especially on November 11, Veteran’s Day/Remembrance Day.

Also remember those who are ill, have lost

loved ones, (there have been many in the last

year) and for our economic struggles. Let us

be thankful for our beautiful area as we prepare for winter. 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 as we celebrate National

Native American Heritage Month and November 27 as Native American Heritage Day proclaimed by President Obama (see Proclamation).

Remember the Drug Tip Line number is 353DRUG or 353-3784.

Miigwetch,

Susan LaFernier, Vice President

be engraved with their dates of service and

present it at the funeral. Also it should include

recognizing council members who have

passed. Elizabeth Mayo will work on developing a policy for Council.

Council moved into closed session with Attorney John Baker, CEO Larry Denomie, and

President Swartz on the agenda.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2009.

Activities Reported by the President, Warren

(Chris) Swartz, Jr., for the last few months.

President’s report was given verbally and transcribed by the newsletter editor.

Early in the month, as Jennifer noted, we

met with the Governor’s office down in St.

Ignace. She did a great job of informing you of

our intentions while there. It was not our intent

to argue over the specific facts and circumstance, as Jennifer noted, for Tribal members

and for the Tribe to purchase goods and services on the reservation and trust lands. It became real apparent at the beginning of the

meeting that Mr. Fratske from the Michigan

Treasury Department wasn’t going to budge.

He was there to discuss facts and circumstances, and we were there to discuss how we

could come up with policy and procedures on

how we could get tax exempt goods from the

state. He wasn’t budging, we weren’t budging,

and we agreed to disagree and packed up the

tent and headed back west.

I was involved in the Open House with the

Dreamcatcher Project and the newly remodeled activity center on October 15. We invited

Senator Stabenow to come to this event as

this was our second four-year phase of our

Dreamcatcher Project and Family Literacy for

the community. This isn’t to be confused with

our other starts, such as Headstart,

Healthystart, Great Start, etc. It’s important to

note that the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Even Start is the only Tribal Even Start

in Michigan and is one of four in the nation.

Our grant was announced through Debbie Stabenow’s office in August, so we invited her to

attend this celebration of the opening of our

new grant and renovated facility.

I also approved a lease with USDA with

Mike Applecamp for the building that is up in

the Tribe’s Industrial Park.

Councilman Fred Dakota, Chief Judge Brad

Dakota, and I attended a seminar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, regarding sovereignty protection. It was a wonderful conference, I

learned a lot. Fred was an active participant,

and he had a lot to say. People listened, we

listened, and we all came out with more respect of sovereignty and how we can protect

sovereignty in the future. One of the notes

made in that conference is Indian Tribes have

to utilize or use their sovereignty; otherwise

they are going to lose it. We also received an

overview of the Indian Civil Rights Act, the independence of Tribal justice systems, the

separation of powers, the status of the sovereignty immunity defense in Tribal Court, sovereignty of Indian Tribes, the sovereignty immunity defense, judicial independence, separation of powers of the Tribal Court and the legislative branch of the Tribal Council, and how

to protect sovereignty.

Later in the month, I attended a Department of Justice listening session on public

safety and law enforcement. As most of you

know, the Department of Justice bears the

weight of responsibility to work with sovereign

Indian Tribes in combating crime and ensuring

safety of American Indian families. They convened a Tribal listening session in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Chief of Police Dale Dakota and I attended it which was held October

28-29. We informed them that we need more

money for Tribal Police, Tribal Court, and Detention facilities. We instructed the US Attorneys with Indian Country jurisdiction to increase the priority given to prosecution of Indian Country crime. We asked them to increase the number of FBI agents assigned in

Indian Country, to establish an office of Indian

crime in the criminal division, to support immediate amendments in the Adam Walsh Act, to

relieve the inequitable treatment of Tribal governments, and create an effective sexual offender registration system on Indian reservations. Until then, we noted the Bureau of Prisons should fully comply with its statutory duty

to register sex offenders released from Federal prisons. We talked about the Violence

Against Women Act of 2005, and we discussed a number of other issues with them.

Problems that we experience here on our reservation are not unique to our reservation. All

of Indian Country is experiencing the same

problems that we are. If you’re going to mandate something to the Tribe, such as the Adam

Walsh Act, where they say we have to register

and track sex offenders; there is a huge burden placed on the community. It costs money

to track those sex offenders. You’re talking

DNA testing, access to the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network, and there are

a lot of unfunded mandates in the Adam

Walsh Act that Tribes aren’t prepared to fully

fund. So one of the main concerns for Tribes

was if you’re going to mandate something to

Tribes, give them the funding, so they can follow through on the requested requirements.

The Department of Justice heard that loud and

clear from Indian Country.

As Jennifer reported, the Indian Health

Care Improvement Act is going to be included

in the Health Care Reform Bill, and as I was

watching the news this morning, they may be

voting on that issue this morning. Our health

facility is funded at about 28% of the need,

and the rest, 72%, comes from the Tribe. We

need to have more money given to the Tribe,

so we can take care of our people. In addition

to that, the Federal Government can own up to

their trust responsibilities to the Indian people

of this nation. They have the trust responsibility to take care of us. I want to keep them on

their toes. From what I understand, the FY10

budget has an increase of 13% to Indian

Health Services which is a good start, but it is

not enough. Hopefully, they can seriously look

at the underfunding of the Indian Health Care

in Indian Country and fully fund that trust responsibility that they do have.

I just returned from a White House Tribal

Nations Conference held at the Department of

Interior in Washington, D.C. It was held at

OJIBWA SENIORS HAVE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT

The Ojibwa Senior Citizens held a Halloween Party on Sunday afternoon, November 1,

2009. Many of the seniors dressed for the occasion. 1st place went to Veronica Adams,

2nd place went to Pat Pillsbury, and 3rd place

went to Sandy Pittsley. Seniors enjoyed a pot

luck dinner and participated in games.

~ Submitted by newsletter editor.

Sidney R. Yates Auditorium, and we heard

opening remarks from Dept. of Interior Secretary Kent Salazar. There was a presentation

of colors by the Navajo Code Talkers, and we

heard from the President of the National Congress of American Indians, Jefferson Keel,

who had the distinct honor of introducing

President Obama. It was wonderful to see the

President having a meeting and listening session with Tribal Leaders. It was a historic

event as it was the first time this has ever happened, and I was proud to be there to represent the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

After President Obama made his opening

statement, he heard from a number of Tribal

leaders. Later we had breakout sessions and

interactive discussions. The first discussion

was on economic development, natural resources, energy, environment, and agriculture.

If we didn’t get a chance to speak, we were

given an opportunity to list some of our suggestions on cards which were given to the

President’s secretaries. I told them about the

Kennecott Eagle Mine and that we need some

help up here protecting our environment because we have the largest fresh water supply

in the world, and we need to protect that. If

other jurisdictions aren’t going to assist us with

that, then we need to seek some help from

elsewhere. There was another interactive discussion regarding public safety and housing.

We heard from Deputy General David Ogden,

Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, Dept. of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl. A

number of other individuals were there including U.S. Representatives Stephanie Herseth

Sandlin and Tom Cole, who are both Congressional Native Caucus Representatives. Another interactive discussion on education,

health care and labor was held. Panelists included Dept. of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis,

Dept. of Health and Human Services Kathleen

Sebelius, Dept. of Education Secretary Arne

Duncan, and Indian Health Services Director

Dr. Yvette Roubideauex. I was able to speak

with Dr. Yvette Roubideauex to let her know

the top three priorities the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has regarding our health services here on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Reservation. I had the list prepared by Health Director, Carole LaPointe, and I was able to give

Dr. Yvette Roubideauex the document. She

said that she would look at that and stated that

she appreciated that we had input into that.

Later we heard closing sessions from President Obama.

President Obama signed a proclamation

naming November—National Native American

Heritage Month. (See page eleven).

I had been on the road most of the month,

and I’m grateful for Vice President LaFernier

and Secretary Toni Minton for taken over the

duties in my absence, and I sure appreciate

that.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr., President

Reminder: Every time you use the library, you

may put your name in for the drawing to win

snowshoes. If you've never been to the library, now is your chance to get a library

card which entitles you to two chances immediately for the snowshoes. Good Luck!

Newsletter editor photos.

1st

2nd

3rd

(3) Niswi

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.

Bruce Denomie, case # 09-065, controlled substance (sale) - 1st offense

Factual basis: I'd been drinking, and these two

kids were looking for some drugs, and I ended up

making something up, drywall, and sold it to them.

Sentenced on 09/17/2009 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. 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.

3. 180 days jail, 90 days suspended, credit for 43

days served plus 22 days served in the Iron

County Jail. The Defendant shall be responsible

for the costs of lodging. In the event that the

Defendant is released from the Iron County Jail

before 22 days are served, the remaining jail

time will be suspended.

4. The Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow the recommendations of

that screening until successfully completed.

5. The Defendant is to continue in the ATR program and attend the weekly movie associated

with this program.

6. The Defendant is subject to random drug and

alcohol testing and will be responsible for the

costs of those tests.

7. The Defendant is to seek employment and provide the Probation Officer with proof of that

search.

8. The Defendant is to have no contact with Robert

Ekdahl, Nicolas Derenzo or Dylan Tallman.

Aaron McGeshick White, case # 09-213, controlled substance (possession) - 1st offense

Factual basis: I was in possession of opiates

(Anexsia). I did not have a prescription for it.

Sentenced on 09/23/2009 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. 12-24 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.

3. 90 days jail, credit for 30 days served, 60 days

suspended. 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.

Dave Varline, case # 09-246, controlled substance (use) – 2nd offense

Factual basis: Defendant failed a drug test. I

used all three of these drugs: marijuana, cocaine

and Oxycodone. I did not have a prescription for

the Oxycodone.

Sentenced on 10/15/2009 to:

1. $1000 fine. Fifty percent of fine will be suspended upon successful completion of inpatient

treatment and aftercare.

2. 18-24 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.

3. 120 days jail, 120 days suspended pending admission of inpatient treatment. 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.

Derek Gauthier, case # 09-249, controlled substance (use) – 2nd offense

Factual basis: I failed my drug test for morphine

and marijuana because I used those substances.

Sentenced on 10/21/2009 to:

1. $1000 fine. 50% of this fine may be suspended

if the Defendant successfully completes inpatient

treatment and aftercare.

2. 18 to 24 months standard drug and alcohol restricted probation with a $10 monthly probation

fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of drug and PBT testing.

3. 180 days jail, 120 days suspended with credit for

60 days served. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging..

(4) Niiwin

OCTOBER 2009 TREASURER’S REPORT.

The budget process for Fiscal Year 2010 was

a very difficult one and was finally concluded on

October 5. After reviewing the budgets for each

business and department, Council made many

changes, corrections and even some additions.

Miigwetch to our accounting staff, managers, department heads, and budget committee for all the

work that was put into them. Now the hard work

of living within them and up to them starts.

The Tribal Council approved the following donations for the month of October:

•

Bethel United Pentecost Church (Annual

Thanksgiving Dinner)— $200.

Four Thunder Drum Group (Drum and speak

at Gwinn Schools)—$250.

Ishpeming Salvation Army (Christmas donation)—$5,000.

The Daily Mining Gazette (Newspapers in

Education)—$300.

MiWater Ballot Initiative (Petition drive to put

proposal on the ballot)—$2,000.

Glad Tidings Assembly of God (Purchase

sleeping bags of homeless)—$250.

Project Graduation—Marquette Senior

High—$500.

Jeanne Kauppila (Chaperone International

Club trip)—$300.

D. Jacobetti Veterans Center (Purchase

items for Christmas gift bags)—$2,000.

Toys For Tots—$5,000.

L’Anse High School Yearbook (Full page ad

to include our Tribal seniors)—$175.

I attended a meeting along with President

Swartz, Councilman Dakota, and John Baker in

St. Ignace on October 6 and 7 with John Wernet

from the Governor’s office and Walter Fratske

from the Michigan Treasury Department. The

purpose of the meeting was to come up with standards and procedures for Tribal members and the

Tribe to purchase goods and services on the reservation and trust lands exempt from state sales

tax. Unfortunately, we were unable to come to an

understanding due to the fact that we have differences on what we believe the law to be. We did

discuss some offsets that were made by the state

of some Federal payments, and we are hoping to

have this issue settled without having to go back

to court.

It was an honor for me to participate in the

First Annual Memorial Walk for Chelsey

LaFernier to promote awareness for Domestic

Violence. The community participation was outstanding and very encouraging. It was a very

moving event. The organizers did a wonderful

job and are to be commended.

On October 11, Councilman Curtis and I traveled to Palm Springs, California, to attend the

National Congress of American Indians Annual

Convention. I had the pleasure of chaperoning

along with Cheryne Clements, Youth Director,

three young Tribal Leaders. This was the first

year that KBIC participated in the Youth Track of

4. The Defendant must follow all the recommendations of his substance abuse screening and all

other recommendations until successfully completed, which includes entering a long term halfway house or treatment program, that will be

followed up by an intensive outpatient program.

5. The Defendant may only have two visitors; his

mother and grandmother, while in treatment.

6. The Defendant is subject to twice weekly and

random drug testing while in treatment.

7. The Defendant is to sign a letter stating that he

has a substance abuse problem and shall not be

prescribed narcotic pain medications.

8. The Defendant is to enroll with Michigan Works

and TERO for a job search and submit proof of

that job search weekly to the Probation Officer.

~ submitted by Tribal Court

National Indian Education Association

endorses DETS: Health Is Life in Balance: KBIC and KBOCC educators attend 40th Annual NIEA Meeting

At its 2009 annual meeting, the National Indian

Education Association officially endorsed the Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools (DETS): Health

Continue bottom next column.

the convention. The Youth Committee sponsored

an essay contest, and Tashina Emery Kauppila,

Ginger Shelifoe, and Deena Misegan were chosen.

It was a great experience for the girls, and it was

nice to get to know all of them. We attended several general sessions where we heard speakers

such as Jose Garcia, NCAI President, Richard Milanovich, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of

Cahulla Indians, Steve Pougnet, Palm Springs

Mayor, and Kim Teehee, Senior Policy Advisor for

Native American Affairs. We participated in the

National Native American Health and Fitness Walk

and NCAI’s General Elections as well as our Midwest area caucus and election of a representative.

The youth had their own sessions that were led

by the NCAI Youth Commissioners and Ambassadors. They heard several motivational speakers

including Ernie Stevens, NIGA Chairman and Native Actor Adam Beach. They had the opportunity

to make suggestions on a bill regarding unplanned

pregnancy and also heard from colleges and universities around the country that are recruiting Native Americans. Our youth did very well. They interacted with Tribal leaders and youth from all over

the country, and learned about the vast amount of

opportunities that are available to them. They were

drilled on the importance of sovereignty and the

Federal Government’s trust responsibility. The

girls spoke up in front of the adults in one of the

breakout sessions. They are three exceptional

young ladies, and I was proud of them.

The breakout sessions that I attended included

Transforming Our Economic Future: Matching

Tribal Priorities with Economic Opportunities,

Roadmap to Tribal IV-E: Key Strategies for Readiness and Implementation and Sovereign Government, and Federal Tax Policy: A Tribal Leader Dialogue with the Administration. I gathered a lot of

information, and I have distributed some already to

the appropriate departments. These conventions

are a great opportunity to learn about legislation

that is being worked on, where it is in the Federal

system, and what it means to Indian Country.

There was a lot of discussion this year on Health

Care Reform. Unfortunately, in the House, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act has been tied to

the controversial Health Care Reform Act. Because of this, Tribes are being urged to support it

with little thought given to what it is going to cost

Tribes as business owners. As it stands today, it

also includes language regarding the payment and

availability of abortions that goes against our traditions and culture.

Preparations have begun for the Christmas Gift

Check distribution for Baraga and Marquette Counties. The deadline to submit all address changes is

Thursday, November 12. The profits from the sale

of tobacco products sold, which includes the Pines,

Gift Shop and the Marquette Casino, will be distributed.

As always, if there are any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to give me

a call, e-mail or stop by.

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Is Life in Balance curriculum. The membership of

the nation’s largest and oldest Indian education

association voted that the NIEA "supports and endorses the Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools

Curriculum: Health Is Life in Balance (K-12) for all

American Indian, Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Hawaiian Native students, including those attending

public schools and urges adoption of the DETS K12 curriculum throughout Native American communities as well as the rest of the nation.” The association further resolved to encourage libraries, colleges, universities, and other institutions that have

collections of Native American educational resources to include the curriculum and refer it to

teachers.

KBIC educators, including Headstart Director

Terri Denomie and tutors Helen Jondreau, Shellie

Continue bottom column, next page.

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2009.

In October 2009, the Tribal Council had one

Regular Tribal Council Meeting and six Special

Council Meetings. The Regular Council Meeting

was held on October 3, 2009, and is covered in the

November 2009 Tribal Newsletter.

At the council meeting held September 1, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Agreed to pay $100 monthly for John Hellyer’s

cell phone for one year;

• Agreed not to allow trailers in the Beartown

Housing Development;

• Agreed to extend the FEMA trailer deadline for

Gary Magnant;

• Continued FY10 budget review;

• Approved a donation of $264.50 for Barbara

Knipp for her porta potty rental;

• Approved an amendment to the Client Agreement for Claims Processing Services for the 4D

Pharmacy;

• Approved the Special Counsel Contract with

Dorsey and Whitney;

• Approved the purchase of an excavator for

Tribal Construction in the amount of $89,900 to

be repaid to the Tribe over five years.

At the council meeting held October 5, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Council proclaimed October Domestic Violence

Awareness Month;

• Approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget;

• Increased the Student Sovereignty Fund to

$800 per semester for full-time students and

$400 per semester for part-time students;

• Approved a 1% raise for employees effective

on their anniversary date;

• Approved Christmas Gift Checks in the amount

of $800 for Baraga and Marquette per the Tobacco Ordinance.

At the council meeting held October 8, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of June 12,

2009;

• Approved an additional donation of $87.50 for

Carol Koski’s septic repair;

• Denied the request for $5,000 from ITC to defray the costs of the Tuition Waiver and Child

Care Programs;

• Approved the purchase of wood carved KBIC

logos from Lohmann Woodcarving in the

amount of $17,400;

• Denied the request of Diane Waara for funding

for Cosmetology School;

• Approved Resolution KB1714-2009 RD Curtis

Residential Lease and Resolution KB17152009 Bobbi Jo Loonsfoot Residential Lease;

• Amended the Job Reclassification Policy;

• Approved the 2009-2010 Holidays as December 24, 25, 28, 31, and January 1, for Government employees;

• Agreed to include step-parents in the emergency funding policy;

Denomie, and Beth Dix participated in the 40th Annual Meeting of the National Indian Education Association in Milwaukee October 21 through 25. In

addition to the business meeting of the association,

the conference included professional development

workshops on topics ranging from language instruction to maintaining school discipline to developing college programs and scholarships. Cultural

presentations abounded, with a tour of the Indian

Community School of Milwaukee, the 5th Annual

Forest County Potawotami Hunting Moon Powwow,

daily opening ceremonies, and many workshops on

language and culture. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was a sponsor of the 2009 annual meeting.

KBOCC’s DESTINY program represented the

DETS: Health Is Life in Balance curriculum, staffing

an exhibit table with Leech Lake Tribal College’s

DETs outreach staff. Dr. Lynn Aho and Dr. Lemyra

DeBruyn, of the Centers for Disease Prevention

and Control Native Diabetes Wellness Program

presented a research forum session on the use of

educational evaluation in the development of the

curriculum. Dr. Aho also collaborated with the Eagle Books program to co-present a session on Eagle Books Community Events. The session feaContinue bottom next column.

•

Approved Lauri Denomie’s contract for the

Tribal Newsletter.

At the council meeting held October 22, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Directed the Ojibwa Housing Authority to provide Council with monthly financials of Housing

and their businesses;

• Approved the bid of Big Valley Ford in the

amount of $24,938 for a maintenance plow

truck;

• Agreed to have TERO move forward with applying for an Americorp planning grant;

• Approved the bid of Big Valley Ford in the

amount of $18,305 for a truck to be purchased

by the General Fund and leased to the BIA;

• Approved the purchase of a scanner in the

amount of $11,895 out of the ANA Land Use

Grant from Palisades Research;

• Approved the Joint Funding Agreement with

the US Geological Survey for operation and

maintenance of three stream gauges in the

Yellow Dog Plains;

• Approved the Fish Health Inspection Agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service;

• Approved the Christmas Check Gift Timeline;

• Approved the Mark Pruchniewski Services

Agreement for sports reporting services for the

radio station;

• Approved the Jennie Lynn Weiger Consultant

Agreement to provide Title IV-E consulting services for Tribal Social Services;

• Approved the CEDS list additions;

• Denied the snowplowing request of Helen

Tollefson per the policy.

At the council meeting held October 23, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Approved a donation of up to $1,200 for Chris

Voakes for auto repair;

• Agreed to have the Veterans develop a program to assist returning service men and

women.

At the council meeting held October 29, 2009,

following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of June 18,

2009;

• Approved payment of the November 11 flight of

Barbara Mantila for medical travel;

• Approved Resolution KB1716-2009 for the

Beartown Firefighters Cooperative Agreement

and MOU;

• Introduced and waived the First Reading of

Proposed Ordinance 2009-03—Amendment to

Ordinance 2004-001 KBIC Hunting, Fishing,

Trapping and Gathering Code;

• Held an informal review of Proposed Gaming

Commission and Gaming Regulatory Ordinance 2009-05.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED

STATES AND ALASKA

(Effective October 1, 2009)

Contiguous

United States

Alaska

Household

Size

Income

Limits

Income

Limits

$1,044

$1,369

$1,356

$1,759

$1,667

$2,149

$1,991

$2,539

$2,329

$2,929

$2,666

$3,334

$2,978

$3,724

$3,290

$4,114

Each additional member

+ $312

+ $390

*The net monthly income standard for each household size is the sum of the applicable Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly

income eligibility standard and the applicable SNAP

standard deduction.

Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that

qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed

a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid

monthly to a non-household member.

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage Premiums — Households that incur the cost of Medicare Part B medical

insurance and/or Part D prescription drug coverage

premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly

cost of the premiums.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur

the cost of legally required child support to or for a

non-household member are allowed a deduction for

the amount of monthly child support paid.

* Cannot be on food stamps.

KBOCC Hosts

International Recruiters

Respectfully submitted,

Toni Minton, Secretary

tured last year’s Eagle Books Family Fun Fest as

the premiere community outreach event.

The National Indian Education Association is a

membership based organization committed to increasing educational opportunities and resources

for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students while protecting our cultural and

linguistic traditions. Incorporated in 1970, NIEA

strives to keep Indian Country moving toward educational equity. Governed by a Board of Directors

made up of twelve representatives, the NIEA has

several committees that work to ensure native educators and students are represented in various

educational institutions and forums throughout Indian Country and Washington, D.C. In addition to

the resolution supporting the DETS curriculum,

NIEA’s policy issues for 2009 included seven proposed resolutions supporting various aspects of

teaching Native Languages. One to establish an

American Indian University Task Force, several

supporting educational funding, and one to eliminate race-based Indian logos, mascots, and

names.

~ submitted by Dr. Lynn Aho

KBOCC photo.

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College had

the pleasure of welcoming six international recruiters for a campus visit on Wednesday, November 4,

2009. Miriam Moeller, Northern Michigan University’s International Program Specialist, brought Doreen John from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Martin

Kanjadza from Lilongwe, Malawi; Tim Wright from

Mexico City, Mexico; Seemi Khosa from Islamabad, Pakistan; Claudia Sanchez from Maracaibo,

Venezuela; and Liisi Lembinen from Tartu, Estonia;

to learn about Tribal Colleges. The recruiters have

been attending a U.S. based training program for

overseas educational advisors across America

through the College Board and Education USA and

sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau

of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The visit opened with a greeting between the

Continue page eight.

(5) Naanan

The DHHS Superior Spirit Award

Winner for November 2009

Wanda Seppanen is the

DHHS Superior

Spirit

Award

Winner for Nov e m b e r .

Wanda

was

nominated by a

co-worker who

stated: "Wanda

did a fantastic

job on the Chelsey

Memorial

Walk.

I think

she

did

great

DHHS staff photo.

job in showing

the community and making them more aware

of Domestic Violence. I took my three granddaughters with me, and they had a lot of

questions after the event, and we talked about

it. If we save one of our children in the future,

all the effort will be well worth it. We never

really get to see what Wanda does on a daily

basis, so this was an eye opener. Thanks

again for a wonderful walk."

Wanda received a beaded lanyard for her

name badge and is able to park in the spot

specifically designed for the Employee of the

Month. Congratulations Wanda!

Youth Attend National Congress

of American Indians Convention

K e i t h

Rolof

was

recently

hired as an

Accounts

Payable

Clerk.

graduated

from Michigan Technological University with

a Bachelors

degree

Newsletter editor photo.

Business

Administration and a minor in Psychology. He

was born and raised in Baraga County and is

the son of Bill Rolof, Jr. and Jean

Swartz. Keith worked at the credit union, interned at Lake Accounting, and worked on a

project with Kimberly Clark’s International Tax

Department throughout his college career. He plans on pursuing his CPA license

and MBA within the next year. He is thrilled to

be working in the accounting office with the

Tribe and to stay in the area. He enjoys

spending time with family and friends, snowmobiling, working on his car, and bowling.

Marquette Youth Enjoy Halloween Parties

KBIC members located in Marquette County held their Halloween Dance for teens on Friday,

October 23, 2009, and their Halloween party for the youth on Sunday, October 25, 2009. Carrie

Ashbrook stepped forward and organized both events with some assistance from other community members. Keith Ashbrook manned the DJ duties for the dance with equipment rented from

Jim’s Music of Marquette. Teenagers were served punch and pizza. Picture (left) showed below are of teens who attended in costume. At the youth party, prizes were given by age category: Birth to 2-yr-old: 1st—Hunter Verboczki (Spiderman), 2nd—Rion Fontaine (bunny); 3-5-yrold: 1st—Savanna Verboczki (bride), 2nd—Zoe Hamalainen (gypsy), 3rd—Conner Mager

(Batman); 6-8-yr-old: 1st—Kimber Shelafoe (witch), 2nd—Beau Mager (pirate), 3rd—Sean Seymour (skeleton); 9-yr-old and older: 1st—Taylor Shelafoe (dead cheerleader), 2nd—Neebin

Ashbrook-Pietila (Cleopatra), 3rd—Kendrick Harper (ghoul). Youth participated in a number of

games for prizes and enjoyed a meal of spaghetti, chips, bars, and punch. All attendees received a pumpkin and candy to take home.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Youth Club photo.

L-R: Cheryne Clements (Youth Director), Tashina Emery Kauppila, Joe Garcia (NCAI President), Deena Misegan, Ginger

Shelifoe, and Jennifer Misegan (Tribal Council Rep.)

During the Month of October three KBIC

youth, Tashina Emery Kauppila, Ginger Shelifoe, and Deena Misegan, got the opportunity

to travel to Palm Springs, California, to attend

the National Congress of American Indians

Convention. At the convention, the youth got

to sit in on the NCAI Youth Commission meetings which touched base with various topics

such as Youth Community Involvement and

The Unplanned Pregnancy Bill. The girls got

to meet Native American actor, Adam Beach,

and listened to a motivational talk from Sam

McCracken, GM for Native Business of Nike

U.S.A. The three youth did a great job representing KBIC.

~ submitted by Youth Director

KBIC PRIMIARY

ELECTION RESULTS

Newsletter editor photo.

Pictured above KBIC Voters register with Election Workers.

Newsletter editor photo.

L-R, Savannah Seymour (pumpkin), Rachel Chorbonneau (cow),

Cheyenne Duquette (cheerleader), Shaun Duquette (clown), Jordan Seymour (pumpkin).

Carrie Ashbrook photo.

“Do you like my pumpkin?” Connor Mager.

L-R, Beau Mager (pirate), Kimber Shelafoe (witch), Kaitlyn

Shelafoe (bride), Dale Madosh (lagoon creature), Sean Seyour (skeleton).

Newsletter editor photo.

Cakewalk — Kimber Shelafoe (witch), Connor Mager, Taylor

Shelafoe (dead cheerleader).

The Baraga KBIC Halloween dance and party was cancelled due to the outbreak of flu-like

illnesses in our community. KBIC Youth Programs handed out Treat Bags during Baraga Village Halloween hours at the Niiwin Akeaa Youth Center.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

KBIC voters cast their ballots on Saturday,

October 31, 2009, at the Primary Elections.

Voters were to vote for two candidates in their

district. L’Anse District poll was located the

Zeba Methodist Church, and Baraga District

poll was located at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens.

The top four candidates in each district will progress on to the General Election being held in

December 12, 2009. Results of the Primary

Election are as follows:

Baraga District:

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.) 107

Debbie Parrish

Jerry Lee Curtis (Inc.)

Donny Shalifoe, Sr.

Sandra L. Pittsley

Debi Williamson

Robin Chosa

Gary A. Mayo

L’Anse District:

Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.)

Eddy Michael Edwards

Jennifer Misegan (Inc.)

JoAnne Racette

Evelyn Ravindran

Rose “Missy” Picard

Colleen DeRoche

James Welsh

Monica Emery Kohn

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

On Call positions:

* Community Service Supervisor

* LPN

* RN

* Unit Manager

* Account Executive/Sales

* Cashier

* Family Aide

* Receptionist/Clerical Worker

* Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant

* Youth Program & Facility Attendant

Police Officer—12-02-09

Natural Resources Dept. Maintenance Worker—12-03-09

Pines Convenience Maintenance Worker—12-03-09

Special Projects LPN—12-04-09

Survivor Advocate Worker—12-04-09

Survivor Wellness Specialist/Case Manager—12-04-09

Stock Clerk/Cashier (youth position)—12-04-09

For current job listings, complete job announcements,

applications and closing dates contact: KBIC Personnel

Department, 16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI 49908-9210

or 906-353-6623, ext 4176 or 4140 or visit: www.ojibwa.com.

OJIBWEMOWIN

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

Manidoo Giizisoons —

Little Spirit Moon—December

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

niibaanamom

mitig

aanzhenii

wanakong

wawezhi

goon

badawaanan

azhiganan

miiniwewinan

The language page was

designed from reference

of “A Concise Dictionary

of Minnesota Ojibwe” by

John D. Nichols and Earl

Nyholm, and from the

Freelang Ojibwe/English

on-line dictionary.

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

~ Designed by newsletter editor

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

a g r j g n o k a n a w n g p

VETERINARY CLINIC

n a t b n o o g d i a b k j w

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

2pm to 4:30 pm

(By Appointment only)

r o d a a p i z n h n a e b n

s k g n o t e a g z z d o i k

b o h s i o g a h e h a o w z

If your pet has previously been to our clinic

please let us know when you set up

the appointment.

i n wmk i p g i w e w j b g

Please call (906) 353-7117