The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2013)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Ode’mini Giizis - Strawberry Moon - June 2013 Issue 107

KEWEENAW BAY OJIBWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2013 HONORS AND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni Minton, Asst. Secretary

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Robert D. (RD) Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Jean Jokinen

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Carole LaPointe

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Don Messer, Jr.

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

KBOCC CLASS OF 2013 (left to right): Alicia Paquin, Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., Margaret Boyer, DeAnna Hadden, Shannon DesRochers, and Karen Andersen.

KBOCC held its Honors Convocation and

Commencement Ceremony, Saturday, April

27, 2013, at the Niiwin Akeaa Center, with six

graduates receiving diplomas -- (Associate of

Science, Environmental Science) Karen Andersen, Shannon DesRochers, and DeAnna

Hadden; and (Associate of Arts, Liberal Studies) Margaret Boyer, Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., and

Alicia Paquin.

Timothy Shanahan, KBOCC Board of Regents Chairman, served as Master of Ceremonies. Four Thunders Drum provided music for

the processional, honor song, and recessional.

The KBIC Honor Guard led the processional

and posted the colors. Invocation was given

by elder, James St. Arnold. Debra Parrish,

KBOCC President, presented the welcome for

the ceremonies, and Council Member Robert

R.D. Curtis gave the Tribal Council’s address.

Many awards were given to KBOCC students and faculty for their accomplishments

during the 2012-2013 academic year as follows:

 Co-Valedictorians: Margaret Boyer and

Karen Andersen.

 Alicia Paquin received the Student of the

Year Award.

 Margaret

Boyer

received

the

Zoongide`enini Award.

 Lindsey Loonsfoot received the Outstanding Freshman Award.

 Nancy Lamb and Alicia Paquin both received the Spirit Award this year.

 Margaret Boyer received the Helping

Hands Award.

 Helene Curtis, Terri Curtis, Stephanie

Kozich, Pam Loonsfoot, Tom Paquin, and

Vicky Gauthier all received the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

 Alicia Paquin received the Writing Across

the Curriculum Award.

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Shannon DesRochers received the Outstanding Capstone Project.

Karen Andersen, DeAnna Hadden, and

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., were chosen to receive the Ojibwa Senior Citizens Award.

Gene Mensch received the Environmental

Science Excellence in Teaching.

Peter Morin received the Environmental

Science Student of the Year.

Danielle Hueckstaedt received the Early

Childhood Education Outstanding Student

Award.

Jesse Koenig received the Teacher of the

Year Award, and Sally Klaasen was Faculty member of the Year. Both awards

were chosen by students.

Dean’s List for Spring 2012: Shannon

DesRochers, Dylan Friisvall, Jamie

Gauthier, Virginia (Ginny Ann) Jermac,

Deborah Kennedy, Catherine King, Ryan

Koski, Stephanie Kozich, Sarah Newman,

Susan Newman, Amelia Newman, Alicia

Paquin, Breanna Pearson, and Margaret

Schoolcraft.

Dean’s List for Summer 2012:

Peter

Morin.

Dean’s List for Fall 2012: Margaret Boyer,

Donald Denomie, Shannon DesRochers,

James

Haight, Marie Kovach, Peter

Morin, Denise Moschetto, and Alicia

Paquin.

Honors List for Spring 2012: Terri Curtis,

Donald Denomie, Nancy Lamb, Brittany

Maki, and Peggy Swartz.

Honors List for Fall 2012: Terri Curtis,

Sarah Garver, Rebecca Gauthier, Virginia

(Ginny Ann) Jermac, Nancy Lamb, Susan

Newman, and Gladys Rantanen.

Scholastic Achievement List for Spring

2012: Veronica Adams, Karen Andersen,

Agatha Cardinal, Jessica Carlson, Adam

Dakota, Georgenia Earring, Sarah Garver,

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May 4, 2013 Tribal Council

Meeting

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KBOCC Graduation

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KBIC NRD Wildlife and Natural Resources Survey Winners/

Website Launched

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5th Annual KBIC Environmental Fair

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KBIC Green House Renovations

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Mother’s Day Dinner Held

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Spring Cleaning on KBIC

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Ojibwa Senior Citizens News

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New Employees

Rebecca Gauthier, Andrew Kozich,

Amy Manning, Carilyn McMahon,

Tabitha Miller, Peter Morin, Nissa

Morningstar, Amanda Nordstrom,

Angela Pearson, Robin Roe, Diane

Roy,

Ashley Shalifoe,

Kelly

Shanahan, and Isabelle Welsh.

Scholastic Achievement List for

Summer 2012: Courtney Crittenden, Donald Denomie, Shannon

DesRochers, and Dylan Friisvall.

Scholastic Achievement List for

Fall 2012: Karen Andersen, Clifford Andersen, Sue Ellen Carlson,

Jennifer Curtis, Jamie Dantes, Autumn Goodbird, Scott Kemppainen,

Rachel King, Lindsey Loonsfoot,

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., Gabriel

Mackey, Treneice Marshall, Tara

Rae Meleen, Tabitha Miller, Hannah Misegan, Sarah Newman,

Evelyn Ravindran, Pamela Smith,

Betti Szaroletta, and Cheryl Tollefson.

Continues on page Six.

To be added to the

mailing list or to correct

your mailing address,

contact the enrollment

office at (906) 353-6623

ext. 4113.

(1) Bezhig

MAY 4, 2013 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Tribal Council held their regularly

scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting

on May 4, 2013, at the Ojibwa Casino Conference Room, in Baraga, Michigan. President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. presided over

the meeting with Elizabeth D. Mayo, Susan

J. LaFernier, Jennifer Misegan, Robert (RD)

Curtis, Jr., Fred Dakota, Jean Jokinen, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Carole L. LaPointe,

Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, and Don

Messer, Jr. present. Not present: Toni

Minton, Assistant Secretary.

President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. shared

numerous Thank You and For Your Information items addressed to Council. President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report (Page three), Secretary

Susan J. LaFernier gave the Secretary’s

Report (page four), and Larry Denomie III

gave the CEO’s Report (page five). Council

passed the Department Head Reports for

March 2013.

President Swartz, on behalf of Charlotte

Loonsfoot, indicated that she had traveled

to Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend a Food

Sovereignty Summit where she learned

about vegetables and fruits, etc. and that we

should grow more of our food and not be so

dependent on processed foods. Charlotte

had given a report to the Natural Resource

Committee and could not be present for today’s meeting for her travel report.

Evelyn Ravindran, Parks and Recreation

Committee, addressed the Council on the

Tribal Recreation Five Year Plan. Last

month the Parks and Recreation Committee

presented a draft to the Council for comments, and Evelyn is requesting direction on

how Council would like to proceed on the

plan. Council suggested meetings be held

within the next 30 days for comments and

for Evelyn to return to address the Council

at the June meeting.

Evelyn Ravindran, Parks and Recreation

Committee, also addressed Council on clarifications on the Parks and Recreation ByLaws. After some discussion a motion was

made. Motion by Susan J. LaFernier, to

approve the additional changes to the

Parks and Recreation Committee By-

laws, Article II, Purpose, “Department of

Public

Works”

taking

place

of

“maintenance”; Article III, Section III,

“Department of Public Works” taking

place of “maintenance”; Article V, Section VI, deleting “the Committee Chairperson shall only vote in the event of a

tie”; and correct a typo in section VI

changing “there” to “their”; and in Article II, Section I, adding “Departments

and” Committees, supported by Jennifer

Misegan, ten supported (Mayo, S.

LaFernier, Misegan, Curtis, Dakota, Jokinen, M. LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews,

Messer), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Minton), motion carried.

Ojibwa Housing Authority Board terms

were addressed by Council. Council had

selected Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Janice

Shalifoe, Dominic Picciano, Gary Loonsfoot,

Sr., and Roland Swartz to serve as the

Ojibwa Housing Authority Board at a prior

meeting.

Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo

to appoint Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. as the

Chairman of the Oijibwa Housing Authority Board, supported by Jennifer Misegan, seven supported (Mayo, S.

LaFernier,

Misegan,

Dakota,

M.

LaFernier, LaPointe, Messer), three opposed (Curtis, Jokinen, Matthews), 0 abstained, one absent (Minton), motion carried. Motion by Jean Jokinen to appoint

Janice Shalifoe to a one-year term, Roland Swartz to a two-year term, Dominic

Picciano to a three-year term, and Robert

R.D. Curtis, Jr. and Gary Loonsfoot, Sr.

to four-year terms, supported by Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, four supported

(Jokinen, LaPointe, Matthews, Messer),

six opposed (Mayo, S. LaFernier, Misegan, Curtis, Dakota, M. LaFernier), 0 abstained, one absent (Minton), motion defeated. A hat draw was conducted by

Council with the following motions being

made at the conclusion. Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to conduct a Forensic Audit at the Ojibwa Housing Authority and

to have a firm selected and approved by

the Council and to have the Ojibwa

Housing Authority pay for the Forensic

audit, supported by Don Messer, Jr., nine

supported (Mayo, S. LaFernier, Misegan,

Curtis, Dakota, M. LaFernier, LaPointe,

Matthews,

Messer),

one

opposed

(Jokinen), 0 abstained, one absent

(Minton), motion carried.

Motion by

Carole LaPointe to appoint to the Ojibwa

Housing Board terms as: Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. for a one-year term, Janice

Shalifoe for a two-year term, Roland

Swartz for a three-year term, and Robert

R.D. Curtis, Jr., and Dominic Picciano for

a four-year term, and selecting Robert

R.D. Curtis, Jr. as Chairman for this

board, supported by Michael F.

LaFernier, Sr., eight supported (Mayo, S.

LaFernier,

Misegan,

Dakota,

M.

LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews, Messer),

one opposed (Jokinen), one abstained

(Curtis), one absent (Minton), motion carried.

President Swartz presented the donations for May 2013. After discussion it was

determined that as of April 30, 2013, the

Council’s donation line item has been overspent in the amount of $9,511.38. Motion

by Jennifer Misegan to approve a donation to the American Legion in the

amount of $500 for the American Flags

and Brass Markers, supported by Susan

J. LaFernier, ten supported, 0 opposed, 0

abstained, one absent (Minton), motion

carried. Motion by Jean Jokinen to deny

the remainder of the donation requests

presented. Motion died for lack of support. Motion by Susan J. LaFernier to

table the remaining donation requests

for May 2013 until the Thursday, May 9,

2013 Council meeting, supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., nine supported

(Mayo, S. LaFernier, Misegan, Curtis, Dakota, M. LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews,

Messer), one opposed (Jokinen), 0 abstained, one absent (Minton), motion carried.

Council moved into closed session with

Anthony Rabitaille, Aanikoosing Inc. Chair,

and the Dan McNeil Contract on the

agenda, prior to adjournment.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

KBIC NRD Wildlife and Natural Resource Survey Prize Winners

and NEW Website http://nrd.kbic-nsn.gov

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Natural Resource Department mailed out a

Wildlife and Natural Resource Survey to

registered Tribal members of 18 years of

age and older. Results from the survey will

guide the development of a KBIC Tribal

Wildlife Management Plan and gauge values associated with various environmental

issues addressed through the Natural Resource Department. Specific topics in the

survey included: A) use and reliance of

various natural resources, B) values

and management options for specific

wildlife species, C) culture and Ojibwabased value, and D) opinions about

KBIC natural resource policies and codes of law. Approximately

250 members responded to the survey.

Thanks to generous donations of money from the Natural Resources Committee and the Tribal Council, appreciation prizes were

available to win for anyone that completed the survey. Winners of

the appreciation prizes were:

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Crossbow – Monica Kohn

0.22 Long Rifle – Roger Duschene

$100 Gift Certificate Mitch’s Trading Post – Doug Welsh

Equus Borealis foot massage – 1) Betsy Ross and 2)

Gary Hueckstaedt

$50 Pine’s Cards – (11 total) James Bykkonen, Jeremy

Hebert, Jacob Maki, Joseph White, Venus Ripley, Liz Julio,

Chad Tollefson, Susie Crawford, Mariah Furaitar, Doreen

Blaker, and Vicky Mleko

(2) Niizh

We are in the process of contacting winners so they can retrieve

their prizes from the KBIC Natural Resources Department. Although the drawing has ended, if for some reason you did not receive a survey and would still like to participate, please call and we

will mail one out. Call 524-5757 x19 with questions and/or to arrange pick up of your prize!

The KBIC Natural Resources Department Website!!

It describes the numerous projects taking place in the department, provides a calendar of events, allows for feedback and

more! Updated material will continue to be added so check in at:

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Head Start & Early

Head Start will be accepting applications for the 2013-2014

school year. Applications are available at the KBIC Health

Clinic, KBIC Tribal Center, Ojibwa Community College, and

at the Head Start & Early Head Start Center. You may also

have an application mailed to you by calling 524-6626. Reminder, all applications MUST be returned with a proof of

income. All applications are due by July 12, 2013.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2013

The following is a list of activities that occurred in the office of the President for the

month of March 2013:

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I signed a commitment letter between

the Community and Dan Lauchie

MacNeil for application fees for the

Michigan bar exam; fees for the Michigan bar exam preparatory study course,

and contribution for living expenses during preparation for Michigan bar exam.

I voted for three nominees to be elected

as Board of Directors for the Keweenaw

Financial Corporation. They are James

D. Fenton, Michael R. Hauswirth, and

Susan J LaFernier.

Council approved an increase to the

grave marker benefit for Tribal members. An increase was approved for the

grave markers and the veteran grave

markers.

Congress recently passed the Violence

Against Women Reauthorization Act of

2013. This new law includes significant

provisions addressing tribal jurisdiction

over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence. We think the more complicated provisions to implement will be

getting an attorney for indigent defendants and expanding our jury pool to

include non-tribal members if we take

that route.

We’ve updated the Sales and Use Tax

Questionnaire for Tribal Business and

Entity purchases. Hopefully the new

questions and slightly different format

will simplify the process.

I was invited to attend the first quarterly

meeting of the Citizens Advisory Panel

(CAP) at the Best Western in Baraga.

According to the letter from Steve

Walsh, CEO Traxys Power Group, the

panel will meet quarterly with plant management to discuss issues of concern to

the community and to share information

on the power plant’s accomplishments

and plans for continued progress in environmental and safety management.

Attendance was by invitation only.

I signed a press release on April 17,

2013, relating to the Community’s work

with U.S. Geological Survey to monitor

the Yellow Dog Plains. This monitoring

program of the Yellow Dog and Salmon

Trout watersheds will be conducted over

four years from 2013-16 and a report

summarizing the results will be prepared

and submitted to the Community in

2017.

On behalf of the Community I attended

the State/Tribal Summit in Fulton, MI.

 Governor Snyder asked us to comment on three issues: the executive

directive for Tribal consultation;

Michigan Indian Family Preservation

Act (MIFPA); and how tribes can

help with transportation issues in the

state.

 We emphasized the importance

of Tribal Consultation policy and

improved communication for all

state agencies in various initiatives that affect American Indians in the State of Michigan with

the recognition of the uniqueness of each Tribe.

 I informed the governor about

the cooperation and good relationship we have here in Baraga

County in relation to the numerous fish passages (culverts) we

have worked on in addition to

the road projects.

 I informed the governor that we

are opposed to aquaculture or

fish farming here in Keweenaw

Bay.

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Finally, I extended an invitation

to Governor Snyder to visit the

community and partake in some

kind of fishing activity.

At the United Tribes meeting we discussed the following:

 We were given an update on Sandy

Recovery Improvement Act of 2013,

which included a provision amending

the Stafford Act to provide federally

recognized Indian Tribal governments the option to choose whether

to make a request directly to the

President for a federal emergency or

major disaster declaration, or to

seek assistance, as they do presently, under a declaration for a state.

 We listened to Melissa Claramount

who handed out a report from the

Michigan Department of Civil Rights

(MDCR) relating to the use of the

Indian tuition waiver by KBIC members. From July 1, 2011 – April 9,

2013, MDCR reported that 195 applicants have been processed and

193 have been verified. Previously

she announced that Northern Michigan University will no longer try to

use successful academic progress in

determining eligibility for the tuition

waiver.

 We discussed support for HR 1278

“The Nondisparagement of Native

American Persons or Peoples in

Trademark Registration Act of

2013”. The bill would change the

trademark law to disallow the use of

“redskins” in a registered trademark

in the United States.

 After discussion Resolution

#027-04-11-2013 was approved

to support HR 1278.

I signed the plan document relating to

the Community’s Health Reimbursement

Arrangement Plan (HRA). The plan is a

benefit program allowing participants to

use benefit dollars that best suit their

needs. The Community is able to offer

this benefit plan on a tax-favored

(pretax) basis.

In a letter dated April 2, 2013, the State

of Michigan notified the “Parties” of a

proposal for regulatory change involving

the harvest of wolves. We received the

letter on April 8, 2013. The next day on

April 9, 2013, our Senator Thomas Casperson introduced Senate Bill 288, and

on the same day it was referred to his

committee. This bill authorizes the natural resources commission to designate

species (wolf, mourning dove, etc…) as

game. Recently, at a Tribal/State summit meeting with Governor Snyder all 12

federally recognized tribes in Michigan

stated that they were opposed to SB288

and asked the governor to VETO the bill

if presented to him. The Tribes made it

clear to the governor that we're opposed

to the killing of our brother, the wolf.

Yesterday I was notified the State of

Michigan has filed a motion to dismiss

the treaty-farming case filed by Brenda

Turunen. We noticed they are asserting

that the 1854 Treaty terminated all rights

of occupancy that existed under the

1842 Treaty. We don't think much of the

argument since the Sakaogan case was

factually very different than Brenda's

case.

I signed on behalf of the Community the

Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA). The purpose of the

MOU is to document cooperation between the signatory parties to establish

a cooperative effort to prevent and control non-native invasive species across

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jurisdictional boundaries in Baraga,

Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties

through the organization of the KISMA.

We also requested financial assistance

under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grants to Support Great Lakes

Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans.

I signed a client placement letter between the Community and Martin/

Fletcher relating to services at the clinic.

VAWA and KBIC don’t plan on participating in their pilot project. We would

be giving non-Indians more protections

than our own Tribal members.

I signed the Hazardous Substances

Control Ordinance. The main intent of

this ordinance is to provide for the

cleanup of hazardous substances sites,

and to prevent the creation of future

hazards due to improper disposal of

hazardous substances on or into the air,

land, surface water, and ground waters

located within the Reservation environment.

Met with Congressman Beneshik at a

“meet and greet event” held in Marquette. After talking with him and telling

him a lot of the Community’s concerns,

became aware that his main focus was

trying to get the Community to change

its stance with the mining at Eagle Rock.

I told him that we could agree to disagree and continue to move forward.

I also watched a Webinar with the Office

of Environmental Justice; the discussion

was based on what the new director

could do for Indian Country.

I continue to have communications with

the Governor’s office relating to our 2part gaming application.

This concludes my report.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

NEWS FROM THE OJIBWA

SENIOR CITIZENS

Pasty Sales:

June 26 — pasty prep starting after

lunch (12:15 pm)

June 27 — pasty making starting at 5:00

am. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AS

EARLY AS YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Upcoming Fundraising:

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June 19 — Table at the Waterfront

Concert in conjunction with the Finn

Fest activities. We will be have

items from our gift shop for sale.

July 19 — we will be making pasties

for the Aura Jamboree. More information will be made available at a

later date.

July (date TBD) — pasty sale will be

held during the powwow.

Additional Information:

The Senior Assistance Program applications are available by contacting Dave

Firestone at 353-6109.

All Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at the

Lighthouse, Sand Point, will be held

every third Wednesday of the month

at 1900 hours. All Tribal Veterans

Welcome!

(3) Niswi

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR APRIL 2013

Activities reported by the Secretary,

Susan J. LaFernier, for the month of April

2013.

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you.

Remember: “Indian Country Counts” and

“Our People, Our Nations, Our Future.”

We continue to recognize the richness of

Native American contributions, accomplishments, and sacrifices to the political, cultural, and economic life of Michigan and the

United States.

Congratulations once again to the two

graduates who graduated at our 3rd Drug

Court Graduation Ceremony held on April 9,

2013. (See May newsletter). Also congratulations to our dedicated employees at

the Baraga Casino who were recognized

and honored on April 10, 2013, and our

Marquette Casino employees who were recognized and honored on April 19, 2013.

Thank you for your many years of service to

our businesses and Tribe. (See May newsletter).

On April 16, 2013, the Health Board and

various staff at the Donald A. LaPointe

Health Center attended a day long training

regarding “Community Health Improvement

Planning” to provide a vision for a healthy

KBIC in the future, identify priority health

issues in our community, and identify what

changes need to be made in order to promote the health and wellbeing for everyone.

We continue to work on the Government

Personnel Policy revisions, alternative and

renewable energy options with the CARE

Committee, as well as to review the previous proposed mining ordinance and other

options for Council to consider. In the near

future, there will be notice of public meetings that will be held regarding our Treatment as a State under the Clean Water Act

(for regulatory authority over water quality

standards on the Reservation) application to

the EPA which has been worked on the last

few years by our Natural Resources Department and Water Division. They have done

a tremendous job in preparing the application. The Council appointed a six person

Task Force on March 19, 2013, to oversee

the application process and answer questions before and after the final application is

submitted.

The employee W.H.I.P.P. (Wellness,

Health, Intervention, Prevention Program)

Task Force and volunteers continue to have

monthly meetings. It is never too late to encourage others and begin positive lifestyle

changes that will help us live longer, healthier, happier lives. Mino-Bimaadizin—“Live

Well.” Remember everyone should participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week to stay fit. The employee 12-week “Weight Loss Challenge —

New Year, New You” ended on April 11,

2013. The winners received gift cards to

MC Sports and Dunhams. A new Tribe-toTribe walking challenge is beginning on May

6, 2013, and remember to register for the

2nd Annual Lumberjack Days 5K Liberty

Run/Walk (3.1 miles) and the Youth (1 mile)

Stars and Stripes Fun Run on July 4, 2013.

NATIVE VOTE 2013—every vote and

voice counts. We have 822 total eligible

voters and 681 registered voters, 429 registered voters, or 63%, voted in the December

election. Our goal for Keweenaw Bay is to

have 100% of our registered/eligible members vote!

The Drug Tip Line number is 353-DRUG

or 353-3784.

The yellow banners are

around the reservation with this drug tip line

number displayed. The Drug Task Force

holds monthly meetings, and their Mission

Statement is: “To promote education

through public awareness with the specific

objective to eliminate the use of ‘illegal

drugs’ for the betterment of the health, welfare, and safety of the Keweenaw Bay In(4) Niiwin

dian Community and our neighboring Communities.”

Congratulations to all of our graduates

and Happy Mother’s Day on May 12, 2013.

Remember to cherish your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends every

day. We are also grateful that our prayers

were answered in keeping Floyd Forcia and

J.D. Denomie safe from the perils of Lake

Superior on April 23, 2013, at Lac LaBelle.

Remember to continue to pray for each

other, to honor, and remember all of our

veterans and service men and women and

their families especially on Memorial Day,

May 27, 2013. Remember to attend the

special memorial services to remember all

of our loved ones. We pray that we and the

world will be graced with the gifts of peace,

love, and joy. Also remember those who

are ill, those with economic struggles, and

all those who have lost loved ones during

the past year.

It is that time of the year again to begin

cleaning our yards, roadsides, and cemeteries. Thank you for all you do to keep our

land the beautiful place it is. Thank you,

God and Creator, for the great blessings of

our land. “Who does the land belong to?

Some to those who have walked on, a little

to those still living, but most to those yet to

be born.” ~ unknown.

During April 2013, the Tribal Council held

one Regular Tribal Council Meeting on April

6, 2013, at the Ojibwa Motel Conference

Room. This meeting is covered in the May

2013 Newsletter. Tribal Council held two

Special Council Meetings. Following are

the unapproved motions from April.

At a council meeting held April 11, 2013,

the following actions were taken:

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Approved the May 10, 17, 2012 Tribal

Council meeting minutes;

Approved to appoint Al Rajacic as the

Interim Drug Court Coordinator;

Motion defeated to deny a travel donation request for Charlotte Loonsfoot for

$517.00 to attend a “Food Sovereignty”

Summit in Green Bay, WI;

Approved Charlotte Loonsfoot’s travel

donation request for $517.00;

Approved the KISMA (Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area) MOU

until 2017;

Approved a new business license for

Brandon Loonsfoot’s “LaFamilia Restaurant” in Baraga;

Approved a bid from Copper Country

Ford for a 4x4 Crew Cab Truck for

$24,650.00 (Natural Resources Department Invasive Species Funding);

Approved a bid from Michigan Sales in

Marquette for a John Deere Gator 825

for $10,863.70;

Approved a bid from Ed’s Sales for a

16’ Jon Boat/Trailer (and accessories)

for $9,308.00;

There was no support for a motion to

deny an entertainment agreement;

Approved the Diamond Talent Entertainment Agreement with “Hunks Male

Revue Show” on November 15 th for

$1,500.00 at the Pressbox;

Approved the USDA FY 13 Supplemental Funding Request for $36,806.00 to

Paisano Paving, Inc. for the Commodity

Foods parking lot improvements;

Approved the 2013 Progress Ad with

the Daily Mining Gazette for $1,400.00,

(back page Tribal Council/Departments/

Businesses);

Approved a donation from the Tribal

Council budget up to $1,000.00 for Tom

Denomie’s emergency medical travel

funds (to visit daughter) to be administered by the CEO’s office;



Approved to appoint Nicole Arens as the

Summer Youth Coordinator for the summer of 2013 with an increase in wage of

$1.50.

At a council meeting held April 18, 2013,

the following actions were taken:













































Approved the software purchase for direct deposit for the senior pension payments (Accounting Department);

Approved the purchase of a bar code

scanner from Data Financial, Inc. for

$6,845.00 for the Marquette Casino;

Approved the Subrecipient Agreement

between KBIC and Aanikoosing, Inc. (to

be able to transfer funds);

Approved the renewal of the Vanilla Gorilla Productions (D.C. Creative Services

Inc.) Services Agreement to promote the

Radio stations

Approved the renewal of the Services

Agreement with Dale Schmeisser, R.D.

Ph.D. for the Community’s Diabetes

Program April 1 to March 31, 2014;

Approved the Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement between KBIC and

I.T.C. with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

“Honoring Our Children” initiative for

year 2;

Approved the Services Agreement with

the W.U.P. Health Department and

KBIC for the Title XV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and/or Diagnostic

Services for October 1 to September 30,

2013;

Approved to appoint Susan J. LaFernier

(only applicant) as an alternate to the

Constitutional Committee;

Approved to appoint Evelyn Ravindran

(only applicant) to the Economic Development Committee;

Approved to appoint Tara Smith to the

Election Board (two applicants);

Approved to appoint Robin Roe, Marilyn

Loonsfoot, Bill Swartz, Glen Bressette,

Sr., Bill Jondreau, and Loretta Hugo to

the Enrollment Board (12 applicants)

and to post for one Elder seat;

Approved to appoint Philomena Ekdahl

to the Health Board (three applicants);

There was no support for a motion to

appoint the Elders to the Hiring Committee;

Approved to appoint Shawn Lussier,

Amy St. Arnold, Matt Shalifoe, Wanda

Seppanen, and Gerald Jondreau for

three-year terms to the Hiring Committee (18 applicants)

Approved to appoint Dale Goodreau

(only applicant) to the Natural Resources Committee and to post for the

two vacant seats;

Approved the Tribal Council to act temporarily as the Ojibwa Housing Authority

Board (32 applicants);

Approved to appoint Evelyn Ravindran

to the Parks and Recreation Committee

(five applicants) and to do ballot votes

for the remaining two seats

Approved to appoint Gerald Jondreau

and Tara Smith to the Parks and Recreation Committee;

Approved to appoint Karen Anderson

and Lily Leinonen to the Substance

Abuse Board (three applicants)

Approved to appoint Jeanne Kauppila to

the Indian Child Welfare (Justice) Committee (only applicant) and to post for

the remaining seat;

Approved to appoint Bill Jondreau, Gary

Loonsfoot, Jr., Marty Curtis, and Tara

Smith to the Youth Committee (four applicants);

Approved to appoint the five applicants

that the THPO Director recommended

Secretary Report continues:



for the Pow-Wow Committee (14 applicants): Alden Connor, Dan Connor,

Brigitte LaPointe, Elizabeth Sherman,

Rodney Loonsfoot (no stipend) and

Melissa Koepp;

Approved to offer Nicole Arens an addi-

tional $4.50 per hour increase for the

Interim Summer Youth Coordinator position.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Thank you to all who donated and/or purchased at the Bake Sale or Spaghetti Luncheon fundraisers, or donated to the can drive,

which were held recently to assist in keeping

me near my daughter, Brandi, while she was in

the ICU in Mesa, AZ. Your generosity helped

me to stay with her for four-weeks. I am very

appreciative for all everyone did during this

time of need. Chi Miigwech! Tom Denomie, Sr.

CEO REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2013

The month of April 2013 included the following activities and reportable items:









The initial review of KBIC’s Title 10,

which regulates Hunting, Fishing,

Trapping, and Gathering, is complete. Sarah Maki, Asst. CEO, has

worked with the group involved with

the review. The next step includes

staff putting the changes into a format which can be easily identified.

That document will then be presented to Council to begin the legislative process.

Dr. Oh has submitted his official notice

of retirement. His last day was May 3.

Carole has secured a temporary replacement through the prior approved

agreement with Martin Fletcher Locums.

The engagement letter has been approved and Dr. Benson will begin on

Monday, May 6.

Nicole Arens is well under way with getting the Summer Youth Work program

set up. Applications are available for

youth ages 14-18 to pickup and complete. Four Summer Youth Supervisors

will be hired this year to assist Nicole in

running the program. There has been

less interest from internal departments

in taking on youth workers this year and

based on a report prepared by Gerald

Jondreau, the Ojibwa Campground will

not be completely raked this year. Raking will only take place in key areas

such as vendor alley, pathways to the

showers/restrooms, and around the pavilions. Since a good portion of the

workers’ time has been consumed with

raking the entire campground in past

years, this year the workers will be split

into crews, will perform roadside

cleanup, and will assist with cleaning

and beautifying our businesses and our

other properties.

Nicole is also in the final planning

stages of the Summer Youth Camp project. The camp project will serve Native

children in K-6 grades with priority given

to KBIC members following then with







descendents. Families, whose incomes

are above the free and reduced lunch

threshold, will qualify for the free camp

program. The camp will limit participants to a total of 50 with half in grades

K-2 and half in grades 3-6. Nicole has

done an outstanding job putting this program together and is collaborating with

our NRD, DHHS, GLIFWC, KBTPD, and

other entities which will provide daily

activities. Staffing will be provided by

her current employees, a summer college intern, summer youth supervisors,

summer youth workers, and employees

from the entities providing activities.

The camp is slated to begin June 10th

and run through August 12th. The daily

schedule runs from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.,

Monday through Thursday. Registration

packets will be available May 15th –

June 1st.

Susan J. LaFernier, Gregg Nominelli,

and I met briefly to discuss the formalization of the LLC processes. The topic

came up because a KBIC member had

inquired about forming his business under the Tribe’s Limited Liability Code.

Susan did some research and found

that a six-month hiatus was put on the

initiation of the code and that it hadn’t

been properly formatted. Work is being

done to format it, and Gregg is working

on developing the forms and instructions

which will be used by members wishing

to form using the code.

We received notice from I.H.S. that they

will no longer be able to perform food/

safety inspections for members who

have been issued a KBIC Business License. They will, however, continue to

perform the inspections for KBIC’s facilities. They have offered to provide training to anyone we chose to conduct the

inspections on the member licenses

businesses. (Update: Notice received

from IHS on 05/17/13, they will be providing inspection services for Tribally

licensed food facilities on the reservation.)

Payroll, which is processed for the en-

terprises, has long been waiting to have

Direct Deposit available to them. I received a communication from Don Larson, Ojibwa Casino’s Controller, late last

week indicating that all of the issues that

had cropped up have been resolved,

and they are now in a mandated National Automated Clearing House Association waiting period. Since the wait

period surpasses the May 10 payday,

direct deposit will occur for the May 24

payday.

He indicated that approximately 43% of the employees have

signed up for the service.

 The budgets potentially impacted by the

federal sequestration have been adjusted. Sarah has worked with each of

the departments to make the 6% adjustments as discussed during Council’s

financial review meeting. There haven’t

been any major impacts to programs or

services offered by the departments;

therefore, the members and families

served by the programs will not be impacted.

 The approval of a software module in

the Accounts Payable department will

soon allow for Electronic Funds Transfers to be made instead of printing

checks. This will provide vendors, such

as members who currently receive regular payments from the Tribe, to have

their payments electronically placed into

their personal bank account. Francis

LaPointe, CFO, is working on the project, and an expected start date has not

been established. I will provide updates

on this service as they become available.

 Council has approved an increase in the

amount available to eligible members for

grave markers. The amount available

now is $585 for a basic marker and

$665 for a bronze marker.

As always, if anyone has questions, concerns, or issues the CEO’s office can assist

with, please don’t hesitate to stop, e-mail, or

call.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry J. Denomie, III, CEO

The

Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community Head Start

held their Graduation Ceremony on

Friday, May 3,

2013. The class

sang for their audience: Boozhoo,

Ambe Giiwedaa,

Skid-A-Ma-Rink,

and

Imbakade.

After proudly receiving their diplomas, they enjoyed

a luncheon with

their families and

teachers. Photo:

(back row, left to

right) — Brooklyn

Summers, Ellise

Dove,

Alayna

Niemi,

Jeanna

Carlson, Aydn RiPhoto by Lauri Denomie.

utta, Thalia Williams, Breanna Jondreau, Daniel Connor, (front row, left to right) — Jace Chosa, Trinity Pelon, Chayse Thompson, Nevaeh Loonsfoot,

Emma Cote, Marianah Ochoa, Cole Roy, Missing from photo: XhoOue Benson, Laila Dowd, and Elise Madosh.

(5) Naanan

KBOCC Class of 2013 continues:

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Margaret Boyer, Co-Valedictorian, (above) addressed the 2013

graduating class, “As Anishinaabe, education is sometimes hard to

seek out. Some of us are old enough that we have residual effects

from past generations being in residential schools, or as they are

called here in the states, boarding schools. However, we do have a

strong resiliency, and it is because of this that we strive to better

ourselves. What better way to exceed ourselves than to get a

proper education? Sometimes it takes many tries, and sometimes it

is accomplished on the first attempt. But the key is not to give up.

In this day and age, an education is mandatory in order to gain employment anywhere which is why an education is important.

As Anishinaabe we struggle to keep our culture alive in a world

that is consumed with colonizing each and every ethnic group in this

country. What better way is there to keep our culture alive and

strong but by educating ourselves to be able to fight in order to keep

it alive in their ball field? As Anishinaabe people we respect Mother

Earth. We live in a world that has no respect for our Mother. Every

day we hear of new ways that she is being raped, pillaged, and

dumped on all in the name of ‘growth.’ For those who are graduating from the Environmental Science program, your goals in making

this world a better environment for my grandchildren, are highly appreciated and valued. Miigwech!

As Anishinaabe we believe that our actions will be felt for seven

generations. For those who are graduating from the Liberal Studies

program, find that one thing that you are passionate about and work

towards excelling at it and make the world a better place for your

grandchildren.

KBOCC is a stepping stone for me and every graduate here.

Whether we choose to carry on with another program here or if we

choose to further our education elsewhere, this accomplishment is a

step up into our future. Remember that our accomplishments, now

and upcoming, will be felt seven generations from now, so be proud

of our triumphs here at KBOCC and continue making this world a

better place for all our relations. Go forth and prosper!”

mental chairperson Andrew Kozich has been in the trenches with us

in the fields and in the swamps. In the classroom, some may think

he is this geeky, nerd scientist, but he shows his ‘might’ in intellect

and personhood. He encourages discussion in his classes even

when the discussions can turn into controversies. I remember when

he took us out to test water samples, and how it evoked childhood

wonder as we waited for the results in both us students as well as

him. Under the leadership of Mary Deline and the Early Childhood

Development Program, students are assured to leave fully trained

to teach and properly care for our babies and toddlers. How vital is

that! Jesse Koenig ever so eloquently teaches the depth, beauty,

and connectivity of the written works in literature, and it is through

the arts that we have come away ‘looking through different lenses

and having different thoughts’ because we have learned that art is

much more than what is seen. When it comes to math, who better

than Sally Klaasen with her ability to teach math in ways you can

understand and does so with immense patience. I think I speak for

all of us when I say the Dean of Instruction; Lynn Aho is like the matriarch here. Her expertise in communications and dedication to the

school is something you can count on. So for you upcoming students, we leave you in good hands. Thank you to the entire staff at

K.B.O.C.C!

I also thank my fellow classmates whom I have come to know

and respect. It has been a privilege to share in your accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges. Shannon, I know you will do

great as you go on to MTU. You amazed me with your analytical

thinking and have been a model for other students with your quiet

determination. I still don’t know how you do all that you do.

Stephanie, when I look at your beautiful, articulate handwriting; I

compare it to my own and wonder how on earth I am even able to

read my notes. Alicia, when you received the AIHEC’s Student of

the Year award I was very happy for you; it was well deserved for

writing the fantastic essay that you did. And Margaret, your organizing abilities, fundraising for student government, and everything

else you have done was of great benefit to the school and students.

I am truly proud of all my classmates for who you are and who you

are becoming.

I would like to acknowledge Erin Johnston who encouraged me

to enter the science program, when I thought I couldn’t ‘do science’.

Through Erin’s initiative, internships were granted that were sponsored by the NASA Space Program for two of us students. The internships put us in the company of some of our nation’s top scientists. One of them was a geo-physicist, who by the way, stated she

too started out at a community college. Now she is researching

storms on the Sun-imagine! And imagine us that summer doing our

research work in the field. Erin wasn’t easy on us by no stretch,

having to cite all those scientific names of plant species, while bugs

flew all around and during mid-summer hot temperatures. I remember one day having a slug on my lunch box, me screaming, and my

classmate trying to hide her laugh because she knew it was there

and didn’t tell me as she waited to see my reaction. All of our hard

work paid off as our research was selected and displayed at the

Smithsonian in D.C., and it brought the three of us a sense of pride.

Erin, your foresight and support brought experiences I never

dreamed I’d have, and these memories will last a lifetime.

Some final thoughts going forward, I want to thank my family and

friends, my son who has believed in me since day one, and my sister Michelle for giving me her math book. And in honor of my late

sister who instilled in me the value of education – sis, this degree is

for you!

After today, there will be new challenges and experiences that

await us; we’ll encounter new people who bring their own thoughts

and ideas; people who will also influence our lives. And for those

who bring us inspiration, in return we too will inspire and become

kinder as we continue to grow. We know not the outcomes of a

world filled with uncertainties, but together we can handle it, and

together we become better. Thank you all! CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATES!”

Healing To Wellness Women’s Group Donates To

Baraga County Shelter Home

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Karen Andersen, Co-Valedictorian, (above) addressed the 2013

graduating class, “WE DID IT! ‘With each new day comes new

strength and new thoughts’, (Eleanor Roosevelt). Our class leaves

here with new strengths, and as we move forward in different directions, we take with us our memories and parts of each other. We

leave without regret and with a sense of hope for brighter futures

and empowerment from new found insights. We also leave with

gratitude for those who have helped make a difference in our lives.

We didn’t give up when the going was tough, and we overcame

many obstacles whether it was juggling time for course work, tending to our families, working, or stressing out for tests. Our minds

have opened through our studies and will have far reaching impacts

in our futures.

There is one thing that is inevitable, and that is change. And

yes, we, ourselves, have changed. Our world is quickly changing

with the enormous challenges of environmental threats, economic

decline, and political unrest. Individually and collectively we have

gained knowledge to help play a part in helping to make the world a

better place.

The faculty, who through their wisdom and guidance, provided

priceless inspiration, and when they may have thought we didn’t

notice their contributions, we noticed. For example, our Environ(6) Ningodwaaswi

On May 10, 2013,

the Healing to Wellness

W ome n’s

Group did a car

wash to raise funds

to help out the

Baraga County Shelter Home. The primary

participants

were April Dowd,

Lisa Chosa, Tiara

Drift, Tara Smith,

and Carrie Paquette.

The women worked

outside from 11 am

until after 5 pm in

chilly temperatures

gusty winds

L to R: Lisa Chosa, Tiara Drift, and April Dowd. and

washing cars, and

they raised over $200 for the Shelter Home. One of the values that

the Healing to Wellness Court tries to instill in participants is the importance and value of giving back to others in need.

~ Photo and article submitted by Mark Panasiewicz

MOTHER’S DINNER HELD

Fifty women from the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community attended a Mother’s Dinner held on

Monday, May 13, 2013, at the Ojibwa Motel Chippewa Rooms. Women were educated by the

KBIC Community Health staff as to why family

history is important for your health. Everyone’s

family history of disease is different. Key features

of a family history that may increase risk are: Diseases that occur at an earlier age than expected

(10 to 20 years before most people get the disease); Disease in more than one close relative;

Disease that does not usually affect a certain

gender (for example, breast cancer in a male);

and certain combinations of diseases within a

family (for example, breast and ovarian cancer, or

heart disease and diabetes). If your family has

one or more of these features, your family history

may hold important clues about your risk for disease.

The women enjoyed a delicious Mother’s Day

Dinner served by the Lucky Seven’s staff, and got

a chance to win some nice prizes.

The event was sponsored by KBIC Community

Health, the American Cancer Society, and InterTribal Council of Michigan.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Above: (l to r) (seated), Pearl Thoreson, Sandy

Swartz, (back) Jennifer Almli, Joanne Swartz

Clements, Robin Roe.

Below: (l to r) (seated), Shani Shelifoe, Ginger Shelifoe, (back) Jeanne Emery Kauppila, Tashina Emery.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

SPRING CLEANING ON THE KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

Photo by Tom Paquin.

The Culture Nite Group organized a clean up of the parks and project

roadsides on both sides of the reservation, on Sunday, May 19th. Shown

above after the Zeba side was finished are (left to right) Brandon Loonsfoot,

Heather Asher, David Kauppila, April Dowd, Ralph Bemis, Annie Bowman,

Aiyana Loonsfoot, Jammie Loonsfoot, Bryton Loonsfoot, Alicia Paquin, Tiara Drift, Brett Loonsfoot, Tiana Drift, Helene Shalifoe, Travis Rajacic, and

Tara Smith.

The group were joined by many other community members as they continued on their mission to clean the Baraga side. Many thanks to all who

participated.

Photo by Julie Raby.

Doing their part, the Denomie family and friends cleaned the road side

of the Mission Road, big turn north to U.S. 41, on Sunday, May 19th.

Shown above: (kneeling, l to r), Steven Denomie, Mike Denomie, Chance

Pascoe, Shellie Denomie, Terri Denomie, Brooklyn Summers, Lauri Denomie, Diane Denomie, (back, l to r), Tom Denomie, Floyd Forcia, Tyler

Denomie, Larry Denomie, Jack Veker, Bob Denomie, and J.D. Denomie.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2012)

*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:

House

hold

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$ 931

+

$149

=

$1,080

2

$1,261

+

$149

=

$1,410

3

$1,591

+

$149

=

$1,740

4

$1,921

+

$160

=

$2,081

5

$2,251

+

$187

=

$2,438

6

$2,581

+

$214

=

$2,795

7

$2,911

+

$214

=

$3,125

8

$3,241

+

$214

=

$3,455

Each additional member

+ $330

Alaska:

Household

Size

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$1,165

+

$256

=

$1,421

2

$1,577

+

$256

=

$1,833

3

$1,990

+

$256

=

$2,246

4

$2,402

+

$256

=

$2,658

5

$2,815

+

$256

=

$3,071

6

$3,227

+

$268

=

$3,495

7

$3,640

+

$268

=

$3,908

8

$4,052

+

$268

=

$4,320

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

+ $413

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

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.

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.

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.

FDPIR Resource Standards—see 7 CFR 253.6(d)

$3,250 for households with at least one elderly or

disabled member.

$2,000 for households without any elderly or disabled members.

JUNE 2013 Calendar Events

June 1:

Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am,

Ojibwa Resort Conf. Rm;

June 7: Constitutional Committee Meeting, 1

pm, Council Chambers;

June 8: Household Hazardous and Electronic

Waste Collection; Marquette Native

American Flea Market;

June 19: Veteran’s Meeting, 7 pm;

June 16: Happy Father’s Day;

June 27: Senior Citizens’ Pasty Sale;

June 29: Kids’ Fishing Derby.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Events occurring throughout KBIC are welcome to

be listed on the Calendar of Events. Contact newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov to list your events. Some events are

more detailed FYI within the newsletter. For up-to-date

event listings, visit www.ojibwa.com and click on calendar. For Youth events, see @ www.ojibwa.com, click

on youth club, or contact 353-4643/Main Office at Youth

Club, or 353-4644 for the facility attendants or the

Kitchen/craft rooms.

(8) Ishwaaswi

JUNE IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH at the KBIC Department of Health and Human Services

Good oral health is a lifelong endeavor. Starting in

pregnancy taking care of your

mouth is important for you

and your baby.

Brushing,

flossing, eating healthy foods,

and getting dental checkups

and treatment will help keep

you and your baby healthy.

After your baby is born

clean his/her gums after every

feeding, even before the first

teeth come in.

Wipe the

gums with a clean, damp

cloth. When your baby has

teeth, begin brushing two

times each day using a small

smear of toothpaste. Do not

put your baby to bed with a

bottle. Start weaning your child from the bottle by six to nine

months. By one year of age your child should be drinking from a

cup. Your child’s first dental visit should be by 12 months.

Baby teeth are important: they help with chewing, speaking, promoting self-esteem, and maintaining space for adult teeth. Dental

cavities are the most common chronic disease of children. When

you eat sugary foods, bacteria in the mouth turns the sugar into

acid. The acid eats holes in the teeth and makes cavities. Regular

pop and many juices are high in sugar. Diet or “sugar-free” is high

in acid. Sugar and acid are bad for your teeth. Because soft drinks

are no longer an occasional treat they have become a leading

cause of tooth decay. Promote drinking water instead of pop. It

has no sugar, no acid, and no calories.

As we age, our dental health is just as important as when we are

younger. Adults are still at risk for tooth decay plus periodontal

(gum) disease. Adults are often on multiple medications that can

cause a dry mouth. People with a dry mouth are prone to tooth decay. Saliva is important for chewing and buffering the teeth from

acids. People will need to drink liquids often to lessen the dryness.

Do not drink a lot of pop or juice or use sugar in coffee or tea. Drink

plain water to moisten the mouth.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gum and bone

that hold your teeth in place. According to the American Academy

of Periodontology, gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in

adults age 35 and over. Periodontal disease often is linked to the

control of diabetes. For example, patients with inadequate blood

sugar control appear to develop gum disease more often and more

severely, and they lose more teeth than do people who have good

control of their diabetes. Gum disease may make it more difficult

for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Maintaining good oral

health habits is important because unhealthy bacteria in the mouth

not only can harm your teeth and gums but also, may be associated

with serious medical conditions.

Brush and clean between your teeth with floss or inter-dental

cleaners daily, eat nutritious foods, avoid sugary soft drinks, and

visit your dental professional regularly to learn what your particular

dental health needs are and how you can keep your smile for your

lifetime.

~ Submitted by Debra Herrala, RDH,

KBIC, Department of Health and Human Services

Be part of Cancer Research Today for a

Cancer-Free Tomorrow!

Cancer Prevention Study-3

We all want to know we

have made a difference in the

life of another. Once again,

our community has a unique

opportunity to make an impact

on the lives of many.

Cancer Prevention Study-3

(CPS-3) of the American Cancer Society will be enrolling

participants at the Houghton

High School Track on June 28,

2013, from 5:00 PM—9:00 PM,

during the Relay for Life. As part of enrollment, individuals who

choose to participate will simply fill out a comprehensive survey

packet about health history, provide a small blood sample (to be

collected by trained phlebotomists), and provide a waist measure.

Enrollment will take approximately 20-30 minutes. From that

point forward, study participants will be followed over time to update

information, via periodic mailed surveys.

Your involvement in CPS-3 will help American Cancer Society

researchers understand the causes of, and ultimately determine

ways to prevent, cancer. If you are willing to make a long-term

commitment to the study (which involves completing follow-up surveys periodically over the next 20-30 years), are between the ages

of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer,

then you will want to participate in this study.

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, your significant participation comes from telling everyone you know about the opportunity to help prevent cancer.

Visit

www.cancer.org/cps3,

or

e-mail

cps3.houghton@gmail.com or call 1-888-604-5888 for additional

information on the difference you can make to save lives in the fight

against cancer.

Natural Resources Department gets Ozone Monitoring for summer months

By: Lauren Nenadovich, Air Quality Specialist

After attending a GIS for Air

Quality course this past winter, it

came to my attention that ozone

levels at the nearest monitoring locations were close to the maximum

allowable limits. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is good and protects us from harmful UV radiation.

However, ozone at ground level is

harmful and can contribute to serious health effects. Ozone is one of

the six criteria air pollutants. It is

primarily formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen dioxide, produced by industry and

combustion sources, come together

Ozone Analyzer and Calibrator and there is a presence of heat and

sunlight. Since heat and sunlight

contribute to higher ozone levels, the summer months can have especially high levels. High concentrations of ozone can occur in rural

areas that are located within wind patterns of industrialized areas.

The Natural Resources Department has been loaned the ozone

monitoring equipment by the Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

(TAMS), which is a collaboration between the US EPA and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP). The TAMS center sent a professional to the Natural Resources Department to aid

in the installation and training on the ozone equipment. The data

collected from the ozone monitoring project will be very valuable,

not only by showing what ozone levels are

like in the area but also in being able to request a more permanent air monitoring site.

The air quality page on the Natural Resources Department’s new website

(www.nrd.kbic-nsn.gov) now has an air quality complaint/inquiry submission section. If

you have any questions regarding the ozone

project, please feel free to use the website or

contact me at lauren@kbic-nsn.gov or 906524-5757 x.28.

Ozone air intake and

ventilation

(9) Zhaangaswi

Gail Ploe, CADC-M, has began

Ron Hueckstaedt, Jr. has been

employment with KBIC as a Certihired as the Background Investigafied Alcohol and Drug Counselor at

tor for KBIC. Ron, a KBIC memthe Donald LaPointe Medical Facilber, has previously worked at the

ity. Gail was previously employed

Ojibwa Casino for over ten years

at the Western U.P. Health Departin security and surveillance, inment for 17 years prior to acceptcluding the last seven years as a

ing her new position where she will

security supervisor. He moved to

be counseling Tribal members in

Baraga in 1998 from the Milwausubstance abuse treatment, prekee area, with his five children.

vention, smoking cessation, and

Ron III and Amanda currently rehealth education. Gail is a Certi- Photo by Lauri Denomie.

side with him today. Ron is very

fied Alcohol and Drug Counselor

active in the community. He is a

and Certified Prevention Specialist. volunteer firefighter with the Baraga Village and is a volunteer EMT

She graduated from Calumet High with Bay Ambulance. Ron states, “In my free time, I like to just sit

School and Ferris State University, back and relax, and in the winter I do a lot of hunting.

with an Associate’s degree in JourAs the Tribe’s Background Investigator, I hope to perform my

nalism. She then attended Oak- job duties in a timely and efficient manner so that we are able to fill

land University to study Communi- job openings quickly.”

cations and is currently finishing a

Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration.

Gail lives in Houghton with her husband Doug and two pooches. They have raised their children. Their oldest son, Trevor, and his

wife, Tina, live near Detroit with their two little ones. Another son, Justin, and a daughter, Erin, both live in Houghton and are both students

at MTU. Gail states, “I love spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, garage sale and thrift store shopping, traveling, hiking,

and camping.

I’m really excited about my new position as an Addictions Counselor at KBIC, and I’m happy to be a part of the substance abuse treatment team here. I have always had a lot of compassion and respect for people struggling with addiction; being able to be, ev en a small

part of their recovery, is an honor. I’m looking forward to working with all the folks in this community who have come together to deal with

the drug problem.”

Late Summer Courses Explore Native Art, Culture, Health, and More

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s late summer

schedule, which starts June 17, features three special topics

courses designed to fulfill community interests.

Advanced Ojibwa Beadwork taught by JoAnne Racette, is an

often-requested continuation of AR105 Ojibwa Beadwork, which is a

pre-requisite for the advanced course.

In Medicinal Plants: Uses and Preparation students will explore the medicinal uses of plants, indigenous medicinal knowledge,

and the issues surrounding medicinal plants. Class activities include identifying medicinal plants that grow in our area, describing

the properties and uses of medicinal plants, and using a variety of

methods to make herbal preparations for personal use. Instructor

Treneice Marshall says that this summer’s course will have a different focus from last fall’s Medicinal Plants: Beyond Ecology and will

be suitable for both new students and those who enjoyed the fall

class and want to learn more.

Perspectives on Native American Health will use a cultural

framework to explore health issues facing Native American communities and how communities can promote better health. Students

will examine health issues of concern from both individual and community perspectives. The instructor, Raeanne Madison, is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

Indians, and a registered EMT first responder. She is a graduate of

Michigan Technological University and, as a student there, cofounded the university’s Pregnant and Parenting Students Network.

She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Public Health at

the University of Michigan. Perspectives on Native American

Health fulfills general education requirements in social science and

Native American awareness.

In addition to the special course, late summer classes include

two general education standbys that meet degree requirements

while exploring wide-ranging topics. Introduction to Humanities is

a survey of philosophy, art, music, literature, and drama, which may

focus on a specific time, place, or theme. The instructor, Timo

Koskinen, regularly teaches at Finlandia University, and is the author of Bone Soup and a Lapland Wizard as well as many shorter

works. The course fulfills general education requirements in humanities. Introduction to Sociology, taught by Frank “Tadd” Taddeucci, introduces the study of human interaction, social structures,

and social process. The course meets general education requirements in social science.

Late summer courses start June 17 and run through August 9.

Registration is open now through the start of classes. For days,

times, and other information please see the college website,

www.kbocc.org, or visit the office during business hours. For admissions information, call 353-4640.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM AWARDS STUDENTS

The Keweenaw Bay Education Committee offers the Education

Incentive Program to local KBIC Tribal students. Monetary incentives are awarded at the end of each of the four marking periods of

the academic year. Students must be enrolled KBIC members, reside in Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, or Marquette counties and

must attend a public or private school. A student’s Honor Roll

status is defined according to the requirements of their school district.

The following forty-five students were placed on the Honor Roll

for the third marking period of the 2012-13 academic year:

Baraga - Bryton Loonsfoot, Annaleese Rasanen, Gabrielle Mayo,

Brooke Chaudier, Virginia Shelifoe, Steele Jondreau, Dana Kelly,

Steven Maki, Bailey Harden, Presley Rasanen, Keegin Kahkonen,

John Messer III, Cheyenne Welsh, Opal Ellsworth, Jailyn Shelifoe,

William Jondreau Jr., Jordan Chosa, Angel Loonsfoot, Shawna

Lussier, Kayla Szaroletta, and Jenna Messer.

L’Anse - Charles Spruce, Christopher Genschow, Robert Genschow III, William Genschow, Alicia Stein, Kayla Dakota, Abbygail

Spruce, Ti’ia Friisvall, Shay Ekdahl, Grayson Roe, Austin Ayres,

Cody Clement, Karli Hoggard, Eva Lind, Logan Roe, and Michaela

Velmer.

Sacred Heart - Rachael Velmer and Tristan Francois.

L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools - Lisa Waranka and Tonni

Williamson-Edwards.

Marquette - Johnathan Shelafoe, Aiyana Aldred, Autumn Ashbrook

-Pietila and Shane Duquette.

(10) Midaaswi

The following twenty-nine students received awards for achieving

Perfect Attendance:

Baraga - Opal Ellsworth, Richard Geroux, Bailey Harden, Steele

Jondreau, William Jondreau Jr., Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin

Kahkonen, Steven Maki, Jenna Messer, Kylie Michaelson, Presley

Rasanen, Logan Shalifoe, Jailyn Shalifoe, Troy DeCota, Preston

Ellsworth, Gabrielle Mayo, and Annaleese Rasanen.

L’Anse - Jaycee Maki, Paige Zasadnyj, Cassandra Zasadnyj, Jade

Curtis, Philip Edwards II, Daniel Curtis, Shay Ekdahl, Grayson Roe,

and Cody Clement.

Sacred Heart - Zachary Velmer and Rachael Velmer.

Marquette - Brayden Velmer and Johnathan Shelafoe.

WANTED:

Flea Market Vendors

DATE:

June 8, 2013, 9 am—3 pm

LOCATION: Los Tres Amigos property on U.S. 41 by Gander

Mountain, Marquette, MI.

Vendor space will cost $5.00 with donations to go to children’s

activities. You must provide your own tables.

For more information contact Myrna at 249-4383 or Patricia at

228-8360.

2013 ANN MISEGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The KBIC Education Department announces the availability of the

2013 Ann Misegan Memorial Scholarship applications. The scholarship amount is $1,000, twice a year for up to six years, and will be

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











Enrolled Tribal member

Attending an accredited college/university

Enrolled as a full-time student

Pursuing a degree in a Health Care field

Resident of Baraga or Marquette County

Eligible students must complete an application, submit an essay

detailing their interest in their chosen health field, and submit a copy

of their official transcripts (high school or college).

For more information and to request an application, contact Amy

St. Arnold, Education Director at 906-353-6623, ext. 4117 or at

amy@KBIC-nsn.gov. The application deadline is August 2, 2013, at 4

p.m.

5th Annual KBIC Environmental Fair

MICHIGAN INDIAN

ELDERS

ASSOCIATION

MICHIGAN INDIAN ELDERS ASSOCIATION 2013 SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE:

The Michigan Indian Elders Association (MIEA) is pleased to

announce that it will make available a minimum of six (6) $500

scholarships and one (1) $1000 scholarship. The scholarships

will be awarded to at least five qualified students with the $1000

scholarship being awarded to the most qualified student, as determined by committee review and lottery, if necessary. Each

student must be currently enrolled in a course of study at, or

have a letter of acceptance from, a public college, university, or

technical school and must meet the following qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS – the student:

 Must be an enrolled member (copy of tribal card ) or be

a direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the

MIEA constituent Tribes/Bands (must be verified in writing by your tribal Enrollment Department ).

 Must have successfully completed and passed all five

General Education Development (G.E.D.) equivalency

tests with a minimum score of 40 and an average score

of 45 and must possess a G.E.D. certificate; or must

have graduated from an accredited high school with a

3.00 grade point average; or if currently enrolled at a

college, university or trade school, must have an accumulated grade point average of 3.00.

 Must, except for special and extenuating circumstances,

attend college, university, or trade school on a full-time

basis.

 Must complete the provided application form and submit it with required supporting documentation, and the

mailing must be RECEIVED BY THE COORDINATOR no

later than June 20, 2013. (PLEASE NOTE, incomplete or

late applications will not be considered).

Western UP Center for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education — MTU

student display.

The KBIC Natural Resources Department held the fifth annual Environmental Fair to celebrate Earth Day on April 24 th. The event provided environmental education to area schools and community members. Attending the event were approximately 330 kids from L’Anse,

Sacred Heart, Baraga, and Arvon schools.

Several organizations attended the event to provide educational

information and hands-on learning experiences including: BaragaHoughton-Keweenaw Counties 4-H Program, MSU Extension –

Firewise, Plum Creek, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission,

Superior Watershed Partnership, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community

College, Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics

and Environmental Education, KBIC Tribal Historic Preservation Office, KBIC Forestry Department, and Smokey the Bear. The KBIC

Natural Resources Department provided several displays and activities

related to water quality, fisheries management, wildlife health & safety,

solid waste, hazardous waste, composting, air quality, local foods, and

invasive species.

According to participants and teachers attending the event it was a

huge success. The Natural Resources Department plans to conduct

the Environmental Fair annually around Earth Day.

An application form can be downloaded from visiting http://

www.michiganindianelders.org/MIEA%20Students.htm or from

the Tribal Education Department of each of the constituent

Tribes/Bands.

Current Constituent Tribes/Bands are: Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians,

Hannahville Band of Potawatomi Indians, Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay

Band of Odawa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of

Potawatomi Indians—Gun Lake Tribe, Nottawaseppi Huron

Band of Potawatomi, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians,

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe

of Chippewa Indians.

Western UP Center for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education — MTU

student display.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

Holy Name of Jesus

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

Pastor

Father John Longbucco

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

• Email: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

Confessions: Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 12:00 p.m.

We provide the following services:

353-6565

saintann@up.net

 Establishment, Enforcement and

Modification of Child Support Orders

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Paternity Establishment

 Community Education

Historic Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist Church

“We welcome each of you to

our worship services, at 9:00

a.m. each Sunday beginning

June 30th at the Campgrounds on Marksman Road,

for the summer in our beautiful outdoor tabernacle.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

To place an ad, submit an article, or relate information or ideas on possible articles contact:

Lauri Denomie at (906) 201-0263, or e-mail

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

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

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Employment Opportunities

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

Continuous/On Call positions:







Board Operator







Cashier (part-time)





 Gaming Commissioner— June 7, 2013

 RPMS/IT Site Manager— June 8, 2013

Pharmacist (on call)

Receptionist/Clerical Worker (on

call)

Registered Nurse (on call)

Licensed Practical Nurse (on

call)

Account Executive/Sales (full

time)

Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant



Community Service Supervisor

(one call)











Unit Manager (New Day)

Family Aide

On-Call Van Driver

Unit Manager (OVW)

Youth Programs & Facility Attendant

For current job listings,

complete job announcements, applications and

closing dates contact:

KBIC Personnel Department, 16429 Bear Town

Road, Baraga, MI 499089210 or 906-353-6623, ext

4176 or 4140 or visit:

www.ojibwa.com.

(12) Ashi Niizh

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 STARDARD

KBIC Greenhouse Renovations

Concerned with continued loss of pollinators and native plants and a desire to

move more quickly on restoration efforts,

KBIC partnered with US Forest Service

and The Cedar Tree Institute to build a

greenhouse in 2010. As part of the The

Zaagkii Project, research was done on

designs for our area and a thirty-three

foot diameter geodesic dome was chosen. Advantageous design features include: a dome shape which handles

snow load well, polycarbonate panels, a

water tank which provides a slower

warming and cooling to help avoid temperature extremes, solar power for operating automatic vents, insulation of building bottom for better heat retention, and insulation on the

north end of the dome to reflect light and heat back into the

building. We have gone through several growing periods

and have made some additions in response to challenges in

our use of the greenhouse; electrical, lighting, and heating.

Our latest renovations concern maximizing available space

to be filled with plants, without blocking lighting. This winter

we met this challenge by having a second level added over

the water tank and free-standing shelving units built for the

floor. These add-ons have greatly expanded our holding

capacity, optimized utilization of upward heated space, opened up working areas for maintenance of building and plants, and given a visually pleasing aspect. There are twenty-eight species currently being grown in the greenhouse for spring planting at the Sand Point restoration

site and for traditional use; some of the species are sweetgrass, black-eyed susan, and milkweed. Remodeling the interior of the nearby potting shed and the surrounding shadehouse

construction is nearly completed. Lyndon Ekdahl and Robert Curtis did the construction of the

second level. The Community has shown its support of our endeavors with the assistance of

numerous volunteers, temporary hires, and community service workers to our staff in these

renovations. Chi-miigwech!

~Submitted by Evelyn Ravindran, Natural Resources Specialist