The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2015)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Waabigwani Giizis - Flower Moon - May 2015 Issue 130

Tribal Council Members:

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS WALK AT KBIC

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s

Office of Violence against Women (OVW)

and the KBIC Tribal Police held their 2nd

Annual Zaagibashagaabawing “Stepping

Out of the Darkness” Sexual Assault Awareness Walk on Friday, April 24, 2015, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Participants walked a

1.1 mile route to promote Sexual Assault

Awareness Month and show support for

sexual assault victims.

The event was held at the Ojibwa Senior

Citizens Building on the Mission Road in

Baraga, Michigan. Following the walk a

luncheon was held. The blessing was offered by Debbie Williamson.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. addressed the group, “April is Sexual Assault

Awareness Month. Sexual Abuse, Rape,

Criminal Sexual Conduct, Sexual Harassment, Incest, and Sexual Exploitation are all

forms of sexual violence and happen when

a person is forced into sexual activity that

he or she do not want to be involved in or is

are unable to consent to the activity.

Consent is a free and active agreement

given equally by both partners to engage in

a specific sexual activity. Consent is never

implied and cannot be assumed even in the

context of a relationship. Just because you

are in a relationship does not mean that you

always have permission to engage in sexual

activity with your partner — consent is still

needed.

Anyone may be a victim of rape: women,

men, or children; straight or gay; and it can

happen anywhere, at anytime. It is never

the victim’s fault. If you have been a victim

of sexual violence, seek help — it is the first

step toward healing. For more information,

support, or for free and confidential services

call the KBIC’s Office of Violence against

Women at (906) 353-4599.”

Cherie Dakota, OVW Lead, said, “While

we do not have many reported sexual assaults in our community, they still occur.

Why would someone be sexually assaulted

and not report? The victim feels ashamed.

The assailant is a nice guy and well liked in

the community. The victim doesn’t want to

get the assailant in trouble. The victim had

flirted or initiated contact with the assailant

and thinks she is to blame; she is not. The

victim was passed out when the assault occurred, so she thinks she is to blame; she is

not. The victim is traumatized and wants to

forget.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact and behavior that occurs without the

explicit consent to the recipient.”

Facts about sexual violence:

 Every two minutes someone in the

United States is sexually assaulted.

 One in three Native American women

experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

 One in six women experience sexual

assault in their lifetime.

 Rape is the most frequently committed

violent crime in America.

Warren C. Swartz, Jr. , President

Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President

Toni J. Minton, Secretary

Susan J. LaFernier, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Eddy Edwards

Randall R. Haataja

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Don Messer, Jr.

Donald Shalifoe, Sr.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. with his dog,

Sasha, participated in the Zaagibashagaabawing

“Stepping Out of the Darkness” Sexual Assault

Awareness Walk. Sasha proudly displays her teal

ribbon for the event.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Captain William “Chill” Seppanen, Sr. of the KBIC

Tribal Police maintained safety for walkers.

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:



April 11th Tribal Council

Meeting



2nd Annual Zaagibashagaabawing “Stepping Out of the

Darkness” Awareness Walk



Spring Fling held



KBIC Tribal Court Assessment



New Employees



Drug Court Report



Ojibwa Senior Citizens News



Deepest Sympathy

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Participants walked to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to support those who are suffering from sexual abuse.



Sexual Assault is one of the most under

reported crimes in America.

Seventy-three (73) percent of sexual

assaults are committed by someone

known to the victim.

Twenty-eight (28) percent of sexual as-



saults are committed by an intimate

partner.

Ten (10) percent of sexual assault victims are male.

Fifteen (15) percent of sexual assault

victims are under the age of 12.

(1) Bezhig

April 11, 2015 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Saturday Tribal Council

Meeting was held on April 11, 2015, at

the Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference

Room in Baraga, Michigan. Vice President Jennifer Misegan presided over the

meeting with Toni Minton, Susan J.

LaFernier, Doreen Blaker, Robert R.D.

Curtis, Jr., Eddy Edwards, Randall

Haataja, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Gary

F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Don Messer, Jr., and

Donald Shalifoe, Sr. Not present: President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr.

Vice President Jennifer Misegan

shared numerous Thank You and For

Your Information items addressed to

Council.

Toni Minton gave the Secretary’s Report (page three), Doreen Blaker gave

the Treasurer’s Report (verbal), and

Larry Denomie III gave the CEO’s Report (page four). Council approved the

Department Head Reports for the month

of February 2015, and approved the

meeting minutes for August 14, 2014,

and August 29, 2014.

Beth Jaukkuri on behalf of her

mother, the late Jo-Ann Jaukkuri, presented a plaque and picture along with a

video presentation to Council with the

assistance of Angel On My Shoulder organizers in recognition of the generous

donation made by the KBIC Council on

behalf of Jesse Jaukkuri at a meeting

held last year. The donation allowed 15

youth, who have been directly affected

by cancer, to attend Camp Angel this

past winter. Council’s motion included

an annual donation to the Angel On My

Shoulder organization which was the

consensus of the Council that it will continue.

Jerry Jondreau, Tribal Forester, conducted a slide show presentation to

Council and the community regarding KBIC Forests: Past, Present, and Future.

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. sought clarity

for sobriety travel and family therapy

sessions from a meeting held last September. Motion by Robert R.D. Curtis,

Jr. to include sobriety travel and family therapy sessions in the medical

travel funds of the Community Assistance Program, supported by Doreen

Blaker. Ten supported (Minton, S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Edwards,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Messer, Shalifoe), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion

carried.

Chuck Miller, SORNA Coordinator,

presented Resolution KB-015-2015 in

regards to Department of Justice’s sentencing, monitoring, apprehending, registering, tracking, (SMART) grant to extend funding for another two years. Motion by Susan J. LaFernier to approve

Resolution KB-015-2015 Department

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Amy Lemke (left) and Richard Lemke (right) representatives of Angel On My Shoulder organization,

presented plaque to Vice President Jennifer Misegan, with the assistance of Beth Jaukkuri.

(2) Niizh

of Justice SMART Grant Application,

supported by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr.

Ten supported (Minton, S. LaFernier,

Blaker, Curtis, Edwards, Haataja, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Messer, Shalifoe), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion carried.

Don Messer, Jr., Interim General

Manager Ojibwa Casinos, brought forth

a request for an increase in fees for the

Baraga County Convention and Visitor’s

Bureau Room Assessment Tax. Mr.

Messer indicated that we currently pay a

three-percent fee, and they are requesting it be raised to four-percent. Motion

by Susan J. LaFernier to table the

Baraga County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Room Assessment Tax

increase, supported by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. Ten supported (Minton, S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Edwards,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Messer, Shalifoe), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion

carried.

Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented

the April 2015 donations requests. Consensus of the Council was to refer the

request of Justin Gauthier’s (Woodland

Boxing Club) request for equipment to

the CEO in regards to prior purchased

boxing equipment in storage. Motion

by Doreen Blaker to approve

$8,000.00 for Baraga County Lumberjack Day Committee (full page ad and

fireworks), $800.00 for Abbygail

Spruce’s request for a donation to

attend class trip to Europe, $500.00

for Cheryl Bogda’s request for a donation for a Relay for Life Team,

$1,500.00 for Patricia Bawden’s request for travel to St. Jude Children’s

Hospital (granddaughter to receive

cancer treatment), $500.00 for the

American Legion, Baraga Post 444,

(American Flags and grave makers)

and to include a letter requesting a

list of names where all markers have

been placed, cost of a full page ad in

the Baraga Area Schools Yearbook,

for a total of $11,300.00 plus the cost

of a full page ad in the Baraga Area

Schools Yearbook, supported by Don

Messer, Jr. Ten supported (Minton,

S. LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Edwards,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Messer, Shalifoe), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion

carried.

Doreen Blaker, Treasurer, presented

Proposed Ordinance 2015-01 in regards

to Title Seven, Section 1, Marriages,

and Section 2, Termination of Marriages. Motion by Doreen Blaker to

Introduce the Proposed Ordinance

2015-01 and to schedule a second

reading during the May 2, 2015 meeting, supported by Robert R.D. Curtis,

Jr.

Ten supported (Minton, S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Edwards,

Haataja, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Messer, Shalifoe), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Swartz), motion

carried.

Council moved into closed session

with Jennifer Misegan, Vice President,

in regards to the General Manager applications on the agenda. After returning to open session, Council adjourned

with no further motions.

~ Submitted by Newsletter Editor.

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2015

In March 2015 the Tribal Council

held one regular meeting and four special Council meetings. Actions taken

were:

March 2, 2015 Special Meeting

 Approved increasing starting wages

up to grade four (4) to a total of 10%

effective 3/2/15 but will be reduced

by the FY 15 approved raise.

 Repealed the Ojibwa Housing Authority (OHA) Ordinance 2009-02

and made the OHA a Department

under the Tribe.

 Agreed to modify the Space Lease

ATM agreements with Superior National Bank to remove the ATMs

from the casino and keep the ATM at

the Pines.

 Terminated the ATM space lease

with River Valley bank at the Ojibwa

Casino Marquette and to provide notice.

 Approved the Gateway Software

Agreement for both Casinos for Kiosk communication with the OASIS

systems.

 Approved the Range Corporation

Services Agreement for the Tribal

Center.

 Continued Budget Review.

March 2, 2015 Executive Board Poll

 Promoted Floyd Forcia from parttime to full-time at the Transfer Station.

March 12, 2015 Special Meeting

 Approved the meeting minutes of

October 3, 2013 – December 19,

2013, and February 20, 2015.

 Approved Resolution KB-014-2015

Aanikoosing Inc. Marquette Gas Station Property Lease.

 Created a Waste Management Work

Group to work on an Ordinance and

Regulations and for the members to

be from the Natural Resources Department, Transfer Station, Tribal

Police, THPO, Two Council Representatives, and the Realty Department.

 Approved the Short, Cressman, and

Burgess, PLLC Legal Services

Agreement for the development of a

Community Waste Management Ordinance.

 Approved the Midwest Lake Management Inc. Services Agreement to

install electrofishing equipment on



the Community’s boat.

Agreed to continue reviewing the

State Recycling Grant.

Approved the Michigan Roundtable

Statewide Racial Equity Coalition

Partner Memorandum of Understanding.

Approved amendments to the Personnel Policy for the Government

and Enterprises listing the hours part

-time employees can work.

Approved the FY2015 Budget.

Approved the Confidentiality Common Interest Agreement between the

Department of Interior and the KBIC.

March 14, 2015 Regular Meeting

 Approved the Secretary’s, Treasurer’s, and CEO’s February Reports.

 Approved the KBIC Purchasing and

Procurement Policy Amendment.

 Approved amendments to the KBIC

Personnel Policy and Enterprise Employee Manual related to hiring policies.

 Approved a donation of $1,214.00 to

Abby Durant to attend a Surgical

Technology Conference and a donation of $1,500.00 to the Tahtinen

family for medical travel.

March 19, 2015 Special Meeting

 Approved a $20,390.00 budget

modification for the Radio Station for

Contractual Services with Dielectric

for an Antenna Frequency Survey.

 Approved the BIA Conservation Law

Enforcement Officer Project (CLEO)

with the KBIC.

 Approved the 2015 Commercial

Fishing License Applicants.

 Approved the pickup bid from Fox

Marquette for $27,845.00 for the

Transportation Department.

 Designated the Selection Committee

as the Grievance Committee until the

Policy is Amended.

 Council consensus not to pursue the

DEQ Recycling Grant and to look

into ICDBG and SEDS for possible

grants.

 Reduced the Huron Mountain Club

Payment by 50% for 2015 only for

the US Geological Survey Water

Monitoring Program on the Yellow

Dog Plains.

March 23, 2015 Telephone Poll

 Accepted the March 21, 2015, resignation of Edward Edwards as the Ex-

ecutive Director of The Keweenaw

Bay Ojibwa Housing Authority.

March 26, 2015 Special Meeting

 The 12th Annual Kids Fishing Derby

will be named in honor of Patrick

“Hummer” LaFernier and John

LaFernier.

 Approved the Memorandum of

Agreement between The Great

Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and KBIC for the U.S. Geological Survey Joint Funding Agreement for Stream gaging.

 Approved the U.S. Department of

Interior U.S. Geological Survey Joint

Funding Agreement with KBIC for

the stream gaging on the Silver, the

Yellow dog, Salmon Trout and East

Branch Salmon Trout Rivers.

 Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the KBIC and

the Inter-Tribal Council of MI for the

Prevention of Prescription Drug

Abuse Project.

 Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the KBIC and

the Inter-Tribal Council of MI under

the MI Cancer Consortium Contract

#695 to reduce smoking rates

among youth.

 Approved the MI Public Health Institute Agreement for a two-day Strategic Planning Session on May 19, and

20, 2015, to develop Strategic Planning Framework.

 Approved Kissel’s bid of $36,027.00

for a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with a

plow for Baraga Casino Maintenance.

 Moved the Regular Council meeting

date from April 4 to April 11, 2015.

 Approved the purchase of a fingerprint machine from Crossmatch in

the amount of $11,500.02.

 Approved the Selection Guidelines,

Pre-Employment Reference Check,

Applicant Pool Report, and the Applicant Scoring Sheets.

 Approved a $300,000.00 Bridge

Loan for Aanikoosing for capital expenses.

 Approved the wage of the Tribal

President to $38.22 per hour effective 1/10/15.

Respectfully Submitted,

Toni J. Minton, Secretary

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Court Assessment Conducted

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

voluntarily participated in a Department of

Justice Grant to assess needs. The KBIC

Tribal Court Assessment was conducted by

Attorneys Shawn R. Frank and Mary B.

Magnuson of the Jacobson Law Group of

Jacobson, Magnuson, Anderson, and Halloran, P.C., of St. Paul, Minnesota. The assessment was conducted using a modified

model of Tribal Court Performance Standards, specifically tailored to the needs of

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The

assessment sought to reveal an overview of

the Tribe’s Justice System, recognizing areas that function well, and identifying areas

noted for improvement. The assessment

focused on 1) access to justice; 2) expedition and timeliness; 3) equality, fairness,

and integrity; 4) independence and accountability; 5) specific findings and needs of the

KBIC Tribal Court; and 6) public trust and

confidence.

The KBIC Tribal Court consists of a Trial

Court and an Appellate Court. The Trial

Court includes a Juvenile Division and since

2010, a Healing To Wellness Court (Drug

Court).

In 2013, the Trial Court opened

417 cases of which 259 were criminal, 149

civil, and nine juvenile. There were no Appeals filed in 2013. There are two elected

judges for the Trial Court, and three appointed judges for the Appellate Court. The

Court has a Court Clerk and an Assistant

Clerk who complement each other and are

valuable assets to the Court. The Court offers the services of a Court Advocate at no

charge to Defendants who face criminal

charges. The Court Advocate offers 14

years of service to the Community.

The KBIC Tribal Court is a high-

functioning Court and is able to administer

justice in a timely and expeditious manner;

cases are resolved well within national averages. The Court’s docket and its files are

managed in a timely and expeditious manner. The Court exceeds national and meets

statewide standards for case disposition.

The Clerk of the Tribal Court has developed

extensive procedures for case management

and has created a spreadsheet that contains case relevant information. The Community perception of the Court is positive

and stakeholders (Community Members)

are satisfied with the manner in which cases

are handled.

The Court treats litigants fairly and respectfully. Stakeholders reported a high

level of satisfaction with the courtesy and

responsiveness of the Court staff and by all

accounts, the Court is run in a highly effecContinues on page eight.

(3) Niswi

CEO’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2015

During the month of March 2015, the

CEO's office reports the following:



I have been assisting our Health Director in the finalizing of our two physicians’ contracts.

Both are expected to be ready for your review

and consideration next week.

A good portion of our office's time

has been spent getting up to speed

on the Ojibwa Housing Authority and

Holding Company operations since

they were made a department of the

Tribe.

Effective March 24, Vicki Dompier

was named Interim Executive Director of the Tribe's housing authority.

The interim appointment was made

due the resignation of Eddy Edwards. Two additional resignations

were received from the housing authority also; Kristen Wakeham, who

has been performing grants management activities, and Sally Snyder the

entities accountant. Vicki is directing

the activities of the housing authority,

and I will be overseeing the activities

of the holding company entities. Our

office has been working and meeting

with staff to ensure operations con-



tinue as normal during the transition

period and filling of the vacancies

takes place. We are also in the

process of preparing policy and procedure amendments to come in line

with the Tribe’s since the housing

authority is now a department of the

Tribe.

On March 26, I participated in a conference call with Global Market Advisors (GMA), the firm preparing the

strategic development plan for both

of the Tribe's casinos. The call provided the opportunity for those Council members present to discuss the

plan and GMA's work to date. It is

anticipated that an initial report will

be available in the next two weeks.

GMA will also be providing Council

and KBIC Community members an

onsite presentation as well.

In September of 2014, the Tribe's

Gaming Commission issued a cease

and desist order to casino management. The order related to business

transactions taking place with vendors they found were not licensed by

the commission due to the amount of

business being conducted, and

therefore not in compliance with the

Tribe's Gaming Ordinance.

Two

vendors were cited in the order; one

of which was Eagle Media - an entity

within the Tribe’s Eagle Radio operations. I became aware of the order

on March 27 and complied with the

order by stopping the business transactions. I have since met with the

Gaming Commission to discuss the

matter, and I am working with them

on clarifying the law. The casinos

utilize many vendors which meet the

threshold within the law requiring a

license. In clarifying the law’s definition, I believe many of those vendors

may not require a license.

 The filling of the General Manager

position for the Ojibwa Casinos is

nearing completion. After Council's

review and consideration of the current pool of applicants today, interviews will be scheduled within the

next two weeks with the potential of

an offer of hire being made shortly

thereafter.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Denomie III, INTERIM CEO

COMMUNITY IS READY FOR SPRING — SPRING FLING HELD

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Above: (left to right) Ava Picard and her daughter, McKenzy Kinnunen, visited the

“Teddy Bear Clinic.” Nursing Student, Gabriel Mackey, helped facilitate the clinic. The

Teddy Bear Clinic was sponsored by BCMH. Below: Keyden Goodbird receives a face

painting by Brittany Brown. The face painting booth was sponsored by the Baraga GE

Program.

The 3rd Annual Baraga County Spring Fling

was held Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the KBIC Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, Michigan. “Over 228

children and 125 adults attended the event. Families and children had an opportunity to receive free

books and tote bags compliments of the Baraga

County Community Foundation. Children had the

opportunity to play in the Bouncy House, attend a

Teddy Bear Clinic, and participate in hearing and

visions screenings provided by the Chassell Lions

Club. There were over 20 booths with a variety of

play activities for children and community resources for families,” said CCGS Director Cathy

Benda. The Copper Country Great Start Collaborative along with BHK Child Development, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Baraga Memorial

Hospital, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, and the Baraga and L'Anse Schools Area

Schools organized the event. “We would like to

thank each of the service providers, as well as the

families, who participated in this awesome event!”

said Heather Jahfetson, BCSF Chair.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

“Create your own spider” was supervised by KBIC Youth Program Facility Attendant, Waba Alakayak (Sandman Shelifoe),

who assisted fourth grader, J.J. Wilson in his craft project.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(4) Niiwin

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2013)

*The net monthly income standard for each household size

is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income standard and

the applicable SNAP standard deduction.

48 Contiguous United

States:

Household

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

$ 958

$152

$1,110

$1,293

$152

$1,445

$1,628

$152

$1,780

$1,963

$163

$2,126

$2,298

$191

$2,489

$2,633

$219

$2,852

$2,968

$219

$3,187

$3,303

$219

$3,522

Each additional member

+ $335

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

$1,196

$260

$1,456

$1,615

$260

$1,875

$2,035

$260

$2,295

$2,454

$260

$2,714

$2,873

$260

$3,133

$3,292

$274

$3,566

$3,711

$274

$3,985

$4,130

$274

$4,404

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $420

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(e)

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 nonhousehold member.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur the

cost of legally required child support to or for a nonhousehold member are allowed a deduction for the

amount of monthly child support paid.

Medical Expense Deduction — Households that incur

monthly medical expenses by any household member

who is elderly or disabled are allowed a deduction in the

amount of out-of-pocket medical expenses paid in excess

of $35 per month. Allowable medical expenses are provided at 7 CFR 273.9(d)(3).

Home Care Meal-Related Deduction — Households who

furnish the majority of meals for a home care attendant

are allowed an income deduction equal to the maximum

SNAP benefit for a one-person household. In Fiscal Year

2014, the amounts are as follows:

48 Contiguous U.S. States



October 1, 2013—October 31, 2013 = $200



October 1, 2013—October 31, 2013 = $200

November 1, 2013—September 30, 2014—$189

For Alaska, please select appropriate link below.

November 1, 2013—September 30, 2014—$189

See 7 CFR 272.7(b) for area designations in Alaska.

Standard Shelter/Utility Expense Deduction — Households that incur at least one monthly shelter or utility expense are allowed a standard income deduction (see

chart below). Allowable shelter/utility expenses are provided at 7 CFR 273.9(d)(6)(ii).

FY2014 FDPPIR Standard Shelter/Utility Expense Deductions - Based on Region*

Region

States Currently with

FDPIR Programs

Shelter/

Utility Deduction

Northeast/

Midwest

Michigan, Minnesota, New

York, Wisconsin

$400

Southeast/

Southwest

Mississippi, New Mexico,

North Carolina, Oklahoma,

Texas

$300

Mountain

Plains

Colorado, Kansas, Montana,

Nebraska, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

$400

West

Alaska, Arizona, California,

Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,

Washington

$350

*If the geographic boundaries of an Indian reservation

extend to more than one region per the identified regional

groupings above, then a qualifying household has the

option to receive the appropriate shelter/utility expense

deduction amount for the State in which the household

resides or the State in which the State agency’s central

administrative office is located.

(5) Naanan

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Shawn Seppanen (left) joined the ranks of the Keweenaw

Bay Tribal Police Department. Officer Shawn Seppanen gave

his oath to serve and protect the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community before the Honorable Bradley T. Dakota, in the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Courthouse on March 23, 2015.

Shawn, who is the son of Captain William “Chill” Seppanen,

Sr. (right), is scheduled to attend a 17-week training program

at the Police Academy located in New Mexico in the very near

future.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

NOTICE

The Ojibwa Community

Library now has

new hours:

Monday — Thursday,

1 pm — 6 pm

Friday, 9 am — 12 pm

Correction: The date of birth was incorrect in the April 2015 issue. The

correction follows.

Welcome Drayden Loyal Forcia, born

February 25, 2015, to Jade Chaudier and

Jaren Forcia. Drayden was four lbs. six

ounces and 18 inches in length. Proud

grandparents are: Aimee Emery, Dur

Chaudier, Colleen Morin, and Leslie Forcia.

KBIC TO HOLD CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

In accordance with KBIC Tribal Council Resolution:

KB-44-2014: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council calls for a Constitutional Convention

to be held for the purpose of establishing a Judicial Branch in the Constitution and insuring a system of checks and balance. FURTHERMORE, until the

Constitution is amended, amendments will not be made to the Tribal Code restricting the authority and independence of the Tribal Court.

All Tribal Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 5:00 p.m., Ojibwa Senior Citizen Center, Baraga, MI

Refreshments will be served.

Any questions or comments please sent to const-committee@kbic-nsn.gov.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

KBIC Tribal Court Assessment continues:

tive manner. The Community and the Court have

extensive due-process and equal-protection safeguards in place, both in the Tribal Code and in practice. The decisions and actions of the Tribal Court

adhere to the duties and responsibilities imposed by

Tribal law and policy. Decisions and action of the

Court are based on legally relevant factors and are

consistently applied and enforced. The Court’s decisions are fair, equitable, and consistent. Stakeholders report that generally, the Court is viewed favorably by members of the bar and the Community at

large.

The Assessment found that the Keweenaw Bay

Tribal Court is a highly functioning and efficient court

system, with dedicated, knowledgeable staff, and fair

and experienced judges. The Court is supported by

other Tribal Departments that play a significant role

in the administration of justice on the KBIC Reservation.

The Tribal Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases

on the reservation and is the primary liaison to the

United States Attorney’s Office. The Tribal Attorney

also serves as in-house counsel to the Tribal Council

and represents the Community in judicial, legislative,

executive, and administrative forums.

The Office of Violence Against Women provides

programs and services to victims—survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The

program offers a 24-hour sexual assault hotline;

emergency services; transitional housing; and advocacy for prosecution in Tribal, State, and Federal

Court.

The Tribal Social Services provides services related to adult protection, child protection, ICWA, juvenile justice, and an array of prevention programs.

Stakeholders report excellent responsiveness of the

Tribal Court, particularly in neglect cases, and the

Court follows Title IV-E policies in the handling of

child protection cases requiring out-of-home placement.

The Police Department Liaison Officer is a relatively new but welcomed addition to the Court staff.

He serves as bailiff during Court proceedings, acts

as process server, transports individuals to and from

the county jail for hearings, and assists in drug testing.

The Court staff also includes one Probation Officer and one Drug Court Coordinator, who are responsible for monitoring approximately 200 individuals.

The Community has a very effective and well-run

Office of Child Support Enforcement. The OCSS is

under the supervisory authority and budget of the

Court, but it is funded separately through grants from

the Department of Health and Human Services. The

KBIC OCSS is a IV-D program and therefore is obligated to locate noncustodial parents, establish paternity, establish and enforce support orders, and collect child support payments from parents legally obligated to pay. The OCSS has a capable staff and an

extensive and thorough policies-and-procedures

manual. Stakeholders report high satisfaction with

the Court in the area of child-support enforcement.

Cases are processed timely and effectively with excellent communication between the Court and

OCSS. Collection rates average 95%.

Areas of improvement noted in the assessment

includes: a substantial restructuring of the building in

regards to safety; creation of additional forms and

updates to current forms; and the Tribal Code, while

extensive, is in need of revision. Additional funding

should be made available for: additional administrative staff in both the clerk’s office and the probation

department due to the large amount of paperwork

that is processed by these offices; purchasing case

management software, an upgraded telephone system, and a high-capacity copier/scanner; and training

opportunities. Although there are minor areas for

improvement, overall the Court operates within major

areas of concern to the Assessment Team.

(8) Ishwaaswi

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.

Mysti Gouge, case #15-022, controlled substance (use – Methadone and Suboxone) – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 04/20/2015 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening within 30 days and is to follow the

recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a

release of information for the Court to monitor

compliance.

3. Ninety days jail, credit for 23 days served, 67

days suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is

financially responsible for the costs of lodging/

tether and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six-twelve months of standard alcohol and

drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly

fee. Defendant is financially responsible for

the costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant is to report Monday and Thursday

to the Tribal Court, or as instructed by the

Probation Department.

Lisa Hutchison, case #15-027, controlled

substance (possession/use - Marijuana) – 3rd

offense

Sentencing on 04/13/2015 to:

1. $2,000 fine, suspend $1,000 pending the Defendant does not violate per probation.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance.

3. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 180 days suspended pending successful completion of all

terms of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible for the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six-twelve months of standard alcohol and

drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly

fee. Defendant is financially responsible for

the costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant is to report Monday-Friday to the

Tribal Court until May 13, 2015.

James Hutchinson, case #15-023, controlled

substance (possession/use - Marijuana) – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 04/13/2015 to:

1. $150 fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance.

3. Ninety days jail, ten (10) days to be served on

GPS tether in lieu of jail, 80 days suspended,

pending successful completion of all terms of

probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of lodging/tether and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six-twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly fee.

Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant is to report to the Tribal Court as

instructed by the Probation Department.

6. Defendant must show proof of attempts made

to obtain his Driver’s License.

Aaron White McGeshick, case #11-358, controlled substance (possession/use - Marijuana) – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 03/17/2015 to:

1. Fine $250.

2. Ninety days jail, credit of 85 days served, five

days to be served. Defendant is financially

responsible of the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is placed on Payment Probation.

Defendant is to pay a minimum of $100 in

costs and fees monthly. Defendant is to

make arrangements with the Court from his

Per Capita payments. Defendant agreed to

sign a consent garnishment for his Tribal Per

Capita Payments.

Jean Duschaine, case #14-179, controlled

substance (sale – Suboxone strips) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 03/03/2015 to:

1. $500 Fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance

3. Ninety (90) days jail, with ninety (90) days

suspended pending successful completion of

all terms of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible of the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six to twelve months alcohol and drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly fee.

Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant is to report to the Tribal Court as

instructed by the Probation Department.

(Concurrent with #14-181).

Jean Duschaine, case #14-181, controlled

substance (sale – Morphine) – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 03/03/2015 to:

1. $500 Fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance

3. Ninety (90) days jail, with ninety (90) days

suspended pending successful completion of

all terms of probation. Defendant is financially

responsible of the costs of lodging and any

expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Six to twelve months alcohol and drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly fee.

Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

5. Defendant is to report to the Tribal Court as

instructed by the Probation Department.

(Concurrent with #14-179).

Ava Picard, case #14-183, controlled substance (conspiracy for sale – Subutex) – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 02/18/2015 to:

1. $500 Fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance

3. Ninety (90) days jail, credit for 49 days

served, 41 days suspended pending successful completion of all terms of probation. Defendant is financially responsible of the costs

of lodging and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated.

4. Six to twelve months standard alcohol and

drug restricted probation with the $10 monthly

fee. Defendant is financially responsible for

the costs of drug and PBT tests, if any.

Alisha Pryor, case #14-186, controlled substance (sale – Marijuana) – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 02/17/2015 to:

1. $500 Fine.

2. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, credit for

seven days, 143 days suspended. Defendant

is financially responsible of the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Case #14-186 is added to the Defendant’s

Healing to Wellness Court Program. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

drug and PBT testing, if any.

Heather Asher, case #14-188, controlled substance (sale – Suboxone strips) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/28/2015 to:

1. $250 Fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a new substance

abuse screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of information for the Court to monitor

compliance.

3. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 180 days

suspended. Defendant is financially responsible of the costs of lodging and any expenses

incurred while incarcerated.

4. Case #14-188 is added to the Defendant’s

Healing to Wellness Court Program. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

drug and PBT testing, if any.

Yvette Friisvall, case #14-187, controlled sub-

stance (sale – Hydrocodone) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 01/28/2015 to:

1. $250 Fine.

2. Defendant is to obtain a substance abuse

screening and is to follow the recommendations of that screening until successfully discharged. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance.

3. Thirty (30) days jail, credit for three days

served, 27 days suspended. Defendant is

financially responsible of the costs of lodging

and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

4. Defendant is to complete 50 hours of community service.

May 2015 Calendar Events



May 02: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9

am, Ojibwa, Conference Rooms;

May 04: Constitutional Committee

Meeting, 10 am, Council Chambers;

May 05: Constitutional Convention, 5

pm, Ojibwa Senior Center;

May 19: KBIC Foster Parent Recruitment Event, 5 pm, Ojibwa, Conference

Rooms;

May 25:

Gov’t offices closed—

Memorial Day Holiday;

May 28: Senior Pasties.

~ 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.

KBIC SOLID WASTE FACILITY

16278 Ojibwa Industrial Park Road

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-8024

Hours of Operation:

Wednesday—Friday, 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Rates:

$2.00 per 33 gallon bag

$85.00 per ton

$6.00 mattress

$8.00 couch

$4.00 chair

$10.00 white goods (stove, fridge,

washer, etc.)

We DO NOT ACCEPT any tires at this time.

(9) Zhaangaswi

Leo Sam Durant, Jr. “Lishxayxit/Northern Lights”

(May 24, 1972 - March 19, 2015)

Leo Sam Durant, Jr. “Lishxayxit/Northern Lights,” age 42,

of Gile, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, March 19, 2015, due to

a history of family health issues.

He was born in White Salmon, Washington, on May 24,

1972, to Leo Durant, Sr., and Alice (Alexander) Durant. Leo

was employed as a truck driver in the timber industry. He also

owned and operated Durant and Sons Logging with his family

in Baraga, Michigan. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He

also enjoyed golfing and spending time in the mountains. Leo

especially enjoyed his motorcycles and his “big” truck.

He is survived by a son, Brandon Kishwalk; daughters:

Kelly Jo Durant and Kailee Rose Durant; his father, Leo Durant, Sr., of Baraga; his mother, Alice Durant, of Washington;

brothers: Michael Brisbois, Mitchell Durant, Steve Durant, and

Robert Santangelo; sisters: Kathleen Alexander, Jamie Brisbois, Caroline Brisbois, Jackie Olney, Kimber Soman,

Amanda Durant, and Amadea Durant; and many cousins,

relatives, extended family, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by an infant grandson; brothers: George Brisbois and Aaron Durant; and a sister, Leona

Samantha Durant.

Funeral services were held at the Frick-Zielinski Funeral

Home in Bessemer, Michigan, on March 24, 2015, with Rev.

Jean B. Rencontre officiating. Burial will take place in Washington state. The family was assisted by the Range Funeral

Service Inc., and the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer, Michigan.

BALAC VISITS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AT KBIC

The KBIC Bemidji

Area Leaders Acting

for Change (BALAC)

Coalition met on

April 21, 2015, at the

Donald A LaPointe

Health and Education Center to discuss implementation

of the grant, (BALAC

good Health and

Wellness in Indian

Country from CDC

through Great Lakes

Tribal Epi Center),

and to make a plan

for success over the

next five years.

First year steps

to success will include: coalition building and maintenance, completing the change tool, health assessment of the community, selecting target or issues with coalition support, and selecting interventions with coalition support.

The group also discussed opportunities and resources for policy, systems, and environmental improvements that support health

and healthful behaviors. Attending from GLITEC were: Isaiah Brokenleg, Project Director; Brandon Thoms and Kim Swisher of

Torchlight Consulting, LLC, who will be in charge of media for the

grant; and Chalyse Niemic, Program assistant. KBIC DHHS staff:

Elizabeth Mayo, and Mary Dee Shanahan, CHRs; Kathy Mayo, Assistant Health Administrator; and Carole LaPointe, Health Administrator. Others present were: Steven Denomie, representing KBIC

Youth Programs; and Brigitte LaPointe, representing Honoring Our

Children-ITC.

(10) Midaaswi

(906) 524-5757

KBIC PUBLIC MEETING

U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG)

Mold Remediation and Prevention

Grant Proposal

For our Tribal owned and operated housing units

A discussion with

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Members and Tribal Housing Tenants

The meeting will run from Noon-2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 5th— Tribal Center Downstairs Conference Room

We will be accepting public comments and input for the planning process

and development of the grant application. A questionnaire will be available

for all participants to fill out. The Tribe is eligible to apply for up to

$800,000.

Future meetings will follow and community members will have the opportunity to review and comment on the grant application materials.

We will also be accepting public comments and have copies of the questionnaire available for those that are unable to attend by:

*CALLING: Jean Jokinen at the Grants Office at 353-4205

*E-MAILING: jjokinen@kbic-nsn.gov

*MAILING: Grants Office; 16429 Beartown Road; Baraga, MI 49908

Onji-Akiing Cultural Youth Camp