All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2010)

GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Namebini Giizis - Sucker Fish Moon - February 2010

Issue 68

Tribal Council Members:

NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED SWORN IN

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

William E. Emery, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Asst. Secretary

Eddy Edwards, Treasurer

Toni Minton

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Jerry Lee Curtis

Frederick Dakota

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Isabelle H. Welsh

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

Newsletter photo

(above)—Secretary Toni Minton presented the Oath of Office to the newly elected and reelected council members after the December 12, 2009 General Election results were certified

at the January 2, 2010, Saturday Tribal Council meeting. Left to right: Toni Minton, Eddy Edwards, Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Susan J. LaFernier, and Jerry Lee Curtis.

(below)—Re-elected Chief Judge Bradley T. Dakota (left) was sworn in by President Warren

“Chris” Swartz, Jr., (right) at the January 2, 2010, Saturday Tribal Council meeting.

Newsletter photo

January 2, 2010

Tribal Council Meeting

The Tribal Council held their regularly

scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting

on January 2, 2010, at the Ojibwa Casino

Resort Conference Room. Warren (Chris)

Swartz, Jr., presided over the meeting with

Susan J. LaFernier, Toni Minton, William E.

Emery, Jennifer Misegan, Jerry Lee Curtis,

Fred Dakota, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.,

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Elizabeth (Chiz)

Matthews, Elizabeth D. Mayo, and Isabelle

Helene Welsh present. President Swartz

shared numerous Thank You and For Your

Information items addressed to Council.

Reports were given for December 2009,

by President Swartz (page three), Vice

President Susan J. LaFernier (page four),

Secretary Toni Minton (page two), Treasurer Jennifer Misegan (page three), and

CEO Larry Denomie (page five). Council

passed the Department Head Reports for

November 2009.

CEO Larry Denomie presented an

analysis on the current heating costs for

the Senior/Disabled heating program

which Council had requested. Discussion

revolved around the recently purchased

FEMA trailers with electric heat which are

being dealt with through the Ojibwa Housing Authority.

Diana Chaudier, Election Board Chair,

presented the uncertified results from the

KBIC General Election held on December

12, 2009, for certification. Baraga District

votes: Jerry Lee Curtis (inc.) 229, Warren

“Chris” Swartz, Jr. (inc.) 273, Debbie Parrish 205, and Donny Shalifoe, Sr. 190.

L’Anse District votes: Susan J. LaFernier

(inc.) 271, Jennifer Misegan (inc.) 159,

Eddy Michael Edwards 294, and JoAnne

•

January 2, 2010, Tribal

Council meeting

•

KBIC implements Smart

Learning System

•

KBNRD, Jumbo River

revisited

•

KBNRD, Uranium in Drinking

Water

•

•

February is Heart Month

DHHS Superior Spirit Award

Winner for December

New Employees

Aabinoojiyens

Deepest Sympathy

•

•

•

Racette 177. Chief Judge votes: Bradley

T. Dakota (inc.) 336 and Paul Smith 135.

Results indicate that 73% of eligible voters

cast their ballots in the 2009 General Election. Motion by Elizabeth D. Mayo to

certify the December 12, 2009, General

Election,

supported

by

Michael

LaFernier, Sr., eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motioned carried.

Reorganization nominations and secret

ballot vote totals follow. There were two

nominations for President: Warren “Chris”

Swartz, Jr. (nine votes), Frederick Dakota

(three votes). Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr.

was named President. There were two

nominations for Vice President: William E.

“Gene” Emery (nine votes), Frederick Dakota (three votes). William E. “Gene”

Emery was named Vice President.

There was one nomination for Secretary:

Susan J. LaFernier was named Secretary (unanimously). There was one nomination for Assistant Secretary: Elizabeth

“Chiz” Matthews was named Assistant

(1) Bezhig

Continued January 2, Council meeting:

Secretary (unanimously).

There were

three nominations for Treasurer; however,

Toni Minton declined: Eddy Edwards (nine

votes) and Frederick Dakota (three votes).

Eddy Edwards was named Treasurer.

Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., to accept for depository of funds 1) Superior

National Bank, 2) Wells Fargo, and 3)

Republic Bank, supported by Michael

LaFernier, Sr., ten supported (Minton,

Emery, Edwards, Curtis, Dakota, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Matthews, Mayo,

Welsh), 0 opposed, one abstained (S.

LaFernier), motion carried.

Motion by William E. Emery to have

one Council member of the Executive

Board and one Council member at large

sign each check, supported by Frederick Dakota, ten supported (S. LaFernier,

Minton, Emery, Curtis, Dakota, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Matthews, Mayo,

Welsh), one opposed (Edwards), 0 abstained, motion carried.

Motion by Jerry Lee Curtis to have

the Chief Tribal Judge, Associate Tribal

Judge, Chief Court Clerk, and the

twelve council members for the Tribal

Court checking signatures which requires any two signatures, supported

by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion

carried.

Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. to

have the Chief Tribal Judge, Associate

Tribal Judge, Chief Court Clerk. the Interim Director/Support Specialist, and

the twelve council members for the

Tribal Child Support Enforcement

checking signatures which requires any

two signatures, supported by Jerry Lee

Curtis, eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0

abstained, motion carried.

President Swartz reported that he had

signed an amendment to the Defined

Benefit Plan to take into account two

changes in Federal law relating to the

plan, (Pension Protection Act and the

Heart Act). There were no substantive

changes to the plan. Mr. Baker reviewed

the amendment for President Swartz prior

to his signing the amendment on December 30, which required a December 31 signature. President Swartz requested a ratification of the President’s execution to that

amendment of the Defined Benefit Plan.

Motion by Frederick Dakota to ratify the

President’s execution of the amendment to the Defined Benefit Plan taking

into account changes in Federal law relating to the plan, supported by Michael

LaFernier, Sr., eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Vice President, William “Gene” Emery,

presented a donation request for the

1431st Sapper Welcome Home Party for

returning troops on March 6, 2010, at the

L’Anse American Legion.

Motion by

Eddy Edwards to donate $750 as requested for the 1431st Sapper Welcome

Home Party for returning troops, supported Michael LaFernier, Sr., eleven

supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Council went into closed session with

President Swartz on the agenda.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2009.

In December 2009, the Tribal Council

had one Regular Tribal Council Meeting

and three Special Council Meetings. The

Regular Council Meeting was held on December 5, 2009, and is covered in the

January 2010 Tribal Newsletter.

At the council meeting held December

3, 2009, following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of July

11, and July 14, 2009;

• Approved $5,000 for the Baraga

Ojibwa Seniors and $1,600 for the Marquette Ojibwa Seniors and $25 gift

cards per senior for their Christmas

Parties;

• Tabled the Ethics Code Review until

after the General Election;

• Approved a donation of $1,000 for the

Baraga County Regional Interagency

Consumer Committee Christmas Party;

• Approved the bid of Lyndon Ekdahl in

the amount of $7,366 for the Commodity Foods Center Roof Repair;

• Approved the bid of Sid Harvey in the

amount of $6,990.34 for a walk-in

cooler at the Commodity Foods Center;

• Approved the bid from Fox Motors in

the amount of $24,086 for a new shuttle van for the Marquette Casino;

• Denied the request of the Committee

for Citizen Awareness to participate in

their “U.S. Congress and You” DVD;

• Agreed to resume random drug testing

at New Day;

• Approved the purchase of a third cash

register in the amount of $5,535 from

Northwest Petroleum Services to go

along with our upgrade;

• Approved November donations.

At the council meeting held December

10, 2009, following actions were taken:

•

Approved the meeting minutes of July

16, and 17, 2009;

• Approved the request of Negaunee

Township to use $11,000 of water set

aside 2% funds for their General Fund;

• Approved KB1723-2009 Daniel Koski

Residential Lease;

• Approved a donation of $220 for

Brenda Brunk for her hot water heater

repair;

• Approved amending the emergency

funds so up to a $520 total will be allowed for hot water heaters;

• Approved the Business License renewal of Donald Messer and Jason

Messer for Da Shack;

• Donated $1,000 to the United Tribes of

Michigan for the Racino Issue;

• Approved a donation of $100 and a

tank of gas from the Pines for Joanne

Lamson for her legal travel request;

• Agreed to develop a program for attaining GED/Diplomas for Tribal Members

in the local jail;

• Approved the Purchase and Installation

Agreement with Northwest Petroleum

Services for the new gas pumps at the

Pines;

• Approved the Independent Contractor

Agreement with Millennium Services

for mining consultant services.

At the council meeting held December

17, 2009, following actions were taken:

• Approved the meeting minutes of July

23, July 29, and August 4, 2009;

• Held the Third Reading of Amendments to Gaming Commission Proposed Ordinance 2009-04 and Gaming

Regulatory Proposed Ordinance 200905;

• Adopted the amendments to Gaming

Ojibwa Community College is offering a photography course

this spring. Part of the course includes student projects aimed at

digitally recording photographs of the elders in the tribe. With the

aide of mentors, students will be taking photos of KBIC senior

citizens, aged 55 and above, as part of a tribal history project.

Photos will be taken at the senior citizen’s building beginning in

(2) Niizh

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Commission Proposed Ordinance 2009

-04 and Gaming Regulatory Proposed

Ordinance 2009-05;

Adopted the Commercial Construction

Fees Schedule for the Building Inspector;

Directed Debbie Picciano to gather information on heating assistance

amounts from November through May

for the next Council meeting;

Approved Resolution KB1718-2009

American Recovery and Reinvestment

Act Maintenance Contract for road repair and restoration;

Agreed to open a separate bank account in January for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Maintenance

funds;

Approved Resolution KB1724-2009 Ed

Bourdage/Brad Dakota Lease transfer;

Approved the purchase of GPS equipment from Seiler in the amount of

$9,442 for the ANA Land Use Management Plan;

Added Dickinson County to the service

area of the Student Sovereign Fund;

Approved the bid of Instrument Technology Corporation in the amount of

$5,895 for a digital water leak detector

for the Zeba water plant;

Approved the bid of Energenecs in the

amount of $14,355 for upgrading the

Zeba pump station.

I would like to thank the Community

and fellow Council members for allowing

me to serve as your Secretary for the past

three years. I have striven to keep the

Community informed of all actions taken

by Council each month. Chi Miigwetch.

Respectfully submitted,

Toni Minton, Secretary

February. Specific times and dates will be

posted at the senior building. Sign up sheets will

be available at the College and senior center. For more information, contact Cherie Dakota at 353-4628 or Megan Shanahan at 3534604.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2009.

Activities Reported by the President, Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr., for the month of

December.

• Early in the month, I met with Julie Ricci

from Wells Fargo Bank. We discussed

the 401K amendment, EGTTRA, and the

Defined Benefit Plan. She informed me

that the 401K plan, despite the bad

economy, earned 3%.

• I participated in a conference call with

the Presidents and Chiefs of Michigan.

We talked about the racinos that are being proposed in Michigan. There is a big

concern that this is going to have a

negative impact on Indian Gaming in

Michigan, particularly to the downstate

tribes. We decided to conduct a public

opinion poll of likely Michigan voters to

get a better assessment of where we’re

at with the voters of Michigan on this issue.

• I asked our Community Assistance Programs Director to respond to a questionnaire from CITGO’s home heating assistance program.

Hopefully, we’ll get

funded again this year. Last year it

helped those who needed assistance to

heat their homes in the winter.

• I attended a retirement committee meeting in the conference room at the Tribal

Center. We discussed a number of issues including the 401K amendment,

defined benefit plan, and concerns of the

Ojibwa Housing Authority. We decided

that I would meet with the Executive Director of Housing and get the facts on

the 401K issue.

• The Council approved $10,000 out of

the set aside 2% funds to assist Negaunee Township in updating its master

plan. Negaunee Township wished to

address its outdated master plan to address necessary changes to meet the

requirements of the Michigan planning

enabling account and the Michigan Zoning enabling account. The Ford Road

Water Main Project previously approved

for funding from the 2% account is nearing completion. Travis Engineering Service is in the process of obtaining an

easement and finalizing the plans for the

project.

Negaunee Township Board

thanks the Community for their support

and looks forward to working with us.

• I met with an individual named Aaron

from Superior Coaches. He was requesting, on behalf of Arvon Township,

to buy the school bus that has been

parked behind the bingo hall. I let him

know that I would have to ask Council

and get back with him. Council denied

the request as we are planning on using

the bus in the future.

• We received a donation of manoomin

from GLIFWC. This donation was made

in part by a grant from the Administration

of Native Americans. GLIFWC received

manoomin from Tribal harvesters in exchange for equipment to help process

their goods. The manoomin was donated to Tribal senior citizens, cultural

committee, and Tribal leaders. ANA

manoomin project is in its final year of a

two-year project.

• We met with W.J. Strickland, program

specialist with the Department of Health

and Human Services Administration on

Children, Youth and Families. He is with

the Program Branch of the Head Start

Bureau. We currently serve 40 Head

Start and 36 Early Head Start children.

Our intent for the meeting was to see

how we can move forward with relinquishing the services of the Inter-Tribal

Council of Michigan. There are a number of items that need to be addressed

prior to officially moving forward, but with

the exemplary practices here, I’m confident the CEO’s office and Terri Denomie, along with her staff, can get it done.

• I participated in a conference call with

the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. We talked about the state’s

proposal to raise the daily limit on lake

trout from three to five fish. We believe

that the lake trout levels have not been

rehabilitated to historical levels. There is

potential for negative impact due to not

protecting the spawning reefs. This may

deplete the smaller class of fish because

of the increased bag limits. We asked

the state to consider closing down the

lake trout spawning refuge areas during

spawning season.

• I reappointed Roger Duschene to serve

a one year appointment on the Farm

Service Agencies County Committee.

He served last year and was willing to

continue the appointment.

• I participated in a conference call with

the Department of Justice. The DOJ informed us that they are going to be

working on an application that is designed to have all grants submitted on

one application. The application is being

developed and will be forwarded to

tribes at the first of the year. We need to

combine our requests for each program

that is administered by DOJ. There

were many concerns with the DOJ’s development of this new application. We

felt it would be more appropriate to have

regional meetings to get appropriate

comments from each region.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee passed

the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking

Act—PACT. No date has been set for a

full Senate vote, but if passed, the PACT

Act would prohibit the U.S. Postal Service from delivering cigarettes and certain other tobacco products effectively

putting Indian-owned mail order tobacco

businesses out of operation. The PACT

Act purports to stop cigarette trafficking

and cigarettes sales to minors. Tribes

also support these goals and support

provisions to address these goals. Unfortunately, as currently written, the

PACT Act is too broad. It essentially

stops all legal internet tobacco sales by

banning “use of U.S. mail and forces

tribes to report to the states on their

Tribal tobacco sales that are “delivery

sales.” Forcing tribes to report their

Tribal tobacco sales to the states is a

direct infringement on sovereignty and

treaty rights and will also dramatically

disempower Tribal governments in compact negotiations with states. In addition, a ban on internet sales will destroy

some tribally-regulated private economies, as well as Tribal revenues that

support Tribal health and education programs. It also sets a very bad precedent

for other Tribal governments whose private economies could also be targeted

by Congress.

• I heard some good news on Christmas

Eve. The Senate passed the Patient

Protection and Affordable Care Act by a

vote of 60-39. The final bill included the

Indian

Health

Care

Improvement

Act which was part of the Reid manager’s amendment as well as several

provisions for Indian Country for health

care reform. After the holidays, the

House and the Senate will work to resolve the differences in the two bills to

produce a final package to be voted on

by both chambers.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr., President

DECEMBER 2009 TREASURER’S REPORT.

It has been an honor to have served

this Community as its Treasurer for the

last three years. Miigwetch to those of you

who voted for me, who have helped me,

supported me, and encouraged me. I truly

appreciate each and every one of you.

Going into this past election I thought I

knew what to expect, the usual deceitful

letters filled with impossible promises, accusations about my integrity, questions regarding my position on issues, etc. What I

did not expect was that my son would be

harassed by my opponent’s wife at work or

that many who I have helped and supported would turn against me because I

spoke out against an issue that they were

in favor of. Our job as Council members is

to protect the Tribe, not to serve any particular person or special interest group,

and I remained loyal to my Tribe. I have

never been much of a politician, just an

ordinary Tribal member who is unwilling to

settle for anything less than what I believe

is the best for our Tribe.

There are many issues that we have

been working on but that have yet to be

completed: tobacco products manufacturing and stamping, the Ethics Ordinance,

the revision of our Criminal Code, restriction of other Indians in our Home Territory,

the adoption of a Mining Ordinance, revision of the Keweenaw Bay Economic Development Corporation Ordinance to separate business from politics, just to name a

few. Many of these are difficult challenging matters, and I encourage the Council

to continue working on them, and I look

forward to following their progress.

Winston Churchill said, “Politics is almost as exciting as war and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed

once, but in politics many times.”

I can attest to that ☺!

Congratulations to the election’s winners, and God bless the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community.

Baamapii!!

Respectfully submitted,

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

(3) Niswi

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

Activities reported by the Vice President,

Susan LaFernier, for the month of December 2009.

We all need to commit to do our part to

make a difference to protect our environment and change the world. I hope that

you have been learning how to save and

conserve energy to protect our Earth if you

are able. I have emphasized all year that

every month is “Energy Awareness

Month,” and our theme for the year was

“Commit to Conserve.” There are simple,

everyday conservation measures we can

all easily commit to. There are also everyday measures we can do to reduce air pollution, conserve water, reduce/reuse/

recycle/re-buy materials, and prevent pollution in general. Once again, October

was Energy Awareness Month!

This

year’s theme, “A Sustainable Energy Future— Putting All the Pieces Together” encourages you to see yourself as a piece of

a large puzzle in shaping our energy future

and moving our nation toward energy independence. All of this information is available on the EPA.gov and energy.gov websites.

Thank you to everyone who cares and

protects our earth and water everyday. It

is our responsibility: Tribe’s, residents, municipalities, businesses and visitors to protect and restore the quality of Lake Superior’s (and all of our lakes) waters, land,

and wildlife. The lakes have always been

and always will be important to the quality

of our life.

We continue to have monthly meetings

with our employee wellness group and our

Blue Cross representative/Employee

Benefit Agency. The official name for the

Task Force is:

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

Health, Intervention, Prevention Program).

The members of the task force also developed a mission statement that reads: “The

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Wellness, Health, Intervention, Prevention Program (W.H.I.P.P.) is dedicated to improving and maintaining the general health and

well being of our employees, dependents,

and community members. Our goal is to

provide information, activities, motivation,

services, and recognition to enhance the

ability of people to better manage their

own health, improve their quality of life,

and reduce their risk of disease and injury.

Positive lifestyle choices develop a culture

that is focused on celebrating and improving the quality of life for all. It is never too

late to encourage positive lifestyle

changes that will help us live longer,

healthier, happier lives.

As we know, on August 18, 2009, the

Administrative Law Judge Patterson issued a proposed decision in our contested

case hearing regarding the Kennecott’s

mining permit and groundwater permit for

the Yellow Dog Plains/Eagle Rock. Fencing it off will materially affect its use as a

place of worship. This should in some

manner be accommodated and would best

be done by relocating the access to the

mine to a location that will not interfere

with that function. This decision was sent

to DEQ Director Steven Chester, and our

written exceptions/comments regarding

this decision were also sent on October 2,

2009, directly to Mr. Chester who considered the comments and then made a request for more information regarding Eagle

Rock and the legality of the judge’s decision. This information was filed by December 7, 2009, and we are waiting for his

final determination and order on the permits. We have now been informed that

Director Chester is resigning from his position effective January 4, 2010. He will be

pursuing new career opportunities.

Chuck Brumleve and I were invited to

do a presentation at the Ojibwa Community College’s Ecology Class on November

23, 2009, regarding the proposed Kennecott mining project in the Yellow Dog

Plains. Mr. Brumleve also attended and

gave comments at the public hearing in

Ishpeming on December 1, 2009, regarding the proposed issuance of permits for

the redevelopment and operation of the

Humboldt Mill. We also submitted written

comments on December 29, 2009, regarding the mill use by Kennecott MDEQ, and

also announced that a public hearing to

review the permit to build Kennecott’s

south haul road, known now as the Woodland Road, from the Yellow Dog Plains to

Humboldt Township will be held on February 10, 2010, at 7 p.m., at the Westwood

High School in Ishpeming. The company

plans to cross eight waterways including

the Yellow Dog River, Mulligan Creek,

Dead River, Middle Branch Escanaba

River, Wildcat Canyon, and more. According to the company, thirty-eight acres of

wetlands will be removed.

Please continue to call/write your

elected officials and tell them that the short

term benefits are not worth the harmful

ATTENTION:

ALL TRIBAL COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial Fishing Licenses

for the Year 2010-2011 Commercial Fishing Season are available at the KBIC

License Department located in the KBIC Tribal Center. The new license year

will begin: May 1, 2010. Applications must be returned to the Licensing/Motor

Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 12, 2010. All applications for licenses will

be reviewed and selected by the Tribal Council. The license fees are: $75.00 for

Small Boat-On Reservation; $200.00 for Small Boat-Off Reservation; and

$500.00 for Large Boat-Off Reservation. All tribal members who apply must

have completed the required U.S. Food and Drug Administration Hazard

Analysis and critical Point (HACCP) training and present a copy of the certificate with the application. A Boat Safety Fishing Vessel Examination with a

certified official must be completed and that documentation must be provided

with the application. The application also requests fishing vessel information

including the vessel name, number & length.

For Boat Safety Inspections contact:

Officer Tim Tilson/KBIC Conservation

353-6626

Officer Dale Goodreau/KBIC Conservation 353-6626

U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock

482-1520

(4) Niiwin

long term effects on our health, rivers,

Great Lakes, woods, and wild places because of the great potential for acid mine

drainage. Please call me or write if you

would like to review the National Wildlife

Federation’s DVD “Mining Madness, Water

Wars: The Great Lakes In The Balance.”

The government employee Christmas

party was enjoyed by all on December 5.

Everyone had fun with “The Tree of Christmas Fortune Trivia Giveaway” game.

CEO Larry Denomie did an excellent job

as the game host asking questions and

singing songs, and the employees were

impressive as they did a great job with

their answers and singing. We also enjoyed a great meal presented by the Migizi

Wadiswan (Eagle’s Nest) Restaurant. A

big thank you to the task force as so much

work goes into the planning and preparation of these parties. We all appreciate the

work that they do.

I also attended our Baraga Ojibwa Senior Citizen’s Christmas party on December

18. There was great entertainment and

food once again, and all seats were taken.

Thank you for a great party.

Remember to continue to pray for and

honor all of our veterans, service men and

women, and their families.

Welcome

home to the 1431st! Also remember those

who are ill, have lost loved ones in the last

year and for our economic struggles. Let

us be thankful for our beautiful area, and

we pray for peace in the world, good

health, happiness, and a blessed New

Year.

We also continue to recognize the richness of Native American contributions, accomplishments, and sacrifices to the political, cultural, and economic life of Michigan

and the United States.

On December 16, 2009, the Drug Court

team who attended training last February

and other interested persons attended a

meeting to begin planning for the drug

court grant that will need to be completed

and submitted by February 11, 2010.

Planning meetings are scheduled for each

week in January.

Remember the Drug Tip Line number is

353-DRUG or 353-3784. You will be seeing yellow banners around the reservation

with this drug tip line number displayed.

Miigwetch,

Susan LaFernier, Vice President

To be added to the mailing

list or to correct your mailing address, contact the

enrollment office at (906)

353-6623 ext. 4113.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED

STATES AND ALASKA

(Effective October 1, 2009)

48

Contiguous

United States

Alaska

Household

Size

Income

Limits

Income

Limits

1

$1,044

$1,369

2

$1,356

$1,759

3

$1,667

$2,149

4

$1,991

$2,539

5

$2,329

$2,929

6

$2,666

$3,334

7

$2,978

$3,724

8

$3,290

$4,114

Each additional member

+ $312

+ $390

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

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly

income eligibility standard and the applicable SNAP

standard deduction.

Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that

qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed

a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid

monthly to a non-household member.

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D

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

insurance and/or Part D prescription drug coverage

premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly

cost of the premiums.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur

the cost of legally required child support to or for a

non-household member are allowed a deduction for

the amount of monthly child support paid.

* Cannot be on food stamps.

Our Deepest Sympathy

Sr. Mary Carla Loonsfoot

December 29, 1941—December 27, 2009

Sr.

Mary

Carla Loonsfoot, age 67, a

member of the

Franciscan

Sisters

of

Christian

Charity, died

Sunday morning, December 27, 2009,

at Holy Family

Convent,

Manitowoc.

The former

Rose Mary Loonsfoot was born December

29, 1941, in Baraga, Michigan, daughter

of the late Arthur & Louise Shelafoe

Loonsfoot. She entered the convent in

1958, and professed her vows in 1963.

Sister Mary Carla received a certificate

from Waukesha County Technical Institute, Waukesha, Wisconsin, in Principle of

Quantity Food Production. Sister Mary

Carla served as a homemaker at St. John

Indian Mission, Komatke, San Jose Mis-

CEO’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2009.

Activities reported by the CEO Larry Denomie for the month of December 2009.

This report, as you well know, marks

the end of 2009. The past year has been

challenging while rewarding at the same

time. The 700 plus employees of the Tribe

have all played a key role in our success

and are to be thanked for their hard work

and dedication.

The month of December was a short

month due to holidays and additional time I

took off. We also experienced our first

governmental office closure due to one of

the biggest snow storms in quite a while

on December 9.

As customary, the annual enterprise

and government Christmas parties were

held. The government party was held on

December 5, at the Big Bucks Bingo Hall.

The meal served by the Migizi Wadiswan

staff was excellent, and the bingo staff

who handled the beverages also did an

outstanding job – thank you to all of them.

The Christmas Party Task Force did a

great job planning this year and even included a little entertainment which was reportedly enjoyed by most.

The Baraga Casino and related enterprises chose to pass on a party this year

and were issued gift certificates for either

Tony’s Steak House or the Pilgrim River

Steak House. That decision was voted on

by the staff.

The Harvey Casino staff held their party

on December 20, again by the choice of

staff. David Haataja, General Manager,

reported the party went well, and everyone

enjoyed themselves.

On December 15, President Swartz,

Sarah Smith, Assistant CEO, Lisa Denomie, Pre-Primary Director, Terri Denomie,

HeadStart and Early HeadStart Director,

along with Jim Stingle and Jean Jokinen of

the Tribal Grants Office, met with W.J.

Strictland of the Department of Health and

Human Services Administration on Children, Youth and Families American Indian

Alaska Native Head Start Bureau. The

meeting was held to discuss and develop

a plan to move forward with accessing direct funding for the HS/EHS programs

which are currently handled by the InterTribal Council of Michigan. The discussion provided valuable information in moving forward with the process which will

take approximately one year. We will be

coming forward with a resolution at an upcoming meeting to begin the process.

On December 21, a conference call

was held with staff at ITC who manages

the HS/EHS programs. The call went well

and ITC, who also met with Mr. Strictland,

are well aware of KBIC’s plans. ITC staff

is more than willing to help in any way they

can with the process.

On December 16, I attended a Drug

Court planning meeting. The meeting is

the initial stages of developing the Drug

Court grant application, which if funded,

will put into place a new system to deal

with repeat offenders of drug and alcohol

related offenses.

There are meetings

scheduled weekly in January to ensure the

application is filed on time.

On December 22, I met with Pauline

Spruce, Personnel Director and Robin

Chosa, TERO Officer to discuss ways to

increase the job application pool he oversees and to develop methods to ensure

Tribal members are given the opportunity

to apply for positions within the Tribe.

There have been several recent job postings where members’ applications weren’t

considered due to incompleteness. Now

the two offices will work together by first of

all, posting the availability of the TERO office in completing applications, resumes,

and related paperwork next to the job applications. If an application is turned in

and isn’t complete, the Personnel Office

will forward the application to TERO where

Robin will make contact with the member

and aid them in completing the necessary

paperwork before the deadline. All applications will now have an area where a

member can check a box if they want their

completed application forwarded to the

TERO office to be added to the job pool.

TERO will be forwarded all job postings

and will review his pool for members who

may meet the requirements. He will then

make contact with them making them

aware of the opportunity. We are hopeful

that this will aid in the correction of the

problem that is occurring.

On a final note, I would like to take this

opportunity to thank the Council for the opportunity to serve the Tribe as your CEO.

It is a rewarding job seeing things move

forward and accomplished. It makes the

not so fun parts of the job not as bad. I

hope that I have provided you and the

Community with acceptable performance.

As always, if anyone has questions,

concerns, or issues the CEO’s office can

assist with, please don’t hesitate to stop

by, e-mail, or call.

sion, Pisinemo, Arizona; Holy Family Convent, Lindsay, Nebraska; a member of the

Food Service Staff at Ozanam Home, New

Berlin, Holy Family Convent, and Silver

Lake College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She

also performed a variety of services at St.

Clare Convent, Manitowoc, San Damiano

Convent, Slinger, and Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. Since 2008, she had

been a resident of St. Rita Health Care

Center at Holy Family Convent.

Survivors include: the Franciscan Sisters of

Christian Charity; four sisters and two

brothers-in-law: Sister Mary Lou Loonsfoot,

Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Anne & Ernie Currie, Portland, Oregon, Louise Davis, Bloomington, Indiana, and Jo & Wayne Strery

Oshkosh, Wisconsin; one brother and sister

-in-law: Edmond & Betty Loonsfoot, Nixa,

Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services were held on

Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Holy

Family Convent, Manitowoc. Officiating at

a Mass of Christian Burial was the Rev.

Samuel D. Jadin, O.Praem with burial at

Holy Family Convent Cemetery, Manitowoc. The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, assisted with funeral arrangements.

Miigwetch,

Larry J. Denomie III, CEO

To place an ad, submit an article, or

relate information or ideas on possible articles contact Lauri Denomie at

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov or

906-201-0263.

(5) Naanan

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

On Call positions:

* Community Service Supervisor

* LPN

* RN

* Account Executive/Sales

* Cashier

* Receptionist/Clerical Worker

* Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant

* Youth Program & Facility Attendant

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

∗

Gaming Commissioner (two positions)

— February 19, 2010

∗

Survivor Wellness Specialist

Open until filled

∗

Newsletter photo

Nancy Browers has been hired as the

clerk intake worker for General Assistance.

Nancy recently worked for the Ingham

County Health Department in Lansing, MI.

Nancy states, “As I moved to L'Anse in November 2009, I was very excited to find a

job so quickly with today’s economy. I

have a wonderful husband and two girls. I

enjoy ice fishing, playing games, watching

my girls skate, and spending time with family and friends.”

Newsletter photo

Lyndon Ekdahl has been hired as parttime Natural Resources Maintenance Man.

Lyndon Ekdahl is the youngest son of

Philly Ekdahl. He and his wife, Shelley,

have three children, Shay (age 10), Isaac

(age 12), and Shantell (age 14). They

have resided in L’Anse on Dynamite Hill

Road for the past fifteen years.

Lyndon states, “I’ve been a contractor for

the last eight years, and I’ve owned my

own business for the last five years. I also

work part-time for Wolverine Builders and

Tribal Construction, and I recently accepted the part-time maintenance position

for KBTNRD. In my spare time, I enjoy

coaching peewee hockey and watching

football in my garage. I enjoy hunting and

fishing in my backyard. I look forward to

enjoying my new job at KBTNRD.”

The DHHS Superior Spirit Award

Winner for January

Newsletter photo

Cody Blue has been hired as the OVW

(Office on Violence Against Women) Administrative Assistant in the Behavior

Health Division of the Donald A. LaPointe

Health and Education Center/KBIC Medical

Clinic. Cody states, “Most of my employment history consists of work I have done

for the Tribe. KBIC has given me many job

opportunities and experiences that have

prepared me for today. I have lived and

worked on the reservation for most of my

life, and I currently live in L’Anse. I am the

daughter of Peggy Minton (KBIC) and Brad

Blue (Red Lake, MN) and the granddaughter of Beverly Lussier (KBIC) and the late

Adam Lussier (Red Lake, MN). Most of my

family live in this area, so it is my pleasure

to have the opportunity to work and live in

the same community. I am looking forward

to getting to know everyone and becoming

more familiar with programs in the health

department. I am happy to be working for

our Tribal Community, and I’m excited to

be in a position and program that helps aid

our Tribal members. I am located in the

Behavioral Health Division Department of

the clinic along with our Psychologist, Social Worker, and VOCA Coordinator.”

The OVW office’s telephone number is

353-4532.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

DHHS photo

Joel Mills is the DHHS Superior Spirit

Award winner for January. Joel is recognized for his “willingness to help out when

needed. He is a great team player and

goes out of his way to help others when

needed.”

Joel received a beaded lanyard for his

name badge and is able to park in the spot

specifically designed for the DHHS Superior Spirit Award winner. Congratulations,

Joel!

COLLEGE GRADUATE

The Education Department is pleased

to announce that Ruth Keller received her

Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing

from The University of Michigan — Flint at

the end of the Fall 09 semester in December. Congratulations Ruth!

Clinical Social Worker

— Open until filled

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.

WINNER! DECEMBER’S

SNOWSHOE GIVEAWAY

Lloyd Gibson was the

December winner

of

the

snowshoe give

-away.

Lloyd

was very proud

of the fact that

when his picture was taken,

he had been

Library photo

smokeless for

two weeks. Congratulations to Lloyd!

January was the third and final month

for the snowshoe giveaway. January’s

winner will be announced in the March issue of the Giikendaam Chiwiikwegamag.

~ Mary Bergerson, Library Director

OJIBWEMOWIN

KBIC HEADSTART IMPLEMENTS TEACH SMART LEARNING SYSTEM

Namebini Giizis —

Sucker Fish Moon—February

The language page was designed from reference of “A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota

Ojibwe” by John D. Nichols and Earl Nyholm,

and from the Freelang Ojibwe/English on-line

~ Designed by newsletter editor

dictionary.

ojiim

gikinjigwen

dakon

zaagi

wiidige

inde

gwiishkoshi

Headstart photo

n a b h o d g e d n i

e n m d j k p n l h g

w i

i d i g e e s j a

g k d a i

j a o i p a

i b i k m e k k b l z

j g j o w h g o h g x

n z d n s l a n v m j

On Friday January 15, 2010, the KBIC

Tribal Head Start Program had two Teach

Smart Learning Systems, installed in each

Head Start classroom. The Teach Smart

Learning System engages children individually or in groups with different learning styles

whether visual, auditory or kinesthetic. While

using the interactive learning system, children see large, colorful, movable images and

diagrams. Children and teachers physically

interact with objects by moving letters, words,

numbers, and pictures with a finger. Children

can create and share their own activities with

their classroom peers. Children with special

needs can touch the surface to manipulate

objects without the fine motor skills required

to operate a mouse or digital pen. The large

visuals make information easy to see and

read, and the addition of sounds makes the

lessons even more engaging for young

learners.

Our staff is very excited about implementing the Teach Smart Learning System into

their

daily classroom

activities.

The Teach Smart Learning Systems

were made available by a grant written by

Ann Belleau at Inter Tribal Council of MI,

from a one Time Program Improvement

funding made available through the Office of

Head Start. The boards are a great learning

tool for our Tribal Head Start Program.

~ submitted by Terri Denomie

Welcome

Charlotte

Jondreau

b o r n

12/18/09, to

Liz Sherman

and

Jerry

Jondreau.

Charlotte

weighed

6

lbs. 5.7 oz.

and was 19

inches long

at birth.

i o q i e b p g a n e

k j

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

i m g h d k i d j

j n a a y

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

g t h j o b u e i s m

427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

i w r e l

i

d _ _ _ n (hold)

w _ _ d _ _ e (marry)

_ a a _ _ (love)

g w _ _ s h _ _ s _ i (whistle)

i _ _ e (heart)

o _ _ _ m (kiss)

g _ _ _ n j _ g w _ _ (hug)

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

• Email: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the following services:

• Establishment, Enforcement and

• Location of Custodial and

Modification of Child Support Orders

Non-Custodial Parents

• Paternity Establishment

BUILDERS

Residential Building Specialists

353

353--7127

• Community Education

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

BUILDING

SUPPLY

PLUMBING

& HEATING

For all your building supplies

For all your maintenance needs.

353

353--8850

New

ess

Busin

353

353--6967

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing Authority

"Owned and operated by the

Ojibwa Housing Authority.

All proceeds go to

affordable housing activities

in our community."

Newsletter editor designed ad

(7) Niizhwaaswi

KBNRD Jumbo River Brook Trout Program

The Jumbo River Revisited, 2009.

The need to insert genetic variability into the KBNRD Jumbo

River Brook Trout Program parent stock population prompted

KBNRD Fisheries Division to revisit the Jumbo River in 2009.

KBNRD and staff from the Ottawa National Forest worked together in October, during the brook trout spawning season, to

collect and transfer brook trout eggs from tributaries of the Jumbo

River (Houghton and Iron Counties) to the KBIC Hatchery Facility

in Pequaming.

Eggs were collected from spawning adult brook trout that

were captured with AC Electro-Fishing gear (backpack shocking

units). Eggs were disinfected and quarantined at the KBNRD

Hatchery in order to minimize the risk of disease/ pathogen introduction into the current aquaculture operation. The eggs hatched

in late 2009, and currently >1500 brook trout fry are being reared

at KBNRD for future spawning stock. There are hopes to revisit

the Jumbo River again in 2010-11, to collect eggs from more fish

and to further diversify the genetic composition of KBNRD Hatchery parent brook trout. Ultimately, these fish will diversify the genetics of Jumbo River strain brook trout being stocked in local

waters by KBNRD.

KBNRD has striven to stock 40,000 yearling brook trout annually into streams on and near the KBIC Reservation, and the

Multi-Agency fish collection effort on the Jumbo River in late

2009 is indicative of the value of this program to many people

and agencies.

Photo by Todd Warner

KBNRD Staff preparing to collect eggs from captured adult brook

trout.

Photo by Gene Mensch

A beautiful ripe and spawning female brook trout ready for egg

stripping.

Photo by Gene Mensch

KBNRD Electro-Shocking effort at a small brook trout spawning

tributary to the Jumbo River, in the Ottawa National Forest.

Photo by Becky Genschow

Brook trout eggs in their new, temporary home at the KBNRD

Hatchery.

Photo by Gene Mensch

A collection “batch” of spawning ready Jumbo River brook trout.

The fish are immobilized with carbonated seltzer water before the

actual spawning (this acts as an anesthesia), so as to minimize

the potential to harm them during the process. The fish are released unharmed after spawning occurs and after important data

is collected on each individual (length, health, genetics sampling,

etc).

Photo by Gene Mensch

Newly hatched Jumbo River brook trout fry at the KBNRD Hatchery, Jan 2010.

~ Article and Photos submitted by Gene Mensch, KBNRD

(8) Ishwaaswi

Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources Department

Uranium in Drinking Water

Uranium is an element that naturally occurs in the environment. Well water contamination by this element has been raised

as a concern of local residents. Uranium is found in some parts

of the Jacobsville Sandstone bedrock in the Upper Peninsula,

and it is believed that this may be the cause of some elevated

uranium levels in water wells screened in this formation. The

Jacobsville Sandstone formation stretches across nine counties

in the Upper Peninsula, including Baraga. Without testing, there

is no way of knowing if uranium is present in your water. At high

concentrations in water that is consumed, uranium has potential

to cause adverse health effects such as kidney toxicity and an

increased risk of cancer over time.

The Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources Department (KBNRD)

will be conducting a Uranium Study this spring and summer.

During this study, KBNRD Water Resources staff will collect

drinking water samples within Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw,

Ontonagon, and Marquette counties from Tribal member residential wells. This study will target Tribal homes who obtain water

from wells screened in the Jacobsville Sandstone formation, but

we will also test other Tribal residences if requested. There will

be no cost to Tribal members who participate in this study. The

analysis of results will aid in identifying problem areas and help

protect Tribal households from potential threats.

The eligibility requirements to participate in this study are:

•

•

•

Tribal Member residence

Water supplied by an individual well

Reside in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon,

or Marquette County

If you are concerned about uranium in your drinking water and

are interested in participating in this study contact Micah Petoskey or Catherine (Kit) Laux at (906)524-5757.

Individuals concerned about uranium, may

also want to test their homes for Radon. Radon gas is formed by the natural decay of uranium; it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.

The KBIC Natural Resource Department has

free self-test kits available to Tribal Members.

For more information contact Char Spruce at

(906)524-5757 ext. 14

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

announces honor students for Fall 2009 semester

Deans List (3.5-4.0 GPA with 12 or more credits)

Christopher Chosa, Shelly Danielson, Ryan Koski

Honors List (3.0-3.49 GPA with 12 or more credits)

Cindy Knapp

Scholastic Achievement (3.25-4.0 GPA with less than 12 credits)

Veronica Adams, Karen Anderson, Samantha Bach, Agatha Cardinal, Anita Chosa, Cynthia Curtis, Philomena Ekdahl, Emily Evans, Darlene Genschow, John Hebert, Danielle Hueckstaedt, Michelle Hoggard, Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., James Loonsfoot, Kim Maki,

April Niemi, Carol O’Hare, Betti Szaroletta

KBOCC would like to remind everyone that we are now in can-

Update from Councilman Eddy Edwards,

Thanks to all those who supported me in my efforts to serve

this community as a Tribal council member. The election results

showed that the community was interested in moving forward

with new ideas and a new direction. The direction I plan on taking as I work with other council members includes changing the

way our organization operates. We need to empower our management, hold them accountable, and be open to new and fresh

ideas. I hope to get feedback from our elders on how to best accomplish this goal.

At the first meeting of the year, I was sworn in along with the

incumbents who were re-elected. I was also elected by the

Council to be the Treasurer of the Tribe. Some of the other business taken up at the first meeting included a discussion on the

gaming commission, and the fact that two of three commissioners had resigned. The Council decided to post the two commissioner positions and had to assume the role of gaming commission until new commissioners are appointed. One other business

item from that first meeting was a donation request of $750 from

Gene Emery to help with a dinner planned for our local troops

returning from Afghanistan. That request was approved.

At the January 7 Council meeting, there were several important subjects discussed. The council approved resolution #17272010 which brings the gaming commission back to the Council

temporarily until new commissioners are appointed. Resolution

#1726-2010 was approved which details proposed road projects

for potential recovery act funds. Another major issue was the acceptance of an Indian Community Development Block Grant from

HUD that was originally to be used for a new gas station in

L’Anse. After some discussion, it was decided to accept the

$600,000 in funds from HUD but to change the location of the

project from L’Anse to our property in Harvey on the highway in

front of the casino. It was decided because a majority of Council

members believed that Harvey was a better and potentially more

profitable location for this business. The Council also approved a

donation request from Jerome Crebassa for $2600. This fiscal

year, the Council budgeted over $150,000 for donation requests.

Those requests are forwarded to me, the Treasurer, and I will

present those to Council. There is no policy on these donations,

which are at the discretion of the Council. The Tribe, in conjunction with Superior National Bank, is operating a business loan

guarantee program where Tribal members can apply to the bank

for a business loan of up to $20,000 using the bank’s underwriting criteria. Currently, there is about $100,000 loaned out and

over $40,000 available in loan authority at the bank for this program.

At the January 14 Council meeting, there were several issues

dealt with. In that meeting, an increase in the president’s salary

was approved. There was discussion about the many grants we

have that are slow to spend and the need for a project manager.

Consensus was to have the CEO present a budget and position

announcement for a project manager to help with grants. Some

grants include the $1.2 million health center renovation, the new

$1.6 million child development center in Baraga, the weatherization grant, the transfer station grant, etc…

In addition, it was consensus of the council to post the casino

general manager’s position for thirty days across the country.

We also discussed our casino situation from the one in Harvey to

a possible new one in Negaunee to our needs here in Baraga. I

believe we need to address these casino issues as soon as possible to commit ourselves to doing something and to properly position ourselves for when this economy comes out of the recession.

These are my thoughts and my understandings of what happened at these Council meetings and are not the approved minutes of the meetings nor are they the thoughts and understandings of other Council members. This column is my effort to keep

our Tribal citizens up to date on some of the issues we are dealing with at the Council level.

didacy status for accreditation. This will allow us to access additional funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, HUD/Tribal

College University Program funds, and Department of Education,

and others. We anticipate that federal financial aid will be available Fall 2010.

KBOCC has transfer credit agreements with Northern Michigan University, Finlandia University, and Michigan Technological

University. We will be continuing to work on the video conferencing system, which will be in place later this year for interactive

video classes.

High school juniors and seniors are also invited to take

courses to explore college life or get a jump start on your postContinued bottom page ten.

(9) Zhaangaswi

website: www.kboha.com

Mission: To provide affordable and attractive housing opportunities in a

safe and healthy environment to qualifying tribal members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, encourage self-improvement of the

community’s low income families, and provide employment opportunities.

Programs and Services provided by the KBOHA:

• Low income rental homes and apartments

1. 158 Homes/apartments in Baraga

2. 50 Homes in Zeba

3. 40 Homes in Marquette/Harvey;

• Supportive housing/transitional housing to help address family issues;

• New, custom built, super-insulated homes for homeownership on

Bear Town Road;

• Home buyer training to prepare members for home ownership;

• Financial literacy training to improve members’ financial skills;

• Home maintenance training to improve members’ ability to maintain

homes;

• Home rehabilitation program to improve the condition of memberowned homes;

• Home emergency assistance program to remedy negative conditions in the home;

• Individual development account program – a 4:1 matched savings

program for member goals that include:

KBIC WEED & SEED AND KBIC YOUTH

PRESENT FOUR THUNDERS DRUM PREVENTION/

INTERVENTION PROJECT

The KBIC Weed & Seed Community Initiative has teamed up

with the KBIC Youth Department to present the Four Thunders

Drum Prevention/Intervention Project. Four Thunders Drum has

been in existence since 1996; Lead Drummer, Mishkwa Anakwad is a KBIC Tribal Member, pipe carrier, Cultural Counselor at

the New Day Treatment Center, sits on the ICW-Justice Committee (Indian Child Welfare – Justice Committee), Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP), and a trainer

for Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders

(UMICAD). All members of this drum live sober and drug-free

lives; and have done so for a combined 175+ years. The group

also consists of a Viet Nam Veteran, Traditional Pipe Carrier,

Tribal Council Member, New Day Director, and members of the

Alcohol Advisory Board, Drug Task Force, and a Seed Committee cultural representative. The Drum made during this event will

become property of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

youth, and the drumsticks will become the property of the participants who made them.

The first session will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2010, inside the gymnasium at the Ojibwa

Community College. Food and beverages will be provided

throughout the day. The first session will include drum construction, stick making and drum care. The next two sessions will be

three hours long and will take place on two evenings (TBD), the

week following the first session. This program is open to community members of all ages. Parents with youth participants

under the age of five must accompany child during the entire activity. The program is limited to 50 participants. Contact Chris Gerard (906) 353-4646 cgerard@kbic-nsn.gov or

Cheryne Clements Cheryne@kbic-nsn.gov to sign up for this

event.

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College continued:

secondary education. We have student organizations and activities that will help enrich your experience here.

KBOCC has also received $150,000 from the American Indian

College Fund for strengthening academic programs, providing

opportunities for professional development, recruitment, and retention. Students will have the opportunity to attend conferences,

seminars, and workshops with faculty and staff members to keep

our institution vibrant and successful.

Visit our website at www.kbocc.org for more information.

(10) Midaaswi

1. Down payment assistance for home purchase;

2. College tuition and expenses for residents;

3. Business expansion/start-up expenses.

•

Low cost home improvement loan program for qualifying Tribal

members;

• Low cost tax preparation program for residents and Tribal members;

• Surplus FEMA mobile home program for Tribal members;

• Stipend program covering mileage and child care expenses for

residents attending college;

• Affordable curbside trash service for residents and members;

• Prescription subsidy program to reimburse Tribal elders and disabled households for prescriptions purchased;

• Ojibwa Building Supply Do It Best—providing Tribal employment,

quality affordable building supplies and profits for housing programs;

• Ojibwa Builders Construction Company—providing Tribal employment, quality affordable construction, and profits for housing programs;

• Market rate rentals—five rental properties in Baraga and one in

Negaunee- providing profits for housing programs;

• Ojibwa BP, Car Wash and Laundry- providing Tribal employment,

superior products and service, and profits for housing programs.

Most Common reasons that Contract Health

Service Care is denied:

1. Not being Contract Health Service Eligible.

2. Not living on or close to one’s own reservation.

3. Failure to apply for alternate resources or use these resources.

4. Failure to get prior approval from the KBIC CHS office for non

-emergency services.

5. Failure to notify the KBIC CHS Office within 72 hours of receiving emergency services. (For the elderly and handicapped, notification must be given within 30 days of receiving

emergency services.)

6. Having a diagnosed medical problem that does not fall within

the medical priority set by the KBIC DHHS.

7. Lack of documentation of Indian Descent.

Alternate Resources

Alternate resources are other sources of health care or

health care payment that are available and accessible to an individual. IHS regulations, 42 CFR Part C require patients to complete an application. Refusal to apply when there is a reasonable possibility requires the denial of eligibility for Contract

Health Services.

Examples of alternate resources include but are not limited to

Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, Private Health Insurance, Workman/s Compensation, Auto Insurance (liability) and

State Vocational Rehabilitation.

Often alternate resources can pay for or be a source of

health care services that the Indian Health Service is unable to

provide. By using these resources the limited funds available

through CHS can be stretched to help many more American Indians and Alaska Natives.

If you have Health Insurance, you will not

receive a bill for your co-pay or deductible for services provided at the KBIC

Medical Clinic. The KBIC DHHS will bill

your insurance, but you will not be responsible for a co-pay for an office visit

or labs done at the KBIC Medical Clinic.

Any revenue generated from your insurance will help pay for medical bills from

other un-insured patients. PLEASE present any insurance information to the

registration office when you check in.

W.H.I.P.P.

(Wellness, Health,

Intervention,

Prevention,

Program) Task

Force

There are 12 employees on the Task Force (nine Government

and three Enterprise). We also have 58

employee volunteers.

Mission Statement: “The Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community Wellness, Health,

Intervention, Prevention Program is dedicated to improving and maintaining the

general health and well being of our employees, dependents, and community

members. Our goal is to provide information, activities, motivation, services, and

recognition to enhance the ability of people

to better manage their own health, improve

their quality of life and reduce their risk of

disease and injury.

Positive lifestyle

choices develop a culture that is focused

on celebrating and improving the quality of

life for all.”

February is American Heart Month!

Heart Disease is the number one killer in

the U.S. (men and women) and more than

$432 billion a year is spent on heart disease alone. High blood pressure affects

one in three adults, raising the risk for

heart attack and stroke. It is so commonand costly—that health care costs from

high blood pressure alone exceeds $100

billion a year. We encourage you to take

steps to prevent heart disease with a

healthy diet, limiting unhealthy fat and cholesterol, fill up on veggies and fruit, go for

grains, reducing salt, and begin an exercise program. You can find great tips, information, and screenings at the Healthy

Heart Fair on February 12 from 1-4 p.m. at

the Ojibwa Senior Citizens sponsored by

our KBIC Community Health Department.

The W.H.I.P.P. task force will be having a

booth to promote “brown bag lunch day”

and tips for eating smart at work, to be

held in the near future.

February 5th is National Wear Red Day.

“The Heart Truth” — a

national awareness campaign for women about

heart disease and to

spread the critical message that “Heart disease

doesn’t care what you

wear –It’s the #1 killer of women.” Everyone can participate by wearing your favorite red dress, shirt, tie, or pin.

A very Happy, Healthy, Valentine’s Day

and New Year to all!

NOTICE: To all Tribal Seniors 55-years

of age and older, and permanently physically handicapped persons:

SNOW PLOWING REQUIREMENTS

1. Keweenaw Bay Tribal member;

2. Head of household;

3. Reside on reservation (Baraga Co.);

4. Address and phone number;

5. Proof of age and/or PERMANENT

physical disability;

6. Sign up at the front desk at the Tribal

Center with proof of each item listed

above or mail information to: Tribal

Maintenance Department, 16429 Bear

Town Road, Baraga, MI 49908.

February is Heart Month (in more ways than one)

Well, the American Heart Association

gave us the month of January to recover

from the holidays before reminding us that

one of the best things we can do for our

health is to take care of our hearts. If you

took a vacation from healthy eating and

exercise over the holidays, it’s an opportunity to remember how good it feels to

move a little more and eat a little lighter.

Now admit it, once you get moving you

do notice that you sleep a little sounder,

breathe a little deeper, and are more alert

through the day (lots of research has

shown that it’s true, and most of my clients

tell me the same). The same goes for eating—at some point those rich holiday

treats start feeling heavy and some hearty

winter soups, whole grains and veggies

are what’s needed to get the circulation

flowing again. Here are a few tips from the

Heart Association and the KBIC clinic on

taking care of your heart this year:

1. Stay active.

Any amount of exercise translates to

improved heart health, but most of us

should shoot for 30 minutes five days a

week to lower the risk of a heart problem. KBIC makes this easier than you

might think. The KBOCC gym is now

open for walking every weekday

from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm except

holidays and snow days! All community members, Tribal employees, and

their families are invited to take advantage of this. Bring some sturdy indoor

shoes (preferably athletic shoes) to

save your feet and the gym floor, and

bring a friend to share a conversation.

Beyond that, think about a membership

to the Fitness Center. Or do some

snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing,

or even walk out to your ice-fishing

spot (What, walk out there? Are these

people crazy?).

2. Keep the meats lean, the grains

whole, the veggies and fruits plentiful, and the sweets and alcohol occasional.

Meat fat and dairy fat are the biggest

source of saturated fat in our diets, and

saturated fat has a potent effect on

raising cholesterol. Replacing lunch

meats, sausages, and ground beef with

venison, skinless chicken and fish

(especially the ones you caught walking to your ice-fishing spot) are great

ways to lower saturated fat intake.

Skim or 1% milk, non-fat yogurt and

lowfat cheeses are the best dairy

choices. Trans fat from shortening and

margarine (shows up as “hydrogenated

vegetable oil” on the ingredient list)

also can raise cholesterol, so choose

more canola and other liquid oils and

limit commercial baked goods, which

are often made with hydrogenated oils.

One surprise in recent years is the finding that insulin resistance increases

heart disease risk even in people without diabetes or prediabetes. Insulin

resistance increases with overweightness, so maintaining a healthy weight

by eating well is important. Choosing

more whole grains, fruits, and veggies

can help a lot with this because they’re

rich in fiber, which fills us up without

adding a lot of calories. They also contain many antioxidants and other substances which protect the heart and

blood vessels.

3. Keep relationships warm in this cold

weather. Give your loved ones a

hug today!

Is it a coincidence that Valentine’s Day

falls in the middle of Heart Month?

There’s a lot of evidence that a healthy

attitude makes for a healthy heart, and

good relationships are important for

keeping a good attitude. One study

actually showed that couples who

bicker the most have more hardening

of the arteries. But it just makes sense

that appreciating the people in our lives

lowers our stress levels—the difference

between hard-hearted and tenderhearted emotionally may translate to a

healthier heart muscle.

4. Take advantage of the resources in

the KBIC community.

The KBIC clinic offers many ways to

help people keep their hearts healthy:

• For the latest information on heart

health, attend the Healthy Heart

Fair on Friday February 12, between the hours of 1-4 pm, at the

Ojibwa Senior Center.

• If you have diabetes or prediabetes,

or just want to assess your risk for

insulin resistance, contact the Diabetes Program. Kathy Mayo, RN,

BSN, CDE heads the program and

she can be reached at 353-4519.

• For nutrition questions or a “tuneup” of your diet, make an appointment with Dale Schmeisser, PhD,

RD. People with diabetes or prediabetes will receive a Mr. Food diabetes cookbook at their appointment, while quantities last. Contact

Kim at 353-4510 for a dietitian appointment.

• If stopping smoking is the priority,

we offer smoking cessation; contact

Mary Linden, RN at 353-4548.

• And of course, keep regular appointments with your physician to

assess and monitor your heart disease risk. The clinic phone is 3538700.

• The hug part is perhaps the easiest—no appointment necessary.

Just seek out the people you care

about. A warm heart goes a long

way during a cold winter. Happy

Valentine’s Day!

Are you missing your Giikendaam Chiwiikwegamag in the mail?

•

•

You may still request being added to the updated mailing list by contacting the Enrollment Office at 906-353-6623, ext. 4113, or by e-mail to one of the following dianas@kbic-nsn.gov, jennifer@kbic-nsn.gov, or jeanne@kbic-nsn.gov and

state that you wish to continue to receive the Tribal newsletter by mail, please spell

your name and give your mailing address.

Or drop a note to:

KBIC Newsletter Mailing List, Attn: Enrollment Office,

16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga , MI 49908

(11) Ashi bezhig

Newsletter editor designed ad

February 2010 Calendars Events

Feb. 5 — National Wear Red Day

Feb. 6 — Regular Saturday Council Meeting, 10 a.m.

Feb. 12 — Healthy Heart Fair, 1-4 p.m. Ojibwa Senior Citizens

Feb. 14 — Happy Valentine’s Day

Feb. 15 — President’s Day, Tribal Gov’t offices closed

Feb. 20 — Four Thunders Drum Prevention/Intervention Project

~ 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.

OJIBWA CASINO GENERAL MANAGER---BARAGA PROPERTY

The Ojibwa Casino Resort in Baraga has an opportunity for an experienced General Manager to be responsible for the direct management, overall development and coordination of operations for the Ojibwa Casino and

associated businesses. Minimum qualifications include: A four year degree

in Business Administration and/or Business Management (or closely related

field) is required, with an MBA being a plus. A minimum of ten years of successful G.M. or senior management experience in a gaming environment is

required. Extensive knowledge of Indian Gaming and demonstrated success with P & Ls, managing multiple departments, staff and operational

functions within the gaming industry is a critical requirement. We offer an

attractive salary and an excellent benefit package. For consideration, reply

with resume to: Ojibwa Casino Resort, Attn: Human Resource Dept.

16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Mi. 49908.

(12) Ashi Niizh

Permit No. 5

Calumet, MI

PAID

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

U.S Postage

PRESORTED STD