# All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2010) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A839318011d2122ec ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Akeweenaw_bay%3A839318011d2122ec. Public record. Not legal advice.