The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2012)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Manidoo Giizisoons - Little Spirit Moon - December 2012 Issue 101

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY HOLDS PRIMARY ELECTION

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Jerry Lee Curtis, Asst. Secretary

Toni Minton, Treasurer

Robert D. (RD) Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Eddy Edwards

Jean Jokinen

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Carole LaPointe

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:



November 10, 2012 Tribal

Council Meeting



Tribal Council Notice To Members—Motor Vehicle Titling



Keeping Food Safe For A Happy

Holiday Season



Harvest Feast Mini-Powwow

Held



Mining Updates



Drug Conviction Report



KBIC Donations to TOTS



New Employees

Voters in the Baraga District.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

held their Primary Election on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Baraga District results follow:

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.) 127 votes,

Jerry Lee Curtis (Inc.) 68 votes,

Don Messer, Jr. 73 votes,

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr. 72 votes,

Virginia “Ginnyann” Jermac 60 votes,

Michael Cardinal 51 votes,

Thomas E. Chosa, Jr. 48 votes,

Robert A. Ellsworth 10 votes.

L’Anse District results follow:

Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.) 70 votes,

Eddy Edwards (Inc.) 43 votes,

Jennifer Misegan 64 votes,

David J. Haataja 28 votes,

Charles Gauthier 26 votes,

Gerald P. Jondreau 25 votes,

Lyndon Ekdahl 17 votes,

William “Gene” Emery 17 votes.

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Don Messer, Jr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr., Jerry Lee Curtis,

Susan J. LaFernier, Jennifer Misegan, Eddy

Edwards, and David J. Haataja have secured

the required votes to be placed on the General

Election Ballot.

The General Election will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012, from a ballot of:

Baraga District:

Jerry Lee Curtis (Inc.)

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Don Messer, Jr.

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.)

L’Anse District:

Eddy Edwards (Inc.)

David J. Haataja

Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.)

Jennifer Misegan

Chief Judge:

Bradley T. Dakota (Inc.)

To be added to the mailing

list or to correct your mailing address, contact the enrollment office at (906) 3536623 ext. 4113.

To place an ad, submit an article, or

relate information or ideas on possible

articles contact: Lauri Denomie at

(906) 201-0263, or e-mail

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Youngest Gnome—Jacob Spade, Marquette.

Approximately 50 KBIC youngsters attended the Marquette County Childrens’ Halloween

Party held October 21, 2012, held at the Harvey Community Center.

Continues page six.

(1) Bezhig

NOVEMBER 10, 2012 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Tribal Council held their regularly scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on November 10, 2012, at the Ojibwa Casino Conference

Room, in Baraga, Michigan. President Warren

C. Swartz, Jr. presided over the meeting with

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Susan J. LaFernier, Jerry

Lee Curtis, Toni Minton, Robert (RD) Curtis, Jr.,

Fred Dakota, Eddy Edwards, Jean Jokinen, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Carole L. LaPointe, and

Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews present.

President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. shared numerous Thank You and For Your Information

items addressed to Council. President Warren

C. Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report (page

five), Secretary Susan J. LaFernier gave the

Secretary’s Report (page three), and Treasurer

Toni Minton gave the Treasurer’s Report (page

four). Council passed the Department Head

Reports for September 2012.

Suzy Jondreau/Baraga Fire Department, who

was on the agenda, was joined by Tom Chosa

and a number of firefighters from the L’Anse and

Baraga Fire Departments. The group sought

financial assistance for the 119th Annual U.P.

Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Tournament which will

be hosted in a joint effort by L’Anse and Baraga

Fire Departments on August 1, 2, and 3, 2013.

Eddy Edwards motioned to donate $10,000 to

help offset expenses relating to the 119th

Annual U.P. Volunteer Fire Fighters Baraga

County Tournament, supported by Elizabeth

“Chiz” Matthews, eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Gordette Leutz/Jim Johnson were on the

agenda regarding the Denise Marth Fun Run

Location and Fitness Path Support. Gordette

Leutz was unavailable. Mr. Johnson stated that

the Denise Marth Fun Run takes places every

year and is sponsored by the Tribe to commemorate Denise. The approximate 3.5 mile

Run begins downtown L’Anse at the Village Park

and ends at the Whirl-i-gig.

T-shirts are

awarded and lunch is served to the participants.

Mr. Johnson said participation has dropped over

the past few years, and there were about only

20 participants last year. The Baraga County

Community Foundation Board suggested to relocate the Run to combine it with the September

Labor Day Bridge Walk hosted by the Witz Marina in Skanee, proposing it become the Denise

Marth Fun Run and Bridge Walk. Mr. Johnson

said the management of the Marina are agreeable to a co-sponsored event. Vice President

Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo said, “Denise Marth

worked at our Health Center for years, and there

have been a number of our staff who wished to

get involved with this event over the years and

have had many ideas for the event but were

never listened to.” Denise Marth was an advocate of fishing; she was all about health and prevention. There are so many things that could

make it better than moving it out to Skanee.

Council requested Mr. Johnson take this information back to the Board and discuss these

ideas. Council also invited Gordette Leutz to

address Council and respond to these issues.

Mr. Johnson then told Council about 15 years

ago a non-motorized path was planned, funded,

and given permission to be constructed along

the lake property that was then owned by Celotex Corporation. Celotex was later purchased

by Saint Gobain (Certainteed), who shortly after

the purchase cancelled the agreement, and the

path was not constructed. The quest, after 15

years, is to try again with hopefully better results. The cycling/walking path between L’Anse

and Baraga, in addition to being a tribute to Denise Marth, would have a great impact on the

tourist industry. This path would run from the

L’Anse Marina along the lakeshore to the

Baraga Park and then connect to the Baraga

Marina and perhaps to Sand Pointe. Council

agreed this would be a good idea and indicated

they would like the Tribal President to participate

in the meetings endorsing the project. Susan J.

LaFernier motioned to support the Denise

Marth Fitness Path and the Baraga County

Community Foundation’s quest, supported

by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., eleven supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Under New Business, Gary Loonsfoot, Jr.

and Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. presented Resolution

KB-1907-2012 Ceded Territory Voting. Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1300h-7(a), that the Tribal

Council of the Community hereby requests that

the Secretary call an election within 90 days of

(2) Niizh

receipt of this resolution for the purpose of ratifying or rejecting the following amendment to Article IV, Section 6, of the Constitution: Strike all of

Article IV, Section 6, and insert in lieu thereof:

Section 6. Any member of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community who is eighteen years of age

or over and maintains residence within the

Michigan ceded territories of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community, established by the Treaty of

1842, also known as the 1842 Treaty of LaPointe, shall be entitled to vote in the district established by ordinance approved by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council,

as described in Article III, Section 3. Be it further resolved: The Tribal Council hereby directs

the President of the Tribal Council to forward a

copy of this resolution to the Office of the Secretary, along with any materials necessary to proceed with the election process. Discussion indicated this land base residency would include

460 Tribal members. Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. said,

“Let’s face this issue and put it on the ballot and

let the people decide.” It takes many months for

the Secretary to schedule a Secretarial Election.

A Secretarial Election will be scheduled in January, on the Resolution brought forth by the Constitution Committee to amend Section 1. To remove the section “no amendment shall become

effective until it shall have been approved by the

Secretary of the Interior.” After this proposed

change is approved by the voters, the priority for

changing the KBIC Constitution, per Constitution

Committee, is… Article IV, (H) To appropriate for

tribal use any available funds, provided, that any

appropriation in excess of $10,000 in any one

fiscal year shall be of no effect until approved at

a popular referendum. President Swartz stated

that he would keep all informed of the details

when the Secretarial Election is scheduled and

agreed that he’d try to get this matter included

on it, too.

Toni Minton presented the donation list for

November 2012. Elizabeth D. Mayo motioned

to approve $35 for Sandy Carlson’s request

for the Native American Holiday Craft Bazaar,

$10,000 for Suzy Jondreau’s donation request for the 119th Annual U.P. Volunteer

Fire Fighters Tournament (addressed earlier

in the meeting), $1200 for Beverly Heller’s

request for John Heller’s cell phone bill,

$2000 for Terri Denomie’s request for KBIC

HeadStart Children Christmas gifts, $250 for

Tina Owens donation request for the Clint

Maki

Fundraiser,

$1300

for

Robert

Duschaine, Jr.’s request for EMT class tuition (must complete the class or will be required to repay the cost), and $500 for the

March of Dimes for a total of $15,285, supported by Carole LaPointe, eleven supported,

0 opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Eddy Edwards, Ojibwa Housing Authority

Director, presented a proposal for the Four Seasons Inn. OHA plans on renovating the building

to provide seven studio apartments for emergency and short term housing and one and two

bedroom apartments available to the Community

for housing opportunities at a flat rent system

with OHA section 8 subsidies. Renovations

would be done internally, and units will be available in the spring of 2013, including some handicapped units. Mr. Edwards requested the Tribe

offer a long term lease to OHA for one dollar for

99 years. Elizabeth D. Mayo motioned to table this request until we get an appraisal,

look at other plans, and to make an informed

decision, supported by Michael F. LaFernier,

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

Minton, Dakota, M. LaFernier), six opposed

(J. Curtis, R. Curtis, Edwards, Jokinen, LaPointe, Matthews), 0 abstained, motion defeated. Jean Jokinen motioned to approve a

lease for the former Four Seasons building

to Ojibwa Housing Authority in the amount of

one dollar for 99 years for tribal members’

housing needs, supported by Robert R.D.

Curtis, Jr., seven supported (S. LaFernier, J.

Curtis, R. Curtis, Edwards, Jokinen, LaPointe, Matthews), four opposed (M.

LaFernier, Minton, Mayo, Dakota), 0 abstained, motion carried.

Jean Jokinen/Eddy Edwards were on the

agenda with two items. Resolution KB-19122012 Referendum Ballot for Appropriation over

$10,000 regarding the Pequaming Land Purchase and Eagle Mining Project. Eddy Edwards motioned to approve Resolution KB1912-2012, supported by Jean Jokinen.

Elizabeth D. Mayo motioned to table Resolution KB-1912-2012, until the Constitutional

Committee moves it forward, supported by

Fred Dakota, eight supported (Mayo, S.

LaFernier, Minton, R. Curtis, Dakota, M.

LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews), two opposed

(Edwards, Jokinen), one abstained (J. Curtis), motion carried.

Jean Jokinen motioned that Council

Members would not have to use annual leave

to attend Council meetings, supported by

Carole LaPointe, two supported (Jokinen,

LaPointe), nine opposed (Mayo, S. LaFernier,

J. Curtis, Minton, R. Curtis, Dakota, Edwards,

M. LaFernier, Matthews), 0 abstained, motion

defeated.

Council adjourned with no closed session

matters before them.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Would You Like FREE Money?

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing and Community Development Corporation (KBOHCDC)

is currently offering an Individual Development

Account (IDA) Program!

An IDA program is a matched savings program

in which we provide a 4 to 1 match up to

$4000.00 on funds you deposit!!!

These funds are now available to KBIC

tribal members currently residing in the entire Upper Peninsula! First degree KBIC descendants are now eligible to utilize IDA

funds for education expenses.

Funds may be used toward home purchase

(down payment or closing costs), education

(books, laptop, and other supplies that are required of your courses and are not covered),

and small business start–up or expansion.

If you are interested in this program and would

like more information please contact:

Angela Shelifoe

KBOHCDC Program Administrator

906-353-7117 X106

Angie@kboha.com

WANTED:

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

is seeking qualified applicants for adjunct

instructors in mathematics, Native American history, and Native American humanities. Qualified instructors will have a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree plus 18

credits in the teaching subject or a closely

related field. Send application letter, resume` and graduate transcript to Lynn Aho,

Dean of Instruction, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa

Community College, P.O. Box 519, Baraga,

MI 49908 or via e-mail to laho@kbocc.org.

ATTENTION

KBIC

MEMBERS

The 2nd Reading of the Proposed Ordinance 2012-07 Hazardous Substances Control will be held on Saturday, December 1,

2012, in the Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference Room following the Tribal Council

meeting.

The Tribal Council will receive verbal and

written comments from Tribal Members at the

public hearing in accordance with the Legislative Process public hearing procedure adopted

by the Tribal Council.

Copies of the Hazardous Substances Control Proposed Ordinance 2012-07 are available

at the Tribal Center, KBIC Donald LaPointe

Medical Center, Pines Convenience Center,

Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center, Tribal Court,

Commodity Foods Center, Ojibwa Housing Office, and Ojibwa Community College. Copies

are also distributed to all Departments within

the Tribe.

All Tribal Veterans’ Meeting at the Lighthouse, Sand Point, will be held every

third Wednesday of the month at 1900

hours. All Tribal Veterans Welcome!

Draft available for review of the

KBIC Wolf Management Plan

TRIBAL COUNCIL NOTICE TO MEMBERS

On January 1, 2013:

1. The Licensing Department will begin issuing Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

motor vehicle titles.

2. This will also be the last day to submit a request to the Licensing Department for

a refund from KBIC of taxes paid on the purchase of a motor vehicle.

These changes are the result of a Motion made by Council Member Jean Jokinen

and supported by Council Member Eddy Edwards on September 25, 2012, for the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community “to begin titling our own vehicles and for those

who choose to title [their vehicles] through the state, [to] have the titling clerk help

them file their own claim for reimbursement through the state with no tax reimbursement from the tribe...”. This change was supposed to take effect on November 1,

2012. However, at the October 25, 2012, Council meeting, it was decided to extend

that start date until January 1, 2013.

How does this affect you as a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community?

Well, as of January 1, 2013, you may apply for and receive a motor vehicle title

through the Licensing Department at the Tribal Center.

In regards to the purchase of a motor vehicle, as of January 1, 2013, KBIC will no

longer be reimbursing Tribal members for the sales or use tax paid on the purchase

of that vehicle. In order to be reimbursed for the sales or use tax paid on a vehicle

purchase, you will have to complete the State of Michigan’s refund forms and submit

those forms to the State yourself. The State will then decide whether it will issue a

refund. The State forms will be available at the Licensing Department and are also

available on the internet at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/

taxes/4765_329211_7.pdf.

The Tribal Council has concerns about the State refund process and is exploring

alternatives on how best to challenge that process. In the meantime, your only option

is to use the State refund process.

A draft of the KBIC Wolf Management Plan

was approved by Council on November 1, 2012.

A final version is expected to be complete in

early December. The mission stated in the KBIC

Wolf Management Plan is to maintain a healthy,

self-sustaining population of wolves on and near

Reservation boundaries thus preserving the cultural and ecological benefits for the next seven

generations and beyond. The draft plan can be

viewed at: www.ojibwa.com/content/naturalresources.

Wolf tracking and remote camera surveys

have been ongoing at study sites for an ANA

funded survey project and additional routes and

sites specifically for the detection of wolves are

also monitored for wolf activity through a BIA Endangered Species grant. Wolves were detected

at 4 of 28 (14%) wetland sites using Cuddeback

remote cameras in 2008 and 2009, wolf track

and sign was detected at 13 of the 28 (43%)

wetland study sites during that same time period.

Higher quality Reconyx cameras detected

wolves at 15 out of 50 (30%) of upland and riparian study locations in 2010 and 2011, wolf track

and sign was detected at 17 of 50 (34%) sites.

Please contact Wildlife Biologist Pam Nankervis via email with comments regarding the wolf

management plan pnankervis@kbic-nsn.gov or

call (524-5757 x19).

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2012

Activities reported by the Secretary,

Susan J. LaFernier, for the month of October 2012.

ANIN! We honor the greatness in

you. Remember: “Indian Country Counts”

and “Our People, Our Nations, Our Future.”

We continue to recognize the richness of

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

United States.

NATIVE VOTE 2012—every vote and

voice count. NCAI (National Congress of

American Indians) President Jefferson Keel

stated after the November 6th election that

“NCAI welcomes a second term for President Obama and his administration; Native

American policy advancements in his first

term set the groundwork for historic opportunities to move Indian Country forward during his second term. We look forward to

engaging with the President to achieve even

greater things in the next four years.” (See

related November 7, 2012, release, page

four). We need to continue to get out and

vote because your vote is a decision and

makes a difference. Here are three challenges that you can do to make a big difference: 1) Think of three people you care

about.

Make sure they are registered

(KBIC’s deadline to register is Thursday,

November 15) and challenge them to reach

out to three more people they care about.

2) Volunteer to make calls encouraging others to vote. 3) Spread the word to vote on

Election Day! Thanks to everyone who

voted at the KBIC Primary Election (63%

total voter turnout) and the U.S. General

Election. Our goal for Keweenaw Bay is to

have 100% of our registered/eligible members vote! Remember now to vote in the

KBIC General Election on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

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

Health, Intervention, Prevention Program)

Task Force and volunteers continue to have

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

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

Remember everyone should participate in at

least 30 minutes of physical activity five

times a week to stay fit. The employee

“Maintain, Don’t Gain” Challenge (over the

holidays) began on November 9, through

January 4, 2013.

The Drug Tip Line number is 353-DRUG

or 353-3784.

The yellow banners are

around the reservation with this drug tip line

number displayed. The Drug Task Force

holds monthly meetings, and their Mission

Statement is: “To promote education

through public awareness with the specific

objective to eliminate the use of ‘illegal

drugs’ for the betterment of the health, welfare, and safety of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and our neighboring Communities.” Be watching for information regarding “The Medicine Abuse Project,”

which is a campaign to prevent half a million teenagers from abusing prescription

medicine over five years.

We wish everyone a blessed, happy

Thanksgiving!

Veteran’s Day – November 11, 2012. A

celebration to honor America’s veterans for

their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common

good. It should also be noted that the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund was established in 1979 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall (which includes

52,282 service members names inscribed)

in Washington, D.C., keeping Veteran’s stories alive, and educating America on the

impact the war had on service members

and their families. There is also a nationwide “thank you” tribute to Vietnam Veterans with a video project. This past Memorial Day, during a ceremony at The Wall,

President Obama proclaimed May 28,

2012, through November 11, 2025, as the

Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of

the Vietnam War.

Continue to pray for each other, as well

as honor and remember all of our veterans,

service men and women, and their families.

We pray for peace in the world. Remember

those who are ill, those with economic

struggles, and all who have lost loved ones.

Thank you, God and Creator, for the great

blessings of our land. “Who does the land

belong to? Some to those who have

walked on, a little to those still living, but

most to those yet to be born.” ~ unknown.

During October 2012, the Tribal Council

held one Regular Tribal Council Meeting on

October 6, 2012, at the Community Center

in Harvey, MI. This meeting is covered in

the November 2012 Newsletter.

Tribal

Council held four Special Council Meetings.

Following are the unapproved motions from

October.

At a council meeting held October 4,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the FY 2013 3% employee

raise for all eligible employees to be effective on their anniversary date. Employees hired on or after October 1,

2008, have an effective date of the

month and day hired in their current position. Employees hired prior to October

1, 2008, have an effective date of October 1;

 Approved to uphold the TERO Director’s

decision from the TERO Hearing held

on September 27, 2012;

 Approved employees payment of annual

leave for hours over 100 at the end of

this fiscal year and every year (O. Casino Employment Manual);

 Defeated a motion to allow employees

two hours per month to attend Committee/Council meetings and if over two

hours, they would have to use annual

leave;

 Defeated a motion to allow employees

to attend Committee/Council meetings

and pro-rate their pay (as Council does);

 Approved the Ojibwa Casino Employment Manual;

 Approved Shirley McKasy and Philomena Ekdahl as the MIEA (Michigan

Indian Elders Association) delegates for

two year terms and Sandra Pittsley as

the alternate;

 Approved the renewal of Marketron

Broadcast Solutions, LLC software license and service agreement (Radio

Stations);

 Approved to officially close the Four

Seasons Inn on November 4, 2012.

At a council meeting held October 11,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the purchase of a Tacoma

pickup truck from Rhinelander Toyota

for $32,117.00 for the Natural Resources Department and they will deliver the truck to the Reservation;

 Approved a donation of $1,976.00 and a

Continues on page four.

(3) Niswi

Secretary’s Report continues:

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hotel room for the visit to the Baraga

Area Schools on November 7, from Joseph Bruchac, author of the “Keeper of

the Earth” series;

Approved a new business license for

Jeff Lamson/Que Master food service;

Approved the purchase from Galls for a

thermal imager, night vision monocular,

and spotlight for $23,941.00 (Law Enforcement Department);

Approved a donation of $600.00 to TD

Safe Haven Horse Rescue and Therapy

(for feed);

Approved the purchase of two 2013 Polaris 550IQ snowmobiles for $8,001.94

each for the Casino promotions from

Houghton Power Sports and Marquette

Power Sports;

Approved the modification of the M.O.U.

with Bay Mills Community College

(Language Program);

Approved the Services Agreements with

Rose and Linda Trudeau from BMCC for

the language program;

Approved the purchase agreement with

KBIC and George Peter and Lillian VanStraten for property at 1.8 million.

At a council meeting held October 18,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the Youth Programs Coordinator and Fitness Programs and Facilities Director job positions and to post

the Youth Programs Coordinator position;

 Defeated a motion to interview seven

Tribal Attorney applicants (two applicants information was not available);

 Approved to interview five Tribal Attorney applicants;

 Approved the Special Tribal Prosecuting

Attorney Agreement with Joseph

O’Leary;

 Approved the Construction Agreement

with Larson Well Drilling, LLC (four scattered sites/wells-Public Works Department);

 Approved the U.S. Oil Retailer Supply

Agreement (Pines Convenience).

At a council meeting held October 25,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the October 10 and October

20, 2011 Tribal Council meeting minutes;

 Approved the request (bid modification)

for New Day Treatment Center for two

cameras for $783.44;

 Approved the request for $50,000.00 for

the Aanikoosing, Inc. Board for expenses;

 Approved the Christmas Gift Check for

$2,000.00 for those 18 years of age and

over;

 Approved to extend the motion to begin

titling our vehicles from November 1, to

January 1, 2013, and continue to give

refunds.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

RICKARD LAW OFFICE

Brandon Thomas Rickard, Esq.

Attorney at Law (P75104)

221 W. Washington Street

Marquette, MI 49855

906-225-9705 (Office)

906-869-1773 (cellular)

866-657-6209 (e-fax)

Rickardlegal@gmail.com

www.rickardlegal.com

(4) Niiwin

NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS WELCOMES

SECOND TERM FOR OBAMA ADMINSTRATION

November 2012

2012 Elections Represent Historic Opportunity for Bipartisan Leadership on Native

American Policy

Washington, DC – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is hailing

the results of the 2012 election, including

the re-election of President Barack Obama,

as a historic moment for advancing the trust

relationship between tribal nations and the

federal government. NCAI, the nation’s

leading American Indian and Alaska Native

advocacy organization, called for leaders in

Indian Country and in the United States

government to seize this moment and advance the nation-to-nation relationship between tribes and the United States.

“NCAI welcomes a second term for

President Obama and his administration;

Native American policy advancements in his

first term set the groundwork for historic opportunities to move Indian Country forward

during his second term. We look forward to

engaging with the President to achieve even

greater things in the next four years,” said

Jefferson Keel, President of NCAI. Keel also

serves as the Lt. Governor of the Chicka-

saw Nation in Oklahoma.

“The opportunity for a historic bipartisan

Native policy agenda is very real. Along with

our federal partners in Congress and the

Obama Administration, tribal nations are

prepared to move forward immediately on

legislation that works to free tribal economies, restore tribal lands, protect the Indian

budget, improve homeland security and disaster response, protect our Native women,

boost tribal energy projects, improve health

care services, and strengthen educational

opportunities for Native people.” concluded

Keel.

About the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

Founded in 1944, the National Congress

of the American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization

in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of

Tribal governments, promoting strong Tribal

-federal government-to-government policies,

and promoting a better understanding

among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments,

people and rights.

TREASURER REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2012

Activities reported by the Treasurer, Toni

Minton, for the month of October 2012.

City of Marquette/NMU Center for $ 4,250.00

Native American Studies

The Council approved the following donations for October:

City of Marquette/U.P. Children’s

Museum

$10,000.00

Bingo machine for Jacobetti Home City of Marquette/MI State Univ.

College of Human Med/Equip

for Veterans (Glenn Bressette

request)

City of Marquette/Great Lakes

Recovery Center Renovations

Bay Cliff Health Camp

$12,210.00

Marine Corps League Toys For

Tots in Baraga County

City of Marquette/Beacon House

$ 5,000.00

City of Marquette/YMCA

$ 5,000.00

$5,000.00

Democratic Party of Michigan 21st

Century Fund

City of Marquette/Superior Water- $24,000.00

shed Partnership—KBIC Youth

$ 600.00

Chrystal Geroux for HD Safe Haven for Horses

City of Marquette/Maritime Museum

$

Baraga Area Schools (Mary

Bergerson request for Author Joseph Bruchac, a Native American

Artist), the additional funding +

hotel room comp

Marquette County/Aging Services $ 2,500.00

Retired—Senior Volunteers

Marquette County/AMCAB—

Meals on Wheels

$ 2,500.00

LVD Wild Rice Camp attendees

($125 per adult KBIC Member up

to 30 participants): Liz Julio, Brian

Rantanen—reimbursements (total

is at 22).

Marquette County/Health Dept.—

Dental Outreach Program

$ 2,000.00

Marquette County/Health Dept.—

Pregnant-Parenting Teen Program

$ 2,500.00

L’Anse Booster Club Hornet Football Playoff (Fifth Quarter) - Robin

Roe

Marquette County/Iron Ore Heritage Trail

$ 2,500.00

Marquette Township/North Star

Council approved the 2% payments on No- Academy

vember 8, 2012. The 2% distribution in Baraga Marquette Area Public Schools/

totaled $140,353.08. It was distributed as fol- Title VII Native Am. Educ. Prolows:

gram

$ 2,500.00

$5,000.00

$ 500.00

$5,000.00

TBD

$ 250.00

$ 250.00

Baraga County

$25,209.58

Baraga Area Schools

$30,590.49

Baraga Township

$10,235.71

Village of Baraga

$ 7,868.75

L’Anse Area Schools

$15,267.75

L’Anse Township

$ 1,720.96

Village of L’Anse

$ 1,259.84

Township of Baraga—Bay Ambulance

$25,000.00

Township of L’Anse—Herman His- $ 6,000.00

torical

Village of Baraga— McGillan

Street Project

$17,000.00

The 2% distribution for Marquette totaled

$169,692.11. It was distributed as follows:

$ 6,470.00

$10,000.00

$ 3,500.00

City of Ishpeming/Carnegie Public $

Library handicap Accessibility

971.06

Ishpeming School District/Title VII $ 1,250.00

Indian Education Program

City of Escanaba/UPSET—

Gwinn—Plumbing Replacement

$ 8,912.50

Gwinn Area Community Schools/

Title VI Indian Educ. Program

$ 3,000.00

Negaunee Township/Iron Range

Hockey Association

$ 1,350.00

Forsyth Township/Fire Truck

$31,362.50

Chocolay Township/Police and

Fire Departments

$27,916.05

Respectfully submitted,

Toni Minton, Treasurer

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2012

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

month of October 2012:



















We continued to work toward our water

monitoring program of the Eagle Mine.

We are working closely with another

federal agency and are close to figuring

out the cost of the program, so we can

work together on paying for the cost of

the monitoring program. The Community and its partners have long recognized the need for independent monitoring. We look forward to communicating

with all stakeholders who are interested

in true independent and objective monitoring that will address all of our needs

in full measure.

The office has worked on the Christmas

check guidelines, and so far no changes

have been made to the docket except

for voluntary withholding.

We discussed the Tribal Police Department and its role when relating to offreservation stops.

In an effort to continue to recognize our

sovereignty we are preparing to begin

titling motor vehicles and wanted to do it

by November 1. A couple of issues

have come up regarding the issuing of

titles. We discussed the issues with

Council and decided to wait until January of next year to begin titling tribal

members’ motor vehicles.

Vice President Mayo attended the

MAST meeting in Oneida, Wisconsin.

They discussed approving policies and

elected a health board for the Midwest

as well as being updated on several important issues. MAST chose to appoint

Carole LaPointe to the newly formed

health board at this meeting who will

represent our area on important health

issues relating to our tribal members.

This is long overdue, and I expect to

hear good things about this group.

Our Huuki ad ran on our radio station

which was approved for on-air announcements. One of our goals was to

raise the awareness of our listeners to

the position of our stance that Huuki,

who ran for State House 110th District,

choose to take on our gas station in

Marquette. Council felt radio listeners

should know the facts pertaining to Matt

Huuki. Also the Community, last month,

decided to donate $5000 to the 21st

Fund to help fund the campaign of Scott

Dianda who was seeking election in our

district. He did beat Huuki by approximately 5,000 votes, and it is nice to

state the facts of that election.

The Community received a letter from

Dale Murley, Indian Aide for Governor

Snyder, who indicated the Governor

would like to address a couple of issues

and hopefully move toward concurrence

of the casino. We met, and we sent a

letter to the Governor’s office responding to their concerns.

I received notice that a sign recently

purchased by the Tribal Council to memorialize and recognize Clyde Swartz’s

hard work on the Big Bay Snowmobile

Trail was recently vandalized at the end

of Big Bay Trail #4. Family members of

Clyde tried to remove the paint, and I

haven’t heard whether or not if they

were successful. Someone had painted

over Clyde’s name in white paint and

put Max Abbott in place of Clyde’s

name.

We continue to work with the Michigan

Department of Transportation to get our

L’Anse Indian Reservation signs put

back up near the entrances of the reservation. All of my life, I have lived on this

reservation. Whenever motorists en-











tered reservation lands travelling north

on US41 by the golf course, there was

always a sign up there that said

“Welcome to the L’Anse Indian Reservation.” In addition, there was always one

located for motorists heading south just

north of Assinins on US41 by Bear

Town Road that said “Welcome to the

L’Anse Indian Reservation,” and one up

on M38 for motorists heading east. We

contacted Danny Robillard, and he is

working with us on this matter. We are

working on the design of the sign and

our intent is to put up ten signs, hopefully to be erected in the spring.

We worked with the Natural Resource

Department and came up with a Resolution opposing the Wolf hunt here in

Michigan.

The Council approved a

Resolution opposing any change in the

laws of the State of Michigan in which

wolves are designated as a game species, and a wolf hunting and/or trapping

season is allowed.

I also attended the Public Health Emergency Response Meeting at the Community’s Donald A. LaPointe Health

Center. We are meeting to prepare for

any health emergencies that may strike

our Community. It is important to have

a plan of action if health emergencies

strike. We continue to meet and plan

our obligation to the Community, so we

can respond effectively in time of need.

Last month we had an opportunity to be

under the bright light. Chuck Miller

taped us, and one of the goals in taping

was for the Council to speak of the comprehensive strategic plan. Each council

member read a value section within the

plan which has 12 value sections. The

premier will be tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. at

the Community’s Harvest Feast which is

to be held at the Niiwin Akeea Center.

A number of Council Members met with

Winona LaDuke, an activist, who talked

with us regarding Eagle Rock and some

strategies relating to the mining of Eagle

Rock. She provided us with a confidential memo citing her concerns relating to

the protection of Mother Earth. She also

provided us with ideas and strategies.

Last month I met with Paul Stark,

Baraga Telephone Company. We discussed his upcoming annual report to

E.T.C. regarding his company and how

it serves the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community. He said he was initiating

the meeting to meet reporting requirements and to take the opportunity to discuss some ongoing issues with the

Community. It was a good meeting, and

I look forward to working with him to

meet the telecommunication needs of

the Community.

This concludes my report.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Is your charitable organization planning on

holding a raffle or selling

raffle tickets on the 16429 Bear Town, Rd.

L’Anse Indian Reserva- Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

tion?

Federal law, through the Indian Gaming

Regulatory Act, granted Tribes exclusive right to

regulate gaming activity on Indian lands. Even

if you or the members of your organization are

not tribal members, the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community Gaming Commission has the authority to regulate your raffle. It is unlawful to

game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission Office at (906) 353-4222 or stop by the

office located at the Tribal Center for an application and a copy of the rules and regulations.

Keep Food Safe for a

Happy Holiday Season

By: Dale Schmeisser,

Diabetes Program Dietitian

The holidays are here and we’re all doing more cooking—for those special family

dinners, potlucks at work and parties with

friends. It often means preparing things

ahead of time for later use and cooking larger amounts of food than usual. That requires special attention to make sure that

the food stays safe from bacterial contamination. Start with clean hands and clean

ingredients, and keep hot foods hot and

cold foods cold. If you’ve ever experienced

a food borne illness (what we used to call

“food poisoning”), you know how important

it is to protect yourself and everyone else

from the nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and

fever that can result from food-gone-bad.

The first week of December is

“Handwashing Awareness Week” and it’s a

good reminder that the number one thing

we can do to prevent food borne illness is to

start with clean hands in the kitchen. Wash

before you start working with food, and then

any time you touch your hair, mouth or

nose, use the bathroom, or smoke. It’s especially important to wash after handling

raw meats, poultry, fish or eggs, and when

you’re working with foods that won’t be

cooked again before eating (salads, fruit,

etc).

We usually think of undercooked meat,

poultry, eggs. and fish as the riskiest foods,

but contamination can occur in raw fruits

and vegetables if they’re not handled properly. Wash all fruits and vegetables before

cutting them, even the rind of fruit that won’t

be eaten. Raw berries, spinach, peppers,

and lettuce have all been implicated in recent outbreaks of foodborne illness. One of

the most serious recent outbreaks was due

to contamination of cantaloupe. Washing

the rind before the fruit is cut can decrease

the risk that bacteria on the outside will

make its way to the edible part.

Heating foods to proper temperature is

equally important. Poultry needs to be

cooked to 165 degrees F to assure that

bacteria are killed. This includes the stuffing inside of the bird, too. Some celebrity

chefs prefer to cook the stuffing separately,

because they find that in order to get the

stuffing cooked enough, the bird gets overdone. Some have also found that it makes

for a lot less commotion before serving a

big meal. Other foods that need to be

heated to 165 degrees are egg dishes,

meatloaf, casseroles. and reheated leftovers. Use kitchen “instant temp” thermometers to check food temperatures.

They are inexpensive and available in the

kitchenware departments of most hardware

and big-box stores.

Keeping cold foods cold is also important. When cooling something from the

oven that will be used later, try to cool it as

quickly as possible. For example, cut large

roasts into smaller portions to increase the

surface area, and pour soups into shallow

pans to cool quickly. While it’s still warm

(but not steaming hot), put it in the refrigerator for the rest of the cooling, and keep it at

temperature below 40 degrees. Take care

to get the buffet leftovers into the fridge as

soon as dinner is finished; foods left out

more than two hours at room temperature

are at risk of contamination

and

should be discarded.

All of us in the

KBIC

Diabetes

Program wish you

a very happy, safe

and healthy holiday season!

(5) Naanan

Halloween celebrations continued:

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Marquette, 0-2 age winners: 1st—Khloe Schofield (left), 2nd—

Jacob Space (right), and 3rd—Alexis Smith Scholfield (center).

Marquette, 3-5 age winners: 1st—Hanna Harvala (left), 2nd—

Kade Hooper (right), and 3rd—Micheala Beverly (center).

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Marquette, 6-8 age winners: 1st—Landyn Spade (left), 2nd—Zoe

Hamalainen (center), and 3rd—Savanna Verboczki (right).

Marquette, 9-11 age winners: 1st—Andre Hamalainen (center),

2nd—Sean Seymour (right), and 3rd—Kimber Shelafoe (left).

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Marq., 11 & up age winners: 1st—Joran Hamalainen (right), 2nd—

Josh Lee Hamalainen (left), and 3rd—Taylor Havican (center).

Baraga, 0-2 age winners: 1st—Zoey Spruce (left), 2nd—Alayna

Kinnunen (center), and 3rd—Kobe Forcia (left).

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Baraga, 3-5 age winners: 1st—Shayla Emblad (left), 2nd—Nizoni

Jacker (center), and 3rd—Keyden Goodbird (right).

Baraga, 6-8 age winners: 1st—Lily Messer (left), 2nd—Kayan

Goodbird (center), and 3rd—Machia Loonsfoot (right).

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Baraga, 9-10 age winners: 1st—Keya Chosa (right), 2nd—Jason

Kinnunen (center), and 3rd—Haley Lamb/Jaylyne Lindemann

(right).

Baraga, 11 & up age winners: 1st—Jackie Wadaga (left), 2nd—

Amy Shalifoe (center), and 3rd—Cheyene Edwards (right).

(6) Ningodwaaswi

with my family outdoors. We like to go swimming, and I enjoy playing at waterparks with my

son. My husband is an avid fisherman and

loves to ice fish and hunt. We are happy to live

in such a beautiful, rural area. We are confident

this will be a wonderful place to raise our son.”

NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH

(NOVEMBER) BRINGS JOSEPH

BRUCHAC TO KEWEENAW BAY

INDIAN COMMUNITY

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Lori Ann Sherman, a KBIC member, was recently hired as KBIC’s Natural Resource Director. Lori has a Bachelor’s degree in Business

Management and a Master’s degree in Technical writing. Lori has one son, Jacob, who is doing an internship in North Dakota and is a

sophomore at Michigan Tech studying Engineering. Lori is a member of the KBIC-ICWA committee and is on the Board of Directors for the

National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center. Some of her interests include training

horses, dogs, gardening, and spending time with

her family. Lori has also trained K-9 Units for

Search and Rescue and was a member of the

D.O.G.S N Search and Rescue Unit. Lori said

that she is looking forward to working for her

tribe and continuing on with the awesome work

being done out at the Natural Resource Department.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Jason Chaudier has been hired as the KBIC

Elementary Tutor in the Baraga School. Jason

graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business from Gogebic Community College in spring

of 2012. Jason resides in Baraga with his wife,

Diana, and two daughters, Jadyn age four, and

Madison age one. Jason added, “I enjoy hunting, going to camp, and more than anything

spending time with my family.”

Native American author, Joseph Bruchac,

visited the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community on

November 7, 2012. His presentations included

short stories and flute selections. Bruchac is of

the Abenaki nation, a resident of upstate New

York.

His books include Native American

themed fiction and non-fiction, poetry, and

young adult literature. Presentations were held

at the Baraga High School, the Phillip LaTendresse Elementary School, and the Ojibwa

Community College.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN

COMMUNITY YOUTH ENJOY

REZHEADS ACTIVITIES

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Jonathon Francois (left) is shown above as he participates in the Big Wind Blows game. The game

was facilitated by Melissa Nichols (right), a member

of the RezHeads group.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Cynthia Gourneau was recently hired as the

Donald LaPointe Medical Facility’s Chief Pharmacist. Cynthia grew up Omaha, NE and attended Creighton University for undergraduate

and Pharmacy school. She was granted an IHS

scholarship and did her scholarship payback on

her reservation in Belcourt, ND -- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. “This was my

first staff pharmacist position, and I worked there

for nearly five years. I met my husband at the

pharmacy window three years ago while he was

on leave from the military. I soon followed him

to his station near Savannah, GA. We married

and have a two year old son Leander. We relocated to Minneapolis, and I worked for the Fond

du Lac Tribe at their urban satellite pharmacy as

a clinical pharmacist for over a year. However,

city life was too fast for us, and we decided to

relocate to a rural area. I saw an advertisement

for the KBIC pharmacy online and was thrilled

when I was hired as the new Chief of Pharmacy,” Cynthia said. “I have experience instituting the Electronic Health Record while I was in

Belcourt, and I am very excited to be a part of

this new process at KBIC. I hope to increase

patient safety, decrease medication errors, decrease patient wait times, and increase patient

counseling. I want every patient to understand

why they are taking the medications he or she

has been prescribed and to be aware of major

side effects. I am hoping patients will be willing

to come to me for any type of assistance they

may need regarding their medications. I am

here for the patient population.” On a personal

note, “We are still in the process of settling in

L'Anse. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time

Austin Ayres, of Zeba, shot this nine point buck

on September 29, 2012, on the L’Anse Indian

Reservation. Congratulations, Austin!

The KBIC Outpatient Substance Abuse Program with the assistance of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community and the Keweenaw Bay

Tribal Court brought the Rezheads 2012 Back 2

School Tour to the Community. Events were

held on Friday, November 9, and Saturday, November 10, at the Ojibwa Community College

gymnasium. Transportation was made available

for Marquette County residences

to attend. Melissa Nichols facilitated the game above where participants learn about each other.

Other events included comedy

and live music performances by

Big S2 and musical performances

by multiple award winning international recording artists, Smoke and

Mimi. Rezheads brings a unique

way to youth bringing messages

on the dangers of drug and alcohol

abuse, positive choices, bullying,

and leadership skills.







Dealing with anger and stress,

Wednesday, December 12, and 19,

12:30–1:15 p.m.

Helping kids to eat well, Wednesday,

December 12, 1:30– 2:15 p.m.

Grocery budgeting, Wednesday,

December 19, 1:30– 2:15 p.m.

LaPointe DHHS-KBIC Health Center

Conference Room

MSU is an affirmative-action, equalopportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials

are open to all without regard to race,

color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,

political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital

status, family status or veteran status.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Mining Updates,

By Jessica Koski, Mining Technical Assistant,

Keweenaw Bay Natural Resources Department

Rio Tinto Mining Activities: At the Eagle

Project site, a long decline tunnel to the nickelcopper sulfide deposit beneath the Salmon Trout

River was completed in September of 2012. The

company has since focused on construction

work at the Humboldt Mill, which is expected to

take two years.

In late October of 2012, during the digging

and construction of an underground containment

slurry wall to prevent contaminated groundwater

from flowing out of the pit lake at Humboldt, a

hydrologic channel was discovered in which an

uncontrolled water and clay slurry ran into an

adjacent wetland. Action was taken, but the

company admits it is possible that additional

slurry flow to the wetland may occur during construction. KBIC mining staff are concerned that

the containment wall is being built through unsuitable permeable gravel and sand soils – and

that when pressure builds up in the pit lake containing metal sulfide tailings, contaminated

ing exploratory drilling for copper deposits in the

Keweeenaw Peninsula. Simultaneously, Michigan has proposed to revise upward copper standards in the Keweenaw, which is undergoing

EPA review.

Ottawa National Forest: Trans Superior Resources (Bitterroot of Canada) has proposed to

conduct exploratory drilling for gold, platinum,

nickel and cobalt near Bergland, MI. Additional

exploratory drilling by Trans Superior was reported by two citizens southeast of Kenton on

November 4. Because the site near Kenton

doesn’t occur on federal lands, the Forest Service claims it lacks regulatory jurisdiction.

Outreach & Education: Check out an educational mining database and audio presentations

from Lake Superior Binational Forum Public

Meetings on mining in the basin online at: http://

www.superiorforum.org/. In the New Year, watch

for Community Potlucks and a new KBNRD

Tribal Mining Program webpage – coming soon!

Questions? Contact Jessica Koski at (906) 5245757 ext. 25 or jkoski@kbic-nsn.gov .

East Branch of the Salmon Trout River.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Wildcat Canyon, 595 corridor,

courtesy Jeremiah Eagle Eye

groundwater carrying toxic levels of metals could

migrate into the adjacent wetlands of the Middle

Branch of the Escanaba River.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) Region 5 is expected to decide soon

whether or not to maintain a federal objection on

proposed Marquette County Road 595 (a 21mile mine haul road from Eagle to Humboldt

Mill). There is political pressure by many elected

officials to allow the development. EPA objected

due to significant wetland impacts associated

with the project and potential viable alternative

routes – which were not considered primarily

because Rio Tinto only committed to fund the

western-most 595 direct route to Humboldt. The

ability of EPA to object stems from retained federal oversight authority under the nation’s Clean

Water Act, particularly Section 404 regarding

wetlands, when the program was delegated to

Michigan in 1984.

Monitoring: There are various monitoring

programs underway on the Yellow Dog Plains.

The KBIC works with Yellow Dog Watershed

Preserve on quarterly monitoring of area springs

and streams, and the Great Lakes Indian Fish &

Wildlife Commission participated in a Year of

Intensive Monitoring–Mining program with the

US Geological Survey in 2012 to monitoring

Lake Superior watersheds most at risk from mining, including the Salmon Trout River watershed.

Recently, Rio Tinto has agreed to fund $300,000

annually (in 3 year renewal periods) to the Superior Watershed Partnership and Marquette

County Community Foundation to conduct additional monitoring.

Orvana Copperwood Project near Ironwood, MI: On November 14, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) permit for proposed Copperwood mine

water discharges into Namebinag Creek of Lake

Superior. Also in November, the Gogebic Range

Water Authority applied for a Lake Superior Water Intake System for the project, which is seen

as an attempt for the company to avoid federal

review under the Rivers and Harbors Act and

Clean Water Act over the mine project. A state

mining permit for Copperwood was issued on

April 30, 2012, and is not active until all other

required permits are received. A wetland and

stream fill permit is currently under review, after

receiving a similar EPA objection as 595. The

mine tailings alone would impact on over 13,000

feet of streams and about 60 acres of wetlands

adjacent to the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness

State Park and Lake Superior.

Keweenaw: Highland Resources is conduct(8) Ishwaaswi

The KBIC Parks and Recreation Committee is seeking input on our Recreation Plan which will

be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for future funding opportunities.

These funds will provide assistance to advance parks and recreational opportunities through

maintenance of current recreational properties and further improvements to our campgrounds and

marina.

A draft of the KBIC 2013-2017 Five Year Recreation Plan has been developed and will be available for review at the Public Meeting mentioned below, the Natural Resources Building, the Health

Department, and the Niiwin Akeaa Center (Community College building) for public inspection.

A Public Hearing Meeting to facilitate review of and comment on the plan will be held on Thursday, December 6th at the Casino in the Chippewa Room during Tribal Council session at 12:00

p.m.

If you cannot attend and would like your opinions considered, please contact the following:

Jean Jokinen at 353-4205; jjokinen@kbic-nsn.gov or Evelyn Ravindran at 524-5757 Extension 11;

eravindran@kbic-nsn.gov We will be accepting comments and suggestions until Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. and will present the plan for adoption at the Tribal Council meeting in the

Chippewa Room that same day. Miigwech!

“Your vote is an important decision and makes a difference.”

VOTE

Susan J. LaFernier L’Anse District, Tribal Council

at Zeba U.M Church and Ojibwa Senior Citizens, Saturday, December 15, 2012

Miigwech for your votes

in the Primary Election!

Lifelong resident of the Reservation where I was born.

Member of the Tribal Council since 1998. Have worked for the Tribe 30(+) years

Caring for you and the next seven generations as my Ancestors who signed our Treaty did.

I thank you for my Saturday meeting stipend.

Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians

Date:

11/15/12

To:

Chris Swartz, Keweenaw Bay

Tribal Council President

From:

Michael Cardinal, Constitutional

Committee Chairman

Subject: Constitutional Committee Report

The constitutional committee will be working

on changes we felt were needed to the proposed amendment to removal of the Secretary

of the Interior from our amendment process. We

are also looking at the election ordinance and

the changes that will also have to be made to

that document. We have been working on these

changes for over a year and a half. We first introduced this amendment around July of 2011,

and held a constitutional convention to get input

into the direction our Tribe wanted to proceed on

changes. The amendment was sent to the

Tribal Council and was passed along to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Michigan Agency. They,

in turn, passed it along to the Minneapolis Area

Office in December of 2011. We did not get any

answer to our request, until August 27, 2012.

Since that time the committee has been working

on looking at the technical aspects of the BIA

report. The amendment will be available for

Tribal Council action at the beginning of the New

Year.

At our October 2012 Constitutional Committee meeting, we, along with the Tribal Council

President Swartz, decided to push back the request for the amendment to go to the Tribal

Council until after the Tribal General Election.

This was done because of the problems with the

BIA getting their registration done while there

was a Tribal election taking place.

The changes we requested from the Secretary of the Interior were controversial, and we

needed a legal opinion from the government,

that if we changed our Constitution this would

have no effect on our ability to still be considered an IRA tribe and able to place land into

trust. The technical letter we received from the

BIA has provided us with the answer to that

question, and that is “Yes” we would still be an

IRA tribe. There were other cautions expressed

in that letter that we are addressing and will be

sent to the Tribal Council at a later date.

TRIBE DONATIONS TO “TOYS FOR TOTS” CAMPAIGN

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2012)

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

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly

income standard and the applicable SNAP standard

deduction.

48 Contiguous

United States:

House

hold

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$ 931

+

$149

=

$1,080

2

$1,261

+

$149

=

$1,410

3

$1,591

+

$149

=

$1,740

4

$1,921

+

$160

=

$2,081

5

$2,251

+

$187

=

$2,438

6

$2,581

+

$214

=

$2,795

7

$2,911

+

$214

=

$3,125

8

$3,241

+

$214

=

$3,455

Each additional member

+ $330

Alaska:

Household

Size

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$1,165

+

$256

=

$1,421

2

$1,577

+

$256

=

$1,833

3

$1,990

+

$256

=

$2,246

4

$2,402

+

$256

=

$2,658

5

$2,815

+

$256

=

$3,071

6

$3,227

+

$268

=

$3,495

7

$3,640

+

$268

=

$3,908

8

$4,052

+

$268

=

$4,320

Each additional member

KBIC Tribal Council at their November 1, 2012 meeting, presented a check in the amount of

$5,000 to this year’s annual “Toys For Tots” campaign. Seated l-r — Council women: Elizabeth

“Popcorn” Mayo, Carole LaPointe, Susan J. LaFernier, Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Jean Jokinen,

standing l-r Councilman Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Veterans: Don Mleko, Lee DeLeon, Howard

Mattson, KBIC President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Councilman Robert “R.D.” Curtis, Jr., Veterans:

Floyd Crawford, Rodney Loonsfoot. Council members: Eddy Edwards, Fred Dakota, Jerry Lee Curtis, and Toni Minton were unavailable for photo. Picture by L’Anse Sentinel.

“TOYS FOR TOTS” RECEIVE DONATION FROM THE

OJIBWA SENIOR CITIZENS

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

+ $413

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that

qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed

a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid

monthly to a non-household member.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur

the cost of legally required child support to or for a

non-household member are allowed a deduction for

the amount of monthly child support paid.

Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D

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

insurance and/or Part D prescription drug coverage

premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly

cost of the premiums.

FDPIR Resource Standards—see 7 CFR 253.6(d)

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

disabled member.

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

PHARMACY HOURS

Pharmacy Hours for the KBIC

Pharmacy are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00

p.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can reach the automated prescription

line by calling (906) 353-4555. Listen to the

choices, and have your prescription bottle or box

handy, so you can enter your prescription number on the prompt. If you call the Medical Receptionist for a refill, she will transfer you to the

Pharmacy.

It is good practice to bring in your medications with you on each visit to the doctor, so you

can see which ones you may need a refill on at

the time of your visit. Make a list of questions to

ask your provider to get the most out of your

visit! Plan ahead for your prescriptions so you

do not run out!

Please allow up to 48 hours for a prescription

refill. There are many steps to ensure patient

safety that our staff takes to get your medications refilled in a timely matter and offer you patient centered care.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

The Ojibwa Senior Citizens of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community hold pasty fundraisers ten

months of the year. Other fundraising activities have included soup & salad luncheons, Indian Tacos, and various raffles. The Seniors also have a Gift Shop at the Senior Center which provides an

opportunity for local crafters to sell their items. The funds raised by the Seniors are used to provide

educational incentives to students in Baraga County, Michigan Indian Elders Association Student

Incentives and Scholarships, monetary gifts for enrolled KBIC graduating students from high school

and Ojibwa Community College, the KBIC Kids’ Fishing Derby, and have provided travel/

entertainment trips this past year to Green Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. The Seniors approved a

$1,000 donation at the September meeting to Toys For Tots/Area Youth to show their gratitude to

the Baraga/L’Anse area customers who have supported their many fundraising activities and to show

their support for the Toys For Tots program. Seated l-r — Treasurer Susie Crawford, Ass’t Treasurer

Veronica Adams, Secretary Loretta Hugo, standing l-r Veterans: Rodney Loonsfoot, Wally Adams,

Donald Funke, OCS President Debra J. Parrish, Veterans: Howard Mattson, Don Mleko, Floyd Crawford, Lee DeLeon. OCS Vice President Agatha Cardinal was unavailable for photo.

Toys for Tots is now taking place. You can bring your gifts to the

KBIC Tribal Center where the Toys for Tots collection box is located.

KEWEENAW BAY OJIBWA LIBRARY NEWS…

The library has received a donation of cancer information books from the DHHS.

They are:





























The Great American Eat-Right Cookbook

Cancer: What Causes It, What Doesn't

Healthy Eating Cookbook

Quick Facts on Breast Cancer

Quick Facts on Advanced Cancer

Quick Facts on Bone Metastasis

Quick Facts on Thyroid Cancer

Quick Facts on Lung Cancer

Quick Facts on Prostate





Quick Facts on Colorectal Cancer

What Helped Get Me Through, Cancer

Surviors Share Wisdom and Hope

Cancer Caregiving A to Z

What to Eat During Cancer Treatment

Complete Guide to Nutrition for Cancer

Surviors

Pain Control, Understanding and Managing Cancer Pain

Reduce Your Cancer Risk

~ Mary Bergerson, Ojibwa

Community Library Director

(9) Zhaangaswi

DRUG

CONVICTION

REPORT

In a continuous effort to

reduce the illegal use of

controlled substances in our community, the

Drug Task Force has requested the publication of pertinent information regarding any

convictions of the Controlled Substances

section of the KBIC Tribal Code §3.1706.

The Tribal Court has agreed to comply with

the Drug Task Force’s request and will publish a Drug Conviction Report on a routine

basis.

James Emery, case #12-003, controlled substance

(sale – prescription pills) – 1st offense

Sentenced on 03/26/2012 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. Defendant is financially responsible for any and

all costs associated with lodging, alcohol, and

drug testing.

3. Defendant must obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow all recommendations until

successfully completed.

4. 180 days jail, serve 90, 90 days suspended

pending successful completion of all terms and

conditions of probation. Jail time may be served

on GPS tether.

5. Probation for 6-12 months with a $10 per month

fee. Standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with random PBTs and drug tests.

6. Defendant is required to register as a Sex Offender with the KBIC.

7. Defendant shall sign a release for Probation to

contact all of his medical providers and shall notify them of the sale of his prescription medications.

David DeCota, case #12-004, controlled substance

(sale – marijuana) – 1st offense

Sentenced on 03/29/2012 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. Defendant is financially responsible for lodging/

tether and any other costs incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant must obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow all recommendations until

successfully completed.

4. 180 days jail, 90 days suspended pending completion of all the terms of probation. Credit for

five days served. Defendant is to serve 85 days

on a GPS tether.

5. Defendant must complete 24 hours of community

service.

6. Six-twelve months with a $10 per monthly fee.

Standard alcohol and drug restricted probation

with random PBTs and drug tests.

Robert Swartz, case #12-101, controlled substance (possession - marijuana) – 1st offense

Sentenced on 06/05/2012 to:

1. Flat time due to Defendant’s extensive history

with multiple probation violations.

2. $500 fine.

3. Responsible for any and all costs associated with

lodging, drug, and alcohol testing.

4. Jail: 30 days, serve 13 days, credit for 17 days

served.

5. Upon release from jail, the Defendant will have

90 days to pay off fines and costs to the Court.

Corey Laurich, case #11-102, controlled substance (use – marijuana) – 1st offense

Sentenced on 08/06/2012 to:

1. $150 fine.

2. The Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any other costs incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Defendant must obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow all recommendations until

successfully completed.

4. Ninety (90) days jail with eighty (80) days suspended pending completion of all the terms of

probation. Must serve ten (10) days jail or be

released directly to treatment.

5. Six-twelve months probation with the $10 per

monthly fee. Standard alcohol and drug restricted probation with random PBTs and drug

tests.

6. Must complete education or obtain employment.

Travis Rajacic, case #12-107, controlled substance (use – marijuana) – 2nd offense

Sentenced on 09/10/2012 to:

1. $1000 fine.

2. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs

of lodging and any other costs incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Defendant must obtain a new substance abuse

screening and follow all the recommendations

until successfully completed. Must comply with

all mental health counseling and treatment recommendations.

4. One-hundred-eighty (180) days jail, 152 days

suspended pending successful completion of all

the terms of probation. Credit for 28 days

(10) Midaaswi

5.

served.

Probation is concurrent with case numbers 12099, 12-105, 12-106, and 12-108.

Tiana Drift, case #12-176, controlled substance

(use – prescription pills) – 1st offense

Sentenced on 10/08/2012 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs

of lodging and any other costs incurred while

incarcerated.

3. Defendant must obtain a substance abuse

screening and follow all the recommendations

until successfully completed.

4. 180 days jail, 150 days suspended, serve 30

days jail.

5. Six-twelve months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with the $10 per monthly fee.

6. Defendant must bring all prescription medications

to the Probation Officer for identification and pill

count. Defendant must seek employment and

provide proof to the Probation Officer of all attempts made. Defendant must perform community service to work off her fines and sign a payroll deduction to have payments made from her

per capita she receives from her Tribe or pay on

her fines with her per capita payments.

OJIBWA SENIOR NEWS

Our next regular meeting is scheduled

for Thursday, December 6, 2012, at 12:30

at the senior center.

Ojibwa Senior Christmas Party is Sunday, December 9, 2012, sign in beginning

4:30, dinner at 5:30. Call the senior center

if you will be attending so we know how

many gifts to get. Gifts will be the same as

last year.

We are having a raffle ending Dec. 9 th.

st

1 prize - a 42” TV, donated by the KBIC

ATR Program; 2nd prize a $250 Walmart gift

card; and 3rd prize a $100 Pines gift card.

Tickets are $5.00 each. Our seniors will be

selling tickets and are also available at the

senior center.

Brule’ Christmas Show at Black Bear

Otter Creel Event Center, Carlton, MN, on

December 15, 2012. Senior volunteers

were to sign up by November 29 th.

Twenty-one Ojibwa Seniors travelled to Green Bay on September 12th, and attended

the Daddy D Broadway type show at the Riverside Ballroom (photos above). They also

shopped, visited the Zoo, and toured Green Bay. Funds from the Fund Raising monies

were utilized. Seniors may sign up for our Fund Raising activities if you want to participate

on trips.

At our November 8, 2012 regular meeting, it was decided a possible “big” trip may be

offered for our seniors in September 2013, a week long trip to Branson, MO. To be eligible

to attend the 2013 big trip, seniors must participate in a minimum of five senior fund raising

activities. Contact Susie Crawford, 353-6183, for additional information.

The Ojibwa Seniors will again be selling their Ojibwa Senior Cookbook soon. The book

reprints should be received early January 2013, selling at $15.00 a book. Place your order

soon, don’t miss out.

Important Medical Billing Information

When you’ve been approved for payment from

Contract Health Services (CHS), you should not be

billed for medical services. Should you happen to

receive any invoice, it is imperative that you drop it

off at the CHS office to ensure timely payments can

be made and prevent credit or collection issues.

Call CHS Clerk, Elvera Lantz with any questions

at 906-353-4537.

Contact Health Services

Donald A. LaPointe Health Center

102 Superior Ave.

Baraga, MI 49908

906-353-4537

DECEMBER 2012 Calendar Events

Dec. 1: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa Resort Conference Room;

Dec. 7: Constitutional Committee Meeting, 1 pm, Council Chambers;

Dec. 8: Marquette Seniors’ Christmas Party; Wahlstrom’s Restaurant, 1pm;

Dec. 9: Baraga Ojibwa Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party;

Dec. 15: Baraga KBIC Youth Christmas Parties;

Dec 16: Marquette KBIC Youth Christmas Party;

Dec. 19: Veteran’s Meeting, 7 p.m.;

Dec. 24-26: Tribal Gov’t offices closed for Christmas holidays;

Dec. 31-Jan 1: Tribal Gov’t offices closed for New Year holidays.

~ 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.

IF ANYONE NEEDS WOOD

FOR FOUR DAY CEREMONY PURPOSES,

CONTACT R.D. CURTIS AT 201-2198.

Upper Peninsula BioFuel Calculator Now Live On

www.upbiofuel.com

Project Aims to Grow a Sustainable Industry

HOUGHTON, Michigan—There is a new online resource for

Western Upper Peninsula residents curious about cost-saving advantages of wood pellet heating. Rural homeowners are encouraged to visit www.upbiofuel.com/calculator/. By entering current

heating costs, the calculator will determine approximate annual savings and return on investment, based on professional installation of

a quality wood pellet stove.

A wood pellet is a piece of ground wood, dehydrated and compressed to twice the energy density of green wood. “One thing we

do really well locally is grow and harvest trees. Utilizing wood pellets to heat homes in rural areas of the Western U.P. is a sustainable and viable energy solution,” says Kim Stoker, Executive Director of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR).

The cost of oil, natural gas, and propane is historically high—and

rising. Locally-sourced pellet fuel reduces dependence on these

non-renewable fossil fuels. Most adults, including elderly, are capable of operating a wood pellet stove—no log splitting required. Additionally, wood pellet fuel has the potential to create a local industry, circulating fuels dollars in the local economy.

The U.P. BioFuel project is made possible through funding

sought and received by WUPPDR. The goal of this collaborative

effort is to realize the potential for growing biomass, to be harvested

and used as a valuable fuel source, on unused or underused agricultural land in the Western Upper Peninsula.

For more information on U.P. BioFuel, visit www.upbiofuel.com

or contact Kim Stoker, Executive Director, at (906) 482-7205, ext.

316 or kstoker@wuppdr.org.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

Holy Name of Jesus

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

Pastor

Father John Longbucco

Father Antony Lukka

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

• Email: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

Confessions: Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 12:00 p.m.

We provide the following services:

353-6565

saintann@up.net

Marquette Ojibwa Senior Citizen’s

Christmas Party

 Establishment, Enforcement and

Modification of Child Support Orders

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Paternity Establishment

 Community Education

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

Wahlstrom’s Restaurant, 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

To Register contact: Pat Brown at 273-0318.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Employment Opportunities

Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist Church

“We welcome each of you to our worship services,

at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen

Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

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

Continuous/On Call positions:







Board Operator







Cashier

Tribal Attorney

Receptionist/Clerical Worker (on

call)

Registered Nurse (on call)

Licensed Practical Nurse (on

call)







Account Executive/Sales









Unit Manager (New Day)

Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant

Community Service Supervisor

(one call)

Family Aide

On-Call Van Driver

Unit Manager (OVW)

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.

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

PRE-SORT STARDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Many Community members

attended the Mini Powwow and

Harvest Feast on November 11,

2012. The event was held at the

Niiwin Akeaa Community Center

in which the Community honored

their veterans. Everyone had a

great time, enjoyed songs by the

Beartown Singers, and a fantastic feast was served. The event

was sponsored by the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community and the

KBIC Cultural Committee.

A

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

KBIC Comprehensive Strategic

Shown above are two young friends Plan was presented immediately

enjoying an Inter-tribal song.

following the activities.