All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2009)

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GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Waabigwani Giizis - Flower Moon - May 2009

Issue 59

DHHS Celebrates Nurse’s Week and

Announces DHHS First Superior Spirit Award Recipient

Deb Vizina, LPN at DHHS Medical Clinic, is the first

KBIC Superior Spirit Award Recipient.

To the Nurses at the Tribal Health Clinic:

Carole LaPointe, KBIC’s Health Director,

states, “The purpose of the Superior Spirit

Award is three-fold. We needed to recognize

our employees and motivate our employees to

do their best work while offering the best customer service possible when working for

DHHS.”

LaPointe continues, “I am pleased to announce our first KBIC Superior Spirit Award

winner is Debbie Vizina, an LPN employed at

the KBIC Medical Clinic. Debbie received two

nominations from our Community. Deb is dedicated to serving the patient. She is friendly,

caring, compassionate, extremely hard-working

and thorough; she ROCKS! No matter how

busy she is, she is always pleasant and willing

to help any way she can.”

Congratulations to Deb Vizina, and thank

you for all that you do for our Community. Deb

received a beaded lanyard for her ID badge, a

month of parking in the specially designated

parking spot for the award recipient, and her 8

x 10 photo will be on display in the medical

clinic reception area.

The KBIC Department of Health and Human

Services is pleased to recognize and honor

their employees, volunteers, physicians, nurses

and ancillary department staff who, personally

and collectively, go above and beyond by

showing respect, consideration, and compassion for others, thus serving as role models for

all. Next time you visit the Donald A. LaPointe

Medical Facility, please take a moment to recognize someone who treated you extra special.

Nomination forms are available near conveniently located drop boxes throughout the facility.

They work tired or even sick

Because they know the job needs to be done

To me, they have become something more

than just nurses.

I see them everyday at the tribal clinic.

See, I have developed an infection

After my surgery

They have been with me every step of the way

Never wavering, never turning me away,

always accepting me

Day after day they welcome me with a smile

That makes all the difference to me.

They dress and pack my incision tenderly,

CELEBRATE

never hurting me

NURSE’S

Talking to me the whole time,

WEEK

to keep my mind off it

MAY

I feel sad about this, the invasion of my body

6th —12th,

by this unknown enemy

That I have no control over, no power over

But the nurses keep my hope up and tell me

every day that it will get better

I wouldn’t be healing this well without them.

I am thankful everyday that they are there,

not just for me, for the whole tribe

They treat everyone the same, with the same

gentleness, same competent hands

I see them as warrior women who protect

the tribe in their own right.

TELL YOUR

I will always be thankful for their presence

FAVORITE

I will offer my tobacco in thanks for them.

NURSE

To the nurses at the tribal clinic,

HOW MUCH

chi-miigwetch for all you do.

YOU

APPREICIATE

~ Sally Brunk, March 2009

WHAT THEY

DO!

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Susan J. LaFernier, Vice-President

Toni Minton, Secretary

William E. Emery, Asst. Secretary

Jennifer Misegan, Treasurer

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Jerry Lee Curtis

Frederick Dakota

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Isabelle H. Welsh

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:

•

April 4, 2009, Tribal Council

meeting

Teaching Anishinaabe Language to Marquette Public

School Children

Dream Catcher Award Recipient Announced

Early Birds Get the Worms at

Sand Point Sloughs and Mud

Lake

May is Foster Care Month…

You can make a difference

Screening of “Older Than

America”

Ojibwa Housing Authority

News

Ojibwemowin

Deepest Sympathy

HEALTH DEPARTMENT PURCHASES

SIGNS IN RESPECT OF KB ELDERS

The KBIC Tribal Health Department recently purchased

signs to ensure our elder members are given easy barrier-free

access to our buildings and to

convey the message of respect

for them in our community.

These signs are meant for

elders with disabilities or who

have walkers and other moving

equipment such as oxygen. No

elder should have to park below the parking lot grade and

walk up to the building. The

signs have been placed in the

Health Department and Tribal

Center parking lots.

(1) Bezhig

April 4, 2009 — Tribal Council Meeting

The Tribal Council held their regularly scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting on April 4,

2009, at the Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference

Room in Baraga, Michigan. Warren C. Swartz, Jr.

presided over the meeting with Susan 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.

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s

report for March 2009. After returning from the

NCAI meeting held in Washington D.C. during the

beginning of the month, President Swartz contacted John Tembruell regarding the Community’s

letter of support for the new hospital in L’Anse.

While speaking with Mr. Tembruell, President

Swartz spoke to him on the Community’s concern

regarding some information contained within the

CARES brochure. Mr. Tembruell indicated that he

would contact Carole LaPointe, Health Director,

regarding our concerns within that brochure. President Swartz asked Mr. Tembruell to provide the

Community with a letter of support regarding the

expansion of the Donald A. LaPointe Health and

Educational facility. The letter has been provided.

President Swartz participated in a conference

call set up by Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Chairman

Darwin (Joe) McCoy who invited other tribes to participate in a meeting to be held on Tuesday, April

14, 2009, with the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Three goals have been identified for the meeting - 1) Indian Health Care Improvement Act; 2) Organized Labor in Casinos; 3)

Obama Administration appointments. Swartz contacted KBIC Health Director, Carole LaPointe, to

prepare a one-page summary consisting of what

we would like to do, what the concerns of the Community are, and what we’d like to see addressed.

Swartz further indicated he has requested Ojibwa

Community College President, Debra Parrish, to

prepare a list of key points for him to present so

that KBIC doesn’t miss the opportunity to address

some of the Community’s ideas and goals with the

College. President Swartz and Council member

Jerry Lee Curtis, will be attending the April 14,

2009, meeting in Washington D.C. Another goal

identified is to ask for an annual meeting of Tribal

Leaders to meet with government representatives

in Washington D.C. and not just as a one time

event. We’d like to have the White House come to

us, Michigan Tribes, for input about our concerns.

President Swartz has received notice from

CITGO of the approval of the Community’s grant

application in the amount of $79,500. These funds

are to be used for home heating assistance for individual households who are members of the tribe,

for non-profit government facilities, or social institutions such as fire halls, community buildings,

schools, day care facilities, or clinics that serve

members of the tribe and have been screened as

qualified by the appropriate authority. President

Swartz attended a meeting last Wednesday, with

Jerry Santos, a representative of CITGO. President Swartz learned we can redistribute the money

through guidelines that are set by the Community

to help 250 households to all Keweenaw Bay Indian Community members who live anywhere

within the continental 48 states. Approximately

$8,000 of the allocated money can be utilized to

administrate the distribution of funds. We are eligible to apply for this funding next year as well.

President Swartz called the Department of Education regarding how the Tribe could pursue funding for the Head Start and Early Head Start directly

from the Department of Education instead of

through Michigan Inter-Tribal Council and was advised to watch for Federal announcements for direction on how to access this funding.

President Swartz participated in a conference

call with the National Congress of America Indians

where they discussed the economical stimulus

package and different projects that would be eligible for stimulus money. Examples identified were

hotels as long as they were not attached to a Casino and golf courses. We asked if we could use

tax-exempt bonds for refinancing debt and for

matching fund requirements. NCAI stated they

would get back to those participating in the conference call with answers to the questions.

Susan LaFernier gave the Vice President’s Report. “We all need to commit to do our part to

make a difference to protect our environment and

change the world. Information is available on the

(2) Niizh

EPA.gov and energy.gov websites.” The 2009

NMU Indigenous Earth Issues Summit will be held

on April 6th with presenters throughout the day and

a featured speaker, Evon Peter, will present An

Arctic Perspective on the Eco-Challenges Facing

Our Generation. Chuck Brumleve, KBIC’s Mining

Specialist and Vice President Susan LaFernier will

do a presentation during the afternoon on KBIC’s

challenges regarding proposed sulfide mining. Remember April 22nd is EARTH DAY! Spring cleanup

is just around the corner, and our faithful volunteers

will be once again cleaning our roadsides. Let’s all

do our part by keeping the roadside where we live

free of liter all year. We are recruiting volunteers to

join our Adopt-A-Road program and to clean our

cemeteries in May. If you are able to help, please

call Vice President Susan LaFernier (353-6623,

ext. 4168).

On March 5th Council members, housing and

court employees attended an informative luncheon

with Mr. John Peterson, MSW, Senior Program

Manager of Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Supportive housing could be permanent, affordable

housing linked to a range of comprehensive support services for persons who may be homeless,

have an inability to get or maintain housing, low

income, and/or face chronic health challenges/

conditions. The services help people live more

stable, productive lives. A growing number of communities around the country are implementing new

strategies to stop “managing” and start ending

homelessness. Supportive housing is a successful, cost-effective combination of affordable housing

with services. A tour of supportive housing projects

in Minnesota is scheduled for April 13-15.

Vice President LaFernier attended a meeting on

the proposed wellness program with various department head and employees on March 13, where

they discussed program components.

On March 19th, Council began reviewing

KBIC’s 30-page Comprehensive Plan document for

accomplishments and revisions. After much discussion, only two or three pages were reviewed,

and a subsequent meeting has been scheduled.

After Council completes the review, it will be presented to department heads and the Community

for input.

We have, as of yet, not been informed of the

decision from the administrative hearing officer in

our contested case hearing regarding the mining

permits for the Yellow Dog Plains. Comments regarding the proposed Humboldt Mill permit were

submitted on March 18th. Comments are being

worked on for the proposed exploratory permits for

the Ottawa National Forest. Please continue to call

and write elected officials and inform them that the

short term benefits are not worth the harmful long

term effects on our health, river, Great Lakes, and

wild places because of the great potential for acid

mine drainage.

Toni Minton presented the Secretary’s Report

for March. During the month of March 2009, the

Tribal Council had one regular meeting and six

special meetings. The regular Tribal Council meeting was held on March 7, 2009, and is reported in

the April 2009 Tribal Newsletter. The following actions occurred during the special meeting held on

March 2, 2009: approved the meeting minutes of

March 16, 2006; held a grievance hearing (case

#003-09); granted three days of funeral leave to the

employee in grievance case #003-09 and returned

the annual leave used; approved Resolution

KB1653-2009 Tribal Transit Program grant application; agreed to move forward with the Tribal Center

flood repair and have Tribal Construction do the

work; reviewed Tribal Finances with Chief Financial

Officer Francis LaPointe; approved the Drug Task

Force budget; approved the services agreement

with Lowell Larson, Jr. for Gang Resistance Education at the Baraga Elementary School; approved

the Employee Assistance contract renewal with

North Star Employee Assistance and Life Counseling Center; agreed to post the Summer Youth Coordinator position; agreed to participate in the

Michigan Tribal Wide Wage Survey conducted by

the Little Traverse Bay Band. The following actions

occurred during the special meeting held on March

3, 2009: continued financial review; and approved

the February 2009 donations totaling $3887. The

following actions occurred during the special meeting held on March 12, 2009: approved Resolution

KB1651-2009 GLIFWC Agreement; approved

Resolution KB1661-2009 Census Partner Proclamation; voted to offer the Language Coordinator

Position to Gary Loonsfoot, Jr.; approved the renewal rates for Blue Cross Blue Shield effective

March 1st for the Enterprise contract and April 1st

for the Government contract; agreed to keep the

Blue Cross Blue Shield base rates the same as last

year; approved an addition to the On Call Emergency Services; appointments to insert years of

service accrual; approved the meeting minutes of

March 24, 2006, and April 7, 2006; approved the

4D Pharmacy and Business Associate Agreement:

agreed to open a separate ACH Debit account for

the Pharmacy Agreement; approved the bid of

Sanborn in the amount of $24,600 for Orthophotography of the L’Anse Reservation with $5600 of the

funds coming out of the BIA 10% account; and approved a letter of support for the Baraga County

Memorial Hospital. The following actions occurred

during the special meeting held on March 19, 2009:

approved a six-month extension of Expansion Option for Olympic Steel; approved the 2009 Commercial Fishing Licenses; approved a donation of

$100 to Doris Roberts for travel to her nephew’s

funeral; changed the disability policy to allow participants to change their distribution option twice

per year; approved the contract with Dr. D’Agostino

for New Day; and approved Resolutions KB16542009 Dan and Beth Conner Lease Modification,

KB1655-2009 Melvin LaFernier, Sr. Residential

Lease, KB1656-2009 Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan, KB1657-2009 Bridge Construction

Co-Op, KB1658-2009 James Lahti Recreational

Lease, KB1660-2009 MSUE Grant Application

Support, KB1662-2009 Vicki Emery Residential

Lease Modification, KB1663-2009 Colleen Morin

Residential Lease, and KB1664-2009 Blue Misegan and Emily Emery Residential Lease. The following actions occurred during the special meeting

held on March 20, 2009: Council met with the

Ojibwa Housing Authority Board. The following

actions occurred during the special meeting held

on March 26, 2009: three grievance hearings; approved the purchase of tables/chairs for the Ojibwa

Senior Citizens; approved moving expenses up to

$5000 for Psychologist Dr. Beaufat pending his

contract approval; approved the purchase of a refrigerated truck from Frei Chevrolet for the Commodities Foods Program in the amount of $57,209;

approved a Letter of Credit for Tribal Construction

for a dump truck purchase at auction; agreed to

conditionally reinstate the employee in case #00409 pending completion of EAP services and their

recommendations; overturned the termination of

the employee in case #005-09 and to reinstate the

employee with back pay; and upheld the termination decision in case #006-09. The following actions occurred during the special meeting held on

March 30, 2009: approved donations totaling

$9300; agreed to hire Jodene Rasanen as the

Summer Youth Coordinator; approved Tribal member request KB09-09 in the amount of $862.18 for

an emergency waterline repair; agreed to have the

Chair sign the CITGO donation contract; set the

summer youth worker wages at $7.40 per hour for

all youth; approved the three Appellate Justices

Contracts; added license inspections to the Special

Projects Coordinator Position; approved the business license of Jeff Lamson for Studio 702; approved the big boat license name transfer of Dan

Alexander to Dawn Alexander; and approved a

$300 donation for Tribal member request KB10-09

for car repair.

Jennifer Misegan presented the Treasurer’s report for March. Council approved twelve donation

requests for the month of March totaling $9300:

American Red Cross (annual contribution) for

$500, Girl Scout Troop #5400 for $250, National

Native Language Revitalization Summit for $500,

KBIC Headstart and Early Headstart (Annual Headstart Powwow) for $1000, $50 for the L’Anse High

School Sophomore Class for their calendar, and

the Baraga Lumberjack Days Committee for $7000.

Treasurer Misegan attended a presentation sponsored by the Baraga County Parent Group by facilitator Lt. Jeff Racine of UPSET (Upper Peninsula

Substance Enforcement Team) on March 17th.

Treasurer Misegan reported she spoke directly to

Lt. Racine regarding the 2% requests, reminding

him of the March 31st deadline. She invited him to

address the Council not only for drug educational

purchases but to report on how they have used the

2% funds in the past and what they could do with

additional funding. They also spoke on having Lt.

Racine present at a Community meeting. Misegan

indicated she has contacted Vicki Dompier of the

Drug Task Force Team and Chris Gerard, Weed

and Seed Coordinator regarding the Community

meeting.

Treasurer Misegan continues to work on a forContinued on page four.

Michigan Indian

Elders Association

Scholarship Program

MICHIGAN INDIAN ELDERS ASSOCIATION

2009 SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE

The Michigan Indian Elders Association (MIEA) is pleased

to announce that it will make available a minimum of four (4)

$500 scholarships and one (1) $1000 scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded to at least five qualified students with

the $1000 scholarship being awarded to the most qualified

student as determined by committee review and lottery, if necessary. Each student must be currently enrolled in a course of

study at, or have a letter of acceptance from, a public college,

university or technical school and must meet the following

qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS – the student:

•

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

direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the

MIEA constituent Tribes/Bands ( must be verified in writing

by your tribal Enrollment Department ).

• Must have successfully completed and passed all five

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

tests with a minimum score of 40 and an average score of

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

graduated from an accredited high school with a 3.00

grade point average; or if currently enrolled at a college,

university or trade school, must have an accumulative

grade point average of 3.00.

• Must, except for special and extenuating circumstances,

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

• Must complete the provided application form and submit it

with required supporting documentation and the mailing

must be RECEIVED BY THE COORDINATOR no later

than June 22, 2009. (PLEASE NOTE, incomplete or late

applications will not be considered).

An application form can be obtained from the tribal education department or tribal senior office.

2009 KBIC FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The KBIC Education Department announces the availability of the 2009 KBIC Forestry Scholarship applications. The

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has a vital interest in the

preservation of the land and forests on and near the reservation. The Tribal Council has approved two scholarships for

college students pursuing Forestry degrees. The scholarship

amount is $2,500 twice a year for up to four years. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Enrolled Tribal member

Resident of Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota

Attending an accredited college/university in Michigan,

Wisconsin, or Minnesota

Enrolled as a full-time student

Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry documented by

their college

Eligible students must complete an application, submit an

essay detailing their interest in their chosen field and submit

a copy of their official transcripts (high school or college).

For more information and to request an application, contact Amy St. Arnold, Education Director at 906-353-6623, ext.

4117 or at amy@KBIC-nsn.gov. The application deadline is

August 3, 2009 at 4 p.m.

“TAXI”

BARAGA COUNTY RESIDENTS CALL:

(906) 231-3330

L.L. LYNX TRANSPORT IIC P.O. BOX 787 BARAGA, MI 49908

Reduced rate considerations for those needing

routine rides to class or work. Call for details.

•

WE ALSO PROVIDE VEHICLE LOCKOUT SERVICES DURING REGULAR

BUSINESS HOURS.

BUSINESS HOURS: 10 A.M. — 2 A.M. Mon.-Sat., 3 P.M. — 12 A.M. Sun.

SUMMER COLLEGE INTERN PROGRAM

The Tribal Council has approved funding for a Summer

College Intern Program. Five students will be placed with

Tribal departments for 14 weeks this summer, working 32

hours per week @ $8.91 per hour. Students must be

KBIC members, attending college full-time during the 2008

-09 academic year and continuing during the 2009-10 academic year, must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 and must provide proof

of GPA, full-time status and college major. If the number of students

applying is greater than the number of positions available, the highest

GPA’s will be used to determine placement.

To apply, please contact Pauline Spruce at the Personnel Office at

the Tribal Center. Her phone number is 353-6623, ext. 4140. The

deadline to apply is May 15, 2009, at 4 p.m. Students could begin work

as early at May 26. Applications will be accepted after May 15 if all positions are not filled.

If you have any questions regarding the Summer College Intern Program, please contact Amy St. Arnold, Education Director, at 353-4117

or at amy@KBIC-nsn.gov

2009 ANN MISEGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The KBIC Education Department announces the availability of the

2009 Ann Misegan Memorial Scholarship applications. The scholarship

amount is $1,000 twice a year for up to six years, and will be awarded

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

Enrolled Tribal member

Attending an accredited college/university

Enrolled as a full-time student

Pursuing a degree in a Health Care field

Resident of Baraga or Marquette County

Eligible students must complete an application, submit an essay detailing their interest in their chosen health field and submit a copy of

their official transcripts (high school or college).

For more information and to request an application contact Amy St.

Arnold, Education Director at 906-353-6623, ext. 4117 or at amy@KBIC

-nsn.gov. The application deadline is August 3, 2009, at 4 p.m.

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.

Derek Gauthier, case #08-328, Controlled Substance (use) - 1st offense

Factual Basis:

Defendant tested

positive for marijuana and morphine.

Sentenced on 02/17/2009 to:

1. $500 fine or 80 hours of community

service.

2. 18-24 months standard drug and alcohol restricted probation with a $10

monthly probation fee.

3. 180 days jail, serve 30 days with

credit for 22 days served and 150

days suspended.

4. The Defendant is responsible for all

lodging fees, medical costs, alcohol

and drug testing fees.

1ST STEP COUNSELING SERVICE

If you are interested in starting or buying

a business and don’t know what

to do next…

Call Tina Durant @

(906) 353-2626 at

the Anishinaabe Anokii

Center.

She will set you up with an appointment

with a certified business counselor in the

Baraga County area. Sessions are free and

confidential.

5. The Defendant is subject to daily

PBT’s and random drug testing until

the Probation Officer deems otherwise.

6. The Defendant is to apply to the

TERO program and Michigan Works

and provide the Probation Office with

weekly proof of job search.

Angel Morseau, case #08-366, Controlled Substance (use) - 1st offense

Factual Basis: Defendant purchased

and consumed Methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, and Cocaine. Defendant did not

have a prescription for Hydrocodone.

Sentenced on 04/09/2009 to:

1. $500 fine.

2. 90 days jail, 70 days suspended,

credit for 20 days served in jail or on

tether. Defendant is responsible for

the lodging fees and tether fees, and

associated costs while incarcerated.

3. 12 months alcohol and drug restricted

probation with a $10 monthly probation fee. Defendant is responsible for

the costs associated with PBT’s and

drug testing [concurrent with 08-305].

4. Defendant is to obtain a substance

abuse screening and is to follow the

recommendations of that screening

until successfully discharged.

To place an ad,

submit an article,

or relate information or ideas on

possible articles

contact: Lauri Denomie

at newsletter @ kbic-nsn.gov

or call 906-201-0263.

To be added to the

mailing list or

to correct your mailing address,

contact the enrollment office at

(906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.

http://www.lllynxtransport.com

(3) Niswi

April 4, 2009 Council Meeting continued from page two.

mat for financial reporting to the Community and

hopes to forward one to the Council soon. She has

met with Gregg Nominelli regarding the Keweenaw

Bay Tribal Development Corporation, and they

have discussed the need to study models that are

successful in Indian Country and to work towards

implementing them here. Mr. Nominelli is working

on a timeline and is bringing it forward to the Economic Development Committee.

Treasurer Misegan was a guest speaker at

NMU’s Tribal Law and Government Class on

March 18. Misegan stated “It is encouraging to see

KB members in their class. This year Ty Curtis and

John Varline were students. The class is taught by

a very talented instructor, Violet M. Friisvall Ayres.”

Treasurer Misegan indicated she was subpoenaed to testify in Federal District Court on March

23rd in the Robert Genschow, Sr., case. Many

other Tribal members and employees were required to testify in the trial as well.

On March 31st Treasurer Misegan attended a

meeting in Watersmeet regarding inland spearing

and the 1842 Treaty area. President Swartz had

asked her to attend the meeting as he had received

an e-mail regarding the meeting the afternoon prior

and was unable to attend as he was out of town. It

appeared from the e-mail that there was going to

be negotiations with the State of Michigan regarding all the Tribes in the ceded territory. However,

as it turned out, the meeting was like the other

spring spearing meetings except it was attended by

representatives from the Sokaogon Chippewa and

Lac du Flambeau Tribes. Treasurer Misegan indicated she made it perfectly clear, “Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community is not a party of any of the proposals that were being discussed and while we had

limited involvement, we were not represented by

anyone other than ourselves. KBIC will continue to

assert authority over our home territory, and anyone coming into our home territory must get and

receive our permission to hunt, fish, trap and

gather, and be bound to our regulations.” There

was a good discussion among the Tribes in attendance and Jimmer Williams, LVD Chairman, asked

if we would work on developing a Memorandum of

Agreement among the Tribes regarding the home

territory issues.

Larry Denomie gave the CEO report for March.

Council has officially hired Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. to

serve as the Language Program Coordinator. Gary

had been serving as Interim Director. The program

is progressing as planned and the level of commitment from participants remains high.

Our current Eagle Radio Interim General Manager has submitted his resignation for the post but

will continue to serve in his former position. Council is reviewing options in filling the position and

may make a selection prior to the end of April.

Council has approved funding for Orthrophotography to be conducted on the reservation and the

Village of L’Anse area. Sandborn of Colorado

Springs, CO, has been awarded the $24,600 contract and will begin work within the next couple of

weeks. Both L’Anse and Baraga Villages have provided $2000 in support funds and will receive the

information as well.

The Community received the renewal rates for

the two Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offered to

employees. The rates rose slightly less than expected but still caused a slight increase in employee contributions toward their plan. Plans and

work continues on the Wellness Program for KBIC.

A Department Head meeting was held on March

25th. An Internet Addiction presentation was provided by Art Jodin of the Employee Assistance Program. This problem is cropping up more often recently, and it is interesting that excessive or compulsive computer use is now deemed to be an addiction. We discussed internal and external use of

computers for personal use. Others topics discussed were training needs, updates on the Comprehensive plan process, policy updates and reminders, time and attendance issues, forming a

government safety committee to work with Clayton

Ekdahl and scheduling an employee recognition

event.

KBIC is in the process of hiring a Psychologist.

An interview has been conducted, and the individual has been offered the position. If the contract

language is agreed upon, the individual will begin

work on May 1st.

The Tribe’s Summer Youth Employment Program will be under the direction of Jodene

Rasanen who has served in that capacity for the

past two years. The Tribe has set the wage for this

year’s youth at $7.40 per hour which is considerably higher than years past. Due to the wage, there

will be no years of service increments added.

(4) Niiwin

Debbie Parrish, Ojibwa Community College

President, gave an update on Ojibwa College’s Self

Study Report process. Since April 2008, OCC has

submitted the Preliminary Information form; reviewed and revised the first draft of the five accreditation criterion; completed the reply from the

Preliminary Information form and the eligibility review; received notice the College passed the eligibility review; completed the SWOT Analysis

(strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

that employees determined the College faced);

completed a draft of the Strategic Plan; reviewed

the criterion; began compiling policies and other

documents requested by the Higher Learning Commission; concluded a final revision of the criterion;

continued research development; and completed

the appendices to the final revision of the Self

Study. OCC submitted the Self Study Report in

March of 2009, and the Higher Learning Commission visit is scheduled for April 6-8, 2009. As the

Self Study Report contains a lot of information,

President Parrish previously provided all council

members with a CD to review. The Self Study Report is 70 pages long with an additional 30 pages of

appendices. These are the initial documents OCC

needed to provide. There are an additional 20

documents in their resource room which includes

learning objectives for each course and professional development plans for faculty and staff. Included in the Self Study Report is the history of the

college, the history of tribe, how OCC holds the

status to operate as an Institution of Higher Education, how the College publishes and makes available to students and the broader public a Statement of Mission adopted by its governing body.

The College shows they have students in degree

programs and that students have graduated from

degree programs. The College has explained how

the required learning outcome prepares graduates

for their professional and civic lives. The College

has engaged qualified academic personnel essential to certify curriculum instruction and academic

programs. The College has demonstrated the

ownership of or the responsibility for sharing access to, the learning resources and student support

services necessary to facilitate the learning expected of its enrolled students. The faculty, staff

and Board of Regents have evaluated the organization’s recent history, past three years of budgeting, and compared budgeted income and expenses

against actual income and expenses. OCC has

represented evidence of ongoing funding that includes a realistic action plan for achieving full accreditation with the commission. The five criterion

in this Self Study Report are: 1) mission integrity

which is to provide post-secondary education rich

in Ojibwa culture, tradition and beliefs that supports

life-long learning; 2) preparing for the future by

working on their strategic plan and how OCC will

look at additional finances in the future; 3) student

learning and effective teaching (OCC has to demonstrate the assessment of student learning); 4)

acquisition, discovery and application acknowledge

(professional development for their faculty, training

for their staff and how more students have graduated); and 5) engagement in service (which has

been done through surveys from their vocational

education, entrepreneur courses, welding, excel,

computers, woodshop, industrial manufacturing,

and other programs offered). Also mentioned are

student organizations, the transferring of credits to

the other universities and how OCC is involved in

the community. OCC President Parrish concluded,

“We all have gratitude to the Tribal Council for

funding us.”

On another note, OCC President Parrish wished

to congratulate Jessica Koski. Through the Ojibwa

Community College she was able to complete an

internship in Washington D.C. She then went to

Michigan Tech where she took part in a program at

George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Jessica met a lot of good resource people there.

She was chosen as the WINS Intern Student of the

year. OCC is very proud of her, and she has recently been accepted at Yale for her Graduate

work. Congratulations to Georgeina Earring who

was selected as the Student of the Year for Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa College. She also won first

place in Memoir Writing out of all the Tribal Colleges. OCC has just received word they will receive the $55,000 equipment grant for the Woods

Technology Program.

OCC has finalized the

$250,000 Distance Student Education Grant. They

will be setting up video conferencing this summer

at different locations, so students may access

courses without actually having to sit in the classroom; they will be able to take classes from other

places on the reservation.

Council member Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo addressed the Council by reading a letter she prepared on community concerns regarding OHA’s

recent purchases of the BP gas station, carwash

and Laundromat. In summary, Council member

Mayo briefed that all three of these businesses

were owned by Larry Denomie. Reasons of disagreeing with the purchase were indicated as a

concern of the economic well being of our tribe,

and of our future ability to provide benefits to our

members. First of all, the Ojibwa Housing Authority

is not a tribe. It is an organization established by

tribal ordinance with a specific purpose. The

Ojibwa Housing Authority was established on September 22, 1965, under Article Six of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Constitution for

the following purpose: Article II Purposes. The

Authority shall be organized and operated for the

purposes of 1) remedying unsafe and unsanitary

housing commissions that are injurious to the public health, safety, and morals; 2) alleviating the

acute shortage of decent, safe and sanitary dwellings for persons of low income; and 3) providing

employment opportunities through the construction,

reconstruction, improvement, extension, alteration,

or repair and operation of low income dwellings.

Council member Mayo stated, “I believe by purchasing and operating these businesses, the

Ojibwa Housing Authority is acting outside of the

scope of their intended purpose. Why is that a big

deal? One of the reasons is the liability of the

Ojibwa Housing Authority itself. By acting outside

of the scope of their purpose, the Ojibwa Housing

Authority is taking a legal risk. If they somehow

cause harm to another person or entity, they can

be sued. This can happen simply by doing business. For example, if the Ojibwa Housing Authority

was to cause harm to another business, and that

harm can be defined as lost business, that business could hold a liability claim against the Ojibwa

Housing Authority because the Ojibwa Housing

Authority was acting outside of their intended purpose. They are not supposed to be in the gasoline

business, the laundry business or the carwash

business. They have a specific purpose, and this

is to provide safe, sanitary, low income housing on

the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Reservation.

I can understand Ojibwa Housing Authority’s Building Supply business and even the Ojibwa Builders,

in spite of the direct competition with our own Tribal

Construction. At least those are related in some

way to the purpose of building homes for use on

the reservation. I can not, for the life of me, understand how owning a gas station, a Laundromat and

a carwash are going to provide safe, sanitary, affordable housing for members of the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community; especially when a gas station will be in direct competition with our Pines

Convenience Center.

We pay for emergency

health care, home heating, senior stipends, the

annual Christmas bonus, and the list goes on and

on, all from the revenues we receive from our businesses. It makes absolutely no sense to me for the

Tribal Council to condone this or even stand by and

let it happen. Sure, these businesses might provide a few additional jobs in the community. The

cause of those new jobs though may ultimately

come from loss of revenue at our own gas station.

I am calling on those of you on the Tribal Council

who are not on the Ojibwa Housing Board, the Superior National Bank Board, or the Keweenaw Financial Corporation to take notice of this and join

me to putting a stop to the Ojibwa Housing Authority’s effort to take much needed revenue from the

Tribal members we represent. I am actually surprised that our CFO has not advised the Council of

the importance of this issue. Of course it should

probably be noted that Hosh (Frances LaPointe,

Jr.) sits on the Ojibwa Housing Board of Directors.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Larry Denomie, who I

am told was in jeopardy of default on his loans for

these businesses through the Superior National

Bank, could have provided some direction to the

Tribal Council. Some of my questions to Larry

would have been: If these businesses are an investment for the Tribe, why did you approach

them? How much are you making on this deal?

You are dealing with public dollars here; this is not

some private transaction between two individual

people. It would be interesting to see what was

owed to the bank and what the final purchase price

was. I understand that the Laundromat and the

carwash were open for business yesterday. Has

the Ojibwa Housing Authority applied for business

licenses? Do they even think they have too? Under whose authority are they operating these businesses? The Tribe does have an ordinance that

requires a business to have a business license.

Continued on page eight.

Early Birds Get the Worms at Sand Point Sloughs and Mud Lakes

Spring is in the air, and birds and people are returning from their

winter retreats. Visit local area walking trails and view the beauty of

Mother Nature as she wakes from slumber and blossoms into the lush

greenery of summer. Sand Point Sloughs (located behind the Ojibwa

Campground near the lakeshore) and Mud Lakes (at the intersection of

Mission Road and Hwy 41) are two places that the KBIC Natural Resource Department maintains for wildlife and recreation.

Sand Point Sloughs

Take a walk along the nature trail and floating dock to view Hidden

Lakes where wild rice grows annually, and a variety of waterfowl enjoy

the bounty. There are eleven wood duck boxes distributed around

three of six small lakes and ponds, some of which are used by breeding pairs of wood ducks annually. Approach quietly, bring binoculars,

and you may be rewarded with viewing one of the most colorful ducks

that call the U.P. their home. Several other waterfowl species spotted

at Sand Point Sloughs during annual waterfowl surveys that you may

be able to see include: Hooded Merganser, Goldeneye, Ringneck,

Bufflehead, Mallard, and Canada Goose. Other birds to look for are

Barred Owl (there was a nesting pair with three young last spring), and

a wide variety of the vibrantly colored songbirds such as the Yellow

Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green Warbler, American Redstart and Indigo Bunting to name a few.

The Natural Resource Department will be erecting a variety of nesting boxes for blue birds, chickadees, kestrel, and butterflies on the

walking trail. Local Cub Scouts and KBIC Natural Resource Department staff will build and place turtle platforms in April.

Miigwetch goes to the following volunteers for their assistance at

Sand Point Sloughs: (William) Gene Emery for his time and effort to

build wood duck boxes, chickadee, bluebird and kestrel houses; KBIC

Tribal Youth who participated in the construction and painting of butterfly houses through KBIC partnership with the Cedar Tree Institute’s

Wings and Seeds Initiative; and Beartown Firefighters along with Superior Watershed Partnership for Youth for removing downed trees from

the trail.

Mud Lakes

Take walks on two nature trails at Mud Lakes. The newest trail was

cleared last summer with the help of Superior Watershed Partnership

Conservation Youth Crew. Thanks to these dedicated volunteers and

KBIC NRD staff, this new trail includes a floating dock that leads to

“Pine Island” where you can observe the southern end of the largest of

three lakes. The original trail leads to a floating dock and an observation tower that offers a bird’s-eye view of the north end of the largest

lake and surrounding marsh.

From these vantage points, watch for more wood ducks (twelve

wood duck boxes are established), other waterfowl, and a wide variety

of birds. In addition to similar species listed for Sand Point, you may

see Great Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, Pied Billed Grebe, Tree Swallow, Kingfisher, or Bald Eagle. Areas along the hiking trails are excellent places to view up to eight of twelve species of frogs known to inhabit the U.P. As water temperatures increase, the evening sound of

frogs and toads calling can reach an amazingly loud volume.

Plans for Mud Lakes include erecting various nest boxes and turtle

platforms - so visit often and see the animals that take advantage of

KBIC community hospitality!

Miigwetch for volunteer assistance from: Gene Emery for nest box

construction, Superior Watershed Partnership Conservation Youth Crew

for helping to clear the new hiking trail, and Baraga County Cub Scouts

for assistance with building and placing turtle platforms.

Common Name

Anishinaabe

American Redstart

bineshiihn

Bald Eagle

migizi

Black-throated

Green Warbler

Barred Owl

majiitaagoozid

Sandhill Crane

jijaag

Ringneck Duck

dagwaagishiib

gookooko’oo

Great Blue Heron

ajiijaak

Tree Swallow

zhaashaawanibiisii

Indigo Bunting

ozhaawaashkobineshii

Pied Billed Grebe

zhiigibiz

Yellow Warbler

majiitaagoozid

Canada Goose

nikaa

Mallard

ininiishiib

Hooded Merganser

anzig

Kingfisher

ogiishkimanisii

Common Yellowthroat

majiitaagoozid

Our Deepest Sympathy

Julie M. (Bennett) Downhill

March 18, 1929 — March 21, 2009

Julie M. (Bennett) Downhill, 80, went safely home to the Lord on

Saturday, March 21, 2009. She was born on March 18, 1929, in Highland Park, Michigan, the daughter of Willis and Helen (Mayo) Farrish.

She married Stanley Bennett on November 10, 1967, and they moved

to Winston in 1978. He passed away in 1995. She later married

Owen Downhill and moved to Roseburg. Julie was a member of the

Rebekkah Lodge. She was also a member of the Dillard-Winston

United Methodist Church and was a member of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community. Julie was active in TOPS, the Winston Quilt Club,

The Sassy Seniors Line Dance Group, the Umpqua Gem and Mineral

Club and the Winston Seniors. Julie was a beautiful, giving and caring

person who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband,

Owen of Roseburg. She also leaves a son Bruce Bramlett; two daughters, Debbie Guererro and Janice Molinell; step-sons Dave, Ken and

Mike Downhill and Wayne and Randy Bennett; ten grandchildren and

11 step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and five step-greatgrandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by two brothers Jack and

Willis. Memorial services were held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at

the Dillard-Winston United Methodist Church in Oakland, Oregon. Arrangements were under the direction of Taylor’s Family Chapel.

(5) Naanan

Teaching Anishinaabe Language to

Marquette Public School Children

A LITTLE SPRING CLEANING...

On Friday April 10th, KBIC

Youth had 14 kids out doing a

little spring cleaning. The kids

walked the length of the Mission

Road in Baraga where they

picked up all of the garbage that

could be found. When the road

was completed, the kids had

gathered up 35 full bags of garbage.

NAS 488: Native American Service Learning

Project class partnered with the Title VII Native

American Education, Marquette Public School

District, to enrich the Anishinaabe education of

the children in the program by teaching them

some Anishinaabe language. This language,

originally spoken by many of the indigenous

peoples of the Great Lakes, is today counted

among the endangered Native American languages. The Native American Service Learning Project class students: Tracy Micheau, Kim

Lamb, Roy Manty, Levi Tadgerson, and JD Lyons, were assisted by Assistant Professor Dr.

Adriana Greci Green of NMU’s Center for Native American Studies.

As most of the Anishinaabe people in this

region do not speak the language, they felt

strongly it should be introduced to the Anishinaabe children in the school system. The project was, thus, a small part in the language revitalization efforts that have occurred nationwide. Their method was to begin with teaching

the children a core group of words, using illustrations, and then to reinforce learning through

repetition, storytelling and a variety of games.

They met twice with four different after school

tutoring sessions for grade levels K-5. In the

first session, they introduced the words, and

the second session focused on the application

and practice of the words. The students were

very engaging and made encouraging progress. Hopefully this experience has helped

them develop an appreciation for the language

and a desire to learn more.

(Picture) NAS488 students and elementary

students play a card game introducing the Anishinaabe language.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT

SERVICES

427 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

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

• Community Education

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

To our future

Ph.D.

“Jessica Lynn

Koski”

Congrats on

your

acceptance to

YALE!

We’re proud

of you!!!

Aunt Lauri &

Aunt Lisa

(6) Ningodwaaswi

“DREAM CATCHER” AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

KBIC Even Start Family Literacy Program announced the

selection of this year’s recipients for the second annual

“Dream Catcher Award” in

celebration of the NAEYC National Week of the Young

Child, April 19th -25th. Joyce

Chosa, Education and Disabilities Coordinator of KBIC Head

Start/Early Head Start was selected from an impressive

group of nominees for this

special honor.

The “Dream Catcher

Award” recognizes the contributions of community individuals to the

success of children through their efforts

in the areas of early childhood education, social services, parenting or mentoring. Through this award, KBIC Even

Start spotlights the people who make a

positive difference in the lives of young

children in our community.

In nominating Joyce for this honor,

her program director, Terri Denomie,

stresses the dedication Joyce provides

to her work. “Joyce has been employed

by the Inter-Tribal Council of MI for the

past 11 years. She started as a substitute and then became an Early Head

Start Teacher, and then went on to become the Education and Disabilities Coordinator. Joyce spends 70% of her day

right in classrooms down on the floors

working with the children. She is there

with open arms to greet the children

everyday. The rest of her day is spent

going over paperwork from the 10 teachers she oversees. She is truly a good

friend to every child who comes through

the door. I’m sure every child feels special when they are with her because she

has plenty of hugs for each and every

one of them.”

In addition to Joyce’s dedication to

children’s success in early childhood

education, Denomie notes how her efforts help to prepare children for later

success in life. “Joyce knows how essential it is that children grow and thrive

in a supportive, nurturing environment

where they and their families have options and opportunities for optimal

growth, development, and learning.”

She adds, “I’m proud to have Joyce as

an employee of our Tribe’s Early Head

Start & Head Start program. She is an

asset to our Tribal Community when it

comes to children; they are truly number

one in her book. She makes sure that

this program is the “BEST” for the children of our Community.”

As the 2009 recipient of the “Dream

Catcher” Award, Chosa was honored at

a luncheon hosted by KBIC Even Start

at its center on Thursday, April 23rd

where she received her certificate and a

handcrafted dream catcher. Other special nominees recognized at Thursday’s

gathering were also invited to attend the

event as part of KBIC Even Start’s

weekly “Family Circle” gathering. Special recognition went to Bertha Rogers

for her work with schools, families, and

youth; Gloria Shalifoe for her example of

life-long learning to all generations of her

family; and Dawn Loonsfoot for the important part she plays in support of her

family’s educational goals. KBIC Even

Start families were also honored for their

commitment to family learning. To mark

the occasion, a special “Dare to Dream”

t-shirt was given to each KBIC Even

Start child.

“We would like to thank the people

who took the time to submit nominations

for this year’s award,” states Gail Juntunen, Coordinator of KBIC Even Start

Family Literacy Program. Nominations

ranged from well-known community contributors to the deeply personal family

members making a difference in the

lives of children, grandchildren, and

great-grandchildren.

“Each nominee

was a deserving individual, and we applaud their efforts, thanking them for all

they do to enrich and support the lives of

children in our community.”

Happy Mother’s

Day.

Earn your GED/High School Diploma

Early Childhood Programs for children

Improve parenting skills

Incentives for participation

Transportation and childcare available

Even Start is free to all Tribal

and Non-Tribal members with children

under the age of eight or

who are expecting

Call 353-8161 to register

KBIC EVEN START Family

Literacy Program

755 Michigan Avenue—Baraga, MI 49908

The KBIC Pre-Primary Education Program will hold a Public Hearing on June 10, 2009, at

5:30 pm. This meeting will held in the Commons Area of the KBIC Youth Center.

The meeting will provide Tribal Members and Baraga County residents an opportunity to comment on the services we provide, offer suggestions or improvement ideas.

May is Foster Care Month…

You can make a difference in a child’s life.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community currently has four tribally licensed foster homes and several unlicensed kinship/

relative care homes. Children are placed in foster care when their

parents neglect them, abuse them or are unable to ensure their

well-being. We want to take this opportunity to thank the foster

families and kinship/relative caregivers for opening their homes

and hearts to children whose families are in crisis.

You can help our children and families in crisis...

∗ Become a foster parent.

∗ Become licensed to provide short-term ("respite") child

care for a day or weekend for other foster parents.

∗ Say thank you and support those families who are foster parents or kinship/relative caregivers.

∗ Volunteer for youth activities, after-school programs,

tutoring, mentoring, etc.

∗ Donate money or goods, such as car seats, toys and

games, sleeping bags and pillows, luggage, musical

instruments, books or a computer.

To apply to become a foster parent, contact Judith Heath

or Isabelle H. Welsh at 906-353-4201 for more information.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

April 4, 2009 Council Meeting continued from page four.

Another cause for concern is something that should

have sent up a red flag is our Tribal Attorney, John

Baker, who I often do not see eye to eye with, even

advised us that the Ojibwa Housing Authority was

acting outside of their scope of purpose. I made a

motion at the March 20th Council meeting to have

the Ojibwa Housing Authority Board stop the purchase of the BP gas station, carwash and the

Laundromat per the Tribal Ordinance establishing

the Ojibwa Housing Authority. My motion was defeated. Two of the three votes were cast by Councilman Loonsfoot and Councilman Emery, both

Ojibwa Housing Authority Board members. Susan

LaFernier recognized her conflict of interest, which

is her position on the bank board and the Keweenaw Financial Corporation, and chose to abstain. The vote was three to three with three abstentions requiring Chairman Swartz to break the

tie. Chairman Swartz voted against the motion.

My intention today is to get the support of the Tribal

Council and make a motion to deny the Ojibwa

Housing Authority a business license to operate the

Baraga BP, the Laundromat and the carwash. I

want to remind everyone of you who may consider

abstaining from voting without good reason, you’re

abstention could allow this nonsense to continue.”

President Swartz declared the motion to be out

of order because Council member Mayo is asking

the Council to reconsider a question that has already been asked at the last meeting. Council

member Elizabeth Mayo was on the losing side

and has to be on the winning side to have a motion

be reconsidered. Council member Mayo indicated

that her motion is to deny a business license.

President Swartz informed the Council there is no

business application in front of them to be considered, so it is hard for the Council to act on something that hasn’t even been applied for yet. Council

member Mayo did remind Swartz, “You’re up for

election this year.” President Swartz ended the

discussion with “And if I am defeated for trying to

provide employment opportunities for our Indian

people I’ll go down with that. I see the Tardy’s, I

see the Jim Emery’s, I see the Uncle Roland’s, I

see these people who are working, and it’s a good

thing. If they wait on the Tribe, they’ll be waiting for

a long time for a job.”

At this time the Chairman recognized Doreen

Blaker (a former council member who was in the

audience) who commented, “That ordinance is

from 1965! I’m looking at an excerpt from Roger

Boyd’s testimony from HUD testifying before the

Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs on July

19, 2007. ‘HUD’s goal is to utilize CHS, Native

American Programs for economical development

and to contribute to building sustainable economies

within the Tribal Community.’ I think it is time to

take that outdated ordinance and bring it into the

21st Century, and I strongly ask that you update

that ordinance which is from 40 years ago. Times

have changed; let’s look at it that way. I sit down in

that Tribal Court with people who do not have jobs,

and the thought of these jobs coming through…

I’ve had people asking for job references, they’re

trying for anything right now.”

Council member Mayo stated, “We did receive

stimulus money, and yes, housing does have jobs

out there.”

Ms. Blaker continued, “Competition… you’re

going to have competition anywhere. Business is

business, whether it’s from an individual, non-tribal

member or a tribal business.”

Council member Gary Loonsfoot, Sr., added, “I

don’t think its competition from us when it’s going

right back into the tribe. It would be competition if

we had a non-native move in, like CITGO who has

75 gas stations and can lower their gas prices

lower than our Pines and put us out of business.

We are keeping them out of the area. Besides,

according to Larry’s figures, he only sold 200-300

gallons of gas to Tribal members. At 4% profit

that’s only twelve bucks a month. I’ll pay that to the

Tribe just to keep jobs in this Community.”

The Chair recognized Council member Fred

Dakota. “People are mentioning that there is no

competition here just by selling to Indians. We are

not competing for Indian business; we don’t make

money on Indian business. We make money on

other business, and that gas station down there

selling cigarettes and gas is our Christmas bonus

money. We can not take it from the Casino. Come

on you guys, you’re elected by the Indian Community here, and no matter how you feel personally;

this could have been bought on the Courthouse

steps. I’ve got the figures. He purchased the carwash and Laundromat for $173,000. I got this from

the Courthouse. It is public records. Anyone could

have gotten it. And the gas station he bought for

(8) Ishwaaswi

$280,000. At the February 6th council meeting,

Denomie offered these three businesses to the

Tribe for $1,025,000; which means he stands to

profit $572,000. Is this is a Denomie bailout?”

Treasurer Jennifer Misegan asked to be recognized, “I will be the first one to applaud the Housing

Authority for everything that they have done. They

are doing very good work. We all recognize that,

but the scope of their authority is in the ordinance.

I abstained because I don’t know that there needs

to be a motion made to follow a law. That is what

an ordinance is, it’s a law. We can discuss this. I

don’t know why you’re getting upset.”

President Swartz replied, “Everyone had this

opportunity at the last meeting and chose to do it

now. If every time you want to discuss it, are you

going to put it on the agenda and say this is what

we want to do?”

Council member Mayo stated, “I brought it up.”

Treasurer Misegan indicated, “I didn’t know that

after that meeting, because the motion was defeated, they were going to move forward because

we talked about the scope of the authority within

the ordinance.”

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. continued, “We have businesses that are opened up today.”

Council member Mayo stated, “And you don’t

have a business license.”

Council member Loonsfoot replied, “We’ll get

one. We’ll apply for one. There is nothing wrong

with offering bonuses to your employees. You get

more work, you get better work, people show up

more often, and you know what, they’re happy.

Maybe you should take a look at your own employees; maybe that is why they’re not happy. There is

nothing wrong with offering jobs. I was elected because I said we would offer jobs. I would work to

get things going. That is what I am doing. If you’re

going to get rid of me for economical development

jobs, then do it.”

Council member Mayo stated, “It’s pretty funny

that you feel that way…”

Council member Loonsfoot replied, “It is pretty

funny that you have not done anything in two years

with no new jobs in this Community. There is now.”

Council member Mayo asked, “What have you

done.”

Council member Loonsfoot, “We have done a

lot.”

President Swartz brought order to the meeting.

Treasurer Misegan wished to add a specific

comment as Mayo had brought up the fact that the

CFO was involved, “He sits on the board, and

you’re questioning was what his involvement was.

He specifically told you why he wasn’t involved in it

from the Housing Authority’s stand point. He was

not involved with this decision as soon as it came

up. He told you himself that he stopped going to

the Housing Authority’s Board meetings because

he recognized the conflict. Was he involved with

this decision, Gary?”

Council member Loonsfoot stated, “No he wasn’t. He missed six meetings, and there were other

issues at those meetings, but he didn’t show up for

any of those meetings because of that.”

The Chair recognized Larry Denomie. “I’ve tried

to maintain the down the road in this situation. Obviously I work for this body, I’m the person selling

the businesses. I provided the information based

on what I was asking for those properties. If you

weren’t provided with that, that is not my fault. You

have someone working for you who needs to explain to you how those numbers came about.

There were a number of improvements in those

businesses, many of improvements that cost a lot

of dollars, hundreds of thousands of dollars. So to

sit here and say that I stand to make, whatever,

five – six – seven hundred thousand of dollars;

that’s just crazy. I’m not. I wouldn’t do that. You

have a piece of information; you don’t have the

whole picture Fred.”

The Chair recognized Debbie Parrish.

“Housing, yes, it’s under the Ordinance to do that.

I think Housing should also take a closer look at the

houses they currently have. I know of people living

in these houses that still need repair work. Plexi

glass is not an energy efficient window; they raise

the heating costs for these seniors and other people, for everybody. Things have to be thought of

for the people who are in their current houses now.

They are in need of repair. Yes, you did a good job

with the roofing and the siding, but people have

home inspections all of the time, and when they

voice these concerns, these houses have been this

way for years. If you are going to be going into

businesses, I hope you remember that these

homes are in great need of repair.”

President Swartz answered, “Yes, we are aware

of the houses that are in need of repair, and we’ve

received some stimulus funding to help address

those issues, I believe it was over half-a-million

dollars.”

Eddy Edward, Ojibwa Housing Authority’s Director, informed President Swartz, “It was $654,000.”

President Swartz added, “If you look in the

L’Anse Sentinel, you’ll see that there are some jobs

that are available at housing for renovation of the

homes. That is a direct result of the economical

stimulus and that is what that money is for, to help

improve those houses.”

Eddy Edwards, Housing Director stated, “Which

is quite odd as a fact that it spurs us to do because

there is unmet needs. There is a ton of unmet

needs and those unmet needs require money to

hire people, to get the materials, and that’s really

what’s pushed this Board to expand and to take

HUD’s advice and training. Since day one, HUD’s

been training me to leverage those federal financial

resources, to create jobs, to create businesses, to

create employment opportunities for the purpose of

housing development, to fix up these homes.

We’re building nice super insulated homes. HUD

has recognized that. We are taking thermal imagining cameras and doing testing on as many of our

homes, that we can, to identify deficiencies. We

are taking aggressive stances towards that. This

gas station, carwash and Laundromat are a part of

that. It creates employment opportunities, but it

also creates vital revenue to address these 248

homes that the Tribe owns, and that Tribal members live in. We recognize $300 heating bills are

unacceptable and that we need to make those

homes tighter because they weren’t built as energy

efficient. In the 70’s, there wasn’t a big push on

that, so we are doing that, and we do take it seriously. The last couple of years OHA has operated

the Ojibwa Builders and the Ojibwa Building Supply. Both of those businesses have been profitable. We have given bonuses to some of those

employees. All of the Tribal member employees

have gotten bonuses based on the profits. So it is

encouraging them, empowering them to do the

best job they can. That’s just a part of the cost of

doing business. We’ve taken the money and

started paying OHA back, and we’ve put some into

new programs. Two programs in particular is the

Individual Development Account Program which is

set up with six particular asset goals to increase

the self efficiency of our low income families. We

help them with home repair, credit repair, education, business start up and expansion, vehicle purchase so they can get to their job, and home ownership down payment fund. We put money into

that program, so we can help Tribal members do all

those things as all of those things are important to

increase their self sufficiency to take care of their

own business. We also put money in our prescription subsidy program where we are reimbursing

elders and disabled households for their personal

costs and helping them with some of those expenses.” Eddy Edward’s comments ended with

applause from the audience.

Evelyn Ravindran, on behalf of the KBIC Parks

and Recreation Committee, presented the Committee’s Bylaws. Consensus of the Council was to

review it and then proceed with action at the April

17th meeting. Evelyn Ravindran presented Resolution KB1665-2009 (KBIC Tribal Council formally

recognizes the Parks and Recreation Committee to

advance recreational opportunities for the Community). Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. to postpone Resolution KB1665-2009 for discussion at

the April 17th meeting, supported by Susan

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

Gregg Nominelli, Economic Developer, presented Resolution KB1666-2009 as the Tribal

Council of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

formally authorizes and approves the submission of

an application for grant funding under Funding Opportunity Number DE-PS36-09G099024 from the

U.S. Department of Energy for a wind monitoring

project on Trust Land within Sections 28, 29, and

30 of Range 33 West, Township 51 North of

Baraga County, Michigan, and authorizes the

President to negotiate and sign the program agreement and other documents on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. In summary, the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community commits in-kind

time, labor, land and resources up to a maximum of

$31,167 towards the funding request. Applying for

the grant stems from the work of the Committee on

Alternative and Renewable Energy who have prepared a strategic plan which includes having wind

energy for the benefit of our Tribal businesses and

the Industrial Park. We are working not only to use

Continued on next page.

the wind power at facilities such as the Casino and

the cluster of surrounding buildings (Tribal Center,

Community College, Bingo Hall, Four Seasons), but

we also want to create manufacturing opportunities.

We can make any of the parts for these wind turbines. A Resolution is needed for the grant opportunity through the Department of Energy, and there is

no matching funds required although we would be

given some in-kind contributions (use of our land to

put up a wind monitoring tower to measure the wind

speeds here, the Natural Resource’s Department

would put in some time to see that the environment

is protected, the Economic Office personnel would

work with the grant application and administration,

and also the Committee of Renewal Energy would

be working on it). The tower will stand a couple hundred of feet and will monitor the wind at 40 meters,

50 meters, and 60 meters to see what the best level

for wind speed is. They will also do some financial

measures for us to see if it is even feasible that we

can save money by putting up wind power. We are

making no commitment, we are just studying it for a

minimal of a one-year time period, and there is no

cost to us. We are looking at setting the tower up in

the Industrial Park. Motion by William “Gene” Emery to approve Resolution KB1666-2009, supported by Susan LaFernier, eleven supported, 0

opposed, 0 abstained, motion carried.

Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. introduced the following proposed amendment to Housing Ordinance 2009-02 to

the Tribal Ordinance Housing and conducted the

First Reading. Article II. Purposes. The Authority

shall be organized and operated for the purposes of:

1) Remedying unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions that are injurious to the public health, safety

and morals; 2) Alleviating the acute shortage of decent, safe and sanitary dwellings for persons of low

income; and 3) Providing employment opportunities

on the reservation through the construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension, alternation or repair and operation of low-rent income dwellings and

other economic and community development activities. Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Sr. to introduce

the proposed amendment to Housing Ordinance

2009-02, Tribal Ordinance Housing and to considered this the first reading, supported by Jerry

Lee Curtis, nine supported (S. LaFernier, M.

LaFernier, Minton, Emery, Misegan, Curtis,

Loonsfoot, Matthews, Welsh), two opposed

(Mayo, Dakota), 0 abstained, motion carried. The

second reading will be held within thirty days.

Council scheduled a grievance hearing for case

#008-09 for April 17th; passed Department Head Reports for February 2009; and Meeting Minutes for

April 15, 2006, April 18, 2006, and November 24,

2008. Council entered into closed session with

Gregg Nominelli, Economic Developer (for Feasibility

Study Contract approval), Carole LaPointe, Health

Director and Attorney Christoph Geiger (for UPHG

Agreements) CEO, Larry Denomie (for Sanborn Map

Company Inc. Agreement), Attorney John Baker, and

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. on the agenda.

Earlier in the meeting, Council had entered closed

session for a brief period with Derek “Deve” Sever on

the agenda.

After closed session, Council approved the Services Agreement with Sanborn Map Company for

Orthophotography services, approved the Letter of

Agreement for the Upper Peninsula Health Group

and approved the Consultant Agreement with Strategic Solutions for a feasibility study.

OJIBWEMOWIN

Waabigwani — Flower Moon — May

Word list

I M A B I H J C X I

oboodashkwaanishiinh

ozhaawashko bineshiinh

omiimii

omakakii

biidaaban

oginii waabigwan

bineshiinh

bawaazh

memengwaa

waabigwan gitigaan

D A E P E X N G G U E O T I N C K I L H

C B O M A K A K I

J A L H H M A J F E

I Y D P I A T M E K

G T X F E K L U R M W F E Z I K G O I F

N S C B W N Q S L A V B H S H B O I N W

H L G P R N G H I

I P E K P S Q L A A U

K N F I M A N W S F D Z X D E N O J A D

R A A R I G W M A E A B J

The language page was designed from

reference of “A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe” by John D. Nichols and Earl

Fill in the blanks

I N O H O G J

E W B C C D F H K A P A F G I W B J

H G K I S H N I

I H S E N I B A I E T R

W I M O I E R J

I M B I

I O O N N T I

A B J K G D C R D A N D K I K H I K G P

_ _ n e s _ i i _ h (Bird)

O _ _ a a _ a s h _ _ - bineshiinh

(Bluebird)

J A M A O I A K M Z F N I A H G I H N E

A A W D F A L A G C Z B W U S J M E A P

_ e _ e _ _ w a _ (butterfly)

_ _ _ d a a b a_ (daybreak)

F W P K I O B E B D E J J G A C I R W S

O _ _ _ m i i (dove)

S I N G I H P G K A H P S X W M I U G F

O_ood____waa___hii__

(dragonfly)

H I F W A S H I W K N J G D A P M K I C

_ _ w a a z _ (dream)

H N I

O_ _ k a k _ _ (frog)

_aab___an g___gaan

(flower garden)

O_ _ _ i i w _ _ b i g _ _ _ ( rose)

I H S I N A A W K H S A D O O B O

I O A P M B I U D R I

J E H O I M A I

I G N D R B J F H B A W A A Z H B K A H

E O B G A I A I G C I K H F O J K C W F

TREE AND SHRUB GIVE AWAY

8th Annual tree and shrub

give away for Tribal members