All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (2006)

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GIIKENDAAM

CHIWIIKWEGAMAG

All You Need To Know About The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Namebini Giizis - Sucker Fish Moon - February 2006

Issue 20

Elected Council Members Take Oath

Tribal Council Members:

Susan J. LaFernier, President

Warren C. Swartz Jr., Vice-President

Larry J. Denomie III, Secretary

Doreen Blaker, Asst. Secretary

Toni Minton, Treasurer

Gary F. Loonsfoot Sr.

Fred Dakota

William E. Emery

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Shawanung

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

Special points of interest:

•

President LaFernier (left) swears in new members of the Tribal Council. Left to Right—Toni Minton, Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews, Doreen Blaker, Larry

Denomie III and William E. (Gene) Emery.

The regularly scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting was held on January 7, 2006. Susan LaFernier presided

over the meeting with Warren C. Swartz Jr., Larry J. Denomie III, Gary Loonsfoot Sr., Jennifer Misegan, Doreen Blaker,

Fred Dakota, William E. Emery, Michael F. LaFernier Sr., Elizabeth D. Mayo, Toni Minton, Shawanung and Elizabeth (Chiz)

Matthews present.

In the President’s Report, Susan LaFernier spoke of the recent unique opportunity she had of attending a rally with

other sulfide mining opposition groups on the steps of the Lansing Capitol building on December 7, 2005. She reported

that they were able to speak with the governor’s staff and the staffs of the Speakers of the House and Senate. Later

many commented on the proposed set of rules for the permitting and regulation of non-ferrous metallic sulfide mining in

the State of Michigan at the last of the three public hearing by the DEQ. Donald Carlson, Virgil Loonsfoot, John and Joe

Jacker, Todd Warner, John Baker and Charles Brumleve also attended, and she thanked them for their support and hard

work on this most important issue.

•

Continued on page two.

KBIC says farewell to Keith

Tourtillott Sr.

John Kappler, Chair of

KBOOC’s Business Degree Program hired

KBIC honors JoAnn Pennock at

retirement party

KBIC Employee Recognition

Children’s Indoor Play Center

To Open

Ojibwa Casino Staff donate to

“Toys for Tots”

(1) Bezhig

Continued from page one.

The Tribal Government Employee Christmas Party was a great success. President LaFernier had given the Welcome and helped with the 2005 Employee Recognition Program. Seventeen employees with 10-31 years of service were recognized. Congratulations to these dedicated employees. Congratulations also to

JoAnn Pennock, Court Clerk, who will be retiring on January13th, after many years

of service. A farewell luncheon was also held for Keith Tourtillott at the Ojibwa

Senior Citizens on December 20th. His last day of work was December 22nd.

A reminder that our Second Annual Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Winter

Traditional PowWow will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at the Niiwin

Akeaa Community Center. Grand entry is at 1:00 p.m. The Cultural Committee will

be honoring the Tribal Council at 10:30 a.m.

President LaFernier thanked fellow Council members, the community and all of

KBIC’s wonderful staff for all of their help and patience this past year as well as to

all who have contributed to the success of our Tribe. President LaFernier finished

her report with, “It has been my great privilege to serve my Tribe as the President.”

Larry Denomie III reported on Council meetings held during the month of December 2005, in the Secretary’s report. Items of importance noted were approval

of $65,000 for the Baraga Fire Department to purchase a new fire truck (paid

from 2% funding with 1/2 to be paid in March 2006, and 1/2 in September

2006); approved purchase of land improvements from Bev Lussier; approved purchase of digital camera equipment for the Marquette and Baraga Casino Surveillance Departments for $8,740 and $24,140 respectively; approved $30,100 for

steam gauge installation and operation on the Yellow Dog River and the Salmon

Trout River; approved Title 27—Administrative Procedures Ordinance/Enrollment

Amendment #2; approved employee gaming licenses; approved a Business License

for George Geroux; denied gaming license for badge #B0098; approved $75

employee Christmas bonuses for Enterprise and Pines employees; approved $50

gift certificates for Tribal Construction employees; approved Resolution KB14432005 Deputization Agreement; and approved promoting the deputy court clerk to

chief clerk, who will be taking the place of the retiring chief clerk.

The Treasurer’s report was given by Jennifer Misegan, in which she stated

“today ends two years that I have had the opportunity to hold the position of Treasurer of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. It is a responsibility that I have taken

very seriously. It has been a pleasure to work with our CFO, Francis LaPointe and

his accounting staff. They are very knowledgeable, hardworking and diligent.

The financial structure of this Tribe is very involved and often overwhelming. It has

been a lot more work than I expected, as we have had a lot of firsts in the last two

years. The first financial information was given to the community in many years,

and audits were posted. The community was provided projected budgets for 2006

and the year-end number for 2005. For the first time that I am aware of, we were

able to get a clear picture of what actually occurred, what was made, what was

spent, what was remaining at the end of the fiscal year and it was all provided to

the community. When I first sought election to the Tribal Council, I thought I could

make a difference. Looking back at these past years, I know that I have—that we

have. We have brought individuals together who not so long ago were enemies.

We have fought to treat all members equally and progress has been made to limit

the political powers of the Council. As members, we have responsibilities. We need

to be more involved. We need to attend Council meetings and make sure that we

understand the issues. We need to acknowledge that the roles of our Council members is not just to attend meetings. We need to ask them questions and expect honest complete answers. Thank you to all the individuals and members who have supported and encouraged me. Many of you have been wonderful. There is a verse

in the Bible that says, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!’

And that is what I did.”

Sarah Smith (Interim) CEO, indicated in the CEO Report that the following projects were worked on: Research on costs of subcontracting with Inter-Tribal Council

(ITC) for the Head Start and Early Head Start Program, records management system & building, Even Start grant, Community Development Financial Institute (CDFI),

Child Abuse & Neglect Policy, and adjustments to the Cell phone policy. In the research of subcontracting with ITC for Head Start and Early Head Start programming, the question of research was whether or not there would be an extra cost to

the Tribe for changing the employer of these programs from ITC to the Tribe.

Given the different benefit package the tribe would be offering to the same em-

(2) Niizh

ployees of these programs, the cost would increase $35,019.61 for one full year.

The reason for this increase is currently ITC employees are offered the benefit of

being able to contribute to an IRA account if they elect no health care coverage.

This incentive is not available through the Tribe, so employees who elected no health

care coverage with ITC would be requesting health care coverage through the

Tribe.

Initial research has begun by the IT and Reality departments to set up a central

records building. There currently is an overload of old records that need to be

dealt with. A quote has been obtained to set up a building and a records management system to reduce the amount of paper generated, including maintaining record consistency and preserving tribal records. The building and records management system plans have been placed as number one on the priority list in applying

for grant funding. Regarding the Even Start grant—a letter has been drafted and

sent to the Dept. of Education along with the credentials of the proposed coordinator and staff. Eric MeGhee of the Dept. of Education has indicated that our proposed change of implementing the Even Start grant directly, instead of contracting

with BHK, is acceptable, as along as the credentials are met or exceed the ones

provided in the grant application. This program will run through the Ojibwa Community College with Debra Parrish as the project director, Mary Deline as the coordinator, and staff are planned to be hired during the month of January.

The CDFI task force are conducting interviews with various tribal members for a

market study to determine what type of loan products and needs are within the

tribal community. This initiative is intended as a stepping stone for those seeking to

start small businesses but do not have the financial backing through a conventional

loan. Regarding the Child Abuse and Neglect Policy—meetings were held with the

Daycare Director, Social Services, Tribal Police and Attorney to draft the policy.

The policy has been completed and will be forward to Council at their next meeting. Sarah wished to thank all who have worked several hours on this policy.

The CEO office also worked on Emergency Assistance requests, processed and

approved budgets and modifications, billed for the administrative fees for the Tobacco Ordinance, and consulted with the Tribal Attorney on ongoing employee investigations.

Allen Gauthier requested travel assistance to attend HACCP Training in Bayfield, WI. Discussion revealed two other members who wished to attend the same

training, one of which had attended a previously HACCP training. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to financially assist with mileage and meals for those who wished to

attend HACCP Training for their first time, supported by Elizabeth Mayo, and carried.

Stacey Van Buren, of the March of Dimes presented President LaFernier, on behalf of the Tribal Council, with a beautiful ceremonial staff for the support the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has provided to them and for allowing Ruth Bussey

(Health Director) to attend meetings and a recent recognition dinner regarding the

March of Dimes program. Ruth Bussey, at this time, announced to Tribal Council that

KBIC/DHHS has been awarded a $25,000 grant to help with preventing birth defects. The grant will run in conjunction with our current Healthy Start Program, which

Continued on page three.

Continued from page two.

Ruth Keller coordinates for DHHS.

Sarah Smith presented the revised Cell Phone Policy to Council for approval.

Motion by Larry Denomie III to approve the policy, supported by Gary F. Loonsfoot

Sr., five support (Denomie, Loonsfoot, Blaker, Emery, Minton), six opposed (Mayo,

Dakota, Misegan, Swartz, M. LaFernier, Shawanung), motion defeated.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve Resolution KB1445-2006 (Great Lakes

Basin Constitutional Amendment), supported by Larry Denomie III, and carried.

KBIC Veteran’s Van bids were reviewed. Motion by Jennifer Misegan to purchase the van from Public Service Garage with fleet price of $20,940.92 for the

KBIC Veterans, supported by Warren (Chris) Swartz Jr., one opposed (Dakota), and

carried.

Michael LaFernier Sr. requested the need to solicit renters for the Marquette Terminal. The amount of $6,000 is available in the Gundlach Budget. Motion by Elizabeth Mayo to utilize up to $6,000 for Gundlach Champion to solicit business ventures

to lease the Marquette Terminal, supported by Gary F. Loonsfoot Sr., and carried.

Kim Klopstein, Election Board Chairperson, provided Council with election results.

Following a re-count of ballots the election board reports the findings of: 77% of

registered voters did cast ballots in this election. In the Baraga District—Doreen

Blaker received 226 votes; Larry Denomie III received 172 votes, Jerry Magnant

received 112 votes, Matthew Shalifoe Sr. received 102 votes, Rick Geroux Sr. received 95 votes, William Chosa received 42 votes, Donald Carlson received 25

votes, Mike Cardinal received one write-in vote and James Rasanen received one

write-in vote. In the L’Anse District—Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews received 222 votes,

William E. Emery received 191 votes, Toni Minton received 189 votes, Charlie

Gauthier received 165 votes, Jennifer Misegan received 161 votes, Robert Genschow Sr. received 138 votes, Colleen Emery DeRoche received 66 votes, Arlan Friisvall received two write-in votes, Judy Smith received one write-in vote, and Valerie

Voakes received one write-in vote. President LaFernier announced that the results

indicate Doreen Blaker and Larry Denomie III as three year seats in the Baraga District, Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews and William E. Emery as three year seats in the

L’Anse District, and Toni Minton as the two year seat in the L’Anse District. Motion by

Jennifer Misegan to approve/certify the election results, supported by Gary F.

Loonsfoot Sr., abstaining—Blaker, and carried.

President LaFernier provided Jennifer Misegan with recognition gift and thanked

her for all of her dedicated work for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as a

Council member for the past three years.

Five newly elected Council members (Blaker, Denomie, Matthews, Emery and

Minton) were sworn into office by President LaFernier.

Reorganization of Executive Committee was conducted with the results being:

President—Susan LaFernier, Vice President–Warren (Chris) Swartz Jr., Secretary–

Larry Denomie III, Asst. Secretary—Doreen Blaker, and Treasurer— Toni Minton.

Depository of funds: 1) Superior National Bank, 2) River Valley State Bank

(formerly National City), 3) Commercial National Bank, 4) Wells Fargo, and 5)

Republic Bank. Motion by Michael LaFernier Sr. to accept the given financial institutions as KBIC depositories, supported by William E. Emery, and carried.

Motioned by Elizabeth Mayo for the entire Council to be listed as check signers, supported by Doreen Blaker, and carried.

John Baker submitted for approval a business license for John Vuk and Sons

Forestry Products, Inc. Motion by William E. Emery to approve a business license

for John Vuk and Sons Forestry Products Inc., supported by Michael LaFernier Sr.,

and carried.

Cherie Dakota requested approval of Resolution KB1444-2006 (LaPointe

Medical Clinic expansion Grant Application). The KBIC/DHHS will be applying for

a grant to add on to the Donald A. LaPointe Medical Facility. Motion by Elizabeth

Mayo to pass Resolution KB1444-2006 (Resolution is necessary to apply for this

grant), supported by Michael LaFernier Sr., and carried.

Donald Carlson gave an update on the Mercury spill which occurred on the

Skanee Road, near the reservation. He requested the Tribal Attorney look at the

details for KBIC to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest

for the incident, due to the amount of time it took to clean up the spill and for the

stress it put on the community. Larry Denomie III motioned for the matter to be tabled until the local authorities complete their work on the incident first, supported

by Toni Minton, and carried.

President LaFernier presented a request for a donation from the Chassell

Snowmobile Club for their 2nd Annual Ice Fastival. Last year Eagle Radio broadcasted live at the event, which they are requesting to happen again this year. Motion by Michael LaFernier Sr. for Eagle Radio to provide live broadcasting at the

2nd Annual Ice Fastival, supported by Fred Dakota, and carried.

President LaFernier presented a request of the Farm Service Agency County

Committee for a board member appointee. Donald Carlson was appointed last

year. Motion by Doreen Blaker to reappoint Donald Carlson as the KBIC representative for the Farm Service Agency County Committee, supported by Michael

LaFernier Sr., and carried.

Warren (Chris) Swartz Jr. suggested that a small committee be formed to meet

on investigation of Low Cost Heating Fuel, Gasoline, and Diesel fuel ventures that

are available with Venezuelan government. Volunteers within the Council agreed

to form this committee, and a meeting date would be scheduled.

President LaFernier presented a request for a donation from the Keweenaw

Bay Ice Crystals. Motion by Elizabeth Mayo to forward the request to the Ojibwa

Casino, supported by Fred Dakota, and carried.

Prior to adjournment, Council went into closed session with Attorney John Baker

and President LaFernier on the agenda.

KBIC HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START NEWS

The KBIC Head Start and Early Head Start Programs are excitedly riding on their new

bus thanks to the KBIC Tribal Council’s generous donation. A Chi Megwetch to all of you,

and everybody who has supported our programs in all ways.

Our programs are full to capacity—28 Early Head Start Children and 34 Head Start

Children, and we have waiting lists for both programs. We will begin registration for

next year, April 3, 2006. We will ask everyone interested in enrolling their children for

next year 2006-2007, to do so after this date.

The Parent Committee sponsored a sleigh riding party at the school on January 8,

2006. About 40 participants enjoyed our sledding hill, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies,

chips and juice. The Parent Committee will try to sponsor “family events” monthly. Bowling and a fun day at the KBIC gymnasium are a couple upcoming events in the makings.

A BIG event will be May 13, 2006, the Annual Head Start Children’s Powwow, will be

hosted by us at the KBIC Gymnasium. Our Head Start Graduation will also be on this

same day. We are asking that any Tribal Programs or Businesses that are interested in

donating to help support this event can graciously do so by calling 524-6626 and ask for

Terri Denomie.

(3) Niswi

OJIBWA CASINO STAFF DONATE TO

“TOYS FOR TOTS”

KBIC HEADSTART/EARLY HEADSTART

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

Face painting was provided by Diane Charron (left) at the HeadStart/Early HeadStart

party with the help of assistant elf Louella Wood (right). John Messer III is the youngster receiving his choice of painting—a birthday cake. It may be Christmas but it had

been his dad’s birthday the day before!

Employees of the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga raised a total $2700 to assist in the area Toys For Tots campaign. Laura Mayo, Guest Services Supervisor, who organized the event indicated “We were able to raise the

money from employees, who paid a dollar a day to wear jeans to work for

a period of two weeks.” The group then headed to Wal-Mart and purchased many wonderful gifts to fulfill the wish lists of many area youth.

KBIC HeadStart/Early HeadStart Program held their Annual Christmas

Party on Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Niiwiin-Akeaa Community Center in Baraga, MI. Sixty children visited with Santa Claus, who gave

each of them a present. The children, their families and staff participated

in a potluck luncheon. Children were able to receive a face painting of

their choice. RIF theme—”A book is gift you give yourself,” made it possible for each child to choose a book to bring home with them. RIF (Reading

is Fundamental), which is a nation wide program to promote reading.

Frosty the Snowman and his friend Crystal also made an appearance and

visited with the children.

A CALL FOR PRESENTERS

AMERICAN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 11-14, 2006.

Seeking presenters for the AIHEC Conference—The host committee is looking for presenters on all subjects related to the best practices in sustaining our nations through higher education, tribal colleges, student development, career exploration, grant management, academic achievement, student retention and communication. Presenters are needed for student, faculty, administration and/or staff focused workshops. Seeking interactive and informative sessions.

Key Strands—The following have been identified as key strands for review during the

conference: research, language preservation, curriculum design, cultural integration, technology, leadership development, facilities development and incorporation of elders into

our systems.

Questions? Call Geraldine Sanapaw at (715) 799-5600, ext. 3084 or email

gsanapaw@menominee.edu.

MEDICARE PART D: If you have not been to a Medicare Part D presentation and have questions, please contact Michelle St. George @ 353-4207

or Cherie Dakota @ 353-4521, at the Tribal Health Department. We will

schedule home appointments for homebound seniors. Miigwetch!

(4) Niiwin

NEW HIRE — ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

Char Beesley has joined KBIC on December 8, 2005,

as an Environmental Specialist. Char has resided in

Baraga County her entire life, she was raised in Skanee.

Char received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science, as a 2005 Michigan Tech graduate.

Char indicated, “Having being raised in Baraga

County, I have a vested interest in the sustainability of

our natural resources, as well as the environmental quality and public health of our community. I appreciate the

opportunity this position provides in working closely with

various environmental programs that promote the welfare of our environment and people, as a way to contribute to the community.“

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Donald Tolonen, Jr.

(June 9, 1956—December 28, 2005)

Donald E. “Toly” Tolonen, Jr., 49, of Zeba, passed into the spirit world,

Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, following a “warriors” battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Donald was born June 9, 1956, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a son of Donald

Sr. and Myrtle (Matthews) Tolonen.

He worked for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Construction

Company for a number of years and the Ceda Program with Glen Maki. Donald also made a living as a commercial fisherman for many years prior to his

illness. He served in the National Guard for several years, beginning in 1976,

and was a member of the KBIC.

Donald was an avid Detroit Lions, Pistons, Tigers

and Red Wings fan. He also enjoyed playing baseball. His passions of life were nature, fishing, and

trapping. He often mentioned to his mother that

“there was nothing more beautiful than the sun rising and setting on Lake Superior.”

Donald Jr. (Toly) is survived by his fiancé, Dawn

Gauthier of Zeba, who lovingly spent her time by his side during his illness;

mother, Myrtle Tolonen of Zeba; 5 daughters, Charlotte Lee of San Francisco,

CA, Trista Francois of Zeba, Beth (Dan) Connor of Zeba, twins Brigette and

Cheryne LaPointe Tolonen of Baraga; 2 sons, Joseph Francois and Tyler

Tolonen of Zeba; 4 grandchildren, Tristan, Joseph, Jonathan Francois and

Easton Clements; sister Cheryl (Donald) Denomie of Zeba; brothers John

Tolonen of Marquette and Glenn Tolonen of Zeba; and several aunts, uncles,

cousins, nieces and nephews. His father, Donald Edsel Tolonen Sr. preceded

him in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 31, 2005, at

the Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins.

NEW HIRE — CHAIR OF KBOCC’S

BUSINESS DEGREE PROGRAM

John Kappler has been hired

as the Chair of KBOCC’s Business

Degree Program. Mr. Kappler

brings to OCC his extensive education consisting of a MBA in Finance from Babson College and

a BS in Accounting from Michigan Tech. He has completed the

Management Development Program at Northeastern University,

and has completed the Uniform

CPA Exam. He has previously

taught as an adjunct teacher at

MTU. Given this education and

background, Mr. Kappler will

teach a variety of business subjects including accounting, finance, computer applications, taxes, management, organizational structure and small business environment. Mr. Kappler

is a Navy Veteran. Welcome aboard!

Recipe of the Month

Three Sisters Corn, submitted by Lori Sherman

1 pound frozen whole kernel corn

In a large mixing bowl, mix sour

1 pound frozen green beans

cream and egg substitute together.

4 cups summer squash, diced

Add remaining ingredients and mix

1 pint fat free sour cream

well. Coat a baking pan or casse1/2 cup egg substitute, beaten

role dish with vegetable oil spray

4 tablespoons margarine, melted

and fill with mixture. Bake at 350º

1 cup yellow cornmeal

for 45 minutes or until golden

1/2 cup Jalapeno peppers, diced

1/2 cup reduced fat Montery Jack Cheese, diced brown.

Vegetable oil spray

Yield: 10 (1cup) servings

Nutrition per serving: calories 203

Percent calories from fat 29%

Sodium 402 mg

Cholesterol 3 mg

WANTED:

Input is requested from community members regarding the Ojibwa.com website. Tom Chosa of the

KBIC/IT Department is in the process of redesigning

the site with a main focus on culture, history, language, arts, etc. Community members who are interested should submit ideas for the site to

Thomas@kbic-nsn.gov

NOTICE: TO ALL TRIBAL COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial Fishing Licenses for

the Year 2006-2007 Commercial Fishing Season are available at the KBIC License

Department, located in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Center. The

new license year will begin: May 1, 2006.

Applications must be returned to the Licensing/Motor Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 10, 2006. All applications for licenses will be reviewed and selected by the Tribal Council. The license fees will be: $75.00 for Small Boat/On

Reservation; $200.00 for Small Boat/Off Reservation; and $500.00 for Large

Boat/Off Reservation. All tribal members who apply must have completed the

required U.S. Food and Drug Administration Hazard Analysis and Critical Point

(HACCP) Training and present a copy of the certificate with the application. A

Boat Safety Fishing Vessel Examination with a certified official must be completed

and that documentation must be provided with the application. The application

also includes fishing vessel information which requests: the vessel’s name/number/

length.

For Boat Safety Inspections—

Contact—

Officer Tim Tilson/KB Conservation 353-6626;

Officer Dale Goodreau/KB Conservation 353-6626; or

U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock 482-1520

(5) Naanan

2006—KBIC Tribal Council

Meet Kamerin Awonohopay, born 12/27/05 to Christine

and Erick Awonohopay. He weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was

20½ inches in length.

(Left to right), front row—Toni Minton (Treasurer), Doreen Blaker (Asst. Secretary), Warren “Chris” Swartz Jr. (Vice President),

Susan LaFernier (President), Larry Denomie III (Secretary), back row—Shawanung (Joe Dowd), Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews, Gary F.

Loonsfoot Sr., William “Gene” Emery, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Elizabeth “Popcorn” Mayo. (missing from photo—Fred Dakota).

KBIC says farewell to Keith Tourtillott Sr.

With much regret, KBIC said farewell to Keith Tourtillott Sr. at a luncheon in his honor, December 20, 2005. Keith Tourtillott Sr. has accepted employment

closer to his home in Wisconsin. His final day as KBIC’s CEO was, December 23, 2005. Mr. Tourtillott Sr. held the position of CEO for 2 1/2 years with our

tribe. Keith stated, “I have been extremely honored to have been able to come up here and work for you. This position of CEO has been one of the best

jobs that I have had, and it has been

a learning experience for me with

the great variety of responsibilities it

brought. On any given day, I got to

work on one subject for ten minutes

and then another matter would walk

in the door. I want you to know—the

choices I’ve made were for the community. It’s all about you.”

On behalf of the community,

President LaFernier presented Keith

Tourtillott Sr. with a parting gift—a

beaded necktie.

A group photo

was taken. President LaFernier informed him, “We definitely will miss

you, and your Menominee knowledge. Good luck in your new position.”

(6) Ningodwaaswi

KBIC YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN EXTRA-CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES—

BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING

#14 Chris Loonsfoot, #30 Shayn Foucault, #42 Steven Denomie,

sophomore, plays for senior, plays for L’Anse junior, plays for Baraga

L’Anse Hornets Varsity Hornets Varsity Team.

Vikings Varsity Team.

Team.

#14 Mark Smith, sophomore, plays for Baraga

Vikings Junior Varsity

Team.

Amber Geroux, fresh- Melissa McSawby, junior,

man, cheerleader— cheerleader—cheers for

cheers for the Baraga Vi- the Baraga Vikings Varkings Varsity/JV teams.

sity/JV teams.

#12 Kelly Shanahan, #34 LeRoy Gauthier, #41 Dylan DeCota, plays #32 Adam Dakota, plays #10 Alden Connors Jr., #4 Leif Forcia, plays for

plays for the Baraga 8th plays for the Baraga 8th for the Baraga 7th for the Baraga 7th plays for the L’Anse 7th the L’Anse 7th Grade BasGrade Basketball Team.

Grade Basketball Team.

Grade Basketball Team. Grade Basketball Team. Grade Basketball Team. ketball Team.

#22 Kyle Soli, plays for #56 Nicholas Mayo, Cheerleaders for the Baraga 7th & 8th Grade Basketball Teams. (left to right) Tashina Emery, Lindsy Cote,

the L’Anse 7th Grade plays for the L’Anse 7th Breanna Fish and Jade Chaudier, Jennifer Klopstein, and Sherelle Loonsfoot.

Basketball Team.

Grade Basketball Team.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

KBIC HONORS JOANN PENNOCK

AT RETIREMENT PARTY

A retirement party was held on Friday evening, January 6,

2006, in the Chippewa Room, in honor of JoAnn Pennock’s retirement from KBIC. Susan LaFernier thanked JoAnn for the

wonderful service she has provided the tribe and presented her

with a retirement gift. Judge Bradley Dakota spoke of his appreciation to her dedication to the Court. JoAnn Pennock retires

from KBIC after 13 years with Tribal Court, 1 year with the

Tribal Attorney’s office and 5 years with the Ojibwa Casino.

MELVIN LAFERNIER JR. COMPLETES DUTIES IN IRAQ

KBIC MEMBER MARINE ENLISTMENT

Patrick Donald Bawden, son of Patricia

A. Bawden and the late Donald F. Bawden,

recently graduated from Marine basic

training at M.C.R.D. San Diego, CA. Patrick

will do further training at Camp Pendleton,

CA, and 29 Palms as a wireman for communications. Patrick graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 2002, and was

employed as a security guard at Ojibwa II

Casino before enlisting in the Marines.

KBIC EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Completing his duty in Iraq, National Guardsman, Melvin LaFernier Jr. returned home in time to enjoy the holidays with his family. He, along with fellow

National Guardsmen of the Ishpeming-based 107th Engineer Battalion, Assault &

Obstacle Platoon, were met by an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends, and

Governor Jennifer Granholm, at the Sawyer International Airport on Friday, December 16, 2005. Melvin LaFernier Jr. had been called to active duty on October 30, 2004. He arrived in Kuwait on December 31, 2004 and from there was

deployed into Iraq. LaFernier served 13 months of active duty overseas.

LaFernier stated that he drove a 54-ton Cougar truck originally designed for

breeching mine fields but was now armored for IED blasts. LaFernier worked on

IED (roadside clearance) for Task Force Ironhawk. His platoon was trained for

this job and were trained for when they reached a mobilization site, but were

always struggling to keep ahead of the enemy. “The training didn’t help much,

we kept learning as we went along. The insurgents kept getting more sophisticated, more smarter. I’m glad we made it home, a few of our guys didn’t make it

back,” LaFernier stated.

Now that he is home, Melvin plans on relaxing with his family for awhile and

then studying to become a x-ray technician.

(8) Ishwaaswi

An Employee Recognition was held at the Tribal Government Christmas Party. President Susan LaFernier presented the recognition, “As

the end of the year approaches, we would like to take a moment from

the usual rush to thank all of you and let you know that even though we

don’t always see many of you, we do appreciate you. Each of you

have a department to be proud of for all of the wonderful work that

you do for our Community. It is my pleasure to present to you seventeen of our employees who have given the Tribe their time and talent

for ten years or more. On behalf of the Tribal Council, we congratulate you for this honor and recognition.”

Receiving a $30.00 gift card: Jason Ayres—10 years; Cherie Dakota—10 years; Julie A. Raby—10 years; Peter P. Jaukkuri—10

years; Dominic Picciano—11 years.

Receiving a $40.00 gift card & 15 year clock: Suzanne Dakota

Kahkonen—15 years; Lori LaFernier—15 years; Evelyn Ravindran—15

years; Kerry Picciano—15 years; Pauline Knapp Spruce—15 years.

Receiving a $50.00 gift card & clock if not previously received: Francois LaPointe Jr.—20 years; Elizabeth Mayo—20 years; Duane Misegan—20 years; Gloria Shalifoe—23 years; Philomena Ekdahl—24

years.

Receiving a $100 gift card (received clocks previously):

Chosa—34 years; William Seppanen—31 years.

Donald R.

CHILDREN’S INDOOR PLAY CENTER TO OPEN

OJIBWA LIBRARY

Thanks to a grant awarded from the Ruth Danley & William Enoch Moore Charitable Trust, the

Children’s Indoor Play Center will be opening at the end of February 2006. The Ojibwa Community

College received the grant award on December 15, 2005, which will be used to build the play areas. These funds will be utilized to purchase sensory room equipment, i.e. cuddle therapy swing,

fiber optic curtain, floor mats and a projector that will display smoothing and calming images. A

nature trail with a wigwam will be purchased for storytelling along with other materials and toys for

the other areas, such as a Hand Zone, Infant/Toddler Zone, Big Muscle Zone, Quiet Area, Area of

Pretend, Creative Arts, Music Room, Sensory Room, Theater/Puppet Stage and a boat shaped desk

with aquarium, which will be in the welcoming area.

OCC construction trainees and staff constructed the desks and cubbies for the center. Through a

KBIC Youth Club project, elementary and high school students will help design each of the play areas as a school project. Permanent recognition of youth’s art will be given.

Hasbro has donated a number of toys, which are expected to arrive soon. If anyone would like

to donate non-porous toys (no stuffed animals), please call Kristen Thoresen at 353-4602 or Mary

Bergerson at 353-8163. Names of these donations will be displayed on a wall frame at the center.

Donor plaques will also be displayed on a wall at the center. KBIC employees can make donations

through payroll deduction by contacting the payroll office. All funds raised will be used for the new

building construction, which is planned to be located on the college campus near the Niiwin Akeaa

Center. Until construction on the new building is complete, the Children’s Indoor Play Center will be

located, temporarily, downtown Baraga on Superior Ave.,

(the old OCC fitness center).

This center is designed to be a family-oriented learning

and play environment, where parents and children can engage in interactive activities which are universally accessible

to children of all abilities. Education and networking support

to families, including childcare, respite care, family fun

nights, day camps, movie nights, celebration room for children’s birthday parties and a parent resource room will be

available at the center. The public is invited to attend IPC

meetings to help make this Children’s Center a community

focused project. The Indoor Play Center Committee will be

holding a naming contest for the center. For additional information, contact Debbie Parrish at 353-4601.

The Ojibwa Community Library has

switched it’s Reading Buddies program to

Tuesday’s @ 5:30 p.m. The next session

will be on January 24th. Please call us @

353-8163 for information.

You may have heard about the book ‘A

Million Little Pieces’ and controversy surrounding the author and the content of the

book. He does admit adding to the story,

but for the most part it is true. The book

has helped many with their addictions, and

that is a good thing. The library has several copies of the book. The bad publicity

has generated the selling of more copies!!!

Recently two books have been picked by patrons as great

reading. They are ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘A Million Little Pieces’.

A Message from KBOCC Honoring Our Health Program

Some Michigan Statistics—

• People in Michigan are among the most overweight in the United States.

• In 2002, sixty-two percent of Michigan adults were either overweight or obese.

• Due to unhealthy lifestyles, this generation of children may be the first who do not outlive their parents.

• Eighty percent of Michigan adults don’t eat the recommended amounts of fruits and

vegetables each day.

• More than 50% of Michigan adults don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity each day.

• Tobacco kills more people in Michigan than AIDS, alcohol, automobile crashes, fires,

drugs, murders and suicides combined.

• Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of dying from heart disease, stroke,

and lung cancer.

• More than 90% of all adult smokers begin while in their teens, or earlier, and more

than half become regular, daily smokers before they reach the age of 19.

• Each year nearly 2,000 deaths in Michigan are due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Unhealthy lifestyles like these increase the risk for over 30 chronic diseases that can be

prevented, including the leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer, stroke, and

diabetes. These chronic diseases are rooted in the three unhealthy lifestyles:

Physical inactivity

Unhealthy eating

Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Mary Bergerson

Library Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— Ojibwa Community College—

Niiwin Akeaa and NETA, a non-profit fitness professional association, are co-sponsoring the following national-recognized

workshops:

GROUP EXERCISE CERTIFICATION on Saturday, March 25, 2006, @

8:00 a.m. Potential and current fitness instructors will learn basic academic and practical application of teaching group exercise. No college, science or teaching background required. Workshop registration

includes a full-day review, written exam, two-year certificate and

membership.

KICKBOXING WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 26, 2006, @ 8:00

a.m. NETA’s Kickboxing Certification will train you to execute, choreograph and perform typical kickboxing moves safely and effectively.

Experience the fitness craze for yourself and your students. Get certified with NETA!

Event Location: Ojibwa Community College—Niiwin Akeaa Center,

111 Beartown Road, Baraga, MI 49908. Local contact: Rachelle

Bachran (906)353-4608. To register: Call 800-AEROBIC or register

online at www.netafit.org.

Michigan Steps Up

What is Michigan Steps Up? Michigan Steps Up is the Michigan surgeon General’s healthy

lifestyles campaign to help reduce risk factors that threaten the health of Michigan’s citizens

by—

Increasing physical activity

Improving healthy eating

Reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Good News— Even small changes in lifestyle can lead to big health rewards

Step 1 – Move more

Step 2 – Eat better

Step 3 – Don’t smoke

All the tools you need to start improving your health are available at the Michigan Steps Up

website, www.michiganstepsup.org

You will find—

Free personal plan that helps you set and track your personal goals

Free healthy recipes and snack ideas

Free Make Health Your Choice magazine

Ideas for making healthy choices when eating out

Programs and materials to help you quit smoking

Information on how to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke

Programs and materials to help you increase your physical activity

Daily health tips from the Michigan Surgeon General

Readiness quizzes

Tips and links to resources for People with disabilities

And much, much more.

(9) Zhaangaswi

2006 DHHS CALENDARS MAILED

Community Calendar - February 2006

Sun

Mon

Tue

February— Black History Month

Healthy Heart Month

National Cancer Prevention Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Condom Month

National Wear Red Day Feb. 3

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

2 Groundhog Day 3 National Wear

4 Tribal Council

Red Day!

meeting, 9 am

7 5:30 pm Reading 8

14 5:30 pm Read- 15

Buddies

ing Buddies; Healthy

Start Program 11:30

am-1:00 pm

20 President’s Day, 21 5:30 pm Read- 22 3:30 pm, DM

Tribal Gov’t Offices

are closed.

ing Buddies

28 5:30 pm Read- Events occurring throughout the KBIC Commuing Buddies

presentation by

Carol Grafford @

OCC—roorm 111

nity are welcomed to be listed on this calendar. email newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend

The KBIC/DHHS’s

Healthy Heart Program

February 14, 2006

Ojibwa Senior Center

11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

Lunch To Be Served at 12:30 p.m.

Program Begins Promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Guest Speakers:

To Be Announced

11:30A.M. 11:50A.M. 12:10P.M. This program is sponsored by the KBIC Community Health Dept.

and the KBIC Diabetes Program

Events listed in calendar

are listed throughout the

newsletter FYI.

February 3, 2006, is

National Wear Red Day!

National Wear Red Day is a day

when Americans nationwide will wear

red to show their support for women’s

heart disease awareness.

The Heart Truth—a national

awareness campaign for women

about heart disease— launched the

Red dress as the national symbol for

women and heart disease awareness

in February 2003. National Wear

Red Day promotes the symbol and

provides an opportunity for everyone

to unite in this life-saving awareness

movement by showing off a favorite

red dress, shirt, tie, or Red Dress Pin.

Join the National Heart, Lung and

Blood Institute; Office on Women’s

Health; U.S. Department of Health &

Human Services; Women Heart; the

National Coalition for Women with

Heart Disease; American Heart Association; and many other groups to

promote National Wear Red Day in

your local community.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EXERCISE CERTIFICATE TRAINING. Scholarships are available for the Exercise Instruction

Certificate Program (see ad on page 9) being held on March 25th & 26th at the Tribal College. Interested persons

must be 18 years or older, a KBIC Tribal member and willing to provide 8 hours of group exercise instruction after

certification. Interested persons should contact Kathy Mayo at 353-4519 or pick up an application from the Diabetes Program located in the Tribal Health Department.

(10) Midaaswi

Over 2500 calendars were mailed out in late

December to all Keweenaw Bay tribal members

18 and over, nationwide. The mailing process

took one week to complete. Interns from KBOCC

and employees from the KBIC Health Dept. all

volunteered their time to complete the project.

The calendar featured pictures from the local

community and health tips for the New Year. It

was dedicated to the memory of Denise Marth,

RN, MSN, who was employed as the community

health coordinator at the KBIC/DHHS. This project

was funded through the STEPS grant. Anyone

who would like a calendar can pick one up on the

2nd floor of the KBIC/DHHS, 102 Superior Ave.,

Baraga, MI. [pictured above are (left) Katrina

Genschow and (right) Kelsey Mayo]

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is recognized nationally as Black History

Month as a result of the efforts of Dr. Carter G.

Woodson, the son of former slaves. At the age of

twenty, he enrolled in high school, graduated in two

years, and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. In

his studies, Dr. Woodson found that history books

largely ignored contributions of the Black American

population, and when references were made to Black

Americans, they were generally negative. After many

years in academia, Dr. Woodson gave up his career to

dedicate himself to writing Black Americans into America’s history. In 1926, he launched Negro History

Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the

contributions of Black people throughout American history. With the resurgence of the Black Pride Movement of the 1970’s, the celebration evolved from a one

week celebration into Black History Month. The month

serves as a way for people of African descent to articulate their concerns, preserve their heritage, and

highlight their accomplishments. The theme of the 2006

Black History Month is: Celebrating Community—A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions. The

month highlights the contributions made by Black community organizations that have empowered people of

African descent to move forward and achieve their

goals.

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College will

be sponsoring several Black History Month activities.

Call the College at 353-4606 for details.

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE OFFICE OF TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES FOR THE

TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ORDINANCE

The following Guidelines are issued pursuant to the authority granted to the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribal Employment Rights Office (hereinafter referred

to as TERO) by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Employment

Rights Ordinance. The Ordinance requires the preferential employment of

Indians by all employers operating within the jurisdiction of the Keweenaw

Bay Indian Community.

3. Specific Indian Preference Obligations of Covered Employers

I. Indian Preference in Hiring Employees

The contractor/employer must give preference to qualified Indian

applicants, for all new positions, job vacancies and negotiated positions. Order of preference shall be as follows:

[INDIAN PREFERENCE]

1. In all projects or contracts where federal/state dollars are being

used, the following order of preference applies:

a. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Members;

b. Indians Enrolled in Other Federally Recognized Tribes.

[TRIBAL PREFERENCE]

2. Preference requirements in projects funded by the community; the

following order of preference applies:

a. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Members;

b. KBIC descendants;

c. Indians Enrolled in Other Federally Recognized Tribes;

d. Spouses of Community members;

e. All Indians.

For more information, contact the Office of Tribal Employment Rights at (906) 353-4167.

OFFICE OF TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

RECRUITING NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

EMPLOYEES FOR POSITIONS WITH KBIC EMPLOYERS (APPLICANTS MUST BE 55

YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER, AND MEET LOW INCOME GUIDELINES TO QUALIFY. ALL POSITIONS ARE PART-TIME 20 HOURS PER WEEK AND PAY $5.15 PER HOUR):

CUSTOMER GREETER: Provides assistance to customers entering or leaving the building.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS AIDE: Provides assistance to patrons at hotel with personal

services, take messages, arrange or give advice on transportation, business services

or entertainment, or monitor guest requests for housekeeping and maintenance.

OJIBWEMOWIN

Namebini Giizis

Sucker Fish Moon - February

Vocabulary

dada ojibwemoda - Let’s speak ojibwe!

ambe oma - Come here.

nind ija - I want to go, I will go.

kitchi ogaming - to the big lake

gashkadin - it freezes over, it is frozen over

anindi - where; where to

ija - he goes

wewebanabi - she/he goes fishing

giigoo - fish

nibi - water

Ojibwemowin

created by:

page

JoAnne Racette, KBIC

Ojibwa Community College Native American

Studies Instructor

Find the Ojibwe words and phrases:

INVOICE CONTROL AIDE: Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices.

OFFICE AIDE: Answer inquiries and obtain information for general public, customer,

visitors, and other interested parties. Provide basic clerical support.

LIBRARY AIDE: Must have public relations and interpersonal skills; be able to sort and

shelve books, issue and receive library materials and file according to identification

number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and

other library materials.

NATURAL RESOURCES AIDE: Perform routine ground and building maintenance such

as picking up liter, emptying trash containers and routine maintenance.

FOOD & NUTRITION AIDE: Performs a variety of food services duties.

RECRUITING IRON WORKERS TRAINEES

The National Ironworker Training Program for American Indians conducts twelve week training

sessions and is fully funded to qualify applicants which include lodging and weekly stipends.

You must provide your own transportation to and from school and to training locations.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

U.P. PLUMBERS’ & PIPE FITTERS’, U.A. LOCAL 506 are taking applications.

For more information, contact Debra Williamson—TERO/EEO Director

at the Office of Tribal Employment Rights at (906) 353-4167, tero@kbic-nsn.gov

(11) Ashi bezhig

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

107 Beartown Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908

PRESORTED STD

U.S Postage

PAID

Calumet, MI

Permit No. 5

To place an ad, contact

Lauri Denomie at

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

For Your Information:

Out of town members can call

800-323-8045 & ask to be transferred to the Tribal Center

Switchboard.

President LaFernier (right) presents Jennifer Misegan (left) with recognition gift and thanked her for all of

her dedicated work for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as a Council member for the past three years.

1ST STEP COUNSELING

SERVICE

If you are interested in

starting

buying

business and

don’t know

what to do

next…

Couple

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community/Employment Opportunities

Assistant Tribal Attorney - open until filled

Clinical Social Worker - open until filled

On Call positions: LPN - RN - Unit Manager - Account Executive/Sales

Child Care Provider - Cashier - Receptionist/Clerical Worker

For complete job announcement, application and closing dates contact:

KBIC Personnel Department

107 Beartown Road, Baraga, MI 49908

906-353-6623, ext 4176 or 4140

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

(12) Ashi Niizh

Call

Donna

Sackett @ (906)

353-4115 at the

Office of Planning & Development.

She can also set you up

an appointment with a

certified business counselor in the Baraga

County area. Sessions

are free and confidential.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.