The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2012)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gashkadino Giizis - Freezing Moon - November 2012 Issue 100

KBIC HOLDS 4TH ANNUAL

CHELSEY LAFERNIER MEMORIAL WALK

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Elizabeth D. Mayo, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Jerry Lee Curtis, Asst. Secretary

Toni Minton, Treasurer

Robert D. (RD) Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Eddy Edwards

Jean Jokinen

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Carole LaPointe

Elizabeth (Chiz) Matthews

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST:



October 6, 2012 Tribal Council

Meeting



4th Annual Chelsey LaFernier

Memorial Walk Held



KBIC Cultural Committee Attends Historical Park Celebration



Childrens’ Powwow Held



Dedication Held For Clyde B.

Swartz Memorial Trail



Aabinoojiyens



Deepest Sympathy

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

held the 4th Annual Chelsey LaFernier Memorial Walk on Friday, October 5. The event was

organized by staff and volunteers of the Office

of Violence Against Women. A group of nearly

100 dedicated walkers, wearing their purple

shirts, braved the crisp cool weather to fulfill

the annual walk for a good cause—Domestic

Violence Awareness. After registering at the

corner of McGillan and Lyons Street, walkers

made their 1.7 mile journey to the Tribe’s

Bingo Hall.

President Warren (Chris) Swartz, Jr. welcomed participants and introduced Chelsey’s

mother, Birdie, and father, Harry. “It is unfortunate a tragedy had to occur here on our reservation in order for us to meet for this cause,

but at the same time, we can turn a negative

into a positive,” Swartz said. “That is our main

purpose here tonight to raise the awareness of

domestic violence here on the L’Anse Indian

Reservation. For too long domestic violence

was ignored or treated as a private matter. It’s

time we stand with all those who have been

affected by this terrible crime, recognize the

individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence

in Indian Country. There is an ongoing epidemic of violence against Native women in the

United States. Native American women are

two and a half times more likely to be subjected to domestic violence than any other

group of women in the United States. Statistics are staggering: 1 in 3 Native women will

be raped in their lifetime and 3 in 5 will be

physically assaulted. On some reservations,

Native women are murdered at rates ten times

the national average. Few of these Native

women will ever see their perpetrators brought

to justice due to jurisdictional gaps in federal

law; gaps that fail to protect Native women

from domestic violence, dating violence, and

violations of protection orders by non-Indians;

gaps that have stripped Indian nations of their

authority over non-Indians who commit such

crimes on Tribal lands. This is particularly

frightening considering that non-Indians now

make up 77% of the population living on reservations. All of these types of crimes, some

88% of which are committed by non-Indians,

are prevalent on Indian reservations and

threaten the lives of Native women daily. This

violent reality must be stopped. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is committed

to breaking the cycle.”

Chelsey’s sister, Lily Leinonen, cited a

poem just prior to a balloon release by the

crowd. Participants enjoyed an evening of

drumming, a feast, and the words from a survivor. This year’s guest speaker was Robin

PoorBear, aka Robin Charboneau. Robin, a

Spirit Lake Nation member, spoke of her recovery. She is a survivor of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and is recovering from chemical dependency. Robin shared her intense

experience and how she has survived with

those present.

(1) Bezhig

OCTOBER 6, 2012 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Tribal Council held their regularly

scheduled Saturday Tribal Council meeting

on October 6, 2012, at the Marquette Community Center in Harvey, Michigan. President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. presided over

the meeting with Elizabeth D. Mayo, Susan

J. LaFernier, Jerry Lee Curtis, Toni Minton,

Robert (RD) Curtis, Jr., Fred Dakota, Jean

Jokinen, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., Carole L.

LaPointe, and Elizabeth “Chiz” Matthews

present. Eddy Edwards was absent.

President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. shared

numerous Thank You and For Your Information items addressed to Council. President Warren C. Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report (page four), Secretary Susan

J. LaFernier gave the Secretary’s Report

(page three), Treasurer Toni Minton gave

the Treasurer’s Report (page five), and

CEO Larry Denomie III, gave the CEO’s Report (page eight). Council passed the Department Head Reports for August 2012.

Pat Brown was on the agenda regarding

the Marquette Seniors’ Christmas Party.

Ms. Brown was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. Council indicated this

year’s budget includes the Christmas Dinner. Any Marquette members wishing to

assist with planning or to offer suggestions

should contact Pat Brown at 273-0318.

April Lindala, NMU, shared an update

with Council on the Center for Native American Studies Decolonizing Diet Project. April

presented the Community and the Community College with a gift, a copy of the anthology, Voice on the Water, Great Lakes Native American Now, published November

30, 2011. She told Council, “There are 20

participants taking part in Dr. Reinhardt’s

study (Decolonizing Diet Project). After sixmonths, it has been a significant learning

experience for all of us. Dr. Reinhardt is

committed to the diet for an absolutely indigenous intake of 100%. He looks absolutely fabulous, and to date, he has lost 28

pounds,” April said. “At my three-month

checkup, I lost nine pounds. I’m at 25% indigenous food intake.” As part of the sixmonth report, they will be having panel

presentations and discussions regarding the

Decolonizing Diet Project during the Native

American Heritage Month programs being

offered at NMU in November.

Sandy Carlson addressed the Council

about Christmas Check concerns. Carlson

stated, “Last year the guidelines were

posted on the day of the distribution.” She

expressed the need for the guidelines to be

made public at an earlier date, so individuals will have the opportunity to have required documentation available to be eligible for the Christmas Check distribution,

hopefully, alleviating frustration for all concerned. Council agreed that documentation

needs to be posted at an earlier date.

Marquette residents present spoke of the

wonderful health fair events that had been

held in Harvey in the past offered by the

Donald LaPointe Medical Center staff and

requested that these events continue.

Carole LaPointe, Council Member and

Health Director, indicated that she would

work on this suggestion.

Sandy Carlson announced she holds a

Native American Craft Bazaar around the

Thanksgiving Holiday at the Harvey Community Center and would like to advertise

this opportunity throughout the Community.

Ms. Carlson was given information about

how to do this.

Glen Bressette, Sr. requested Council to

make a donation to fund the replacement of

the Bingo machine and board at the D.J.

Jacobetti Home for Veterans. Fred Dakota

motioned to purchase a Bingo machine

and board with cost up to $5,000 for the

Jacobetti Home for Veterans, supported

by Susan J. LaFernier, ten supported, 0

(2) Niizh

opposed, 0 abstained, one absent

(Edwards), motion carried. Council directed Mr. Bressette to have Mr. Ken Arseneau, Jacobetti Volunteer Coordinator, supply three estimates for this purchase.

Geraldine Bess addressed Council regarding her eviction by the Ojibwa Housing

Authority. She indicated her granddaughter

was living with her to help take care of her.

She also stated that the eviction was related

to her granddaughter’s behavior. Ms. Bess

told Council she lived at that residence in

housing for ten years and that she was a

victim of the situation and that she had done

nothing wrong herself. Because of this eviction, she had no alternative but to move into

a nursing home where she lived for seven

months. She called the Housing Director,

Eddy Edwards, to ask if she could move

back but they had nothing available. Ms.

Bess indicated there were three handicapped houses, but all were occupied by

people who were not handicapped. She did

move into a house in housing with her son,

but the home isn’t handicapped accessible.

Ms. Bess didn’t understand why she was

evicted and wanted Council to review her

situation. She supplied Council with documentation regarding her eviction. Mr. Edwards, who is also a Council Member, was

not in attendance to address the issue.

Members of Council present expressed their

concerns and indicated they would look into

the matter as expeditiously as possible.

Under Old Business: Susan J. LaFernier

a) 3rd reading of the KBIC Tribal Code Title

Five—Adoptions Proposed Ordinance 201205. Susan J. LaFernier motioned to

adopt the Proposed Ordinance Title

Five—Adoptions 2012-05, supported by

Elizabeth D. Mayo, nine supported

(Mayo, S. LaFernier, Curtis, Minton, R.

Curtis, Dakota, Jokinen, M. LaFernier,

Matthews), 0 opposed, one abstained

(LaPointe), one absent (Edwards), motion carried.

Susan J. LaFernier b) 3rd Reading of the

KBIC Tribal Code Title Six—Guardians and

Conservators Proposed Ordinance 2012-06.

Susan J. LaFernier motioned to adopt

the Proposed Ordinance 2012-06 Title

Six—Guardians and Conservators, supported by Elizabeth D. Mayo.

One

amendment was brought forth.

Susan J. LaFernier motioned to adopt

and approve the amendment to change

§6.302, Powers and Duties of Tribal Social Services upon Appointment of a

Guardian in Title IV-E eligible cases, subsection D, in Proposed Ordinance 201206, supported by Elizabeth D. Mayo, ten

supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Edwards), motion carried.

President Swartz called for the question

for the motion of Susan J. LaFernier to

adopt the Proposed Ordinance 2012-06,

supported by Elizabeth D. Mayo, ten supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Edwards), motion carried.

Under New Business, Diana Chaudier,

Election Board Chair, presented the Election Board’s recommended approval of candidates for the 2012 Primary Election. The

Baraga District Tribal Council candidates for

the two positions are: Michael Cardinal,

Tom Chosa, Jr., Jerry Curtis, Robert Ellsworth, Virginia Jermac, Gary Loonsfoot, Sr.,

Donald Messer, and Warren Swartz, Jr.; the

L’Anse District Council candidates for the

two positions are: Edward Edwards, Lyndon Ekdahl, William Emery, Charles

Gauthier, David Haataja, Jerry Jondreau,

Susan LaFernier, and Jennifer Misegan;

and for the Chief Judge: Bradley T. Dakota.

A Primary Election is required in both districts for Tribal Council. As for Chief Judge,

the number of candidates did not exceed

twice the number of offices available. The

Chief Judge position will only need to appear on the General Election ballot. David

Carmody from Governmental Business Systems (GBS) will be programming the voting

machines at the Tribal Police Department.

Diane Chaudier and a Tribal Police officer

will witness the settings of the machines.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot

is October 12, 2012. The absentee requests will be reviewed at the October 15,

2012 Board meeting. Absentee ballots will

be mailed to those who are approved at the

October 15, 2012 meeting. Election Board

members will go to the Marquette District for

absentee voting. Absentee ballots will be

available for Marquette voters on Thursday

evening, November 1, 2012, at the Ojibwa

Community Room in Harvey. Peggy Minton

has been selected as the home bound election worker, and she will go to those members’ homes on Friday, November 2, 2012.

The Election Board has placed an ad for

Election Workers in the L’Anse Sentinel.

Two Election Workers will be needed to

conduct the Primary Election. One Election

Board Alternate will need to be appointed to

the Election Board. The deadline for members to submit their names for an election

worker position is October 11, 2012. The

Election Board Alternate is chosen from

those applying for the worker’s positions,

and those names will be provided to Council

on Thursday, October 18, 2012. The Primary Election results including those absentee ballots will be announced at the polling

site in both districts. Elizabeth D. Mayo

motioned to approve the Tribal Council

candidates in the Baraga District, the

Tribal Council candidates in the L’Anse

District, and the Chief Judge, supported

by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr., eight supported (Mayo, Minton, R. Curtis, Dakota,

Jokinen, M. LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews), 0 opposed, two abstained (S.

LaFernier, J. Curtis), one absent

(Edwards), motion carried.

Robert D. Curtis, Jr., presented the

agreement between KBIC Outpatient Substance Abuse Program and Departments

and Jason Nichols’s agreement for Smoke’s

Rez Heads’, Back to School Tour. Mr. Curtis indicated this amount is available within

their budget with a line adjustment. Robert

D. Curtis, Jr. motioned to approve the

agreement with Jason Nichols in the

amount of $10,000, contingent upon the

review of the attorney, supported by Toni

Minton, ten supported, 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one absent (Edwards), motion

carried. R.D. Curtis, Jr. agreed he’d look

into providing transportation for the youth of

Marquette to attend this event on November

9 and 10, 2012.

President Swartz brought forth a renewal

business license application that was submitted by Debra Parrish d/b/a Keweenaw

Kustoms and Quik Lube, LLC. The application fee has been paid, and this business is

located at 125 Michigan Ave., Baraga, located within the L’Anse Reservation. Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. motioned to approve the renewal license application for

Keweenaw Kustoms and Quik Lube,

LLC, supported by Elizabeth D. Mayo,

nine supported (Mayo, S. LaFernier, J.

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

LaFernier, LaPointe, Matthews), one opposed (Jokinen), 0 abstained, one absent

(Edwards), motion carried. Jean Jokinen

stated her opposition was due to the fact,

that according to our Constitution, we

shouldn’t impose taxes or fees until approved by a referendum of the people.

Toni Minton presented the donation list

for October 2012. Elizabeth D. Mayo motioned to approve $500 for the Bay Cliff

Health Camp, $5,000 for the Marine Corp

League of Baraga County for Toys for

Continues on page three.

Tots (TOTS), and $5,000 for the 21st Century Fund requested by Representative

Scott Dianda for a total of $10,500, supported by Fred Dakota, ten supported, 0

opposed, 0 abstained, one absent

(Edwards), motion carried.

Council moved into closed session with

one item on the agenda, Sandy Carlson

with a Christmas Check concern, prior to

adjournment.

~ submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Vicky Lynn Emery, a KBIC member, was recently

hired as KBOCC’s Accounting Supervisor. She has

been a long time employee of the KBIC Accounting

Office.

Vicky has two children and resides in

Baraga. Vicky said, “My interests include trying out

new recipes, achieving fitness goals, and spending

quality time with my family. I am a member of the

KBIC Education Committee and I am very Community oriented. I feel that all of Tribal businesses/

entities are beneficial to our Community, and we are

lucky to have all of them. I am truly excited about my

new position and I will strive to do my best for

KBOCC.”

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2012

Activities reported by the Secretary,

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

ANIN! We honor the greatness in you.

Remember: “Indian Country Counts” and

“Our People, Our Nations, Our Future.”

We continue to recognize the richness of

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

United States.

During the administration of Governor

William G. Milliken in 1974, the Legislature

designated the fourth Friday in September

as Michigan Indian Day (Act 30 of 1974,

Section 435.161).

NATIVE VOTE 2012—every vote and

voice count. NCAI (National Congress of

American Indians) President Jefferson Keel

stated in his State of Indian Nations Address that our Native vote can have a significant impact on the upcoming 2012 elections, and he has challenged Indian Country

to turn out the largest Native vote in history.

We need to get out and vote, not only to

have Native voices heard, but to ensure that

U.S. leaders understand Indian Country and

that Indian Country matters, especially in

Michigan. Here are four challenges that can

make a big difference: 1) Get yourself registered to vote TODAY! You can do it

online. 2) Think of three people you care

about. Make sure they are registered and

challenge them to reach out to three more

people they care about. 3) Volunteer to

make calls encouraging others to register

and vote. 4) Spread the word to vote on

Election Day! Contact our Native Vote

Community Coordinator, Jennifer Misegan,

with questions or to register. Also see the

website NativeVote.org. November General

Election: Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

The KBIC Tribal Election timelines have

also been set:



November 3, 2012 – Primary Election;

 December 15, 2012 – General Election (two candidates L’Anse/two candidates Baraga) and Tribal Court

Judge.

Our goal for Keweenaw Bay is to have

100% of our eligible members vote!

I attended the CARE Meeting on September 17. I also helped to plan Todd Warner’s family visit which was held on September 21 at the Hatchery where Todd worked.

Thanks to all of his staff for the remembrances that were said and for all of the

planning. His family enjoyed a tour of the

Natural Resource Department’s projects

followed by a luncheon at the Ojibwa Conference Room. Staff, Michael F. LaFernier,

Sr. and I also greeted Todd’s family at his

home in Marquette the next day. Council

and the NRD will be remembering Todd in a

special way to be announced in the near

future.

On September 19, the Health Board did

interviews and hired our new Chief Pharmacist, Cynthia R. Gourneau, R.Ph, who is a

Turtle Lake Chippewa from Minnesota. She

began work on October 1. The staff, Health

Board, and others, wished Mr. Jim Vollmar

(who helped us to open our Pharmacy) a

happy retirement (his third time) on September 26. President Swartz, Councilman

Eddy Edwards, staff, and I attended the

U.S. Attorney and Staff-Western District of

Michigan annual visit. Mr. Patrick A. Miles,

Jr. has been on staff for three months as

the U.S. Attorney. Issues, concerns, case

updates, trainings available, and agency

comments were heard.

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

Health, Intervention, Prevention Program)

Task Force and volunteers continue to have

monthly meetings. It is never too late to

encourage and begin positive lifestyle

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

Well.” Remember everyone should participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week to stay fit. Thank you

to everyone who planned and participated

in the 2nd Annual KBIC Blood Drive held on

September 27, 2012. A great gift, as there

is always a shortage of blood.

The Drug Tip Line number is 353-DRUG

or 353-3784.

The yellow banners are

around the reservation with this drug tip line

number displayed. The Drug Task Force

holds monthly meetings, and their Mission

Statement is: “To promote education

through public awareness with the specific

objective to eliminate the use of ‘illegal

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

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

medicine over five years.

Continue to pray for each other as well

as honor and remember all of our veterans,

service men and women, and their families.

Remember those who are ill, those with

economic struggles, and all who have lost

loved ones. Thank you, God and Creator,

for the great blessings of our land. It has

been a beautiful fall! We pray for peace in

the world. “Who does the land belong to?

Some to those who have walked on, a little

to those still living, but most to those yet to

be born.” ~ unknown.

During September 2012, the Tribal

Council held one Regular Tribal Council

Meeting on September 8, 2012. This meeting is covered in the October 2012 Newsletter. Tribal Council held ten Special Council

Meetings. Following are the unapproved

motions from September.

At a council meeting held September 5,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the amendments to the Tribal

Attorney position announcement and

the closing date is open until filled and

to post where appropriate.

At a council meeting held September 6,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the Government employee

#009-12 request to overturn the CEO’s

decision and remove the reprimand and

corrective action from her employee file;

 Approved to reschedule case #010-12

Enterprise Grievance until September

20, at 10:00 a.m. and that there will be



no further rescheduling;

Approved the Special Counsel Attorney

Master Contract between the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and

Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt PC (for

the mining case) and authorize the Vice

President to sign.

At a council meeting held September 10,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 FY2013 Finance/Budget Review.

At a council meeting held September 11,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 FY2013 Finance/Budget Review.

At a council meeting held September 12,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 FY2013 Finance/Budget Review.

At a council meeting held September 13,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the liquor license renewal for

“Jimaganish Wadokaged” (Warrior

Helper-American Legion) and waived

the fee;

 Approved the bid from Howard Brothers,

Inc. for the Brewery-Vuk Road Water

Main Extension project for $655,415.00;

 Approved Dorsey & Whitney, LLP to file

the BIA Contract Support Costs Claims

for 2006-2012;

 Approved the new Alcoholic Beverages

license for Edwards 8 LLC for on-off

premises;

 Approved the new business license for

KB Taco for Ronald T. and Katie Edwards pending payment of the fee;

 Approved the new taxed tobacco products license for Edwards 8 LLC pending

payment of the $125.00 fee;

 Denied the request from Edward Gray

for assistance to pay his wife’s funeral

expenses;

 Approved to introduce the 1 st Reading

proposed ordinance 2012-05 Title FiveAdoptions, waive the 1st reading and

schedule the 2nd Reading for September

27, 2012;

 Approved to introduce the 1 st Reading

proposed ordinance 2012-06 Title SixGuardians and Conservators, waive the

1st reading and schedule the 2nd Reading for September 27, 2012.

At a council meeting held September 18,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 FY2013 Finance/Budget Review;

 Approved the Section 00520 Agreement, suggested form of agreement between owner and contractor for construction contract with Howard Brothers,

Inc. (for the Brewery-Vuk Water Main

Extension Project).

At a council meeting held September 20,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the Services Agreement with

Robin Charbeneau as the Chelsey

LaFernier Memorial Walk Speaker on

October 5, 2012, for $1,200.00;

 Approved the Employment AgreementDentist with Ronald J. Carmody, DDS

(16 hours on Thursday-Friday);

 Approved the Title IV-E Plan Certifications and Assurances (to access direct

Continues on page four.

(3) Niswi

Secretary’s Report continues:









federal funding for Tribal Social Services) and have the President sign;

Approved the Entertainment Agreement

with Entertainmentmax, Inc. for

$4,000.00 for the New Year’s Eve Comedy Performance Show at the Bingo

Hall;

Approved Resolution KB 1899-2012 the

transfer of Virginia A. Jermac’s residential lease to her daughter Sarah M. Beaver;

Approved addendum 1 with Gundlach

Champion, Inc. to prepare a master plan

for the Correction(al) Facility on Tribal

lands;

Regarding Enterprise Case #010-12:

Approved to direct Casino Management

to allow the supervisors and employees

to work on opportunities to work at fires.

At a council meeting held September 25,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved at the 3rd reading to amend

4.104, 4.106, 4.502, 4.503, 4.504,

4.602, 4.612, and adopt Title Four Juvenile Division of the Tribal Code Proposed Ordinance 2012-04;

 Approved the moving expenses for the

new Pharmacist for $2,000.00 and to

include in her contract, contingent on

the approval of the contract;

 Defeated a motion to approve Heather

Chapman’s Employment Agreement

which includes Tribal Prosecutor, a 35%

raise, and changed the date of the contract to September from January;

 Approved a motion to begin titling our

vehicles, and if a Tribal member goes to

the State for titling, the titling clerk will

help members file their claims for reimbursement with no Tribal refunds, effective in 30 days, November 1st;

 Approved the FY 2013 Budget with a

$390,941.00 surplus.

At a council meeting held September 27,

2012, the following actions were taken:

 Approved the TICS for Shipping Notification and Receipts Requirement

542.13(r) effective January 1, 2013;

 Approved the bid from DELL for

$8,432.21 for a new Government file

server for data storage (I.T. Department);

 Approved the Project Agreement for the

replacement of the Bridge crossing the

Falls River on the Golf Course Road ;

 Approved the Kelsey Creek Stream

Crossings on the Cadeau Road Project

Agreement;

 Approved the KBIC Newsletter Independent Contractor Agreement with

Lauri Denomie;

 Approved the two joint funding agreements for the stream gauges on the Silver River and Yellow Dog River with the

USGS for one year;

 Approved the three T.S.I. selections/

recommendations from the Natural Resource Committee and the alternates;

 Approved to offer the position of Natural

Resource Director to Lori Sherman;

 Approved the Employment Agreement/

Chief Pharmacist with Cynthia R. Gourneau, R.Ph.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

MICHIGAN’S 2012

ELECTION CALENDAR

This election year, make sure Your

Voice is heard—Register and Vote!

One of the fundamental rights of our

democracy is the right to vote. Any U.S.

citizen who is a least age 18 on election

day is eligible. You must also be a resi-

dent of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register

to vote. Before you can cast a ballot,

you must register. Voter registration

forms are available at any Secretary of

State office, the Bureau of Elections online at www.Michigan.gov/elections, or

from your local clerks.

In a democratic society, we have the

privilege of voting to choose the representatives who will work on the problems important to us.

Elect your representative: Deciding

who gets your vote is not always easy!

The following steps will help you find the

candidate who will best represent you.

Web sites, personal flyers, and newspaper/newsletters can provide information

to help you decide:

 Find out where the candidates stand

on issues that are important to you;

 Explore the candidates’ experience.

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 3 November General Election absentee ballot requests must be received

by 2 p.m.

T u e s d a y , November General ElecNovember 6 tion, polls are open from

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

KBIC TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

S a t u r d a y , Primary Election

N o v e mb e r

3, 2012

S a t u r d a y , General Election

D e c e mb e r

15, 2012

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE MONTHS OF AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

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

months of August and September 2012:





I attended the Tribal State Summit in

early September where I asked the Governor to approve the Ojibwa Casino in

Negaunee, Michigan, at the old Airport.

The Governor is considering our request, and he requested more time to

review the letter from the Department of

Interior. One of the Governor’s campaign promises is jobs. We feel this relocation will improve the local communitys’ employment, and it would not be

detrimental to the local community in

relocating the Ojibwa Casino II.

I met with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to discuss the transfer of

approximately 569 acres being held for

KBIC. Also present at this meeting were

Council Members Susan J. LaFernier

and Fred Dakota, CEO Larry Denomie

III, Realtor Officer Jason Ayres, Tribal

Preservation Officer Chris Chosa, along

with a number of members from the

BLM and the Bureau of Indian Affairs

(BIA). The meeting was a follow up

from a 2009 meeting regarding the

transfer of ownership title of Manitou

Island to the Tribe. Manitou Island is

located on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula which is north of our reservation.

There has been ongoing discussion on

developing a cooperative management

agreement with the BLM. We discussed

whether or not the land could be labeled

as excess property and transferred to

the Tribe under that authority. We also

discussed whether a waiver had ever

been done. We also considered doing

an appraisal of the land. We were ad-

(4) Niiwin



vised that surplus property normally

consists of structures; property with

hazmat conditions that are deemed unsuitable for use. This property on Manitou Island is vacant, undeveloped land

that does not qualify as surplus. We

asked about a 638 contract with the program receiving funds. It does not appear that this type of transaction could

be justified. We also asked about the

option to purchase. The BLM advised

us that it would not be easy. There are

a number of CFR regulations that state

public domain lands can be sold to the

general property or entity under direct

sale but the Tribe would have to own

adjoining land. We ended the meeting

where the Tribe would follow up with the

BLM in the near future and possibly arrange for a trip out to the island to view

the property.

I attended a meeting with state officials

to discuss mining concerns. Present

were many officials from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

(MDEQ), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and a number of other state government agencies.

I informed them the state must start paying attention to the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA and

Federal Agencies, such as the Bureau

of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Services, and others, have trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes. They have the

responsibility to ensure that others do

not unreasonably pollute or otherwise

harm the reservation environment or

injure our treaty trust resources (natural

resources). Our trustee ignoring us is

troubling, and it started early on in the

process when Michigan and others were

drafting Part 632. It is a fact that the

State of Michigan ignored several concerns that the EPA conveyed during the

initial process of developing Michigan's

Part 632 non-ferrous metals mining

regulations. The two most important

issues that EPA conveyed is that Michigan should address amending Part 632

before it attempts to permit another

mine are as follows:



Mandate adequate financial responsibility assurances. In practice, under the current regulations

for the Eagle Mine and Humboldt

Mill, the state only obtained about

the same amount of money ($18

million) that is required to do what

is called a Remedial Investigation/

Feasibility Study (RI/FS). An RI/FS

is what is needed to determine

what must be done to reclaim a

mine and cleanup the site. Hard

rock mining is responsible for polluting 3,400 miles of streams and

440,000 acres of land according to

EPA. The U.S. Forest Service

(USFS) estimates that approximately 10,000 miles of rivers and

streams may have been contaminated by acid mine drainage on

land it is responsible for. According to EPA's 2007 Toxic Release

Inventory, the metal mining industry releases enormous quantities of

toxic metals, at nearly one billion

pounds per year or approximately

28 percent of the total releases by

U.S. industry. The State of Michigan should not wait for the EPA to

complete its ruling to address this

issue. It should adopt requirements for adequate financial re-



sponsibility assurances now and

avoid the inevitable problems that

will occur once EPA adopts more

stringent requirements that will beg

for conflicting regulatory requirements. How much is adequate?

Roughly ten times that mandated

today, but Michigan should review

the direction EPA is headed in its

rule making effort and exceed it.

Mine location restrictions.

Currently, a mine can be located anywhere. On its face, this is inconsistent with Michigan law. Restrictions on mining locations are necessary to protect aquatic resources

of national importance, sensitive

riparian areas, and critical habitat

for threatened and endangered

species. From the egg shell thinning and other toxic exposures at

Bunker Hill/Coeur d'Alene Basin

that killed hundreds of thousands

of birds, the acid mine drainage

and consumption of thousands of

acres of habitat by mine tailings at

Tar Creek and the human health

impacts from uranium mining on

the Spokane and Navajo Indian

Reservations - we've see pollution

at hundreds of mine sites across

the United States. In addition to

causing the deaths of countless

Indian people, this pollution has

destroyed treaty protected trust

resources that are essential to

Tribal cultures. It is a fact that mining in Michigan has already resulted in state fish advisories on

our ceded territories. While Michigan does not have the level of obligation to protect natural resources

that appertain to KBIC, the United

States does, and we will hold the

federal government responsible for

failure to properly exercise its trust

responsibilities.

Michigan can

avoid these conflicts and resolve

the disputes from many competing

interests by exercising its authority

to restrict mining to locations that

don't have obvious excessive

threats to the things we all value

most. Is the exercise in determining what areas to protect easy?

The answer is no. However, it is





far easier than what will be necessary to address legacy pollution to

Lake Superior, sensitive riparian

corridors and other areas where

mining operations obviously should

have never been allowed to take

place. Unfortunately, there are

plenty of examples to guide the

state in the right direction.

I also discussed with the officials present in the room that they need to add

lack of adequate conflict of interest

regulations.

The State of Michigan

must adopt adequate conflict of interest

law and regulations to govern the actions of those who manage the Part 632

public processes and review and have a

hand in the permitting approval process.

It is a fact that the public process for the

Eagle Mine permitting was managed or

otherwise controlled by the former governor's Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Office Director, Mr. Matt Johnson. Mr.

Johnson was responsible for informing

the governor with respect to the concerns the public expressed during the

permitting process that took place for

the Eagle Mine. Almost immediately

after the permits were approved, Johnson obtained employment with Rio Tinto

and works at the Eagle Mine today.

Even more troubling is the fact that

key State of Michigan Department of

Natural Resources Employees

(MDNRE), who reviewed Rio Tinto's

permit applications, advocated for

their approval, and even defended

them during the administrative hearing, have also obtained employment

with Rio Tinto and are working at the

Eagle Mine today. As a result, the

KBIC and the public at large have

lost faith in this process and have no

reason to trust the State of Michigan

in its regulation of mining activities.

What should these conflict of interest

regulations require? They should

meet or exceed Title 18 U.S.C.

Chapter 11, Bribes, Graft, & Conflict

of Interest.

Also at this meeting, I discussed basic regulatory requirements.

The

State of Michigan should amend Part

632 to require that all mining compa-





nies provide a representative sample

of cores obtained when it defines the

ore body it intends to mine. The

state then must conduct a comprehensive chemical analysis of these

cores and fully delineate the contaminants of concern. Without this

basic information which the state

doesn't have today for the Eagle Ore

body, it is unable to properly regulate

the mining activity it has approved.

The state may say, "Oh, we sampled

the mine cores at Eagle." or something along those lines. Ask them

what the average level of U308 was

in their sample results.

The bottom line is that these are all

pretty much "deal breakers," that

KBIC should stand firm on. The

State of Michigan should be put on

notice that they can expect the type

of legal challenges it has received for

its permitting of the Eagle Mine and

Humboldt Mill.

I attended a consultation meeting

with the National Parks Service

(NPS) regarding Tribal involvement

in the National Park Service's War of

1812 Bicentennial projects.

That

meeting was held in Petoskey, Michigan, and a number of items discussed at that meeting included a

plan of commemorative activities and

projects that involved the tribes. We

discussed Tribal collaboration and

other projects and activities with

other Michigan Tribes.

We discussed the National Parks Services’

Virtual Museum exhibits, the banner

exhibits, the National Park Services’

National Geographic Guidebook, and

their trading card they are putting

out. I learned a lot about the War of

1812 and the Native American involvement. I’ve become more interested in the fur trade.

This concludes my report.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

TREASURER REPORT FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 2012

Activities reported by the Treasurer, Toni

Minton, for the months of July, August, and

September 2012.

The following donations were made in

July, August, and September 2012:

$ 500

Pauline Spruce—National Kidney

Foundation

$2,625

LVD Wild Rice Camp attendees

($125/adult KBIC members up to

30). Liz Sherman, Gerald Jondreau,

John Jacker, Lori Sherman, Ginny

Ann Jermac, Sarah Beaver, Clara

Corbett, Robert Jondreau, Andrew

Loonsfoot, Cindy Knapp, Albert Matthews, Elsie Matthews, Mark

Sherman, Catherine Sherman, Matthew Sherman, Michael Sherman,

Robert “Beaver” Voakes, Valerie

Voakes, Nancy Voakes, Tim Friisvall,

and Christopher Voakes.

July 2012 Donations

$2,500

Native American Rights Fund

(NARF)

$1,000

Marquette/Alger Counties Great

Start Collaborative

$ 250

Great Lakes Center for Youth

Development

$ 500

Omega House

$ 300

$ 300

$ 400

Judith Smith traveling to Rome

Ellie Nieskes (+full tank of gas

from Pines)

$ 400

Eric LaFernier (for gas) playground planning

Margaret LaTocha traveling to

Rome

$ 250

Gary McDowell (he cannot accept

as we gave the limit of $5,000)

August 2012 Donations

$2,000

Jacqueline Velmer request for

five Tribal members traveling to

Rome

$ 300

Baraga County Junior League

Softball Team trip

$ 500

Debbie Stabenow Honor Reception held in Ishpeming

ber and the final budgets have been approved.

The Donation Budget for FY2013 is

$100,000, $8,333 per month.

The two percent requests have been

compiled, and we will be reviewing them in

the near future. They are required to be

distributed by November 30, 2012.

Respectfully submitted,

Toni Minton, Treasurer

September 2012 Donations

$ 250

Terri Denomie request for Clyde

Swartz Memorial Trail sign

$ 300

RSVP—Retired Seniors—

Veterans Program (Awards Recognition Dinner)

Finance meetings were held in Septem-

Welcoming Payton Rose Pouttu, born July

31, 2012, to Ashtin Koski and Paul Pouttu.

Payton weighed 7 lbs. 6.8 oz. and was 21

inches at birth. Congratulations!

(5) Naanan

CHILDRENS’ POWWOW HELD — MICHIGAN INDIAN DAY

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

The Ojibwemowin Wadiswan (Eagle’s Nest) hosted the Abinoojiinyag Niimiwin (Children’s Powwow) in conjunction with Michigan

Indian Day, September 28, 2012. The event was held at the Ojibwa

Senior Citizens’ facility. Children and families, with their guests,

shared a potluck feast together. Children were able to participate in

a number of activities which included songs provided by two invited

drums, Summer Cloud and Beartown Singers. Children were also

able to participate in spot dances where they would win a number of

different stuff animals which were introduced in the Ojibwa language.

(Above) an adorable jingle dress dancer, Skye Angel Lewis.

(Below) an talented young grass dancer, Avery Lester Miller.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Shown (left) are two young participants, Alexander Cage Miron and

Jalisa Heath, choosing their tattoos, just one of the Children’s activities available.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

KBIC CULTURAL COMMITTEE AND DANCE TROUPE

ATTENDS KEWEENAW HISTORICAL PARK CELEBRATION

Members of the KBIC Cultural Committee, Miss KBIC—Samantha

Tolonen, and KBIC Dancers attended the Keweenaw National Historical Park 20th Anniversary Celebration held in Calumet and Hancock. Those participating enjoyed two sessions of dancing exhibitions and shared some of our cultural traditions with visitors attending the Celebration. The event was held on October 13, 2012, with

Senator Carl Levin as a guest speaker (shown below with Denomie

and Rajacic).

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

(Above) Men’s Traditional Dancers: (left) Steven Denomie and

(right) Robert Rajacic. (Below) Grass Dancers: (left) Raymond

Gauthier-Tolonen, (center) Ethan Lee, (left) LeRoy Gauthier.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

Beartown Singers,

provided the songs

for

the

KBIC

Dance

Troupe,

with

George

Gauthier as emcee

for the exhibitions.

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

November 9th – Evening Event:

Hosted By: Big S2

6:10 pm – Introduction to Conference –

Smoke

6:40 pm – Comedy & Live Musical Performance By: Big S2 –

7:20 pm – Live Musical Performance –

Smoke & Mimi – Multiple Award Winning

- International Recording Artists – 6 Time

NAMMY Nominated!

8:30 pm – Autograph Photo Session –

All Presenter

9:00 pm – End Evening Event

November 10th – Conference Agenda

– Hosted By: Smoke

9:00 am – Opening Prayer – Any Elder

in attendance

9:20 am – Keynote Presentation – All

Presenters

10:00 am – T.E.A.M Building Exercises

– All Presenters – All Attendees

11:00 am – Work Shop Rotation Begins

11:10 am – Gathering of Nations –

Smoke, Mimi & Big S2 (Drug & Alcohol Abuse)

12:00 pm – Lunch Break

12:45 pm – Gathering of Nations –

Smoke, Mimi & Big S2 (Leadership,

Bullying)

1:20 pm – The Creative Native Part 2

(Drug & Alcohol Prevention)

2:35 pm – Lyrical Healing Part 2 –

Smoke (Expression & Identity)

3:10 pm – Break (all)

3:25 pm – Hey Ladies – Workshop for

young women on making positive

choices – Hey Fellas – Workshop for

young men on making positive

choices

4:00 pm –The Circle of Diversity – We

are all equal

4:30 pm – Closing Keynote Presentations – All Presenters

5:15 pm – End / Dinner

To place an ad, submit an article, or relate information or ideas on possible

articles contact: Lauri Denomie at (906)

201-0263, or e-mail

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

To be added to the mailing

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

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

third Wednesday of the month at 1900

hours. All Tribal Veterans Welcome!

Photo by Lauri Denomie.

KBIC Cultural Committee members and KBIC Dance Troupe are pictured with the Park Ranger who organized the Keweenaw National

Historical Park 20th Anniversary Celebration.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

CEO REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2012

The month of September 2012 included the

following activities and reportable items:

 The FY13 budget review and approval

process took place throughout the

month. An initial deficit of nearly two

million dollars was balanced through the

review process and final approval of

budgets on September 25, which incorporated a small surplus. The approval

included a 3% raise for all eligible employees of the Tribe.

 The Tribe received a $30,000 dividend

payment from our Workers Compensation carrier. The dividend relates to less

than expected claims incurred by the

Tribe for employee work related accidents. Both casinos’ have an active

safety program in place that provides a

proactive rather than reactive program

in providing a safe environment for employees and patrons.

 On September 12, Evelyn Ravindran

and Pam Nankervis, KBIC Natural Resources Department employees, accepted the Biologist of the Year Award

issued by the Bay Mills Tribe. The

award was given to Todd Warner our

former Natural Resources Director.

Todd sadly passed away this past summer. Todd’s family visited KBIC and the

Natural Resources Department on September 21, to meet the staff Todd

worked with and members of Council.

The following day, the family held a memorial at Todd’s residence in Marquette.

 The Tribe has hired a part-time dentist,

Ronald Carmody, who will provide for a

fifth day of dental services. Prior to the

hire, dental services were available

Monday through Thursday. The addition will help in minimizing the time it

takes to get an appointment with the

dentist. There will also be a new Pharmacist employed due to the retirement

of the current Pharmacist, James Vollmar. Cynthia Gourneau will begin working the first week of October.

 The Tribe’s annual Christmas Gift







Check distribution has been scheduled.

The work group is meeting regularly to

meet the check distribution dates of November 19, in Baraga, and November

20, in Marquette. The distribution for

Marquette County members will take

place in the Ojibwa Housing Community

Center.

Ed Janisse and I attended an FCC

Tribal Broadband training in Lac du

Flambeau on September 11, and 12.

The training provided the opportunity for

us to meet with the FCC’s Native Affairs

and Policy division to discuss an opportunity presented to the Tribe in expanding operations. Current regulations provide for Tribal Priority in the opportunity,

but a waiver of one section needs to be

approved. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

With the approval of the FY13 budgets,

programs providing services to eligible

members will become available. The

funding available through the Community Needs Assistance Program remains

the same this year. The LIHEAP program, which provides assistance to income eligible households, is currently

on hold until official notification from the

funding agency is received. A change in

the income guidelines has been made

for the program this year which is lower

and equal to the guidelines of the CSBG

program. Members needing services

provided by the program are encouraged to call to inquire about the status

of each program. The recent edition of

the Tribe’s newsletter has additional information about the programs as well.

The Tribe has received its leveraging

funds which were supposed to have

been received in June of this year. The

approximate $280,000 will be used to

service LIHEAP eligible households that

were unable to be served in FY12 due

to the lack of funding. The funds will

also be used to complete weatherization

projects which were approved in 2011

but weren’t completed.



The first meeting of the Aanikoosing Inc.

Board of Directors was held in September. Tony Rabitaille was selected to

serve as the chairman. The chairman

attended meetings at the Tribal Center

to gather information relating to the new

gas station planned for Marquette and

the solid waste transfer station project,

which is slated for construction next

year. He will be taking the information

back to the Board for further consideration.

 Review by Council of the Tribe’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan is nearly complete. The document will also be shared

with the Community for review and comment prior to final approval by Council.

The document guides departments of

the Tribe toward obtaining short and

long term goals over a wide variety of

objectives. Each year the document will

be reviewed to gauge accomplishments

and set new goals.

 Council adopted a completely overhauled version of the Enterprises Employee Manual which provides policies

and procedures for management and

employees to adhere to. The new manual will be introduced to employees in

the very near future.

 KBIC member Lori Sherman has been

hired as the Tribe’s Natural Resources

Director. She officially began work on

October 1.

 The KBIC Youth Halloween Parties are

scheduled for October. The Marquette

County party will take place at the OHA

Community Center on October 21, beginning at 3 p.m. and for Baraga County

on October 27, beginning at noon. Food

will be provided and prizes awarded for

best costumes.

As always, if anyone has questions, concerns, or issues that the CEO’s office can

assist with, please don’t hesitate to stop, email, or call.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry J. Denomie, III, CEO

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

MARY GRACE GEROUX

(November 12, 1952—October 14, 2012)

Mary Grace Geroux, age 59, of Baraga,

MI, passed away on Sunday, October 14,

2012, at Portage Health System in Hancock, MI.

Mary was born November 12, 1952, in

L’Anse, MI, to Archie and Margaret

(Shelifoe) Knapp. She grew up in L’Anse

and attended L’Anse High School. Mary

married George Geroux on August 28,

1982, in Baraga, MI. She worked at the

Ojibwa Casino for nine years doing maintenance and cleaning and then for the Village

of Baraga for 11 years; retiring in 2009.

She enjoyed her family and friends and

helped to raise many kids. She also enjoyed spending birthdays with her sisters

and gambling at the casino with her husband/friends and family. Mary liked to work

in the yard and her garden and was an avid

Packer and NASCAR fan.

Surviving are her husband George Geroux of Baraga; son: Steven Geroux of

Baraga; daughters: Casey (Steven)

Barnhard of Dorr, MI, Teri DeCota of

Baraga, Nicole Geroux of Baraga, Amber

(Anthony Danielson) Geroux of Baraga; two

sisters: Brenda McKittrick of Baraga and

Margaret Knapp of Covington; five grandchildren: Holly, Rebecca, and Megan

Barnhard, Christian Hakola, Kara Hazen,

and Phillip Edwards Jr.

Preceding her in death are her parents

(8) Ishwaaswi

Archie and Margaret Knapp, grandson Michael Barnhard; brothers: Archie “Chico”

Jr., “Sonny”, Wallace, William “Teeny”, and

John Knapp; and sisters: Louella Wood and

Nancy Haataja..

Visitation was held on Thursday, October

18, 2012, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the

Jacobson Funeral Home, with a memorial

service held at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral

home with Fr. John Longbucco officiating.

A luncheon and fellowship was held at the

American Legion in Baraga.

The Jacobson Funeral Home assisted

the family.

Is your charitable organization planning on

holding a raffle or selling raffle tickets on

the L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act granted Tribes exclusive right to regulate gaming activity on Indian lands. Even if

you or the members of your organization are

not tribal members, the Keweenaw Bay Indian

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

game without a license.

Please contact the KBIC Gaming Commission

Office at (906) 353-4222 or stop by the office

located at the Tribal Center for an application

and a copy of the rules and regulations.

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

Would You Like FREE Money?

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Housing and Community Development Corporation

(KBOHCDC) is currently offering an Individual Development Account (IDA) Program!

An IDA program is a matched savings program in which we provide a 4 to 1 match up to

$4,000.00 on funds you deposit up to!!!

These funds are now available to KBIC Tribal members currently residing in the entire Upper Peninsula! First degree KBIC descendants are now eligible to utilize IDA

funds for education expenses.

Funds may be used toward home purchase (down payment or closing costs), education

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

and small business start–up or expansion.

If you are interested in this program and would like more information please contact:

Angela Shelifoe

KBOHCDC Program Administrator

906-353-7117 X106

Angie@kboha.com

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective October 1, 2012)

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

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly

income standard and the applicable SNAP standard

deduction.

48 Contiguous

United States:

House

hold

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$ 931

+

$149

=

$1,080

2

$1,261

+

$149

=

$1,410

3

$1,591

+

$149

=

$1,740

4

$1,921

+

$160

=

$2,081

5

$2,251

+

$187

=

$2,438

6

$2,581

+

$214

=

$2,795

7

$2,911

+

$214

=

$3,125

8

$3,241

+

$214

=

$3,455

Each additional member

Keweenaw Bay Donald A. LaPointe Health & Education Center was among 33 Tribal Health

Centers chosen to participate in The Improving Patient Care (IPC) 4 Collaborative, sponsored by

Indian Health Service. IPC 4 is working to improve health and promote wellness for American Indians and Alaska Natives and to support the four IHS priorities. “It’s a pathway toward a redesigned

system of care that is grounded in the values and culture of our community,” stated Carole LaPointe,

Health Director, who serves as the IPC4 Team Executive Sponsor. “We started the pre-work in

April, now we are in the actual ‘work’ stages of IPC 4, which includes daily use of quality improvement tools, including the Plan Do Study Act. The Team meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays and is linked

to the other teams in the nation via webinar. The IPC 4 Collaborative focuses on strengthening the

positive relationships between the health care system/team and the individual, family, and community. All divisions of the health center will be involved in the IPC 4 in the future, right now we focus

on the medical clinic process and flow. Eventually, Pharmacy, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Community Health will all be involved, although Community Health is already participating through the

Special Diabetes Program for Indians and initiatives that come along with that program through Indian Health Service.”

The Care Model for the Indian health System serves as a framework to guide the creation of a

patient-centered medical home, an accessible and patient-centered system of care that provides

safe, timely, effective, efficient, and equitable care. Monthly reports will be furnished to the newsletter to keep you informed of our progress on IPC 4. For more information, call 353-4553 or visit the

IHS website at www.ihs.gov.

~ submitted by Carole LaPointe, Health Director

+ $330

Alaska:

Household

Size

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

KBIC IPC 4 Team on the move!

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard

Deduction

1

$1,165

+

$256

=

$1,421

2

$1,577

+

$256

=

$1,833

3

$1,990

+

$256

=

$2,246

4

$2,402

+

$256

=

$2,658

5

$2,815

+

$256

=

$3,071

6

$3,227

+

$268

=

$3,495

7

$3,640

+

$268

=

$3,908

8

$4,052

+

$268

=

$4,320

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

+ $413

FDPIR Income Deductions—see 7 CFR 253.6(f)

Earned Income Deduction — Households with

earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent

of their earned income.

Dependant Care Deduction — Households that

qualify for the dependent care deduction are allowed

a deduction of actual dependent care costs paid

monthly to a non-household member.

Child Support Deduction — Households that incur

the cost of legally required child support to or for a

non-household member are allowed a deduction for

the amount of monthly child support paid.

Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and Part D

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

insurance and/or Part D prescription drug coverage

premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly

cost of the premiums.

FDPIR Resource Standards—see 7 CFR 253.6(d)

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

disabled member.

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

PHARMACY HOURS

Pharmacy Hours for the KBIC

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

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

You can reach the automated prescription

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

choices, and have your prescription bottle or box

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

Pharmacy.

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

can see which ones you may need a refill on at

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

ask your provider to get the most out of your

visit! Plan ahead for your prescriptions so you

do not run out!

Please allow up to 48 hours for a prescription

refill. There are many steps to ensure patient

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

What is Meaningful Use?

You may have heard the term, “Meaningful Use”, used a lot lately with the Affordable Care Act

legislation. Here is a brief explanation:

The objectives of Meaningful Use of a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) are to improve

the safety, quality, and efficiency of care. Meaningful Use of EHRs can improve health care processes through the use of software applications that provide secure access, clinical decision support,

performance reporting, and exchange of information with other providers of care. Systems such as

these help to avoid preventable errors and allow for making better and more consistent decisions.

That is why we check your insurance and demographic information each

time you register at the Donald A. LaPointe Health & Education Center.

Under the provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment

Act of 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is authorized to make incentive payments for Medicare and Medicaid Eligible Professionals that demonstrate meaningful use of certified Electronic Health

Record technology. Incentive payments are treated as third party revenue and provide additional resources to stimulate continued improvement throughout the health care system.

The vision which drives the achievement of meaningful use of EHR is

one in which all patients are fully engaged in their healthcare, providers have real-time access to all

medical information and tools to help ensure the quality and safety of the care provided while also

affording improved access and elimination of health care disparities. Having the right information in

our files about you helps us to improve coordination of care at the same time, maintaining privacy,

and security of your private information.

The Meaningful Use initiative requires an integrated approach between the IHS Meaningful Use

team, National Indian Health Board American Indian/Alaska Native National Regional Extension

Center (NIHB AI/AN National REC), and its sub-recipient contractors. So the next time you are

asked for an update of your information, remember ---- it is for a good thing ---- meaningful use! If

you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

call the staff at 353-8700.

~ submitted by Carole LaPointe, Health Director

LEGAL AID CLINIC

(left) Dr. Joseph Zobro, (center) Becky Tussing, and

(right) Dr. Chung Oh at the Leadership Session 1

Conference in Phoenix, August 2012.

A Legal Aid Clinic will be available to

Tribal members on Friday, November 9,

2012, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the downstairs

conference room of the Tribal Center.

The clinic is provided by Michigan Indian Legal Services, for questions call 1

-800-968-6877.

(9) Zhaangaswi

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES POLICY ON

TRIBAL MEMBER USE OF EAGLE FEATHERS

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced a policy addressing the ability of members of federally recognized Indian tribes to

possess or use eagle feathers, an issue of great cultural significance to

many tribes and their members. Attorney General Eric Holder signed the

new policy after extensive department consultation with Tribal leaders and

Tribal groups. The policy covers all federally protected birds, bird feathers

and bird parts.

Federal wildlife laws such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

generally criminalize the killing of eagles and other migratory birds and the

possession or commercialization of the feathers and other parts of such

birds. These important laws are enforced by the Department of Justice

and the Department of the Interior and help ensure that eagle and other

bird populations remain healthy and sustainable.

At the same time, the Department of Justice recognizes that eagles

play a unique and important role in the religious and cultural life of many

Indian tribes. Many Indian tribes and Tribal members have historically

used, and today continue to use federally protected birds, bird feathers, or

other bird parts for their Tribal cultural and religious expression.

“This policy will help ensure a consistent and uniform approach across

the nation to protecting and preserving eagles, and to honoring their cultural and spiritual significance to American Indians,” said Attorney General

Holder. “The Department of Justice is committed to striking the right balance in enforcing our nation’s wildlife laws by respecting the cultural and

religious practices of federally recognized Indian tribes with whom the

United States shares a unique government-to-government relationship.”

The department is issuing this policy to address the concerns of Tribal

members who are unsure of how they may be affected by federal wildlife

law enforcement efforts, and because of a concern that this uncertainty

may hinder or inhibit tribal religious and cultural practices. The department

first announced it was considering formalizing a policy on eagle feathers in

October 2011 and sought tribal input at that time. The department held

formal consultations with Tribal leaders in June, July, and August 2012.

“From time immemorial, many Native Americans have viewed eagle

feathers and other bird parts as sacred elements of their religious and cultural traditions,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General of the

Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The

Department of Justice has taken a major step forward by establishing a

consistent and transparent policy to guide federal enforcement of the nation’s wildlife laws in a manner that respects the cultural and religious practices of federally recognized Indian tribes and their members.”

“The Justice Department’s policy balances the needs of the federally

recognized tribes and their members to be able to obtain, possess, and

use eagle feathers for their religious and cultural practices with the need to

protect and preserve these magnificent birds,” said Donald E. “Del” Laverdure, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. “Its reasoned

approach reflects a greater understanding and respect for cultural beliefs

and spiritual practices of Indian people while also providing much-needed

clarity for those responsible for enforcing federal migratory bird protection

laws.”

“This policy helps to clarify how federal law enforcement goes about

protecting these special birds and also should reassure federally recognized Tribal members that they do not have to fear prosecution for possessing or using eagle feathers for their religious and cultural purposes,”

said Brendan V. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota

and the Chairman of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.

“Eagles and other native migratory bird species are a vital part of our

nation’s natural heritage, and we remain dedicated to providing every

American with the opportunity to experience them in the wild,” said U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “This new policy honors the

past while looking to the future, contributing to the preservation of these

species and ensuring that Tribal members can continue their religious and

cultural practices for generations to come.”

The policy provides that, consistent with the Department of Justice’s

traditional exercise of its discretion, a member of a federally recognized

tribe engaged only in the following types of conduct will not be subject to

prosecution:

 Possessing, using, wearing, or carrying federally protected birds, bird

feathers or other bird parts (federally protected bird parts);

 Traveling domestically with federally protected bird parts or, if Tribal

members obtain and comply with necessary permits, traveling internationally with such items;

 Picking up naturally molted or fallen feathers found in the wild, without

molesting or disturbing federally protected birds or their nests;

 Giving or loaning federally protected bird parts to other members of

federally recognized tribes, without compensation of any kind;

 Exchanging federally protected bird parts for federally protected bird

parts with other members of federally recognized tribes, without compensation of any kind;

 Providing the feathers or other parts of federally protected birds to

craftspersons who are members of federally recognized tribes to be

fashioned into objects for eventual use in tribal religious or cultural activities.

The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute Tribal members

and non-members alike for violating federal laws that prohibit the killing of

eagles and other migratory birds or the buying or selling of the feathers or

other parts of such birds.

The policy expands upon longstanding Department of Justice practice

and Department of the Interior policy. It was developed in close coordination with the Department of the Interior. The Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and United States Attorneys’ Offices work closely with the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs on enforcement of federal

laws protecting birds. The view the policy and a fact sheet on the policy,

visit: www.justice.gov/tribal.

(10) Midaaswi

August 15, 2012

Dear Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Owner and Operator:

Beginning October 16 of this year, all commercial fishing, fish tender

and fish processing vessels that operate (or transit) more than three (3)

nautical miles offshore must be able to demonstrate full compliance with

the existing fishing industry vessel safety regulations found in 46 C.F.R.

Part 28, via a mandatory safety examination. While there are a few options of how to demonstrate this compliance, having a current Commercial

Fishing Vessel Safety Decal (not more than two years old), is the most

straightforward method.

This examination requirement is one of several new mandates established by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. While there is additional background on these pending mandates on www.fishsafe.info, the

Authorization Act establishes a mandatory examination requirement if you

operate beyond three (3) nautical miles of the baseline of the U.S. territorial sea or the coastline of the Great Lakes, regardless of whether your

vessel is State-registered or Federally-documented. It also applies to vessels operating anywhere with more than 16 individuals on board and to fish

tender vessels engaged in the Aleutian Trade.

As noted, it is envisioned that the most straightforward way to demonstrate compliance will be by having a current Commercial Fishing Vessel

Safety Decal. On October 16, a valid decal will be honored as proof of

compliance. Two additional methods include, having a “Form CG-5587”

signed by a Coast Guard examiner, or having a signed letter of compliance

from an accepted third party organization (marine surveyor) as proof that

your vessel passed an examination and is therefore compliant with the

current regulations.

To arrange for an examination, or to obtain more info on the other

methods of compliance, please contact your local Coast Guard Sector,

Marine Safety Unit, or Field Office. They will make every effort to accommodate your operations and schedule an examination. You may also request an examination through a link on the www.fishsafe.info website. If

you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Jack

Kemerer, Chief of my Fishing Vessels Division at Coast Guard Headquarters (CGCVC3@uscg.mil), or one of our District program coordinators

listed on our website.

For your future awareness, and as required by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, the Coast Guard is updating the regulations applicable to all U.S. commercial fishing vessels, fish processing vessels, and

fish tender vessels. That project, however, is not yet completed, which is

why the mandatory verification of compliance to safety regulations, will be

to the current regulations. When the regulation updates are finished, there

will also be a new Coast Guard Certificate of Compliance (COC) form that

will be issued at the end of an examination. But in the interim, as noted,

the Coast Guard will accept a valid safety decal, or signed exam form.

In summary, if you operate your vessel beyond the “3-mile line” as of

October 16, 2012, you must be able to demonstrate your vessel is in compliance with current safety regulations. Therefore, if your vessel has not

recently been examined dockside, or it has never undergone a safety

exam, you should complete a biennial safety examination as soon as possible. Also, if you are entering fisheries service for the first time on or after

October 16, 2012, your vessel must pass an exam before it begins commercial fishing operations.

As a last note, if you operate beyond the “3-mile line” after October 16,

without the vessel being verified in compliance with the current regulations,

and it should have been, your operation may be subject to enforcement

action for noncompliance with 46 C.F.R. Part 28, as well as other applicable regulations currently in effect. Such enforcement action may include

civil penalties, termination of the vessel’s voyage, or other operational controls such as a Captain of the Port Order.

Kyle P. McAvoy

Chief, Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance

U.S. Coast Guard , By direction

(expected to open November 2012)

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Employment Opportunities

NOVEMBER 2012 Calendar Events

Nov 2.: Constitutional Committee Meeting, 1 pm, Council Chambers;

Nov. 3: KBIC Primary Elections;

Nov. 8: Native American Heritage Month—Guest Speaker at NMU;

Nov. 9: Legal Clinic, 8 am; Rezheads at KBOCC gymnasium; First Nations

Food Taster at NMU, 5-7 pm;

Nov. 10: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am, Ojibwa Resort Conference

Room; Rezheads at KBOCC gymnasium;

Nov. 11: Mini-Powwow and Harvest Feast, 1pm;

Nov. 12: Veteran’s Day Holiday—Tribal Gov’t offices closed;

Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day—Tribal Gov’t offices closed;

Nov. 23: Native American Heritage Day—Tribal Gov’t offices closed.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

Events occurring throughout KBIC are welcome to be listed on the Calendar of

Events. Contact newsletter@kbic.nsn.gov to list your events. Some events are more

detailed FYI within the newsletter. For up-to-date event listings, visit www.ojibwa.com

and click on calendar. For Youth events, see @ www.ojibwa.com, click on youth club,

or contact 353-4643/Main Office at Youth Club, or 353-4644 for the facility attendants or

the Kitchen/craft rooms.

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



Youth Programs Coordinator — November 2, 2012

Continuous/On Call positions:



















Board Operator

Tribal Attorney

Receptionist/Clerical Worker (on

call)

Cashier

Registered Nurse (on call)

Licensed Practical Nurse (on

call)

Account Executive/Sales











Pre-Primary Teaching Assistant

Community Service Supervisor

(one call)

Unit Manager (New Day)

Family Aide

On-Call Van Driver

Unit Manager (OVW)

Youth Programs & Facility Attendant

For current job listings, complete job

announcements, applications and closing dates contact: KBIC Personnel Department, 16429 Bear Town Road,

Baraga, MI 49908-9210 or 906-353-6623,

ext 4176 or 4140 or visit:

www.ojibwa.com.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Catholic Community of

Baraga County

Holy Name of Jesus

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Pastor

Father John Longbucco

Father Antony Lukka

Confessions: Sunday before Mass

Sunday Mass 12:00 p.m.

353-6565

saintann@up.net

IF ANYONE NEEDS WOOD

FOR FOUR DAY CEREMONY PURPOSES,

CONTACT R.D. CURTIS AT 201-2198.

Zeba Indian Mission

United Methodist Church

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

Modification of Child Support Orders

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Paternity Establishment

 Community Education

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

DEDICATION CEREMONY HELD

CLYDE B. SWARTZ MEMORIAL TRAIL

“We welcome each of you to our worship services,

at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.”

Pastor: Rev. Stephen

Rhoades

Church office 524-7939

Parsonage 524-7936

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STARDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

Family and friends of the late Clyde B. Swartz gathered on Thursday, September

27, for a dedication ceremony held in his honor. Snowmobile Trail 14, which runs

from Usimaki Road in L’Anse to Big Bay, was officially dedicated as the Clyde B.

Swartz Memorial Trail. Swartz was instrumental in obtaining grooming equipment for

Baraga County trails in the mid-1970’s, and you’d often see Mr. Swartz grooming

these trails night and day.

Mr. Swartz was a KBIC Tribal member, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

proudly assisted with the dedication through the purchasing of signs. The Community

is affronted that only a few days later the sign on Triple AAA

Road had been vandalized. Photos made available by the

L’Anse Sentinel.

NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFT BAZAAR

Community Building (behind the Casino)

Harvey, MI (Just off M-28)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Frybread, Blankets, Necklaces, Beadwork, etc…

For more information, call Sandy at (906) 273-0286.

Vandalized signage near

Triple AAA Road.