The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2016)

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WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gichi Manidoo Giizis - Great Spirit Moon - January 2016 Issue 138

THE FUTURE OJIBWA CASINOS

Ojibwa Casino Baraga — Conceptual Rendering

Prior to voters approving Proposal One and Proposal Two

on the General Ballot held Saturday, December 12, 2015, an

informational meeting was held on Thursday, December 10,

2015, at the Niiwin Akeaa Center. The meeting was organized by Tribal President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. and CEO

Larry Denomie III. Approximately 40-50 people were in attendance. In addition to the information presented, the meeting

included a question and answer forum revolving around the

topic at hand.

Now that the voters have approved the funding to construct a new casino development project in Baraga at the current casino site with an estimated cost of $28 million, what are

the plans? How will we demolish the current resort and build

a new resort with an upgraded casino and the ability to expand the number of gaming devices by 25%? Plans include:

adding a 3-star hotel with 75 rooms (similar in quality to a

Courtyard by Marriott, Radisson Inn, or Hampton Inn); feature

a brand name restaurant (similar to a Buffalo Wild Wings or

Johnny Rockets Café); and offer a full service bar that will service both the casino and restaurant. Bingo and Pressbox employees will be transferred to available positions throughout

the enterprises. The schedule for both projects will include

design and engineering to occur over the winter months with

the first shovel in the ground beginning the start of the construction season in 2016. Plans are for opening the doors to

both facilities in the spring of 2017.

Baraga/Phase I — The current Bingo Hall is demolished

and the new building is constructed in its place which in-

cludes: Casino, Casino Bar, Conference Center, and the 3star hotel. The existing casino and related facilities will remain

in tact and operational until the new project is completed at

which time it will be demolished to create parking.

A future phase that is included but depends whether or not

a bowling alley would return depends on what amenity or

amenities will provide the greatest return on its investment as of now this remains to be determined.

What are the plans now that voters have approved funding

to support a casino development project in Marquette at the

current casino site with an estimated cost of $12 million?

Harvey/Phase I — The construction timeframe is very similar to and will run concurrently with the Baraga project. The

$12 million project includes several infrastructure improvements: moving three housing homes to new sites on the property, adding three town houses to accommodate increased

housing needs, adding a new casino onto the existing casino,

and adding a new brand name restaurant. The existing casino will remain in tact and operational until the new project is

completed, at which time it will be remodeled into a conference center, offices, and storage once the new casino is up

and running.

A future phase that is included in the site master plan includes the addition of a hotel and space for added amenities.

Transportation services to area hotels for our customers will

be provided until the planned hotel is opened. This would include 24/7 free executive transfers utilizing a small fleet of

non-shuttle type vehicles.

Ojibwa Casino Marquette — Conceptual Rendering

(1) Bezhig

Solo Exhibit Presented at CUE by Artist Athena LaTocha

CUE Art Foundation currently is presenting a solo exhibition of

new work by Athena LaTocha, which has been generously curated

by CUE's 2015 Gala & Benefit Auction Honoree Jaune Quick-toSee Smith. The show features a large-scale immersive installation

of an ink-wash drawing by LaTocha that spans the entire length of

the gallery. While the work depicts a landscape, its more abstract

elements leave the viewer to decipher what they see. The exhibit

opened November 7, 2015, and has been extended until January

14, 2016.

"Her work has high drama, the earthen kind, as in arid places

with volcanoes, earthquakes, high winds and spewing ash. They

are like the sandstorms in the SW known as Haboobs, an Arabic

word for blasting wind. The viewer has a sense of atmospheric

gravity, a weather front or downbursts with flying debris." — Jaune

Quick-to-See Smith

Athena LaTocha, born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1969, lives and

works in Brooklyn, New York. Athena is a KBIC member and is the

daughter of Margaret LaTocha and the granddaughter of the (late)

Helene and Hebert Welsh. She received her BFA from the School

of the Art Institute of Chicago; and MFA from Stony Brook University, NY in 2007. After completing her studies, she apprenticed in

bronze finishing at the Beacon Fine Art Foundry in Beacon, New

York, and furthered her work in printmaking at the Art Students

League of New York from 2008 to 2013.

In 2013, LaTocha was the recipient of the prestigious Robert

Rauschenberg Foundation Residency in Captiva, Florida. She was

also awarded a fellowship and residency at the Vermont Studio

Center, and is currently artist-in-residence at Chesham, Inc. in

Brooklyn, New York

Her work has been collected and exhibited by the Center for

American Indian Research and Native Studies, South Dakota;

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY; Alaska Native Medical

Center, Anchorage, Alaska; the Chicago Bulls, Chicago, Illinois.

She has exhibited at St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity, Brooklyn; Gallery SENSEI, New York; and Wilmer Jennings Gallery, New York.

The artist gratefully acknowledges Chesham for providing the

space to create this new work.

GENERAL ELECTION HELD AT KBIC

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Receives

$800,000 Indian Community Development Block

Grant (ICDBG)

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Application for an Indian Community Development Block Grant for a Mold Remediation and Prevention Project has been awarded in the

amount of $800,000. Work will begin once the Environmental

Review has been completed by the Natural Resources Department.

The KBIC Mold Remediation and Prevention Project involves the removal, prevention, and remediation of mold in

our tribally owned low to moderate income housing units.

The Tribe’s Housing Department staff has identified 146 units

that have been affected by moisture coming into the homes or

on the exterior of the homes resulting in visible mold. Removing the mold and eliminating the cause of the mold are the

two main activities of this project.

The Tribe proposes to prevent excessive exposure to mold

for our tribal housing unit occupants by preventing water from

infiltrating into the homes, reducing humidity within the

homes, and eliminating moisture causing elements on the exterior of the homes with the hopes of avoiding harmful health

consequences and improving community vitality plus prevent

any further damage to our homes or the tenants belongings.

Mold causing problems identified in our housing community include water entering or collecting around the foundations of our units; trees too close to the homes or hovering

over the roofs; missing or broken drain tiles; poorly insulated

attics; condensation or moisture collecting on the windows,

walls, and pipes; and poor ventilation, mainly in the attics and

bathrooms.

In addition, a survey was sent out to all tenants residing in

our low to moderate income housing units and the responses

received showed an extremely high number of people affected by conditions normally caused or irritated by the presence of mold spores. These conditions included: doctor diagnosed asthma, asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing,

shortness of breath, chest tightness, and phlegm without a

cold present), sinus problems, skin infections or rash, ear infections, eye irritations, allergies, hay fever, chronic bronchitis, and respiratory disease. The majority of these affected

families also stated that their symptoms worsen when they

are home, upon entering their houses, and they seem to improve upon leaving the premises.

New Hires (since October 2015)

Hannah Beesley, Personnel Director

Joel Mayo, Elementary Tutor

Samual Spruce, Water Resources Technician

Jennifer Westman, BALAC Coordinator

Lori LaFernier, Accounting Clerk

Watch for a more detailed look on all department employees in

future issues.

(2) Niizh

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Voters registering at the L’Anse District Poll (Zeba Community Hall) with

Election Workers.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held their General Election on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Baraga District voters cast

their ballots at the Ojibwa Senior Center, and L’Anse District voters

cast their ballots at the Zeba Community Hall. A Primary Election

was held on October 31, 2015, for the L’Anse and Baraga Districts

which put the top four candidates in each district on the ballot for

the General Election.

Preliminary counts were announced by the Election workers immediately following the closing of the polls. Those results follow:

Baraga District:

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.) 322 votes;

Fred Dakota 286 votes;

Dan Connor 217 votes;

Sue Ellen Elmblad “Suzie Carlson” 205 votes.

L’Anse District :

Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.) 307 votes;

Jennifer Misegan (Inc.) 268 votes;

Kevin Perrault 226 votes;

Tracy L. Emery 222 votes.

Chief Tribal Judge:

Bradley T. Dakota (Inc.) 388 votes.

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. and Fred Dakota each secured a

three-year term in the Baraga District. Susan J. LaFernier and Jennifer Misegan each secured a three-year term in the L’Anse District.

Bradley T. Dakota, unchallenged, remains the Chief Tribal Judge.

Proposal 1 – Do you support a new casino development project

in Baraga at the current casino site with an estimated cost of $28

million? 335 yes, 190 no. Proposal passes.

Proposal 2 – Do you support a casino development project in

Marquette at the current casino site with an estimated cost of $12

million? 373 yes, 150 no. Proposal passes.

Election results are on the agenda to be considered for certification by the Tribal Council at the meeting scheduled for January 9,

2016. Following certification, the twelve seat council will make

nominations and vote for their Executive Board.

SANTA VISITS WITH KBIC YOUTH

Santa visited with Marquette area KBIC youth at the U.P. Sports

Complex on Sunday, December 13, 2015. Youth and their families

not only visited with Santa but enjoyed the many family oriented

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

activities (roller skating, arcade, inflated playground, etc), and a delicious meal of Jet's Pizza and numerous snacks.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Madison Tahtinen spent some time with Santa Liliana Madosh makes sure Santa has her Christ- Visiting with Santa are: left to right - Sequaya,

and told him exactly what she wants this year.

Macy, and Nate Spade.

mas List.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

The Schofield family visits with Santa. Left to

Dylan Lancour visits with Jolly Saint Nicholas, right - Elizabeth Schofield holding baby Zeus, Hunter Verboczki tells Santa he’s been a good

Alexis, Khloe, Lylie, and Zoe Hamalainen.

and makes sure he knows his Christmas List.

boy and what he wants for Christmas this year.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Siblings: left to right - Landyn, Emma, Jacob, and

Loraya Kangas enjoyed her special time with Santa,

Jeffery McClurg shares his Christmas List with Old Hailey Spade spent some time visiting with Santa sharing her Christmas Wish List.

Claus.

Saint Nick.

SANTA VISITS CHILDREN AT BARAGA YOUTH PARTY

Santa stopped for a visit on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Reservation on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at the Niiwin

Akeaa Center in Baraga, Michigan. The Baraga party for ages 0-9

was held at 1:00 p.m. where children got to spend time with Santa

making sure he got their list correct. All the children received a

bag of candy and a special present from the Community. Youth 10

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

and up received a gift card from the Community and played a game

of Dirty Polly.

Horse drawn wagon rides were enjoyed by many throughout the

day. Both parties included a meal consisting of a variety of pizzas

from Pizza Hut, veggie trays, fruit trays, Christmas cookies, and

punch.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Santa listens closely as Dalanna Connor (left)

gives her list, as cousin Cara Connor (right) waits Destiny Cramer made sure Santa knew exactly Jesse Jones, Jr. (JJ) came prepared with his list

what she wanted for Christmas this year.

for Santa Claus.

her turn.

Continued on page four.

(3) Niswi

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Brothers: left to right — Zaiden, Bryten, and Santa enjoyed a visit with brothers: Kroy (left) and Daylea Blue told Santa she’s been a very good

Bentley VanDyke visit with Santa.

Kruze (right) Ekdahl.

girl and what she’d like for Christmas this year.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Kaylee Forcia enjoyed talking with Saint Nick, telling Madyson and Noah Evans spend a little time chatting Santa enjoyed his visit with this little man, Dekkar

Denomie, who isn’t quite sure of this Santa dude.

him her wish list for Christmas.

with Mr. Claus.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

NEWS FROM THE OJIBWA

SENIOR CITIZENS

January:

 January 10, Las Vegas Trip. Seniors are

to meet at the Senior Center at 4:00 a.m.

for transportation to the Marquette Airport.

 January 20, 12:15 p.m. Senior Meeting.

 January 27, Pasty prep starts at 12:00

noon until approx. 3:00 p.m.

 January 28, Pasty Sale at 5:00 a.m. All

volunteers are needed as early as possible. Clean up immediately follows the

baking of the pasties—please plan to stay

for clean up.

February:

 February 10, 12:15 p.m. Senior Meeting.

 February 24, Pasty prep.

 February 25, Pasty Sale.

Please mark your calendars with these

dates!

(4) Niiwin

TREASURER’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2% Distributions & 8% Payments

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community announces

their recent gaming distributions

Since 1993 the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been

making bi-annual payments from gaming proceeds of their casinos

to local units of government and to the State of Michigan. These

payments are 2% and 8% respectively and are derived from the net

win from all Class III electronic games of chance commonly known

as slot machines.

The two-percent (2%) payments are made each May and November. Local units of Government may make requests throughout

the year. To receive an award the entity must first make a request

in writing.

For the second distribution period of April 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, the total for Baraga County which was made from

the Ojibwa Casino was $139,422.96. The breakdown is as follows:

Baraga County

Baraga School District

Baraga Township

Village of Baraga

L’Anse School District

L’Anse Township

Village of L’Anse

Baraga School Football Program

$36,444.09

$41,650.39

$14,317.32

$11,714.17

$22,126.77

$ 2,603.15

$ 1,301.57

$ 9,265.50

Distributions totaling $177,379.70 were made in Marquette County

from the Ojibwa II Casino as follows for the same period:

City of Marquette

NMU NASA Powwow

Beacon House

YMCA Native American “At Risk” Program

Room At the Inn Warming Center

$10,500.00

$ 5,000.00

$15,000.00

$ 7,500.00

City of Negaunee

Great Lakes Recovery Center – Healing Circle

& Walking Trail

$ 8,000.00

Charter Township of Chocolay

Police, Fire & Community

$45,000.00

Marquette Area Public Schools

Title VII Native American Education Program

$ 7,000.00

Marquette County

AMCAB - Meals on Wheels

$ 5,000.00

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

KBIC Tribal Council approved a motion at their 11/19/2015 meeting for a

$30,000 donation from Clinic Third Party 650 Fund to Bay Ambulance

towards an ambulance purchase. The donation was made in lieu of a 2%

donation request. Gary Wadaga, Bay Ambulance Director (left) displays

a check with Tribal President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (right)

Aging Services Retired and Senior Volunteers

Marquette County Health Department –

Suicide Prevention

Marquette County Sheriff – Shop with a Cop

Forsyth Township

U.P.S.E.T.

Patrol Vehicle

$ 5,000.00

$ 3.000.00

$ 500.00

$20,000.00

$27,384.70

Sands Township

Equipment & Firefighting needs

$15,995.00

Teaching Family Homes – High Ropes Course $ 5,000.00

Charter Township of Chocolay

$45,000.00

Eight percent (8%) payments were made to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in May for each Casino. The

Ojibwa Casino amount was $594,753.87 and the Ojibwa Casino II

paid in $709,581.81.

The next cycle of awards will be made in May. Local units of

government within Baraga or Marquette Counties may apply. Requests must be made in writing and before March 30, 2016.

HEART SUPPORT GROUP

This group is an informal support group whose main

goal is to talk to each other and learn from each other

through our experiences as survivors of heart disease

and hopefully save a life in the process!

Any questions, please call Nancy Pawlowski @ 395-0868. We

will be meeting on January 5, 2016, 5:00 p.m. at the Ojibwa Seniors

Building, Mission Road, Baraga, MI.

(5) Naanan

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

472 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

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

• E-mail: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the following services:

 Establishment, Enforcement and Modification of

Child Support Orders

 Paternity Establishment

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Community Education

http://www.kbic-nsn.gov

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE — HONORING

OUR VETERANS — ARTICLE CORRECTION:

Unfortunately, Jessica Dakota was

missed when I mentioned those who

were currently serving in the military. Jessica is a member of the

United States Army Reserves. I apologize for the oversight. I am also sorry

if there were others I was not aware

of. Thank you all for your service,

dedication, and honor to our Country. God Bless. ~ Jennifer Misegan

(6) Ningodwaaswi

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

Tribes exclusive right to regulate

Baraga, MI 49908

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.

Application deadline for submission of ALL Class I Drawings is 30 days and Class II Raffles is 60 days prior to your

event. License Fee will be waived when the application is

received within this timeline.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Sybil J. LaFernier

(March 1, 1947—December 1, 2015)

Sybil J. LaFernier, age 68, of L’Anse, MI,

passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at

UP Health System, Marquette, MI. She was

born in L’Anse on March 1, 1947, the daughter

of the late Wilbur and Lois (Stoddard) LaFernier.

Sybil graduated from L’Anse High School in

1965. She was member of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and St. Ann’s Catholic Church,

Baraga, MI. Sybil was a pioneer in casino dealing. She was an avid sports fan including football and hockey, and she enjoyed playing cribbage.

Sybil is survived by her loving children: John

Davis of Baraga, Deanna (Steve) Foucault of

L’Anse, and Beth (Donny) Koski of Baraga;

grandchildren: Derek, Shayn, Sean, Stevi,

Trevor, John, Harli, Jessica, and Ryan; great

grandchildren: Brenden, Easton, Leeland,

Daniel, Gracelyn, and Skyler; brothers: Michael

and Harry; sisters: Marcia, Georgia, Cosie, Angela, Rose, Margaret, and Becky. Numerous

nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family

members also survive, along with her special

friend Michelle Lemerande. She was preceded

in death by her parents, brothers: Patrick, John,

and Earl; and sister Arlene.

Funeral services for Sybil were held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Reid Funeral

Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI, with Deacon

John Cadeau officiating. The family greeted

friends at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 1

p.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral service, the family

visited with friends at a fellowship and luncheon

at the Zeba Community Hall. A spring interment

will take place in the Pinery Cemetery. The family was assisted by the Reid Funeral Service and

Chapel, L’Anse, MI.

James Franklin Welsh

(February 13, 1939—December 8, 2015)

James Franklin Welsh, age 76 of L’Anse, MI,

passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at

home. Jim was born February 13, 1939, in

L’Anse, MI, the son of Herbert and Helene

Welsh.

Jim lived in L’Anse his entire life. He owned

Jim’s Fireworks, worked at Wigwam Industries,

and as an alcohol counselor for New Day Treatment Center. Jim also repaired watches and

often said, “I can fix anything but a broken

heart.” Jim was a member of Most Holy Name of

Jesus Saint Kateri Church and served on the

parish council and finance committee. He also

was a member of KBIC, Ojibwa Seniors, Assinins Culture Group, and Standing Rock Tribe.

Jim enjoyed visiting, wild ricing, mowing the

lawn, fishing, baseball, football, car racing, cars,

and his Cadillac. Some of his favorite, wellremembered sayings were: “Easy does it,” “This

to shall pass,” “One day at a time,” and “You’re

looking good.”

Surviving are his brother Douglas Welsh of

L’Anse; sisters: Judith Smith of L’Anse, Margaret

LaTocha of Eagle River, Alaska; and Aleta

(Alexie) Jimmi of Anchorage, Alaska; aunts:

Fanchon Boyette of Milwaukee, WI, and Gerlinda Picard of L’Anse; uncle Richard Francois of

L’Anse; Evangeline Fasthorse family; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents;

brothers: Herbert and Vine Welsh; and sisters:

Mary Wilson and Catherine Welsh.

Visitation was held on Friday, December 11,

2015, 6-9 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home in

L’Anse, MI, with parish prayers and rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continued Saturday,

December 12, 2015, 10-11 a.m. in the church

hall at Most Holy Name of Jesus St Kateri

Church, Assinins, MI. Jim’s funeral mass followed visitation with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating.

Burial was in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. A

luncheon followed the burial in the church hall.

The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse, MI, assisted the family.

J. Marilyn Mayville

(December 7, 1938—December 8, 2015)

J. Marilyn Mayville, age 77, of Escanaba, MI,

passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at

OSF St. Francis Hospital following a courageous

battle with cancer. She was born on December

(8) Ishwaaswi

7, 1938, in L’Anse, MI, the daughter of the late

Harry and Lavinia (Asher) Perrault. Marilyn was

raised in Zeba, MI, and moved to Escanaba after graduating nursing college.

She graduated from L’Anse High School in

1956, and continued her education at Mercy

School of Practical Nursing in Cadillac, MI,

where she obtained her Practical Nursing license (LPN) in 1957.

On April 8, 1961, she married Francis “Mike”

Mayville at St. Anne’s Church. He preceded her

in death on June 14, 1993.

Marilyn was a member of the Lady Elks Auxiliary and St. Anne’s Church. She loved to cook,

shop in thrift stores, go “junkin” with her best

friend, Cheryl Moore, and go to the casino. She

loved all of her granddogs; she will be missed by

her special granddogs: Ariel and Hunter. Her

family was the most important part of life.

She worked as an LPN at OSF St. Francis

Hospital for 30 years until her retirement in

1998. Her father chose her career path for her,

and it was the perfect career. She was passionate about caring for her patients as well as the

many friends and family who would call on her to

get her medical assistance.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Susan

(Mark) Yankovich of Gladstone, Joseph

“Jose” (Diane) Mayville of Escanaba, and Michele (Mark) Mayville-Cole of Escanaba; six grandchildren: Keenan Mayville-Davis, Amanda and

Michael Leonard, and Pierce, Riley, and Dawson Mayville; and several great grandchildren

and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Thomas; grandson

Reid Mayville; brothers: Mulligan Beddell, Jack

“John” Stoddard, and Mark “Kelly” Perrault; and

sisters: Lois LaFernier, Rosabelle “Cosie” LaClair, and Dorothy “Joan” Noble.

Visitation was held on Saturday, December

12, 2015, from 10 to 12:30 p.m. at the Crawford

Funeral Home in Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at St. Anne’s Church at 1

p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A

luncheon follow in the church hall. Burial will be

in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Crawford Funeral

Homes assisted the Mayville family.

Michael T. Messer, Jr.

(January 15, 1990—December 10, 2015)

Michael T. Messer, Jr., age 25, of L’Anse, MI,

passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015.

Michael was born in Hancock, MI, on January

15, 1990, the son of Chris (Tim) Sanregret and

Michael T. Messer, Sr.

He graduated from L’Anse High School in

2009. Michael was a carpenter for KCO Construction. He was a member of Holy Name of

Jesus Catholic Church, Assinins. Michael was

an avid outdoors man. He loved hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.

Michael is survived by his children: Blake and

Aubree Messer; the children's mother, Angelica

Bogda; Michael's mother and step-father Chris

and Tim Sanregret of L’Anse; his father Michael

T. Messer, Sr, of L’Anse; brothers: Jacob Picard

and Alec Sanregret both of L’Anse; grandparents: Janet Tembreull of Baraga, and John and

Lillian Messer of Baraga; and step grandparents

Michael and Jeanene Sanregret of L’Anse. He

was preceded in death by his grandfather James

Tembreull.

Funeral services for Michael were held at 7

p.m., Monday, December 14, 2015, at the Reid

Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI, with

Deacon John Cadeau officiating. The family

greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Monday

from 6 p.m. until the time of the service. A spring

interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery.

Family and friends were invited to a drumming ceremony for Michael followed by his Journey luncheon on Tuesday, December 15, 2015,

at the Baraga Ojibwa Senior Center, Mission

Road, Baraga, MI, at 2 p.m.

The family was assisted by the Reid Funeral

Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI.

Happenings at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

Jolene DeCota, a

Keweenaw

Bay

Ojibwa

Community

College student, has

been awarded a Child

Development Associate (CDA) credential in

recognition of outstanding work with

young children. The

Council for Professional

Recognition

(www.cdacouncil.org)

in Washington, DC

awards credentials to

early childhood educators who demonstrate

the ability to work constructively with young children in group settings.

DeCota is employed at the Ojibwa Child Care

(OCC). “Jolene’s passion for children and her

Native American background has pushed her

forward to complete 120 educational hours, 480

field experience hours, and other requirements

to attain the CDA,” said Cheryl LaRose, Chairperson of the Early Childhood Education Department at KBOCC. “She intends to complete requirements for an Associate’s degree in Early

Childhood Education this academic school year.

In addition, DeCota is working toward an Associate’s degree in Anishinaabe studies. KBOCC is

honored to have her as one of our students.”

DeCota completed the educational hour requirements for the CDA credential and received

guidance in preparing her CDA portfolio at

KBOCC. Since the college is fully accredited,

her KBOCC associate’s degree will qualify her

for employment at state-licensed early childhood

facilities as well as federally funded programs.

For information about CDA preparation or

earning a degree in Early Childhood Education,

contact Cheryl LaRose at (906) 524-8305 at

KBOCC.

The KBOCC Early Childhood Department in

collaboration with the Copper Country Reading

Council invited the public to attend a presentation by Minnesota children's author Aimee Bissonette on Monday, October 26, 2015.

Bissonette presented in the Community

Room of KBOCC, L'Anse Campus, from 6-7

p.m.

Bissonette's book (published by Minnesota

Historical Society Press) is notable for its vibrant

scratch board illustrations that contrast with her

sparse and powerful prose. Together, they

resonate to a wide audience in the key of intergenerational appreciation for nature.

Fall 2015 — Dean's List

The Dean's List recognizes full-time students

who achieved a semester grade point average

of 3.5 or higher.

Aimee Emery

Dawn Gauthier

Dominic Kampf

Heather Maki

Kristen Lucas

Melissa Treadeau

Michael Rodriguez

Michelle Moulden

Toni Sanchez

Honors List

The Honors List recognizes full-time students

who achieved a semester grade point average of

3.00-3.49.

Continued on page nine.

BEAUTIFUL ARBOR CONSTRUCTED AT POWWOW GROUNDS

The construction of the new arbor in the Powwow arena is just one of many new improvements that the Powwow Committee has

planned. Gary Loonsfoot, Jr., Director of Cultural Services, said, “We have looked at several

renovations and have determined which ones

are priority and should be accomplished and in

what order. The majority of the funding used to

build the new arbor was courtesy of a grant from

the TIDES foundation. This funding was made

possible through the Tribal Historic Preservation

Office.

Early in July, Jean Jokinen, KBIC Grants

Writer, contacted the KBIC THPO and asked

what should be done with the TIDES funding.

Because this phase of the TIDES funding was

non-competitive, we knew we would be awarded

the proposed $10,000. Knowing that the Powwow Committee was looking to make some upgrades to our beautiful Powwow grounds, we

decided to apply those funds to the construction

of a new arbor. Jean had suggested contracting

with local artist, Rich Pethtel. Rich was contracted by the KBOCC, several times, already.

His pillar carvings can be seen in the atrium of

the OCC’s Baraga campus, as well as the front

lawn of the L’Anse campus.

For the actual construction of the arbor, Rich

had suggested his buddy, Joe Bradley. Joe is a

licensed contractor and a talented one, at that.

After a meeting with Rich and Joe on the design

of the arbor, a drawing was submitted and approved. Service agreements were signed and

submitted to the Tribal Council and approved,

immediately. Carvings began to take shape in

September and construction began in early October. The arbor was completed on November

1st.”

Make sure to take a stop down to the powwow grounds to check out the new arbor and

some of the other improvements the Powwow

Committee has going on.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Happenings at KBOCC continues:

Daniel Nieskes

Jolene DeCota

Joshua Robinson

Mary Kaye Durant

Rachael Boyd

Valerie Jokela

Scholastic Achievement List

The Scholastic Achievement List recognizes parttime students who achieved a grade point average

of 3.25 or higher while taking only courses numbered above 100.

Amanda Nordstrom

Andrew Kozich

Annaleese Rasnen

Betsey Leinonen

Betti Szaroletta

Brittney Kemppainen

Carisa LaFernier

Carole LaPointe

Cassandra Westphal

Catherine Edwards

Cynthia Thierry

Ireland Ingram

Jay Loman

Jean Jokinen

Jeanne Emery

Jennie Nordstrom

Joanna Bemis

John Lee

Judith Heath

Keisha McHenry

Keri Williams

Kyle Stein

Lauri Denomie

Michelle Klein

Oedith Harris

Rebecca Gauthier

Robin Roe

Samuel Dix

Shelly Danielson

Suzanne Kahkonen

Tera Little

Theodore Krask

Thomas Griffin

K B O C C

student’s participated in a

field trip to Bay

College where

they received

a presentation

o n

t h e

“Boarding

School Era.”

Those

included in the

picture are as

follows: left to

right, front row

— Betti Szaroletta,

Mary

Kaye Durant,

Earl the Elder, Daniel Nieskes, Patti Cote, back row — Barbie Bykkonen and Aimee Emery. Missing from the photo is

Raymond Cadreaus.

Mary Kaye Durant (left) was awarded the

James ‘Jay’ Loonsfoot Memorial Scholarship,

presented by Pat Loonsfoot (right).

Josh Robinson was awarded the

Timothy W. Shanahan Memorial

Scholarship.

(9) Zhaangaswi

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2016 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016)

*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:

Household

Size

Use this

amount

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

$ 981

$155

$1,136

$1,328

$155

$1,483

$1,675

$155

$1,830

$2,021

$168

$2,189

$2,368

$197

$2,565

$2,715

$226

$2,941

$3,061

$226

$3,287

$3,408

$226

$3,634

Each additional member

+ $347

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

$1,227

$265

$1,492

$1,660

$265

$1,925

$2,094

$265

$2,359

$2,527

$265

$2,792

$2,960

$265

$3,225

$3,394

$282

$3,676

$3,827

$282

$4,109

$4,260

$282

$4,542

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $434

ATTENTION: ALL TRIBAL COMMERCIAL

FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large Boat Commercial Fishing Licenses for the Year 2016-2017

Commercial Fishing Season are available at the License Department located in the KBIC Tribal Center.

The new license year will begin: May 1, 2016. Applications must be returned to the Licensing/Motor

Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 5, 2016. All

applications for licenses will be reviewed and selected by the Tribal Council. The license fees are:

$75.00 for Small Boat-On Reservation; $200.00 for

Small Boat-Off Reservation; and $500.00 for Large

Boat-Off Reservation. All tribal members who apply

must have completed the required U.S. Food and

Drug Administration Hazard Analysis and critical

Point (HACCP) training and present a copy of the

certificate with the application. A Boat Safety Fishing Vessel Examination with a certified official

must be completed and that documentation must be

provided with the application. The application also

requests fishing vessel information including the

vessel name, number & length.

For: Boat Safety Inspections contact the Tribal Police/Conservation Department at (906) 353-6626 to

make an appointment or contact U.S. Coast Guard/

Hancock at (906) 482-1520.

January 2016 Calendar Events



Jan 1: Tribal Gov’t Offices closed — New

Years Day Holiday.

Jan. 4: Constitutional Committee Meeting,

10 am, Tribal Center Bldg, Council Chambers (downstairs conference room);

Jan. 9: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9 am,

Ojibwa Casino Conference Room, Baraga;

Jan. 18: Tribal Gov’t Offices closed — Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday;

Jan. 28: Ojibwa Senior Pasty Sale.

~ 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.

(10) Midaaswi

Agreement

MICHIGAN BAC APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING PROGRAM APPLICATION COVER LETTER. Please read before filling out the application.

Dear Applicant: CLICK THIS LINK Lansing Apprenticeship & Training for the (3) page application form for the Michigan BAC Apprenticeship Program—provided you meet these qualifications:

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Obtained the age of 17

Must live in Michigan

High School Graduate or G.E.D. equivalent

Have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Upon submitting this application, the Training Center will call you to schedule an appointment to

hand-deliver all necessary documents. Bring the following items with you:

Copy of Birth Certificate

Copy of High School Transcript (must show GPA – Grade Point Average) or High School

G.E.D. equivalent with test Scores

If applicable, a copy of Discharge papers from Military Service - form (DD 214)

ACT WorkKeys Assessment Scores (or take the assessments when you arrive).

Once you have submitted the required documentation, you will be given a list of BAC Local 2 MI

signatory contractors from which you may solicit employment and/or request to be interviewed

as a candidate for twelve weeks of Pre-job Training. Twelve (12) weeks of related instruction

must be completed within the first year of your apprenticeship. There is no charge for the training. Tools will be provided for your training. If you live more than seventy (70) miles from the

Training Center, housing will be provided at no cost to you during training. You will receive a

$20 per day stipend for each day of training you attend. Starting wages will be 60% of Journeyman wages for the 4-year program and 65% for the 3-year (approximately $12.00 to $19.00 per

hour plus benefits, depending on the area of your employment). During your apprenticeship,

you will receive a 5% pay increase for each six-month period you work with at least 750 work

hours and satisfactory improvement. If you have questions, please call the Training Center at

(517) 886 - 2221.

You must read the JOB DESCRIPTION (Michigan Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Apprenticeship & Training Program): An "Apprentice" is a worker who learns according to a written or oral

contractual agreement. A "Craftworker" is a trained and recognized skilled tradesperson of the

craft requiring 3 or 4 years of on-the-job training through job experience supplemented by related instruction, prior to being considered a qualified skilled Craftworker. High school or vocational school education is a prerequisite for entry into the Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices

will be registered as a Apprentice by the State of Michigan Apprenticeship Agency and the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Apprentices will be represented by a Union.

"Apprenticeship program" comes under the guidance of a joint apprenticeship committee composed of representatives of the employees. These committees may determine need for apprentices in a locality and establish minimum apprenticeship standards of education, experience and

training.

The JOB DESCRIPTION is sectioned in five categories; physical demands, environmental conditions, primary duties, secondary duties, and availability of work. Each category uses the following code; F = FREQUENTLY, N = NOT PRESENT, 4 = LOUD, H = HEAVY, and O = OCCASIONALLY.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Climbing - F, Balancing - F, Stooping - F, Kneeling - F, Crouchir - F,

Crawling - F, Reaching - F, Handling - F, Fingering - F, Feeling - F, Talking - O, Hearing - F,

Tasting/Smelling - N, Near Acuity - F, Far Acuity - O, Depth Perception - O, Visual Accommodation - O, Color Vision - O, Field of Vision - F, and Strength - H

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Exposure to Weather - F, Extreme Cold - O, Extreme Heat O, Wet and/or Humid - O, Vibration - N, Exposure to Dust and Fumes - O, Proximity to Moving

Mechanical Parts - F, Exposure to Electric Shock - O, Working in High, Exposed Places - O,

Exposure to Radiation - N, Working Explosives - N, Exposure to Toxic/Caustic Chemicals - O,

and Noise Intensity Level - 4

PRIMARY DUTIES: Work at unimproved sites, use ladder to access work area, work of scaffolding, climb scaffolding, work on multiple building levels, lift average weights between 5 - 70

lbs., operate hand held power saw, operate power table saws, operate miscellaneous hand held

power tools, follow instructions including all safety requirements, and read ruler as well as calculate feet and inches.

SECONDARY DUTIES: Clean masonry with caustic cleaners and scrape/point walls.

AVAILABILITY OF WORK: Work Out of Area - F, and Long or Short LAYOFFS are Possible for

Lack of Work - O.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE DENIED IF NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED.

THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS A DRUG FREE PROGRAM.

About

The Michigan Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers represents all facets of masonry sciences:

Brick and Block, Stone, Cement, Plaster, Painting/Cleaning/Caulking [Restoration and Preservation], Refractory and Tile, Marble, or Terrazzo.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Attention KBIC

Tribal Members

Job Bank Applications

With the approval of constructing both the

Baraga and Marquette Casinos – Tribal Members are urged to apply for the Job Bank as

TERO will be referring workers for these

projects.

Some of the jobs that will be available are

for Carpenters, Masons, Construction workers,

Heavy Equipment Operators, General Labor,

and other skilled and unskilled workers will be

needed for these projects.

Native owned business – you also need to

an application.

TERO assistance is available during regular office hours in the Tribal Center [Monday –

Friday] to assist KBIC Tribal Members in completing the application packet. Job Bank Applications are also available online at http://

www.ojibwa.com/content/tero -- Please stop

by or contact Debbie Picciano @ 353-4167 or

Email – TERO@kbic-nsn.gov.

‘Find a job you love and you’ll never

work a day in your life’

Ojibwa Library News:

The library has a new website to find books

order

In t e r - l i b r a r y

loans:

uprl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_usloclib/. It's also

listed on the tribe's web page.

The KBIC Diabetes Department has generously paid for another year of the digital magazines, Zinio. You can locate the site by going

to: magazines.gldl.info to download to your

device. All you need is your library card number and your pin number.

I will be retiring at the end of December. It

has been a pleasure being the director of your

library. Ten years went by quickly. I would

like to welcome, Angela Badke, your new library director. She will begin in January.

Happy New Year!

~ Mary Bergerson, Library Director

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 STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

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.