The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2018)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Gashkadino Giizis – Freezing Moon - November 2018

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY HOLDS

CHELSEY LAFERNIER MEMORIAL WALK FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Issue 172

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr., President

Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Randall R. Haataja

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr.

Rodney Loonsfoot

Elizabeth D. Mayo

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

mile walk from the registration corner to the

Niiwin Akeaa Facility. Participants enjoyed a

grand feast, donated by Lucky 7’s, and were

able to participate in a number of raffles. The

highlight of the event were guest speakers,

survivors: Beatrice G. Jackson and Linda R.

Cobe who shared their traumatic experiences.

Linda R. Cobe has recently published a book,

Red, White, & Blues. Her book is available at

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST



October 6,

Meeting



Chelsey LaFernier Memorial

Walk



Ojibwa

Casino

II

(Marquette) update on project

Research Vessel Myrtle

Tolonen (R.V.M.T.

The

“Myrtle” arrives at KBIC

Ojibwa Elders’ Birthdays

Criminal Report

https://northerngarnetpublishingllc.wordpress.com.







2018 Council

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Alexxus DeCota, Chelsey’s daughter, now 16-yearsold, closed the event with a poem she wrote.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

~ By Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Candidate Matt Morgan (center) wearing his

purple Domestic Awareness Tee-shirt he received as he registered for the walk, pictured

with two Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society (KBIC

Honor Guard) Members, Gerald Magnant (left)

and Joseph Eckerberg (right).

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Guest speaker, survivor, Beatrice

G. Jackson.

(906) 353-4599

Domestic Violence

When I hear the endless stories, I weep.

For it is the end to a peaceful sleep.

Living in fear of will I get beat?

Living in fear of what will he say?

Domestic Violence is not just a slap, hit, or a

punch.

No, it is much more than that.

It could be words used against you, or to harm

you.

Neither less both are bad because you feel as

if you can never heal from the pain. But you

can.

There are survivors to this pain, and if you

speak out and get help, you can too be a

Survivor.

The event was sponsored by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community through the

Office of Violence Against Women.

KBIC OFFICE OF WOMEN AGAINST

VIOLENCE 24/7 HELP LINE

The opening event to kick-off the Chelsey

LaFernier Memorial Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness was held the morning of Saturday, October 13, 2018, with a 9:00 a.m. Water Ceremony held at Sand Point in the Ojibwa

Campground, Baraga, Michigan. As October

is National Domestic Violence Awareness

Month, the annual event named for Chelsey

has been held every October since her death.

The event is held to increase domestic awareness within the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and surrounding neighborhoods.

Registration opened at 11:30 a.m. where

participants received an event tee-shirt as they

registered for the event at the corner of McGillan and Lyons Street, a location near the residence where Chelsey’s life was taken by her

domestic partner on January 22, 2009. Tribal

President, Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. welcomed the Community. “I want to welcome

everyone who came out this afternoon to show

their support at the 9th Annual Chelsey

LaFernier Memorial Walk. We can certainly

tell it is an election year; we’ve got some

elected officials and candidates participating

this year. Congressman Jack Bergman is here

and candidates: Matt Morgan and Ken Summers are here to participate with the Community in our domestic violence awareness walk.

More important though, this is about raising

awareness of domestic violence, and this has

been an issue for many years. We care about

what happens to our women, and we want to

make sure our women are protected. We’ve

got some good speakers this afternoon. Listen

to what they have to say because they are going to share their experiences with you, and

there is no

better way to

learn

than

from someone who has

been through

it.”

Participants walked

down Lyons

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

street, up MGuest Speaker, Survivor, Linda R. 38, and onto

Cobe, Lac Vieux Desert Member and Bear

Town

author of a newly released book, Red,

Road,

a

1.7

White & Blues.

(1) Bezhig

OCTOBER 6, 2018 TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Monthly Tribal Council Meeting was held on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the Harvey Community Center, in Harvey,

Michigan. President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. presided over the

meeting with Jennifer Misegan, Susan J. LaFernier, Toni Minton,

Doreen Blaker, Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr., Randall Haataja, Michael F.

LaFernier, Sr., Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., Rodney Loonsfoot, and Elizabeth D. Mayo present. Fred Dakota was not present.

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

(page four), Vice President Jennifer Misegan gave the Vice President’s Report (page five), and Larry Denomie III gave the CEO’s

Report (page eight). Council approved the Department Head Reports for August 2018.

Questions from the audience brought up a discussion on the

casino project costs. There is $40,000,000.00 budgeted for the

casino projects (buildings). There will be additional monies

needed to purchase furnishings, gaming machines, etc. If any one

item exceeded $500,000.00 there would need to be an election

held. No election will be required as none of these items will near

the $500,000.00 mark.

Sandy Carlson addressed the Council with three items on the

agenda. Powwow Grounds – It is very difficult for elders to walk

up to the registration booth to register and receive their honorarium due to wearing moccasins and the land structure (tree roots).

She asked if something could be done to eliminate this problem.

THPO’s budget will be improving a number of items at the powwow grounds this coming fiscal year, and this problem can be addressed.

Casino Exit at the Marquette property – With the construction

project ongoing, residents of the housing projects located behind

the Ojibwa Casino II (Marquette) have lost their route into the Casino. They are required to walk down Kawbawgam Road to use

the front door to visit the casino. This route is quite long with

safety concerns for the people on that road, and there are a few

who are in wheelchairs. Sandy Carlson asked why they could not

utilize one of the back doors on the casino which would eliminate

the long route to the building for the residents of the housing projects. Casino staff is permitted to use the back doors. Patrons

have been told they could not use the back doors. Motion by

Rodney Loonsfoot to order the Casino Manager to designate

one of the back door exits for use by the housing residents to

enter through, supported by Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr. Ten supported (Misegan, S. LaFernier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja,

M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed,

0 abstained, one absent (Dakota), motion carried.

Clarification of senior heating – Many seniors received shut-off

notices last year due to misunderstanding what months are covered by the Senior Funds. Sandy Carlson indicated they have

been told November – May. Elders were not paying their invoices

in November which were actually October’s use. November’s use

is billed in December. Sandy asked for this to be clarified to December – June statements. Larry Denomie III, CEO, will have the

CAP staff clarify the Senior Heating payment schedule.

Jennifer Misegan, Vice President, informed Council that Francis LaPointe, Jr., CFO, is requesting that an account at Superior

National Bank be opened to deposit the mortgage payments that

the tribe will be receiving from the settlement made with the Community Development Corporation. Motion by Doreen Blaker to

open an account at Superior National Bank for these mortgage deposits, supported by Toni Minton. Seven supported

(Misegan, Minton, Blaker, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot,

Mayo), 0 opposed, three abstained (S. LaFernier, Curtis, R.

Loonsfoot), one absent (Dakota), motion carried.

Diana Chaudier, Election Board Chairman, informed Tribal

Council the following members have submitted their names for

candidacy in the upcoming Tribal Election. Tribal Council/Baraga

District: Elizabeth Connor, Martin Curtis, Jr., James Denomie,

Sue Ellen Elmblad, Gerald Friisvall, Kim Klopstein, Michael Lahti,

Gerald Magnant, Donald Messer, Jr., and Warren Swartz, Jr.

Tribal Council/L’Anse District: Lyndon Ekdahl, Floyd Forcia, Jr.,

Dale Goodreau, David Haataja, Jean Jokinen, Susan LaFernier,

Jennifer Misegan, and Christopher Voakes. Chief Judge: Bradley

Dakota, William Jondreau, Sr., and Paul Smith. The Election

Board met on Friday afternoon and reviewed each member’s

qualification for Tribal Council. The Board recommends approval

of all members seeking candidacy. A Primary Election is required

in the Baraga and L’Anse Districts for the position of Tribal Council. Each District will announce Tribal Council unofficial Election

results on Election Day following the completion of the Election.

The Election Board reviewed each member’s qualifications for the

position of Chief Judge. The Election Board recommends approval of those members seeking candidacy. A Primary Election

will be required for the position of Chief Judge. The position of

Chief Judge would be required to appear on the Baraga and

L’Anse District Primary ballots. The final count for the Office of

Chief Judge will take place at the Zeba Community Hall. The

deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, October 12,

2018. The Board will review those requests on Monday, October

15, 2018. Absentee ballots will be mailed to those members who

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are approved upon receipt of the ballots from Governmental Business Systems – GBS. Next, Diana, along with Clayton Ekdahl,

Election Board Member, will travel to the Marquette Trust Lands

to conduct Absentee Voting on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at

the Ojibwa Housing Community Room (Harvey), from 6:00 p.m. –

8:00 p.m. Jeanne Emery will be administering Homebound voting. She will go to those members’ homes in the Baraga and

L’Anse Districts on Friday, November 2, 2018. Kurt Knowles from

GBS will be programming the Accu-Vote Machines at the Tribal

Center on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Diana, along with a

Tribal Police Officer, will witness the setting of the machines by

Kurt. One alternate Election Board Member selection will be necessary. Tribal Council will select from those members who submitted for the Election Worker position. The deadline for members to submit their name for an Election Worker position is October 12. Selection can take place at the Thursday, October 18

meeting. Motion by Toni Minton to certify the Candidates,

supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Eight supported

(Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot,

R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, two abstained (Misegan, S.

LaFernier), one absent (Dakota), motion carried.

Jennifer Misegan, Vice President, was on the agenda with Proposed Ordinance 2018-03, 1st Reading, Chapter 17. President

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. read the legislative process. “The purpose of the legislative process is to establish an orderly procedure

for the adoption of new laws, regulations, and amendments to the

Tribal Code by the Tribal Council and to allow members of the

Community to present to the Council their own views concerning

the adoption of the proposed new laws, regulations, and amendments to the Tribal Code in order that all relevant information will

be received by the Council before a final decision is made.

Amendments to the Tribal Constitution involve a separate process

under the Tribal Constitution. At this time we are proposing Ordinance 2018-03 at the first reading. At the first reading Tribal

Council will receive any proposed law or regulation at a Tribal

Council meeting from the Council Member who is proposing the

new law or regulation. The proposed law or regulation could originate from any number of sources, including a Tribal Department

(for example Natural Resources Department), a Tribal Member,

business, individual Council Member, or several Council Members. The proposed law or regulation shall be read in its entirety

at the First Reading, which is being conducted today, unless the

reading thereof is waived by a majority vote of the Council. The

Council shall set a date for the Second Reading within 30 business days after the First Reading. The public hearing date will be

posted at various Tribal buildings and in the local newspaper, radio, newsletter, etc. Copies of the proposed law or regulation will

be made available for review by the members of the Community

at various Tribal buildings.” Jennifer Misegan, Vice President,

said, “Our Tribe is in the throes of an opioid epidemic and a major

meth crisis. The purpose of the introduction of this Ordinance is

to do all that we can to combat these problems. This ordinance is

a good start to a serious discussion about what we want to criminalize related to controlled substances. This ordinance widens

and tiers the scope of punishments. Distributors and meth users

would be exposed to our maximum penalties Class A misdemeanors, using deception to avoid detection of illegal drug use will be a

crime, the abuse of Gabapentin and similar drugs outside of a

controlled substance schedule will be criminalized unless there's a

prescription, using inhalants will now be criminalized, and it also

criminalizes the possession of elements used to make methamphetamine. The Ordinance also reduced criminal consequence

related to marijuana. In fact, it reduced the possession of 3.5

grams or less of marijuana to a civil infraction. Many of you may

recall that this Council approved a change to our law which would

have recognized medical marijuana cards issued by the State of

Michigan. Unfortunately, the Secretary of the Interior refused to

approve this change because marijuana is still illegal according to

federal law. The move to adopt provisions such as what is proposed in this ordinance still moves toward the referendum vote

that was approved by the Voters in 2014.” Motion by Jennifer

Misegan to introduce Proposed Ordinance 2018-03 Chapter

17 OFFENSES INVOLVING ALCOHOL BEVERAGES AND

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES and to waive the first reading

of this Ordinance and hold a second reading following the

Saturday, November 3 Council meeting, supported by Doreen

Blaker. Eight supported (Misegan, S. LaFenier, Minton,

Blaker, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, two abstained (Curtis, R. Loonsfoot), one absent

(Dakota), motion carried.

Treasurer Doreen Blaker presented the October 2018 donation

requests. Motion by Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. to table October

2018 donations until the budgets are approved but to allow

Glenn Bressette, Sr. to address Council with his request,

supported by Elizabeth Mayo. Ten supported (Misegan, S.

LaFenier, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier, G.

Loonsfoot, R. Loonsfoot, Mayo), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, one

absent (Dakota), motion carried. Glenn Bressette, Sr., Veteran,

presented his request for a donation for the Toys For Tots ProContinues page three.

Tribal Council Meeting continued:

gram in Marquette, Michigan, which is organized by Marine Corp.

League of Marquette. Council noted his request will be reviewed

when the budgets are approved.

Council adjourned with no further business on the agenda. An

update from Gundlach on the casino projects followed the Council

Meeting.

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Ojibwa Casino II (Marquette) Project Update

October 6, 2018 – Harvey, Michigan. Stan Dupuis and Peter

Kaczmarek of Gundlach, provided the Community with an update

on the Marquette Casino Project.

The raised platform is the stage in the 1200 seat event center

(marked A). The middle section is the grill and restroom area

(marked B). There is a lot of underground platform work to do yet

and that is why it is not poured in that area. The slab upfront is the

new gaming area (marked C). Gundlach has been on site since

July 23. The steel will start showing up next week. The first truck

of steel is scheduled for Monday, and it will be delivered for about

four weeks straight. In the construction process they are using a

concrete pumper. The concrete truck dumps the concrete into the

concrete pumper (marked D). One-hundred-fifty yards were poured

yesterday.

Stan Dupuis said, “Our completion date is estimated to be late

fall 2019. We have to be totally substantially complete by December 20, 2019, but we are trying to expedite that. The building will

be enclosed, roof on it, sidewalks complete, brand new parking lot

complete, sanitary sewer which runs five-miles to town will be completed and operational, the well field we created on the Mukkala

property will be in service and providing water to the housing projects. There will be another water outage on October 17 probably

for six hours. That is the date we are shooting for. The big water

tank that is on the current water pump, where the water is stored,

will be moved outside of the footprint of the building because it is in

the way. We are doing temporary piping feeds right now for that,

and heat trays will be put in so they won’t freeze this winter. We

are still developing the procedures to do this and will be reviewing it

with the water district staff: Carl Rasanen, Arlan Friisvall, and others. We will be using a big crane to move it, probably late night,

10:00 p.m. when there is less usage. Our intent is to be working

throughout the winter.”

Acorn Trail, where the playground used to be, will be extended

to the railroad grade. Once it is built, the five houses that we had to

move for this project will be moved to that location with full basements. Michigan Department of Transportation will be partnering

with KBIC to add a type 3 modified turn lane for M28 east bound

traffic coming from Marquette.

~ Submitted by Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

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

16429 Bear Town, Rd.

waived when the application is received within this

Baraga, MI 49908

(906) 353-4222

timeline.

ATTENTION

KBIC MEMBERS

The 2nd Reading for a Motion to Amend

Proposed Ordinance 2018-03 Title III of the

Tribal Code to encompass additional misconduct harmful to the community and to

revise current criminal provisions in Chapter 17 Offenses Involving Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances will

be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, in the former Big

Bucks Bingo hall following the Tribal Council meeting.

The Tribal Council will receive verbal and written comments from

Tribal members at the public hearing in accordance with the Legislative Process public hearing procedure adopted by the Tribal

Council.

Copies of the Proposed Ordinance 2018-03 are available at the

Tribal Center, KBIC Donald LaPointe Medical Center, Pines Convenience Center, Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center, Tribal Court,

Commodity Foods Center, Housing Department, and Ojibwa Community College. Copies are also distributed to Departments within

the Tribe.

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

The Primary Election will be held on

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Baraga District voters will go to the Polls at the Ojibwa

Senior Citizens Building. Polls for the L’Anse District voters will be held at the Zeba Community Hall.

The Polls will be open from 10:00 a..m. until 6:00 p.m.

ONLY REGISTERED VOTERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE

(Per Election Ordinance)

(3) Niswi

President’s Report for the Months of July - September 2018

The following is a summary of activities that occurred in the Office of the President for the months of July, August, and September

2018. The President’s Report was given verbally and transcribed

by the Newsletter Editor with President Swartz’s approval.

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I, along with Treasurer, Doreen Blaker, and many other

KBIC members participated in the Healing Circle Run

sponsored by Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) on July 16.

I signed a three-year employment contract for Paul

Mooney, Assistant Tribal Attorney.

I have learned the Special Diabetes Funding will be funded

at the FY’16 levels for the fiscal year 2019.

Francis LaPointe, Jr., CFO, Larry Denomie III, CEO, and I

attended a meeting with VAST (insurance and risk management firm) to discuss the Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal rates. After reviewing the current plan’s benefits,

the health reimbursement announcement trends, and historic data, overall the Community’s rate decreased approximately 9.18%.

Council took a look at Proposal Amendment A of the Constitution of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community that was

accounted for on July 17, 2018, through a Secretarial Election, authorized by Timothy LaPointe, Acting Midwest Director. On April 26, 2018, the proposed amendment was

submitted to the registered voters of the Community and

duly adopted by a vote of 101 for and 82 against.

Discussions with the Governor’s Office regarding the Tobacco case continue to be ongoing.

I met with officials of Weyerhaeuser, the largest land

holder in the U.P. of Michigan, to discuss the Summit Lake

Wind Projects and the concerns we have regarding treaty

protective resources.

I participated in a Tribal-State Conference Call during

which the Governor asked if there would be an opportunity

to participate in the Rice Harvest. I informed him that our

Community has an Annual Rice Harvesting Camp. I invited the Governor to the camp and informed him of the

dates it would be held. Unfortunately, he was unable to

attend due to the distance and scheduling. However, he

did get to attend the Nottawaseppi’s Rice Harvest.

During the Tribal-State Conference Call, we also talked

about the Environmental Justice Report which had been

received by the Environmental Work Group. There were

steps the Governor was taking, and he wanted direction of

what to do. Frank Ettawageshik, Executive Director of

United Tribes of Michigan, informed him what he should

do, and the Environmental Work Group was given an update. Director Ettawageshik spoke of a broad spectrum of

issues, and the major role is to protect treaty rights.

I participated in Tribal-State Summit within the past couple

of weeks with the Governor. It was an opportunity for the

Governor to meet with the 12 elected Tribal Leaders within

the State of Michigan, and his concern was to talk with the

tribes in regards to the Line 5 issue. The Line 5 issue is in

regards of moving heavy crude oil from one part of Canada

through Michigan to another part of Canada. It is a conduit

for Canadian oil to go from point A to point B. We informed the Governor of our concerns about the negative

impacts a leak could have on our treaty protected resources, and the Governor said he would take that into

consideration. I felt that this was the Governor’s opportunity to go through a consultation checklist by informing the

tribes of his Line 5 issues, and he really did not listen to

what the tribes had to say. The tribes have continually

said “Shut down Line 5; it’s not good.” Earlier this week,

the Governor’s office had notified all tribes that he made a

deal with Enbridge, and a tunnel will be going under Line

5. All of the tribes are not happy about this tunnel and are

very concerned about it, as it is not very protective of the

resources. Another concern is what will they do with the

old pipeline that is down there? Chairman Newland from

Bay Mills Indian Community said he was going to hold

them accountable, and he may engage in litigation of the

tribe’s treaty rights and the lack of consultation from the

CORE (Consortium of tribes in the 1836 treaty area). They

had made an agreement with the State of Michigan regarding their treaty rights and engaged in a forum on an annual

basis. They are not very happy with the outcome of the

Line 5 issue. It appears to me that Governor Snyder and

Enbridge are not concerned about the treaty protected re-

(4) Niiwin

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sources and are going as fast as they can to get it done.

Earlier this month, I attended a GLIFWC meeting where

we discussed the upcoming Elk hunt in Wisconsin. Wisconsin had identified ten extra Elk in Wisconsin, and they

will be harvesting ten Elk and have planned to share them

with tribes. They had five Elk tags for the State of Wisconsin and five Elk tags for the tribes. The Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community is participating in this Elk hunt, and

since there are ten tribes and only five tags it was decided

to team up with another tribe. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was chosen to hunt with the Red Cliff Tribe. However, due to lack of communication, we were unable to

participate in the hunt this year, but we will participate in

the hunt next year. We are still getting the meat. We will

be receiving half an Elk. So far, three of the five Elk have

been harvested. We intend to use the meat for cultural

and ceremonial purposes. If you have a cultural or ceremonial event planned, give Gary Loonsfoot, Jr. a call at the

THPO office, (906) 353-6623, ext. 4178.

Last month we hosted the United Tribe’s meeting which

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr. attended to present two resolutions.

President Swartz deferred to Councilman Loonsfoot for update on this topic.

• Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr. said, “Both of these resolutions

were passed: the State’s Act and the FCC issue. The

State’s Act is an issue regarding sovereignty and marijuana. What the tribes want to make clear is that no

matter what the states decide about the marijuana issue the tribes will have the right to regulate either for

or against the marijuana issue on their own. It is not a

pro-marijuana or against marijuana issue; it is just stating that whatever the state decides that the tribe wants

to have their own say for their own people on our own

lands. It is a sovereignty issue and not a marijuana

issue. The Federal Communications Commission

(FFC) Resolution is the repeal of the FCC Order

WT1779, removing barriers to 5G broadband installation. The FCC had decided they would no longer allow

tribes to charge for consultation with Verizon, AT&T, all

wireless industry, and this is not their issue. The Administration for Cultural and Historical Places (ACHP),

feels the FCC has overstepped their boundaries targeting Natives in favor of the wireless industry. This

really will have a dramatic effect on our economics.

Right now there is a lawsuit against the FCC and its

chairman and board. The Crow Creek Reservation is

leading that charge, and the fate of this decision will

rest with them. We will be watching that court case

and hoping for the best.”

I participated in a conference call with the Army Corp.,

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ),

and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

(MDNR) to discuss the ongoing issue in regards to Buffalo

Reef. I discussed the historical and cultural projects that

are ongoing and how the fish is used in our lives. We are

a fishing tribe, and this is our way of life. We would like to

see it go back to the historical population of fish in our waters. Now that there is a concern about the lack of fish and

the desecration of the spawning areas, MDEQ, MDNR,

Army Corp., and the tribes are trying to come up with a

plan to save that last spawning reef which is Buffalo Reef.

We have not come up with a long-term solution for Buffalo

Reef yet, but we are continuing to work on it. Hopefully,

for our way of life, we can save Buffalo Reef somehow because it is the last spawning ground in the western Lake

Superior for Lake Trout and White Fish.

I attended the 40th Annual powwow the weekend of July 27

-29.

I attended annual meeting with the United States Attorney

staff from the Western District of Michigan. We met in the

Ojibwa Conference Room, and we were updated on

money laundering in the casinos, chair of advocacy centers, multi-disciplinary teams, sexual assault, body cameras for law enforcement officers, and marijuana. We also

discussed upcoming training opportunities.

In addition to all the ongoing mining issues going on in our

ceded territory, I also signed a comment letter on the Copperwood Mine Project. The Copperwood Mine Project is

near the Ontonagon and White Pine area. We are highly

concerned about the effects it could have on the water reContinues page five

Vice President’s Report for September 2018

President’s Report continued:

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sources also.

We have received a donation from the Sault Ste. Marie

Tribe of Michigan to help offset costs related to the Father’s

Day Flooding. Chi Miigwech to Aaron Payment and the

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe for the $10,000 contribution during

that last flood where there were concerns with the flooding

and how it was impacting the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. We were fortunate, and it really only affected a

couple of our roads. With the pool of money we should be

able to help with these road issues.

In the past few weeks the Council has been diligently working on the annual budget. The annual budget has been a

process, and I’m confident we can balance the budget.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz, Jr.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community wishes our Ojibwa

Seniors who are 80-years and older in this month a very

Happy Birthday!

Please let our

Enrollment Office

know if someone

was missed or

information

is

incorrect by call

(906)

353-6623,

ext. 4111.

Robert Funke

Emily K. Rastello

Eva G. Miller

Betty A. Villwock

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

or possible articles

contact:

Lauri Denomie at (906) 201-0263,

or e-mail: newsletter@kbicnsn.gov.

To be added to the mailing list

or to correct your mailing address, contact the

enrollment office at

(906) 353-6623 ext.

4113.

A conference call was held with Dave Vlahos from Superior National Bank along with Larry Denomie III, CEO;,and Francis LaPointe, Jr., CFO, regarding the financing of our casino projects.

This was after we had spoken to two tribes who offer financing for

gaming projects. We explained our dissatisfaction with the length

of time it has been taking to get this finalized. Dave was very cooperative and helpful. Since our call, it has been going much

smoother. We are almost there and look forward to completing

another segment of the project.

Attorney Danielle Webb, CEO Larry Denomie III, and I met with

Jon Kangas, Dr. Richard Bohjanen, and Susan Sundell of Chocolay Township to discuss several issues for the casino project. We

reviewed an agreement for the elevated water tower. This agreement is now with their attorney for his review and hopefully, will be

presented to the Chocolay Township Board at their November

meeting. It will be coming to the Council within the month. We

discussed the use of 2% funding for generators and auto-dialers

for the sewer extension. This request has been received, and we

will consider it at our next distribution in November.

I also attended a meeting of the Chocolay Zoning Board of Appeals. We were seeking a variance for the vestibule of the new

casino to 32’8” and for the entry sign of the casino to 45’. Sam

Obelstein, from the Cunning Group, the architect and designer of

the project, presented to the Board. Sam presented very well;

unfortunately, the Board only approved a variance for the sign of

40’.

At the end of the fiscal year, I am very proud to say that just

under $1M was generated for the General Welfare Support Program from the fee stamp earnings from the sale of tobacco products that were manufactured by KBIC Tobacco Company. Considering we just began in March, this is remarkable. This company is

growing, and sales are increasing. Even better things are to

come.

A team from Seneca Manufacturing will be here this month to

continue production. Our employees have been notified, and we

are currently working on a schedule for them. I will be meeting

with a Tribal member, recently retired, who is interested in helping

at the facility this week. Fingers crossed that it works out this time.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Treasurer Doreen Blaker,

Councilmember Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr., and I traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress regarding our Canal

Land Claim, the loss of the section 106 or THPO fees and Tribal

Sovereignty.

We met face-to-face with the following Members of Congress

on these issues:

• Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA), Chairman of the House Indian

Affairs Subcommittee

• Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ), Ranking Member of the House

Indian Affairs Subcommittee

• Rep. Tom McClintock (CA), Chairman of the House Federal Lands Subcommittee

• Rep. Don Young (AK), Chairman Emeritus of the House

Resources Committee and Dean of the House (longest

serving)

• Rep. Dan Kildee (MI), strong tribal advocate from Michigan

delegation.

• Rep. Jack Bergman (MI), our current Congressman and a

member of the Natural Resources Committee, the Indian,

Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Sub-Committee and the

Native American Caucus

While meeting with Rep. Bergman, he expressed to us how

thankful he was to have been able to participate in grand entry at

our annual powwow. He told us how honored and thankful he

was. We discussed our need for his assistance with our land

claims. He has agreed to contact the Department of the Interior to

follow-up on the status and to send a letter of support to them as

well as reaching out to our Senators to assist with a delegation response. This will be extremely helpful. Our claim continues, and it

is continuing to move.

We met with staff for: Senator Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Peters (D-MI), Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Senate

Commerce Committee Democratic staff, and Senate Indian Affairs

Committee Democratic staff. We also met with the Chief of Staff

for FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who dissented from

the FCC order in favor of protecting tribal historic preservation review.

We were also seeking support to preserve the sovereign authority of Tribes to regulate cannabis for medical use by Tribal

members, especially in light of an upcoming Michigan referendum

to allow adult recreational use. The STATES Act expressly recognizes that Tribal governments have the authority to regulate marijuana within those states that have already made the decision to

do so. If States can do it, then Tribes should be able to as well.

It was a good trip, very busy and productive.

Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Misegan

(5) Naanan

“Hi! My name is Alyssa Norback. I grew up in Covington,

MI, and graduated from L’Anse

High School in 2014. After high

school, I attended Northern

Michigan University where I received by Bachelor’s of Science

degree in biology with a concentration in physiology and a minor

in chemistry. I was involved in

many clubs, such as the Pre-PA

club, Superior Edge Leadership

Program, and the StudentFellow Leadership program. I

even got a chance to study

abroad for a couple weeks setting up small clinics and teaching health-related topics in Belize! Throughout my degree, I

worked at the KBIC Health System as a pharmacy technician,

so I am very familiar with the

tribe. I’m thrilled to use my education as your new Great Lakes

Resource Specialist!”

Paul Mooney was

recently hired as an Assistant Tribal Attorney

with KBIC’s legal department. Paul graduated from Michigan

State University College

of Law in May, studying

Indigenous law and policy. He was raised with

his brother in Niles, Michigan, by his mom and dad and went to

Michigan State University for his undergraduate degree. Prior

to Law School, Paul worked on political campaigns in Lansing,

Michigan, and Denver, Colorado. Paul developed an interest

in working for a tribe after interning with the Little River Band of

Ottawa Indians and taking classes in Law School. Paul

spends his free time volunteering on campaigns, playing guitar, and spending time outside. “I’m thrilled to be here and to

start working for the Community.”

“My name is Karen Heck and

I’ve lived in this beautiful area for

about 16 years. I appreciate living

in the country where I can have a

few animals, grow a small garden,

mess around outside, and just enjoy

the simple pleasures offered in life.

I have been married for 40 years

and have five sons, one daughter,

and 20 beautiful grandchildren. Life

is full of many great moments!

At 41 years old, I began my

nursing prerequisites downstate at

Scottville Community College, and

then finished with my ADN here in

the north. I graduated with honors

from Finlandia University in 2005

with an Associate Degree of Nursing and yes... Made my mother

proud!

My professional

career began as an RN in Home Health and

Hospice. I was case managing and applied

the Nursing Process in the home setting of

many wonderful people. I went into Long

Term Care discovering a passion for working

with the elderly. Several years later, I now find

myself coming back full circle excited to be

working as a Community Health Nurse for the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community! Thank

you! I look forward to serving you!”

KBIC MEDICAL CLINIC PARTICIPATES –

“HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY FUTURE”

Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) in

conjunction with Upper Peninsula Health

Group (UPHG) processed the 2018 Children’s Campaign, Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures! The 60-day campaign started July 1,

2018, and ended August 31, 2018. UPHP

and UPHG joining forces to promote wellchild visits along with all the important components within these check-ups (including:

immunizations, recommended screenings,

BMI, anticipatory guidance, etc.).

Focused population were children ages 318 years of age. UPHP/UPHG provided wellchild materials to assist practices in providing

appropriate care, and identified care gap lists.

Provider participations tracked the number

of well-child visits that were completed in the

60-day time frame to complete with other clinics. KBIC Medical Clinic immediately joined

in on this effort. The winning practice received a prize to raffle off at the end of the

campaign to one of the patients who came in

for their well-child visit during this timeframe.

The practice with the highest percentage of

well-child visits provided in the timeframe

would win.

KBIC Medical Clinic won the UPHG contest and awarded one patient with a $100.00

gift card provided by UPHP. Name is withheld due to HIPPA, but they were very happy

to receive the unexpected prize!

(6) Ningodwaaswi

(7) Niizhwaaswi

CEO REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2018

The annual review and balancing act of the Fiscal Year 2019

budgets began the week of September 24 and is continuing into October. An approximate deficit of $4.5 million between expected revenues and expenses was presented at the onset of the review process. The deficit is due in large part to two factors: a decrease in expected profits from the casino operations, and a federal regulatory

change impacting fees collected by the Tribe for Section 106 reviews by our Tribal Historic Preservation Office. This is the most

difficult year to balance since my time in this position. Work by

Tribal Council and staff in balancing the budgets will continue next

week.

The Ojibwa Express Convenience store, located in Marquette,

had closed on August 15 but reopened on September 13. I have

assisted the newly appointed board members with the reopening

when possible.

Soumit Pendharkar, the Tribe’s new Health Administrator, has

settled into the position and has assessed the department’s operations. He has developed plans to address the operational and financial deficiencies found through his assessment. The organizational

structure will be changed to streamline and increase the efficiency of

the patient experience which includes better communication and direction from check-in to check-out. Services provided by staff and

our providers will be enhanced, and his plans include increasing the

hours patients can be seen, by extending the day beyond the current 4:30 p.m. closing. His plans for the coming year will also work

toward establishing a weekend clinic. Additional providers are being

brought on board to increase the number of patients being seen on

a daily basis and pricing addressed to enhance the profitability of the

department. Tele-psychiatry is being established to replace Dr. Art,

whose contract was terminated for cause mid-September. Additional updates on the changes will be provided in the coming

months.

We received the official renewal rates for the health care plan

provided to employees of KBIC. Initially, based on a two-year deal

agreed to last year with BCBS of MI, the Tribe would have been experiencing a 3.5% decrease in the renewal rate. Because claims

paid were even less than predicted, a 9.18% decrease came in

which is a significant savings for the Tribe, just over $1 million. I

think it is important to note that the Tribe is very gracious in its offering to full-time employees. There are very few organizations today

that pay for nearly 90% of the health care plan coverage of not only

its employees but also their spouses and children. We will need to

do a much better job of making this known when recruiting.

My final topic will cover updates on the Baraga and Marquette

casino projects that are well underway.

Weekly construction update meetings are held for the Baraga

project. Although the project is minor compared to the Marquette

project, it will impact customers the greatest. Beginning midOctober, about half of the casino floor will be shut down, the two

northern rooms, so that renovations can be completed. The shutdown will require the number of slot machines available for play to

be decreased by nearly half. Based on a recent decision by Council, the table games pit will not be completely removed, and four

blackjack tables will remain open. Once the first half is completed

around Christmas, the southern half of the casino will be closed for

renovations. That area is slated to be finished the first week of

March 2019.

The Baraga renovations include significant upgrades to the

HVAC systems: essentially eliminating the cigarette smoke issue;

upgrades to the electrical and water systems; updating of the flooring, walls, and ceiling; new updates to the guest services, cage, and

bar; updates to the exterior; and updates for the hotel rooms and the

restaurant.

The Marquette casino project progression, as you can see here

today, is very visible and moving along somewhat ahead of the

planned schedule. Monthly construction meetings are currently held

for the Marquette project. The disruption is going to be somewhat

impactful to customers and the housing tenants behind the casino.

Our staff is working closely with Gundlach Champion to keep the

disruption as minimal as possible to ensure the site is safe for everyone.

Residents of the housing area at the Harvey location have enjoyed the ability to walk to the casino freely prior to the construction

starting. This has changed, and getting to the casino by foot is

nearly impossible. A shuttle service is being setup to provide rides

to the main entrance. Currently, the shuttle will provide this service

Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday and Thursday hours will

be from 4 p.m. through 12 a.m., and Friday and Saturday will run 4

p.m. through 2 a.m. This may be expanded depending on the ability

to bring on additional staff. If it hasn’t already happened, notices

regarding the service will be provided to each tenant.

A live camera feed for viewing the project has been setup and will

be available internally to monitor the progress and serve as an additional security measure. A more comprehensive update on the project activities and tour of the site is setup for today following your

meeting and available to anyone who wishes to participate.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Denomie III

(8) Ishwaaswi

Paul DesRochers, Jr.

(August 31, 1965—October 10, 2018)

On the morning of October 10, 2018, Paul R. DesRochers, Jr. passed

away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after fighting a long battle

with cancer.

Paul was born August 31, 1965 to Paul DesRochers, Sr. and Carlota

(Denomie) Beauprey. During his youth, he enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, trapping, and fishing. Paul also played hockey on local teams for

several years.

After high school, Paul was a “jack of all trades” working in the family

logging business, bartending, and roofing, just to name a few. Paul was

then employed by the KBIC Maintenance Department. He also owned

his own logging business at that time. Paul’s calling came in 2000 when

he was hired as a Service Technician with Terex which relocated him to

Denver, Colorado, for over five years. He got to see much of the country while working for Terex, and he also took up the game of golf.

Upon discovering his illness, Paul returned to the Baraga area to be

near family and friends. Over the next few years, Paul owned his own

logging truck, working in the local area. He then left the area again,

briefly, to drive truck in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

After that, he moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, to spend time with his

daughter and sister. In the past year, he returned home to the Baraga

area and lived with his significant other, Amy, and his furry friend Bella.

Paul made many friends in all of his travels and will be sadly missed by

all. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

He is survived by his children: Jessi and Nathan; his siblings; Joan

DesRochers, Stacey (Dan) Koski, and Matthew (Shannon) DesRochers;

niece: Aleah Kissel; and nephews: Kyle, Alan, David, and Ryan DesRochers. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Paul's life was held on Thursday, October 18, 2018,

from 12:00 p.m. until 2 p.m. in the Ceremonial Room located at the

Ojibwa Senior Center, Baraga, MI. Immediately following the celebration

of life, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon at the Ojibwa Senior Center. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel,

of L'Anse, Michigan, assisted the family.

“Chief”, “Boss”, “Buttercup”, “Cupcake”-- just some of the phrases

you’d hear, knowing it would follow with a cowboy hat, a big smile, and

enjoyable conversations. Throughout everything, he always remained

optimistic and looked at the positives in life.

When he would start a story, it would typically go, “Kiddo, I’m telling

you these things, so you know what not to do”. You’d know there was

going to be a crazy story to follow. He lived his life. He traveled all over

the United States, and even made it to Italy branching out with Terex

and working in a career that he was passionate about. He experienced

all life could be and always looked at the silver lining. He taught his

daughter that the obstacles in life aren’t meant to stop you, they are

meant to push you harder.

Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2006, never stopped his shine.

He went into remission and stayed healthy for a solid eight years. In

2014 it came back, and he achieved partial remission. The time in between, he and his daughter camped in Northern Wisconsin for two

months, moved to Las Vegas, and went on any adventure they’d think

of, experienced life, and shared stories. In 2017, the cancer was aggressive. No matter what, he fought hard and kept his head held high.

At Mayo Clinic, he was the “guy in the cowboy hat”. He was known for

his positivity and always having a story that would bring everyone else

out of their funk.

Smiles and laughter are what kept Paul going. He taught Jessi

through his actions and words that no matter what life throws at you,

there is always a bright side. His smile will also be remembered and the

millions of stories he’s told over the years. He was a great guy who was

loved by most and will be missed by all.

Dominic J. Picciano

(December 15, 1955—October 17, 2018)

Dominic J. Picciano, age 62, of Baraga, MI, passed away at his home

on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. He was born in L’Anse, MI, on December 15, 1955, the son of the late Dominic and Pearl (Curtis) Picciano. Dominic graduated from Baraga High School in 1974. He married

Ann Ross in Baraga on December 31, 1987. Dominic had worked as an

electrician and had been the Baraga County Electrical Inspector until his

retirement. He was a member of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community,

Ojibwa Housing Board, AMERIND Board member, and coached Little

League when his kids were young. Dominic enjoyed bowling and golfing

(he had three hole in ones at the LÁnse Golf Club). He was an enthusiastic fan of University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions. He loved

spending time with his grandchildren, especially their camping trips.

Dominic is survived by his loving wife, Ann of Baraga; children: Jill

DiCarlo of Baraga, Jerry LeClaire of Hot Spring, Arkansas, Brad (Kara)

LeClaire of Dickinson, North Dakota, Gina (Sam) Anderson of Texas,

and Dana (Brian) Shumard of Texas: grandchildren: Tony, Kyle, Jeremy,

Cannon, Jackson, Vale, Collins, and Delena "Dolly"; brothers: Leroy Picciano of Iron Mountain, and Kerry (Robin) Picciano of Baraga: sisters:

Shirley Stevens of Baraga, Darlene Picciano of Georgia, Sharon Wise of

Monroe, MI, Barbara (Ken) Jones of Ontonagon and Debbie Picciano of

Baraga. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. He was

preceded in death by his parents and his brother Terry.

A memorial funeral service for Dominic was held at 11 a.m. Saturday,

October 20, 2018, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, of L’Anse,

MI, with Pastor Keith Snyder officiating. The family greeted friends at

the funeral chapel on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the service.

Immediately following the memorial funeral service, interment took place

in the Baraga Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Baraga American

Legion Post #444. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, of L’Anse, MI,

assisted the family.

UPDATES ~ By Soumit Pendharkar, Health Administrator

I would like to offer the following updates from the DHHS Health

System:

•

First and foremost, I would like to warmly welcome Whitney

Newsom to our health care team at the DHHS and the KBIC

Community. Whitney is a Nurse Practitioner, is board certified

by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and Michigan licensed. Whitney’s addition is an exciting development

and directly helps us to expand our office hours (described below) and access to services for our community.

“Hello, my name is Whitney

Newsom, and I am the new

Family Nurse Practitioner at the

KBIC DHHS. I am new to the

area and extremely excited to

get to know this lovely community.

Prior to the DHHS, I worked

as a Registered Nurse at St.

Joseph Mercy Oakland in

Pontiac, MI, on a fast

paced ICU step-down unit. After years in the hospital setting,

I am eager and excited to step

into the primary care environment. I have a great passion

for the pediatric population and cannot wait to see all the young

faces of the KBIC.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Rochester College in

Rochester, MI, where I was also a four year varsity basketball

player. I earned my Masters Degree from Maryville University in St.

Louis, after completing rotations in family practice, women's health,

and pediatrics. A fun fact about me: I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies alongside my identical twin sister

Alexa.

I currently reside in Houghton, MI, with my significant other Jeff

and our greyhound Indy.”

•

ary 2019. We are looking at business hours 7:30 a.m. to 6

p.m., Monday through Friday. We may also offer a 7 a.m.

lab service, Monday through Friday. Areas of expanded service initially will include medical and pharmacy. Other services

will be evaluated for expansion according to community need.

One of the side benefits of offering a 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. service

Monday through Friday is the potential to offer our staff a work

schedule of four (4) days x 10 hours starting January 2019. A

number of staff will be able take advantage of this immediately,

and it will allow them an additional day’s rest and recovery to

support better care to serve the needs of our community.

•

We are also excited to offer Telepsychiatry services in

2019. We are targeting January 2019 to go-live. Telepsychiatry services will include access to a psychiatrist through a secure virtual platform, initial consultation, direct patient care (e.g.

medication management therapy), doctor-to-doctor consultations, supervision, and primary care integration.

The patient will schedule their visit with a psychiatrist according

to a schedule at the DHHS. The patient would then come to the

DHHS, would be escorted through-out the visit by the Telepsychiatry Nurse, the psychiatrist would order labs and pharmacy

scripts, document into the electronic health record, and then

care (including follow-up) is coordinated with the clinical team at

the DHHS. The entire process occurs via a secure, HIPAA

compliant, virtual care platform.

The literature shows that consistent access to high quality behavioral services is associated with high patient satisfaction and

better clinical outcomes. With Telepsychiatry and having access to a psychiatrist, we will significantly elevate the standard

of care for our community.

I am eager to deliver on the expanded service hours and Telepsychiatry starting January 2019. Please do not hesitate to reach

out to me directly if you have questions at (906) 353-4553.

We are excited to offer expanded service hours starting Janu-

Chronic Wasting Disease Discovered in the Upper Peninsula

A press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) was circulated on October 18, 2018, notifying the

public that a 4-year-old white-tailed deer doe harvested in Dickinson County tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

While CWD was discovered in Lower Michigan in a captive deer in

2008 and wild deer in 2015, the most recent case in Dickinson

County is the first known positive in the Upper Peninsula.

Link to CWD Fact Sheet: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/

emergingdiseases/michigan_cwd_faq_630519_7.pdf

Baraga DNR Office: (906) 353-6651

What you should know about CWD

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a nervous system disease

of deer, moose, and elk. The disease is caused by a prion (misfolded protein) that attacks the brain and forms lesions. While our

understanding of this disease has grown significantly since it’s discovery in the U.S. in the 1960’s, there is no vaccine or cure for the

disease. CWD is always fatal to animals that contract it. Prions

are shed in feces, urine, blood, saliva, and can remain infectious in

the environment for years. Signs of CWD in infected animals include:

• Loss of body condition or emaciation (thin or weak)

• Change in behavior such as loss of fear of humans

• Loss of bodily control or movements

• Excessive drooling and salivating

However, it’s important to note that a deer infected with CWD

may not show obvious symptoms for years.

To date, there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in

humans. As a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention recommend that CWD-positive animals not be consumed as food by humans or domestic animals. While field dressing a deer it is recommended that you: wear gloves; bone out the

meat; avoid cutting through the bone and avoid contact with the

brain or spinal cord; wash hands and instruments thoroughly; avoid

consumption of the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, and

lymph nodes of harvested animals.

If you have any concern about the health of the deer in your

area or the health of a deer you harvested, please contact the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources in your area. The

MDNR is encouraging people to continue to hunt and please have

your deer tested for CWD by bringing it to the nearest check station during normal business hours. Testing is free of charge.

Please see the links below for additional information on CWD

in Michigan or contact Erin Johnston, KBIC Wildlife Biologist

at (906) 524-5757 ext. 24.

Link to MDNR Press Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/

accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/2154131

Link to MDNR CWD Webpage:

https://www.michigan.gov/

emergingdiseases/0,4579,7-186-76711_78204---,00.html

Map developed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources

outlining the CWD Core Area and CWD Management Zones

in the U.P. For more information see the full press release.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/

bulletins/2154131

NOVEMBER 2018 Calendar:

 November 2 — Constitution Committee Meeting, 10:00

a.m. Tribal Center;

 November 12 — Veteran’s Day, Gov’t offices closed;

 November 22 — Thanksgiving Day, Gov’t offices closed;

 November 23 — Native American Heritage Day, Gov’t offices closed.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

(9) Zhaangaswi

TRIBAL COURT CRIMINAL SENTENCES

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2018 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019)

The Tribal Court has agreed to comply with the request of the Keweenaw Bay

Indian Community’s CEO’s office to publish criminal sentencing on a routine

basis.

Neil Malmgren, case #18-112, §3.1307, Controlled

substances (marijuana, possession) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 09/17/2018, #18-112, §3.1307:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, credit for three days

jail served, Defendant shall serve 177 days jail.

Defendant shall be financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while

incarcerated. Defendant shall self-report to the

County Jail today (09/17/2018), at 6:00 p.m.

3. Defendant shall be placed on payment probation

with a remedial order.

Neil Malmgren, case #18-113, §3.1706, Controlled

substance (marijuana, sale) – 1st offense

Sentencing on 09/17/2018, #18-113, §3.1706:

1. Fine $500.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 180 days jail suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of payment probation. Defendant shall be

financially responsible for the costs of lodging and

any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be placed on payment probation

with a remedial order. Defendant shall be required

to a make a minimum payment per month. Noncompliance will result in: 1st violation – three days

jail, 2nd violation – five days jail, 3rd violation –

seven days jail, 4th violation - ten days jail, 5th violation – 15 days jail, 6th violation – 20 days jail, 7th

violation – days served will be assessed and remaining days shall be imposed for the maximum of

Contempt. If amount outstanding is paid, Defendant will be released from jail.

Brett Loonsfoot, case #18-091, §5.62a, License

restriction, suspended – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 09/19/2018, #18-091, §5.62a:

1. Fine $100.00.

2. Ninety days jail, 90 days suspended pending successful completion of all aspects of payment probation. Defendant shall be financially responsible for

the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be placed on payment probation

with a remedial order. Defendant shall be required

to a make a minimum payment per month. Noncompliance will result in: 1st violation – three days

jail, 2nd violation – five days jail, 3rd violation –

seven days jail, 4th violation - ten days jail, 5th violation – 15 days jail, 6th violation – 20 days jail, 7th

violation – days served will be assessed and remaining days shall be imposed for the maximum of

Contempt. If amount outstanding is paid, Defendant will be released from jail.

Troy Roberts, case #18-046, §3.1706, Controlled

substances (meth, sale) – 3rd offense

Sentencing on 10/15/2018 18-046, §3.1706:

1. Fine $1,000.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, credit for 14 days jail

served, 166 days jail suspended. Defendant shall

3.

be financially responsible for the costs of lodging

and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

Defendant shall be banished from the Community

indefinitely with the opportunity to petition the Court

for re-entry after three years from the date of completing a long-term treatment program. During the

three year period, Defendant shall: 1) Make regular

monthly payments on his Court obligations. 2)

Must abide by all laws of any jurisdiction. 3) Must

have no criminal history during the three year period prior to the petition for re-entry. 4) Must submit

a letter from his treating mental health professional

that he complied with that professional’s recommendation. 5) Must submit two letters regarding

the Defendant’s character in a positive manner.

Troy Roberts, case #18-101, §3.1706, Controlled

substances (suboxone, use) – 3rd offense

Sentencing on 10/15/2018 18-101, §3.1706:

1. Fine $1,000.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 180 days jail suspended. Defendant shall be financially responsible

for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be banished from the Community

indefinitely with the opportunity to petition the Court

for re-entry after three years from the date of completing a long-term treatment program. During the

three year period, Defendant shall: 1) Make regular

monthly payments on his Court obligations. 2)

Must abide by all laws of any jurisdiction. 3) Must

have no criminal history during the three year period prior to the petition for re-entry. 4) Must submit

a letter from his treating mental health professional

that he complied with that professional’s recommendation. 5) Must submit two letters regarding

the Defendant’s character in a positive manner.

Troy Roberts, case #18-102, §3.1706, Controlled

substances (fentanyl, use) – 4th offense

Sentencing on 10/15/2018 18-102, §3.1706:

1. Fine $1,000.00.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 180 days jail suspended. Defendant shall be financially responsible

for the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Defendant shall be banished from the Community

indefinitely with the opportunity to petition the Court

for re-entry after three years from the date of completing a long-term treatment program. During the

three year period, Defendant shall: 1) Make regular

monthly payments on his Court obligations. 2)

Must abide by all laws of any jurisdiction. 3) Must

have no criminal history during the three year period prior to the petition for re-entry. 4) Must submit

a letter from his treating mental health professional

that he complied with that professional’s recommendation. 5) Must submit two letters regarding

the Defendant’s character in a positive manner.

*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

1

$1,005

+

$160

=

$1,165

2

$1,354

+

$160

=

$1,514

3

$1,702

+

$160

=

$1,862

4

$2,050

+

$170

=

$2,220

5

$2,399

+

$199

=

$2,598

6

$2,747

+

$228

=

$2,975

7

$3,095

+

$228

=

$3,323

8

$3,444

+

$228

=

$3,672

Each additional member

+ $349

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

1

$1,255

+

$273

=

$1,528

2

$1,691

+

$273

=

$1,964

3

$2,127

+

$273

=

$2,400

4

$2,563

+

$273

=

$2,836

5

$2,999

+

$273

=

$3,272

6

$3,435

+

$285

=

$3,720

7

$3,870

+

$285

=

$4,155

8

$4,306

+

$285

=

$4,591

Each additional member

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+ $436

November 2018 Tribal Council meeting dates:

Thursday, November 1, 2018, 9:00 a.m., Bingo

Hall;

Thursday, November 8, 2018, 9:00 a.m., Bingo

Hall (The 2nd Reading, Public Hearing, to Proposed Ordinance 2018-03 Title III of the Tribal

Code Chapter 17 will be held immediately following this meeting);

Thursday, November 15, 2018, 9:00 a.m., Bingo

Hall;

Thursday, November 29, 2018, 9:00 a.m., Bingo

Hall (work session).

KBIC-NRD Welcomes Arrival of the Research

Vessel Myrtle Tolonen (R.V.M.T. The “Myrtle”)

With a one-time capacity funding award from the Bureau of Indian

Affairs (BIA Lake Superior Co-Management Award), KBIC-NRD has

pursued the construction of a new Lake Superior Field Research and

Operations Vessel. Henley Boats of Canada, a world famous vessel

fabrication firm, reached final major hull and cabin construction on

the “Myrtle” late summer 2018. After a period of sea inspections and

operational trials, the vessel was cleared for its final delivery trip to

KBIC in October. KBIC-NRD staff will be making additions and modifications to onboard equipment for the vessel and will soon utilize it

for Fall Lake Trout Survey Work at various Lake Superior Management regions.

Feel free to contact KBNRD at (906) 524-5757 with questions.

(10) Midaaswi

KBIC PARTICIPATES IN “FALLING LEAVES MOON POWWOW”

The Falling Leaves Moon Powwow

was held on Saturday, October 13,

2018, at Michigan Technological University (MTU) Student Development

Complex in Houghton, Michigan. The

annual event was hosted by MTU’s

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).

Head Dancers were Ernest Loonsfoot and Cherie Chivis.

Donald

Chosa, Jr. served as Head Veteran

and led the Wiiwedong Ogichidaa

Soeciety/KBIC Honor Guard into the

arena for grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7

p.m. Stanley Spruce served as emcee. The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society/KBIC Honor Guard presented

the colors. George Gauthier served

as Arena Director. Three drums were

present including: Woodland Singers

as host drum, Four Thunders as cohost drum, with Beartown assisting. A

feast was held between grand entries

catered by Rez Robins, out of Baraga,

Michigan. The Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community is a proud sponsor of this

annual event. ~ by Lauri Denomie, Editor

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Pictured to the left, (left to right) front—George DeCota, Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Member; Donald

Chosa, Jr., Head Veteran; Kathleen Smith, Water Staff Carrier; Alana Schofield, Miss Keweenaw Bay;

Dalanna Connor, Junior Miss Keweenaw Bay; Eugene Loonsfoot, Sr., Wiikwedong; Cherie Chivis, Head

Female Dancer; Ernest Loonsfoot, Head Male Dancer; (back) Virgil Loonsfoot, Wiikwedong; Mathew Shalifoe, Sr., Wiikwedong; and members of MTU’s AROTC.

What is Cultural Abuse?

By: Lori Jump, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Intimate partner violence, in all forms, is destructive at its heart. Most

people can identify the more common forms of abuse, which include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial. One of the lesser known forms, cultural

or spiritual abuse, is one of the most devastating, yet it is rarely spoken of.

For Native peoples, spirituality is often the core of who we are and our

way of life. Our culture and spirituality are intertwined and provide the foundation of our lives – how we live, our family roles, and how we interact with

others, the meaning we find in our lives, and our sense of well-being. To

have our spirit attacked is as personal as an attack can get.

Spiritual abuse can be used to control how a person interacts with the

world. Spiritual and cultural abusive behaviors can include when your partner:

•

•

•

•

Prevents you from participating in spiritual or cultural traditions

Forces you to participate in other practices (not your own)

Misstates or misuses spiritual practices against you

Practices bad medicine against you

For our tribal communities, spiritual or cultural abuse can look like this:

•

•

•

•

•

Telling you that you’re not “Native enough,” or if your partner is nonNative, that you’re “too Indian”

Uses hurtful stereotypes to put you down (“Indians are drunks, lazy,”

etc.)

Prevents you from participating in ceremonies, powwows, and feasts

Uses tribal membership against you (“My tribe won’t let you…”)

Tells you that you’re not allowed to drum, dance, sing, fast or otherwise

participate in traditions because of your gender

Each of these behaviors can deeply wound and often isolates you from

your community. If your partner is behaving this way toward you, you may

feel removed from your family and support system. You may be embarrassed, not know where to turn, or who to ask for help.

In some cases, you may even feel that the abuse is the direct result of

your culture — that you are being abused because you are Indigenous. This

form of abuse is a directly related to the root causes of violence in our communities: colonization and genocide.

If your partner or loved one is demonstrating any of these

behaviors or any type of abuse against you, please know that

you have the inherent right to be safe, lead a life free of

abuse, and participate in your cultural practices and traditions.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE, 1-844762-8483) is a culturally appropriate, confidential, and anonymous service to American Indians and Alaska Natives who are

experiencing abuse or know

someone who is being impacted

by domestic violence. Advocates are available Monday

through Friday from 9 a.m. to

5:30 p.m. CST and are trained

with an understanding of intimate partner violence, including

spiritual, or cultural abuse. Our

advocates can provide support

and validation, safety planning

and access to resources in your

community.

For more information, visit

www.strongheartshelpline.org.

When you’re ready to talk, we

are here.

(11) Ashi bezhig

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Office of Child Support Services

P.O. Box 490, Baraga, MI 49908

Phone: 906-353-4566

Fax: 906-353-8132

“YOUR Children …

OUR Priority”

We provide the following services:

•

Paternity Establishment

•

•

Establishment of Child Support

Outreach Services

•

Mediation

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

Rodney Loonsfoot, Tribal Council/Veteran

Service Representative

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16347 Ojibwa Industrial Park Rd, Baraga,

Michigan 49908

veteranaffairs@kbic-nsn.gov

(906) 353-VETS, Office (906) 201-4448 Cell

OFFICE HRS; Mon, Tues, Wed, 9 am—12 pm

PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE INDIVIDUAL

APPOINTMENT

Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society Monthly

upcoming meetings, held at 6:00 pm —

November 21, and December 19. Meetings are subject to change. Special meetings for Powwows/funerals will be announced.

The Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society (KBIC Honor

Guard) now has two new Veteran Memorial Silhouettes

for sale. Memorials are four feet high and five feet wide

This Memorial Silhouette is perfect for your yard to remember the sacrifices of all our veterans. Perfect for all

holidays as gifts.

Memorial silhouettes are custom made to order by

our KBIC veterans. Please help support our Wiikwedong Ogchidaa Society. COST: $150.00.

Please call Rodney Loonsfoot @ 353 VETS or 2014448 to place your

order or e-mail tcrodn ey @ k bi c -n s n. g o v.

Please indicate cross

or eagle staff. All proceeds will go towards

veteran programming

and activities.

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