FEBRUARY 2024
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ISSUE 16
KBIC NEWS NAMEBINI GIIZI - SUCKER FISH MOON
KBIC Cultural Committee Hosts 18th Traditional Pow Wow
PRESIDENT'S REPORT CEO'S CORNER ANISHINAABE DENTAL OUTREACH SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS SPECIAL FEATURE WINTER POW WOW PHOTOS
Doreen Blaker, President Rodney Loonsfoot, Vice President
On January 27, 2024, a multitude of travelers and members of the community gathered at the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center gymnasium to participate in the 18th Winter Traditional Pow Wow, hosted by the KBIC Cultural Committee. The Pow Wow featured grand entries at both 1 PM and 6 PM, with Donald Chosa as the Head Veteran Dancer, the Wiikwedong Ogichidaa Society serving as the Veteran Honor Guard, Rodney Loonsfoot as the Head Man Dancer, and Tiana Drift leading all dancers into the
IN THIS ISSUE
2024 TRIBAL COUNCIL
Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary Elizabeth Liz Julio, Jr, Asst. Secretary Theodore "Austin" Ayres, Treasurer Robert RD Curtis, Jr. Everett Ekdahl, Jr. Sue Ellen Elmblad Dale Goodreau Kim Klopstein Sam Loonsfoot Toni J. Minton
arena as the Head Lady Dancer. Devin Connor and Alice Curtis assumed the roles of Youth Head Man Dancer and Youth Head Lady Dancer, respectively, while Dalin Connor and Dalyla Francois took on the roles of Junior Head Boy and Girl Dancers. Overseeing the event, George Strong acted as the Master of Ceremonies, with Waub Rainey as the Area Director and Shiloh Lussier as the Assistant Arena Director, ensuring the smooth operation of the festivities. The Cultural Committee takes great pride in acknowledging elders in the community, the 2024 honored elders were Roland Swartz and Sandra Swartz. CONTINUED ON PAGE NISWI (3)
Office of the President Boozhoo Anin Gakina, For the month of January, the Tribal Council had the annual reorganization meeting, four Special Meetings and one work session. The Tribal Council took action on the following items listed below: 01/06/2024 Reorganizational Meeting Approved and certified the General Election Results from December 16, 2023. The newly elected Council Members and Associate Judge took their oath of office. The Executive Board for 2023 is as follows: Tribal President – Doreen Blaker; Vice President – Rodney Loonsfoot; Secretary – Susan LaFernier; Treasurer – Austin Ayres; Asst. Secretary – Liz Julio. Approved check signers as the same for previous years: All Tribal Council members as check signers for every account with two signatures being required. This includes all ACH accounts, the Tribal Court (Chief Judge, Associate Judge, Chief Court Clerk), The Office of Child Support (Chief and Associate Judge, Child Support Director, Child Support Specialist, and Chief Court Clerk), and the KBIC Holding Company (Housing Director). Approved Superior National Bank and Flagstar Bank as our depository of funds institutions. Approved a donation in the amount of $5,000.00 to Donald Denomie Sr. for funeral expenses. Approved an amendment to the Service Agreement with Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling, Inc.
01/17/2024 Meeting
Special
Administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Councilperson Sam Loonsfoot. Approved the October 2023 and November 2023 Department Head reports. Approved the April 5, 2023, April 12, 2023, April 18, 2023, April 19, 2023, and April 26, 2023 meeting minutes as presented. Approved the bid from Copper Country Ford in the amount of $55,025.08 for a 2024 Ford F250 with plow. Approved a donation in the amount of $1,500.00 to help the family of Jeff Maki with medical expenses. Appointed Steven Denomie to fill the vacancy on the ICP panel with the remaining list to serve as alternates. Approved an amendment to the Services Agreement with the Assistant Tribal Attorney Paul Mooney. Approved Resolution KB-003-2024 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Membership Renewal and Delegates. Approved a Tier IIB Services Agreement with Michigan Technological University for PFAS services. 01/24/2031 Special Meeting
01/10/2023 Special Meeting Approved the rate of pay for the newly elected Associate Judge at Grade 15, $33.80 per hour. Approved the rate of pay for the KBIC President at the current Housing Director rate of pay for 20 hours per week. Accepted the resignation of Councilman Edward M. Edwards due to health reasons. Declared the Councilperson position for the L’Anse District vacant. A vote was conducted to fill the vacated seat. Sam Loonsfoot received the highest number of votes. He was contacted and accepted. Approved renewal of membership in Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) in the amount of $100.00.
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Approved an Amendment to the World of Wood Agreement for a time extension. Approved the bid from World of Wood in the amount of $185,762.00 for remodeling project at the L’Anse Behavioral Health Clinic. 01/31/2024 Approved the creation an Early Childhood Education Task Force to look into and begin the process of combining the KBIC head start and KBIC pre-primary.
FEBRUARY 2024
CEO’s Corner Happy February! January felt like the longest month. Maybe it was the five Monday’s or the coming down from the excitement of a new year, either way, I am happy to be moving forward in 2024 and can’t wait to keep checking things off the big list of annual goals. A large undertaking that is new to KBIC for 2024 is providing monthly mobile food pantries to the greater community through Feeding America. We have partnered with the Feeding America organization to provide a pantry for almost every month of 2024. KBIC staff are asked to volunteer at the events in an attempt to meet our Tribal Government social mission and provide for those in need. Our first ever event was January 31st. The weather was beautiful, volunteers were focused, and a successful mobile pantry was produced. Through this event we were able to hand out over 8,800 pounds of food to 350 families that included 908 total individuals. Right now, in the winter months, we are doing drive-through style events but once it warms up, we will move to a more walk-up type style. My hope is to provide department programming and services information as well as mock food demonstrations or offer other educational or health-focused opportunities through the mobile pantries. For the month of January, I: Attended a CEO/CFO/President update meeting Attended a KBIC Website Security and Login meeting with Marketing Dept., Inc. Performed interview with Forester candidates Held a Special Department Head meting Attended an MOU update meeting with MDHHS Participated in a Tribal/State Partnership meeting Attended an Assistance Based on Need Taskforce meeting Held a Feeding America Planning meeting Held a Sober Living Home discussion Attended a Policy Review Workgroup meeting Attended meeting with OHM Advisors and KBIC Housing Department Participated in the Feeding America event Attended four Tribal Council meetings
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Held individual department update meetings throughout the month Our new Tribal Forester started this month – Warren Clohisy. Warren comes to us with years of Forestry and Forestry-related consulting work experience. He has direct Forest Management Plan experience and is familiar with the BIA, local forest groups, and other tribes. Our Forestry department is an independent department under our Land Stewardship branch of the organization. They are responsible for assisting Tribal Council with the administration and management of Tribal Forest Lands and Forestry related issues on the L’Anse Indian Reservation and ceded territories. This department consistently works with the BIA, US Forest Service, National Indian Carbon Coalition, Tribal Loggers, related Tribal departments, and other Tribal entities. Welcome, Warren! In closing, February can be when a lot of people get the winter blues – winter weather, darker/shorter days, and holiday bills sometimes feel like they may never end. Stay in tune with your feelings and look for healthy outlets to cope with these feelings. Tips for this include finding ways to exercise, eat healthy, increase your water intake, and find alternate sources of light or sunshine to meet your needs. The key is to recognize your symptoms and act before they get worse! All my best, Brigitte
COMMUNITY NOTICE: I want to provide a notice about our current operations with Tribal Social Services (TSS). TSS is currently understaffed to a point where outside help is needed. The Community has entered an agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to help ensure that the reservation receives child and adult protective services. MDHHS has provided emergency assistance to the Community in the past, so its aid is not new. We hope MDHHS's assistance will help the Community provide adequate child and adult protective services. MDHHS has agreed to act as a representative of TSS to provide child and adult protective services to tribal members on the reservation. MDHHS social workers may respond to emergency calls on the reservation, file removal petitions in Tribal Court, and work with Tribal Police to remove a neglected child from a home, if necessary. While MDHHS may be responding to calls, it is doing so on behalf of TSS and under the Tribe's jurisdiction. The Tribal Court maintains jurisdiction over all tribal members on the reservation. MDHHS must work through the Tribal Court if it wishes to remove a neglected child from the home.
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Winter Pow-Wow Roland, a native of L’Anse, Michigan, is the cherished son of Clara and John Swartz. He is happily married to Cheryl Swartz, and together they have raised three children: Callie, Dena, and Keri. Their family has blossomed with six grandchildren: Taylor Decker, Makenna Decker, Harley Tellin, Spencer Tellin, Libby Dean, and Jared Myer. Within his extended family, Roland is joined by two sisters, Dolly and Pearl, and five brothers: Bill, Wayne, Clyde, Jerry, and Ward.
Receptionist at the New Day Treatment Center, and a Billing Clerk at the Donald A. LaPointe Medical Center. Her community involvement extends to membership in the Ojibwa Senior Citizens and her tenure as a member of the KBOCC Board of Regents. In her leisure moments, Sandra enjoys bowling, crossword puzzles, and puzzles, while her sports allegiance lies with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Roland has contributed his talents and dedication to various endeavors throughout his life. He has held positions at the Upper Peninsula Power Company, Swartz Construction, KBIC Housing, and the KBIC Tribal Police. Additionally, he has been an active member of the L’Anse American Legion and the L’Anse Golf Club. Sports have been a significant part of Roland’s life, as he has participated in basketball, baseball, golf, and hunting. His passion for sports extends to his support for teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, and Michigan football.
Sandra Jean Swartz is a native of L’Anse, Michigan, born to Alice (Spruce) and George Curtis. She is married to Warren "Jerry" Swartz, now deceased, and together they raised four children: Warren “Chris” Swartz, Joanne Clement, Jean Swartz, and Robin Roe. Sandra's family tree flourishes with grandchildren, including Brandon Hamm, Keith Rolof, Nicole Webber, Stacey Rolof, Chrystal Swartz, Stuart Swartz, Gaven Picciano, Gabrielle Picciano, Logan Roe, Cody Clement, and Grayson Roe, while greatgrandchildren, Paxton Geroux, Royce Williams, Chase Picciano, and Sierra Williams, bring further joy. Among her siblings, Sandra is joined by her sister Georgianna Emery and brothers Robert “Big Bob” Curtis and Jerry Lee Curtis. Throughout her career journey, Sandra served diligently as a Secretary at the Tribal Center, a
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FEBRUARY 2024
2024 General Election
NAMEBINI GIIZI - SUCKER FISH MOON
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Around the Community
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FEBRUARY 2024
Special Feature also teaches Community Engaged Research KBIC Tribal Citizen Earns She with Indigenous Communities and Research Basics Doctorate in Health for Social Work Practice. Administration Zhasko Binese Kwe (Blue Bird Woman) earned an
Elizabeth Marie Evans, a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, received a Doctorate in Health Administration from Central Michigan University during its winter commencement on December 16, 2023. Dr. Evans dissertation was titled
associate degree from Bay Mills Community College where she was Student Council President, a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.S.W. (Master of Social Work) from Grand Valley State University. She holds professional memberships in the American Evaluation Association and Michigan Association for Evaluation and is founding Director and Chairperson of Fresh Start Clubhouse in Ann Arbor, a 501 © 3 non-profit dedicated to providing social, educational and employment supportive services for those with serious mental illness. Dr. Evans is the daughter of Sylvia (Mantila) and Tim Murray of Okemos, MI, the late Bruce Evans, and granddaughter of the late Barbara (Spruce) and Edward Mantila. Her great grandparents are the late Samuel and Margaret (Kipsoden) Spruce and John and Sophia (Myllyla) Mantila.
“Implementation of Father-Inclusive Practice and Defined Father Engagement in Michigan Healthy Start Programs.” While pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Evans earned the International Health Administration Certification. This effort focused on the study of international health systems. It included visits to the World Health Organization and International Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland and Cardiff, Wales. She also completed a service project in Belize, a country where diabetes is rampant. There, she set up diabetes wellness clinics in rural areas where the population is without cars. Dr. Evans is employed by the University of Michigan School of Social Work Program Evaluation Group as a Research Area Specialist. Her portfolio includes diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the University, CSWE reaccreditation and working with State and community organizations including the Lansing Aids Network. Dr. Evans also co-authored “Peer Support Services in Behavioral Health Facilities: Secondary Analysis from Two National Surveys”, a journal article published in the ps.psychiatryonline.org.
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Around the Community
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FEBRUARY 2024
Around the Community Give Kids A Smile® Starts with Infants and Toddlers What a messy face when a baby is done eating! When you wash your baby’s face, why not clean their teeth before you take the baby out of the highchair? Here’s how easy it is. First, place a soft toothbrush on the highchair tray. Toothpaste is not necessary after mealtime; plain water will do. Stand behind baby and tilt the head back onto you for support. Sing “the bristles on the brush go ‘round and ‘round” to the tune of “the wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round” as you brush those precious teeth. At night, clean baby’s teeth before bedtime. There are many ways to cleanse the baby’s mouth and using water is an easy option that works well. Most infant toothpastes are designed to be safe when swallowed in tiny amounts. Always ask your dental team for suggestions and look for the American Dental Association’s approval on toothpastes.
Check out https://www.highchairdentalcare.com/songs. Pediatric dentist, Dr. Winifred J. Booker DDS, FAAPD, a descendent of the Piscataway American Indian Tribe, is the creator of the Highchair Dental Care® Practice Model and the Brushtime Baby® diaper bag. References and resources: www.highchairdentalcare.com; www.ada.com; www.aapd.org www.agd.com; www.mycohi.org; www.aap.org; https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=u9mNb3qOGrs;
Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach
To make things easier when cleaning their teeth, wrap the baby in a soft blanket and lay the baby on a soft rug. The caregiver kneels on the side, just above baby’s head, and brushes all surfaces of all teeth. Another option is knee-to-knee. Two caregivers sit facing each other. The baby is relaxed back, with baby’s legs around the waist of one adult. That adult holds the baby’s hands and speaks to while looking directly at the baby. The second adult is then looking down into the baby’s mouth and all teeth are visible as all surfaces are brushed. February is “Give Kids A Smile Month,” and the best way to start is with your darling baby. Sing a song to them about how important a healthy smile is and how much you appreciate their smiles. Need some inspiration?
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Save the Date
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Current Job Postings
https://www.kbocc.edu/employment/openings/
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Around the Community
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Education Baraga County Schools Release First Marking Period Honor Roll
Perfect Attendance Philip LaTendresse Elementary School
Baraga and L'Anse Area Schools have issued the grades for the second marking period of the 202324 school year. We congratulate the KBIC students who achieved honor roll, perfect attendance, or both.
1st Grade Jorja Ballow Dalyla Francois Lily Lahti
Keep up the excellent work!
Perfect Attendance Baraga Jr/Sr High School
Perfect Attendance C. J. Sullivan Elementary School
9th Grade Autumn Durant Kydan Dean
8th Grade Michael Morningstar
Kindergarten Lance Curtis Xavier DeCota Kaylah Dix Anthony LeClaire Lexa Johnson
12th Grade Rayleah Jacobs
12th Grade Destin Gauthier Kamrin Kahkonen
1st Grade Malachi DeCota 2nd Grade Kennadie Forcia 3rd Grade Grayson Harry 4th Grade Kaylee Forcia 5th Grade Brady Curtis
Perfect Attendance L'Anse Jr/Sr High School 6th Grade Kobe Forcia 7th Grade Alice Curtis 8th Grade Breyelle Bowers Brendon Friisvall Payton LeClaire Anen Maki
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Honor Roll C.J. Sullivan Elementary School
11th Grade Rylee Holm Jalisa Health 12th Grade Dhanya Ekdahl Destin Gauthier Octavia Geroux Kamrin Kahkonen Darious Loonsfoot O’Dell Loonsfoot Thomas Rasanen
Honor Roll Philip LaTendresse Elementary School
4th Grade Sadie Voakes
4th Grade Reed Geroux Jacob Jokela
5th Grade Derek Dix Martin John
5th Grade Kruze Ekdahl Aaliyah Loonsfoot
Honor Roll L'Anse Jr/Sr High School
Honor Roll Baraga Jr/Sr High School
6th Grade Yancey DeCota Xander Seppanen
6th Grade Adrianna Kyllonen Kadynce Loonsfoot Bently VanDyke
7th Grade Kiera Dix
7th Grade Madyson Evans
8th Grade Breyelle Bowers Payton LeClaire Princess Pierre
8th Grade Aiyanna Gauthier Caleb Smith
12th Grade Rayleah Jacobs
10th Grade Daniel Connor
9th Grade Layla Loonsfoot
FEBRUARY 2024
Around the Community
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Around the Community
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FEBRUARY 2024
Health System
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Elders
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FEBRUARY 2024
Elders
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Around the Community
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FEBRUARY 2024
Around the Community Dasan Smith Honored as One of Marquette High School's Most Decorated Players in History Dasan Smith is of senior class standing and is currently competing in his second season of the MSHS Wrestling program. After Dasan’s junior year on the mat saw him advance to Ford Field as an MHSAA State Finals qualifier as a result of finishing second at the MHSAA Regional meet and third at the MHSAA District meet, he is once again turning in podium finishes at events in the 2023-24 campaign. After finishing with a perfect 4-0 record at the Westwood Super Dual on 12/9/23, he went on to finish third at the New Lothrop Hall of Fame Tournament (1/6/24) and second at the U.P. Championships (1/20/24). In addition to his individual results, Dasan has been instrumental in leading the team and his peers which paid off when the group captured the team title at the Marquette County Meet on 1/11/24. In addition to wrestling, Dasan has been a two-year Varsity Football standout and ended his prep career as one of the most decorated players in school history after being selected MHSFCA All-State First Team (2023), AP All-State First Team (2023), MHSFCA All-Region First Team (2023, 2022), U.P. “Lineman of the Year” (2023, 2022), U.P. “Dream Team” (2023, 2022) and All-Conference First Team (2023, 2022). He capped his high school career in December when he participated in the 2023 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl held at AT&T Stadium.
Outside of school, Dasan plays an active role in promoting Native American culture as a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. In December 2023, Dasan finalized his post-graduation plans when he signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to attend Central Michigan University and compete as a member of the Chippewas football team.
Introducing Kris Seppanen: The Latest Addition to the Office of Child Support as the Community Outreach Coordinator Hello. My name is Kris Seppanen, and I have been hired as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the KBIC Office of Child Support Services. I will help to promote community awareness and provide support for employment searches to program participants. I look forward to working with our community and advocating for families in need. Kris can be reached at (906) 353-4566 or kristys@kbic-nsn.gov
Dasan’s desire to succeed athletically this year has been matched by his effort in the classroom where he turned in a 3.11 GPA for the first semester to earn him a place on the MSHS Honor Roll.
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Sports
Baraga 6/7th Grade Girls’ Basketball team took home first place in the 7th-grade bracket at the WISH Basketball Tournament in Westwood on February 10, 2024. The team members include KBIC Youth, Delena Loonsfoot, Cara Conner, Dalanna Connor, Rylin Lamson, and Adrianna Kyllonen.
L’Anse 3/4 Grade Boys’ Basketball team took home first place in the 4th-grade bracket at the WISH Basketball Tournament in Westwood on February 11, 2024. The team members include KBIC Youth, Bolo, Fish, Kade Giddings, Isiah DeCota, JR Bemis, and Evan Ekdahl.
Kydan Dean of L'Anse Bowling team lines up his shot during a meet at the Whirl-I-Gig in L'Anse, MI.
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Sports
KBIC Youth and twins Gage and Brody Seppanen are members of the Westwood Freshman Basketball team from Ishpeming, MI. They played in Baraga on February 6, 2024, and are pictured with family members after the game.
L’Ane 7/8th Grade Girls’ Basketball team took home first place in the 8th-grade bracket at the WISH Basketball Tournament in Westwood on February 11, 2024. The team members include KBIC Youth, Breyelle Bowers, Princess Pierre, Kwynn Voskuhl, Aubrey Waara, Alayna Kinnunen, Alice Curtis, and Payton LeClaire.
L’Anse 7/8th Grade Girls’ Basketball team took home first place in the 8th-grade bracket at the Rapid River Basketball Tournament in Rapid River on February 18,, 2024. The team members include KBIC Youth, Alice Curtis, Princess Pierre, Kwynn Voskuhl, Breyelle Bowers, Payton LeClaire, and Alayna Kinnunen.
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Ojibwa Casino Promotions
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FEBRUARY 2024
A low-interest, 30-year fixed mortgage (a fixed mortgage means your interest rate will stay the same over the full life of the loan). The current VA interest rate for NADLs starts at 2.5%. To find out what your interest rate will be, contact an NADL coordinator by email at NADL@va.gov or by phone at 888-349-7541 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.