Ngodwaaswi

Elders Emergency Program

Quarter of fiscal year - Reminder of EE Funds for FY 22 still avalible EE funds: Ages 55 to 64 - $600 Ages 65 to 70 - $800 Ages 71 & up - $1,000 If you do not want to utilize this program, please contact your area Elder Coordinator, or Dee Wonegeshik.

Antrim & Grand Traverse ◆ Sharon Edgington 231-534-7710 cell: 231-866-6074 Benzie & Manistee ◆ Robbin Raphael 231-534-7824 cell: 231-492-4352 Charlevoix ◆ Barbara Kenwabikise 231-534-7066 cell: 231-631-0281 Leelanau ◆Greg Baily 231-534-7740 cell: 231-492-4976

Delores Wonegeshik , Manager | 231-631-3908 | Delores.Wonegeshk2@gtbindians.com

ELDERS EMERGENCY PROGRAM

If you haven’t used your Program Funds this year call your site coordinator!

LEELANAU COUNTY

NEW Leelanau Elders Coordinator has been hired. Steve Alberts began January 31, 2022. Please welcome Steve. His Phone number is 231-534-7743.

INTRESTED IN PLAYING BINGO?

Monthly bingo is being played. Call Greg Bailey at 231 492-4976 for details!

ANTRIM/GRAND TRAVERSE

For the month of March, the elders can make a medicine pouch for themselves. The Elders program will provide material to make a Medicine pouch: the leather material with holes, the leather string, and the beads if you choose to sew them on your pouch. If you are interested in being involved with the March pouch craft; please call the Antrim/Grand Traverse County Elder's Coordinators; Joyce Wilson at 534-7769 or Sharon Edgington at 534-7710.

ELDERS HIGHLIGHTS

Name: Michelle Strange Age: 56 Hobbies: Nature, anything with animals, learning our language and learning about our culture. Strengths: I am a people person, great at customer service, and love to learn!

Elder James Kenwabikise, son of Paul and Isabelle Kenwabikise grew up on Beaver Island. He is the baby of the family, with 13 brothers and sisters. His father and siblings taught James Commercial Fishing was a way of life at a young age. His family depended on it for subsistence. They targeted white (Dikmeg) fish mostly, but also caught Trout (Nmegos), Perch (Saawe) and a few other species. Many “moons” ago after his graduation, he moved to several locations around Michigan. Eventually he moved north to Charlevoix, where he continued his life journey as a commercial fisherman. Out on his fishing tug in the waters of Lake Michigan, he used his knowledge of fishing skills his family taught him to support his family.

He rekindled his relationship with his childhood sweetheart Barb, and now is on his 32nd year of marriage. With his roots set they raised their four children, and now get to watch their four young grandchildren grow. His gentleness of heart shows during family time, which is an important part of his life. His children choose to stay close to home making time to share adventures together as a family. With every new season brings new growth to his family.

The outdoors life suits James, especially on the water in the sun, enjoying all the seasons Michigan has to offer. With a friendly personality and quick wit he can humor all. He is always happy, bringing a positive energy for everyone around him.