April 2023

KBIC NEWS

ISKIGAMIZIGE GIIZIS - MAPLE SUGAR MAKING MOON

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police award

Home Town Heroes

2023 TRIBAL COUNCIL

Doreen Blaker, President

Toni J. Minton, Vice President

Elizabeth "Liz" Julio, Secretary

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr, Asst. Secretary

Theodore "Austin" Ayres, Treasurer

Eddy Edwards

Everett Ekdahl, Jr.

Sue Ellen Elmblad

Randall Haataja

Kim Klopstein

Susan J. LaFernier

Rodney Loonsfoot

IN THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER

NRD BROWNSFIELD

STORY MAP

YOUTH PROGRAMS RECEIVES GRANT

YOUTH SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

FEMD PREPARES FOR UPCOMING SEASON

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police Chief Duane Misegan held a ceremony to award the hometown heroes for their combined efforts in saving two fishermen who fell through the ice on Lake Superior. Officer Mark Smith, Tribal Commercial Fisherman James Denomie, Officer Durwyn Chaudier, Captain Dale Goodreau, and Village of Baraga Police Chief Irvin Smith.

With their quick response to the call and Denomie assisting with his fishing boat, they successfully pulled Michael Markham and James Hoke out of the freezing temperature waters.

Coincidentally, a few days earlier, Denomie received help from Markham as he was stuck

his vehicle.

in the snow with

Pictured L to R: Tribal Police Officer Mark Smith, Tribal Commercial Fisherman James Denomie, Tribal Police Officer Durwyn Chaudier, Michael Markham, James Hoke, Tribal Police Captain Dale Goodreau, and Village of Baraga Chief of Police Irvin Smith

Boozhoo KBIC,

On behalf of our Community, I would like to congratulate the Baraga Girls Varsity Basketball team for finishing their season as the State Runner-up for the 2022-23 season. The Tribal Council met for three special meetings during the month of March. Actions from the Council meetings are as follows:

March 1, 2023 – Special Meeting

Approved Energenc's sole source bid to replace Zeba Lift Station controls.

Approved North American Video Renewal. Amend the Agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to extend the duration of services to December 31, 2023

Approved a donation request for $1000 to Baraga County Lake Trout Festival 2023.

March 8, 2023 – Special Meeting

KBIC’s Draft Water Quality Standards were presented and approved to go forward with public notice for comment

Agreed to consider and review a draft agreement for specialized services provided by the Baraga County Economic Development Corporation.

Approved donation request for $500 to Ireland Chosa for a school-related activity.

March 15, 2023 – Special Meeting (Cancelled)

March 15, 2023 – Phone Poll

Approved donation to the Baraga High School Girls Varsity Basketball team to assist with travel costs to the State semifinals in Lansing for $5000 and an additional $5000 if they advanced to the State finals.

March 22, 2023 – Special Meeting

Approved two-week posting for “letters of interest” for Associate Judge vacancy from March 22, 2023, to April 5, 2023

Approved Energencs contract

Tabled Public Works Plow Truck bids to seek additional bids.

Denied the Ojibwa Campground Shower bid increase

Approved 15 tribal members for 2023 Commercial

Fishing licenses

Approved Solid Waste bid for Spring Clean-Up

Approved Northcare Network Provider Agreement

Approved Education Department Organizational Chart to add two additional positions.

Approved the Promise Neighborhood Budget as presented.

March 29, 2023 – Special Meeting

Tabled January 7 & January 11 Meeting minutes.

Approved Public Works Plow Truck bid from Van Horn.

Approved increase for Memorial Marker allowance from $985 to $1035.

Approved KB-018-2023 Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan for 2023-2026.

Approved KB-019-2023 Cancellation of Lease No. B009.

Approved KB-020-2023 Carla M. Kyllonen Residential Lease.

Approved KB-021-2023 Cancellation of Lease No B24(79)

Approved KB-022-2023 ICLA Recoup Funding UFI Acquisition.

Approved KB-023-2023 Supportive Housing Right of Way (ROW).

Approved Enterprise Organizational Chart (Policy addition)

Approved Enterprise Employee Evaluations (Policy revision).

Approved KBIC Committee attendance by Zoom meeting.

Approved April 14, 2023, as a “Cultural Day” for Spring Powwow and to charter a bus for Saturday, April 15, 2023, to transport members from Baraga to Marquette

KBIC provides $250,000 to L'Anse Fire Department

Tribal Council approved a motion at the December 21, 2022, Tribal Council meeting to provide the L'Anse Fire Department with $250,000 of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to purchase a new fire apparatus for Baraga County as a provision of government services so that the L'Anse Fire Department may continue to respond to fire emergencies and keep the community safe

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds is a program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. This initiative provides $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to help turn the tide of the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.

Honorable William W. Jondreau, Sr.

September 30, 1967 - March 13, 2023

William W. “Bill” Jondreau, Sr. age 55 of Baraga, MI passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in L’Anse on September 30, 1967 the son of the late Alice Jondreau.

Bill was a person who had the opportunity to share all the love that he had inside him. His cup was overflowing so much that could fill everyone else’s cup with love and compassion That’s the man he was and that’s the man we will remember him as. Bill graduated from Baraga High School in 1985. He attended North Michigan University and received his Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice in 1990. Bill had worked as a tribal police officer and game warden for GLIFWC and then began his career with the Michigan Department of Corrections at Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility in 1993 While working for the prison he served as Residential Unit Officer, Case Manager, Residential Unit Manager and retired after 26 years as Assistant Deputy Warden. Bill was a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Catholic Church and served as Parish Council President. He was also a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Tribal Council, worked in the judicial branch as Associate Judge, Appellate Judge and finally Chief Judge. and was a member of the Ojibwa Senior Center. He served as a former chairman for Lake Superior Community Development Corporation, and volunteered his time to many activities’ events and organizations. Bill was a lifelong member of the Baraga Fire Department, was a Baraga School Board Member, had coached little league for many years and youth basketball. He enjoyed hunting, gill net fishing, boating, camping and was an avid Steelers fan. Bill’s greatest love and joy were his two sons, who he was so proud of.

Bill is survived by his loving sons William Jondreau, Jr., and Steele Jondreau, his sons mother Roberta Jondreau of Baraga, granddaughter Kacey Lee, sisters Helen Jondreau (RD Curtis), Suzanne Jondreau, and DeAnna (Suzette) Hadden all of Baraga, step dad Steve Hadden of Baraga, step siblings Dale Hadden of Alston, and Delana Hadden of MI, fiancé Emily Shardlow of Rockland, step children Danielle (Dustin) Boyak of Bellaire, MI, Trista Shardlow (Ty Mulari) of Rockland, and Ella Shardlow of Rockland, and nephews Ty Curtis (Casey Reynolds) and Robert Curtis both of Baraga. He was preceded in death by his mother Alice, grandparents Boyzie and Mino Jondreau, and step brother Daniel.

Believe it or not, spring is here. April may have come in like a lion but it's nice to think about the longer days and warmer nights ahead Let's embrace this change in seasons and all that comes with it, it's all about perspective.

This past month was a rough

one We had some great things get accomplished, but we also had some horrific things happen that put a dent in our overall goal at KBIC. One thing that has remained the same throughout all of this is our perseverance as people to take the punches and continue on. Of course, it's never ideal to endure such a community tragedy, but when all is said and done, it will only make us stronger as people Again, it's all about perspective

Bill Jondreau meant a lot to KBIC. He was a big piece of what our leadership does here and the mission we are trying to meet. The void he has left will take some time to fill. I will miss him very much.

We held a Mandated Reporter training this past month with Leslie Hagen, National Indian Country Training Coordinator. This training is vital for all employees because it allows staff to understand when and how to report instances of child abuse and neglect in their positions. Something that is, unfortunately, all too common within our communities We are going to offer this training for staff on an annual basis with opportunities for elaborate training that Leslie has to offer, both in-person and virtually.

For the month of March, I attended:

Branding/Website update review meeting

LAnse/LVD trail discussion

EPA Equitable Resiliency Charette and Open House Promise Neighborhood budget review meeting

Cybersecurity training for Tribal Leaders Policy Review Workgroup meeting

Media training for Tribal Leaders and Communications Fellowship with NCAI in Washington, DC

Monthly President, CFO, and CEO meeting

WODA Development "Blackrock Crossing" housing meeting

KBOCC Liberal Studies degree program review meeting

Tribal Court budget meeting

Ignite Your Idea planning meeting with Syncurrent and KBOCC

Mandated Reporter training with National Indian Country Training Coordinator, Leslie Hagen

Weekly department update meetings

Two Tribal Council meetings

Held one exit interview

90-day probationary review meeting with a department head

An event coming up in April that I am excited to see come to fruition is the "Ignite Your Idea" with Innovate Marquette, Syncurrent, and KBOCC. This event is something we have been discussing since last fall It's a fun event because it will allow community members, especially youth, to understand how to build up an idea for entrepreneurship that they may feel is out of reach. The event will prepare those individuals with the knowledge and tools to move forward with their idea and, hopefully, bring it to life Also - there's the chance to win a pretty cool electric skateboard! So, please, if you or you know someone with an awesome idea, send them to this event, you don't want to miss out!

To end, I want to thank the community for their continued support and encourage anyone who has an issue or wants to discuss something related to the government to please come see me, my door is always open

Stay healthy, Brigitte

Natural Resources Department wins grand prize with Brownsfield story map

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department (NRD) received a Brownfields Small Technical Assistance Grant from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019. With this grant a story map of the Brownfields sites was developed to help with one of the Brownfields Program’s four elements; public participation During the early stages of the pandemic, public participation was difficult so the opportunity to create a story map was the answer.

The story map was created by KBIC Librarian, Dawn Browning, and submitted to the 2021 Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc (ESRI) Tribal Story Map Challenge and won the grand prize In 2022, EPA Region 5 Brownfields Project Manager, Sarah Gruza, nominated KBIC NRD to receive recognition for their success in utilizing a variety of forms of EPA brownfields assistance at the National Brownfields Conference in 2022. KBIC was awarded this honor for all the outstanding contributions in Brownfields redevelopment for the story map The KBIC Environmental Response Program Specialist, Serene Gauthier, was unable to attend the Brownfields Conference but accepted the award in person on March 6, 2023.

This story map has led to multiple federal partnerships, funding resources and encouraged other tribes across Indian Country to create story maps.

Brownfields Tribal Response Program: A Tour (arcgis.com)

Librarian Dawn Browning and NRD Environmental Response Program Specialist Serene Smith

KBIC Fire and Emergency Management readies for the upcoming fire season, seeks candidates for full-time and on-call positions

The KBIC Fire and Emergency Management department is preparing for the upcoming fire season. This includes annual refresher training, physical fitness testing, and readying equipment that has been in winter storage Maintaining readiness is a priority component of the department. Tribal personnel not only respond to wildland fires on the L’Anse reservation but also provide assistance to interagency partners locally, regionally, and nationally. In 2022, the department was ordered for off-unit assignments 4 times. These assignments included the ChequamegonNicolet National Forest, the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico, the Wind River Agency in Wyoming, and to the Okmulgee Agency in Eastern Oklahoma. These assignments are 14 days, not including travel, where shifts range from 10-16 hours or more per day.

When not on assignment, the fire crew performs hazardous fuels reduction activities such as prescribed fire, mechanical thinning and brushing, and fuel break maintenance. Training is also of critical importance for gaining knowledge and attaining advanced fire qualifications. Last October, three employees attended the week-long Engine Operator (ENOP) course in Bay Mills. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge/skills necessary to perform the functions described in the Engine Operator Position Task Book as well as address the standards, procedures, and techniques to be an engine operator on a wildland or prescribed fire.

Last year, the program submitted a project proposal for a 5 person fuels module to the BIA, which was subsequently approved and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is for a period of 5 years and creates 5 full-time positions with benefits. The module will conduct fuels reduction activities on the reservation as well as throughout the nation. They will also perform fire suppression duties as well The department is also looking for on-call firefighters to supplement staffing as needed To apply for any of these positions, contact the Personnel department at (906)353-4176 or Tom Chosa, FEMD Director, at tchosa@kbic-nsn.gov.

Tubing activity at Mount Ripley

Tubing Hill

On Friday, March 10, the KBIC Youth Programs headed to Mount Ripley's Tubing Hill for round two. The weather was a bit chiller than last, but that did not stop the youth from enjoying many laughs and rides up and down the hill.

KBIC Youth Programs receives $30,000 No Kid Hungry Michigan grant

In the fall of 2021, CEO Brigitte LaPointe brought the “No Kid Hungry” program to the attention of Grant Specialist, Cindy Cowell. Cindy reached out to Mindy Grant, Senior Program Manager for No Kid Hungry Michigan to learn about the program and inquire how No Kid Hungry Michigan could help the Youth Programs at KBIC provide healthy meals for kids.

As a result of this relationship, John Hebert worked with the Grants Office to apply for a 2023 No Kid Hungry grant to update the equipment and supplies in the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center to support meals and snacks for KBIC youth and families during camps and events.

In March, No Kid Hungry announced 12 successful grant recipients, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was among the grantees. More than $180,000.00 in new grants awarded to schools and districts across the state were awarded KBIC was not only the only Tribe in MI to receive an award; KBIC was the only grantee in the Upper Peninsula KBIC Youth were awarded $30,000.00 to upgrade the Niiwin Akeaa kitchen. Grant funds will be used to upgrade the range, refrigerator, and prep area. The grant award will also allow the Youth Programs to purchase a commercial stainless grill for summer camp cookouts! In addition to equipment, the No Kid Hungry grant will provide for part of the costs of food, supplies and staff for the summer Youth Camp Senior Program Manager Mindy Grant said, “School meals are a source of consistent, essential nutrition for the 1 in 7 kids facing hunger here in Michigan,” said Mindy Grant, Senior Program Manager for No Kid Hungry Michigan. “We applaud these grantees for their tireless efforts to support their communities and ensure kids have access to the healthy meals they need to grow, learn and thrive.”

About No Kid Hungry

No Child should go hungry in America. But, millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. You can find out more by going to nokidhungry org

RELEASE: No Kid Hungry Grants Over $180,000 to 12 Michigan Schools and Districts - Michigan

Local Girls Scout Troop attends Michigan Tech STEM event

Baraga Girl Scout Troop 5600 members Audrey Bratt and Shaniya Elmblad participated in Michigan Technological University's Engineering Day.

The STEM Event allowed them to earn badges for their group by participating in activities that included building boats using recycled material, consturcting paper airplanes and working with a playdo circuit. They also learned about engineering and how it applies to everyone.

Audrey and Shaniya reciting the girl scout pledge

Agreement with tribal college aims to increase ranks of dental assistants in northern MI

TRAVERSE CITY Northwestern Michigan College has formally partnered with Bay Mills Community College in an effort to increase the number of dental assistants serving northern Michigan, and Native American patients in particular

In February, NMC and Bay Mills, a tribally-controlled Upper Peninsula community college in Brimley, Mich., signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bay Mills students to transfer to NMC’s dental assistant program after their first year. NMC’s yearlong dental assistant curriculum allows them to sit for the state exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA) NMC Dental Assistant Director Beckie Wooters will make a recruiting visit to Bay Mills on April 17.

Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. NMC has an outstanding pass rate history, exceeding the state of Michigan’s average in both the clinical and written portion of the exams. Since 2019, at least 96 percent of NMC graduates have passed the clinical portion.

“With a registered dental assistant, a dentist can see about 60 percent more patients. They can do more clinical procedures under the dentist’s supervision,” said Dr. Jessica Rickert, a now-retired Traverse City area dentist who hired NMC graduates in her practice.

Rickert is also the first female Native American dentist in the United States, and remains the only one in Michigan. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach, whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities She saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.

“The scarcity of timely dental care is causing serious hardship,” Rickert said of the U.P. “They have a wonderful program at NMC. Dental assisting is such a great career, and it’s really fulfilling and it’s necessary Let’s make this happen ”

“Our communities need more dental professionals of any kind. This seems like a really good fit,” agreed Diana McKenzie, dean of science and allied health at Bay Mills, which enrolls about 600 students. About 62 percent are Native American Among more than 315,000 dental assistants nationwide, Rickert said only 0 7% are American Indian or Alaska Native.

Natalia Chugunov, chair of the Bay Mills science department, said she hopes the partnership can benefit tribal health centers, too.

“We try to help both the community, our college and our students,” she said. Wooters said the agreement is another way to boost enrollment NMC’s dental assistant program currently has 13 students, and can accommodate 24. Need is great in the lower peninsula as well, she said.

“We’re not filling the needs for all of the jobs,” said Wooters.

NMC recently invested $52,000 in new equipment for the dental assistant program It has six fully-functioning patient rooms and some of the latest technology, including an intraoral scanner.

“After earning their associate degree and passing the RDA exam, a dental assistant can expect to begin their career making between $18 and $25 per hour,” Wooters said. A typical work week is only four days, offering flexibility. Job settings include general practice dental offices, pediatric offices, oral surgery and other specialty offices, dental labs and more.

The program has been designed with student convenience in mind. Bay Mills students can take their first year of general education requirements entirely online. The second year of in-person dental assistant classes is scheduled in a Tuesday-Thursday block, allowing students to spend most of their week back home in the U.P., if necessary. Oncampus housing is also available at NMC.

Rickert said the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and other sources offer scholarships to students of color.

Two KBIC Central Michigan University students receive Native American Scholastic Award

DySean Allen, a Sophomore at Central Michigan University, and Jayden Chosa, a Junior at Central Michigan University, have been selected as recipients of the Native American Scholastic Award on behalf of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Native American Programs of Central Michigan University.

This award was established through the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe in 1991 to fund students who exemplify leadership while promoting Native American culture.

Their awards were publicly announced at the 34th Annual CMU Pow Wow on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Congratulations to DySean and Jayden!

DySean Allen poses with his scholarship award. Jayden Chosa was unable to attend.

Baraga Area Schools Students Visit Ojibwa Community Library

Dawn Browning, Librarian at the Ojibwa Community Library, and staff welcomed students from Baraga Area Schools for a library tour, and goodies to take home, and they helped decorate the library's front windows with leaves for their "Kindness Tree."

Evan Ekdahl, 2nd-grade at C J Sullivan Elementary, plays with the 3rd-grade boys L'Anse Hoops basketball team.

Cara Connor, #6 for the Baraga Middle School Volleyball team, goes up for a block in the Houghton Middle School Volleyball tournament on Tuesday, March 28.

Cara Connor, #6 for the Baraga Middle School Volleyball team. The team participated in the Houghton Middle School Volleyball tournament on Tuesday, March 28.

Paxton Picciano, for the K-2 Baraga Basketball team. In March, the team played against the L'Anse K-2 team at the L'Anse Hoops Havoc Tournament.

Jordan Ekdahl of the 5th-grade L'Anse Hoops basketball team goes up for a basket against L'Anse Hoops 6th-grade basketball team

Kroy Ekdahl, 1st-grade at Philip LaTendresse Elementary, plays on the K-2 basketball team

Chase Picciano, #30, for the K-2 Baraga Basketball team. In March, the team played against the L'Anse K-2 team at the L'Anse Hoops Havoc Tournament.

KBIC Youth participate in skating show

The L'Anse/Baraga Figure Skating Club put on their annual skating show, this year's theme, "Music of Our Lives." Figure skaters aged 2 to 17 performed at the two-day event on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19.

The cover photo for the program, main prop, and t-shirt design was done by KBIC youth and LBFSC freestyle skater Jadyn Chaudier.

Ellie Brunk and Hayden Clisch after their "Train Song" performance

Hayden Clisch, second from left, performing to the "Train Song"

Jadyn Chaudier performing "Immortals"

Aiyanna Gauthier (first from left), Ava Niemi (second from left), and Kaylie Forcia (fifth from left) performing "Call Me Maybe"

Kennadie Forcia (first from left) and Reyna Callejas (third from left) performing "Roar"

Mikah Palls performing "Fancy Like"

Malylee Curtis performing "Let it Go"

Madison LaPlante and Adalynn Niemi performing "Hawaiian Roller Coaster"

Jadyn Chaudier, Member of the L’Anse Baraga Figure skating club and Associate Member of the Copper Country Skating Academy, recently attended a test session in Iron Mountain on February 19th. She tested and passed the Swing Dance completing the PreBronze Dance testing Jadyn will move to the Bronze level of Dance tests. She also tested her Preliminary Skating Skills. Jadyn passed with Honors moving herself to the Pre Juvenile level of Skating Skills.

Sienna Forcia performing "Let it Go"

Hayden Clisch (second from left) and Braylin LaPlante (third from left) performing to the "Train Song"

Maddison Chaudier (middle) performing "Greatest Showman"

Welcome, new Child Support Specialist, Sheryl Goodreau

Hello and let me introduce myself. My name is Sheryl, (please call me Sherri) Goodreau. I am the new Child Support Specialist with the OCSS I am a native of Baraga, with most of my immediate family still living in the area. I have lived in Marquette, and most recently Fowlerville, MI. I worked for the State of Michigan within the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development for the last 17 years as a department analyst within the grants program. I relocated back to Baraga during the Covid 19 pandemic, working remotely. I am looking forward to this new role and am happy to be back home, near family and friends