KBIC NEWS
ISKIGAMIZIGE GIIZIS - MAPLE SUGAR MAKING MOON
Moose Project Unites KBIC and Partners in Shared Stewardship
Years in the making… K Seppanen, Wildlife Coordina Ground Crew, has been with department for over twelve ye and has worked with a variet partners, human and n human. This past February, K and several other Wildlife Habitat staff began a very exciting new partnership, the Moose Project.
The day began in Van Riper State Park, staging ground for the week. As the ground crews prepped for the day ahead spotter planes were flying at first light, scouting the area These flights had gone on for a week prior in preparation of the moose captures. A radio call comes into base station, ground coordinators contact the crews,
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
CEO'S CORNER
HEALING TO WELLNESS
and they set out to coordinates provided.
“Twelve years ago, the relationship with the State was not where it is now. We had over 50 personnel involved in the project, everyone’s role and responsibility were clear, no confusion or conflict allowed us to complete our goals in a timely manner. It’s what’s best for the animals, to operate this way, to be as least intrusive as possible.”
- Kyle
Another day on the job… Blake Chosa, Wildlife Biologist, Air Crew, is getting his first experience with capturing wild ungulates. Blake’s time with the department comes after years of development in the Wildlife and Habitat program. For the long-time employees this is a long time coming, for Blake, relatively new to his position, this a sign of what’s to come.
“Working with the largest ungulate in North America is a huge success. I am more confident than ever in our own programs moving forward. We have room to grow, and this project helped
2025 TRIBAL COUNCIL
Robert “RD” Curtis, Jr, President
Everett Ekdahl, Jr, Vice President
Sam Loonsfoot, Secretary
Elizabeth “Liz” Julio, Asst. Secretary
Theodore "Austin" Ayres, Treasurer
Doreen G Blaker
Sue Ellen “Suzie” Elmblad
Dale Goodreau
Jeremy T. Hebert
Rodney Loonsfoot
Tony Loonsfoot
Toni J. Minton
solidify our capa bilities for managing and monitoring the herd… I hope this helps move us towards a research base, to further develop our understanding of the environment.” –Blake Chosa.
Over the next two days the Moose Team would work on a total of 20 moose, with KBIC Wildlife and Habitat staff involved in the workups of 14 moose. The project aimed to understand mortality rates, habitat use, and dispersal patterns. Moose recruitment has been near 1% since 2010, meaning the Moose population has remained stable for over a decade. The team took biological samples and GPS-collared every moose they worked on.
Air crew with NRD staff, Erin Johnston and Blake Chosa
Boozhoo Anin Gakina
For the month of March, the Tribal Council held the annual reorganization meeting and four special meetings. The following actions were taken:
Special Meeting 3/12/2025
Approved the agreements with Gundlach Champion, Inc. as presented
Approved a donation in the amount of $500.00 to the Area 36 Special Olympics
Approved the Drug Free Workplace Policy amendment with changes
Approved the bid for two EZ8, 8-Yard EZRollOff Dumpsters in the amount of $14,015.00 as presented
Approved the bid from Walman Instruments in the amount of $57,597.95 as presented
Approved the letter of support for the Menge Creek Forest Legacy Project as presented
Approved the request for nepotism waiver as presented
Approved the rehire policy revisions as stated
Approved Resolution KB-003-2025 as presented
Approved Resolution KB-011-2025 as presented
Approved the sub contractual agreement for Promoting Smoke-free Homes in Rural American Households between KBIC and ITC as presented
Special Meeting 3/19/2025
Approved the guaranteed maximum price for the law enforcements renovations at $1,827,478.00 as presented
Approved an increase in the allowance for KBIC memorial markers to $1,090 00 for nonveterans and $1,085.00 for KBIC veterans as presented
Approved the 2021 minutes from August 4, August 11, August 17, August 18 and August 25 as presented
Approved Resolution KB-008-2025 as presented
Approved Resolution KB-009-2025 as presented
Approved Resolution KB-010-2025 as presented
Approved Resolution KB-014-2025 as presented
Approved the services agreement with Trimedia Environmental & Engineering Services LLC as presented
Approved the Tier III Services Agreement with the Samuels Group, Inc. for dental remodeling services as presented
Special Meeting 3/27/2025
Approved all 18 applications for 2025 Commercial Fishing licenses as presented
Approved the appointment of Rachel Clisch and Emily Evans to the ICWA Committee
Approved the appointed of Darlene Genschow, Amy St. Arnold, Robin Roe, Donald Chosa, Jr., Amelia Sapcut, Brent Waranka and Alden Connor, Jr to the Enrollment Board
Approved the donation of the hall, tables and tablecloths for the Education department, Maternal Services and Victim Services for their community planning event
Approved the maintaining 50 quota lakes management regimen, reduce tac on Portage Lake from 2000 to 1500, increase Parent Lake tac from 25 to 50 and do a zone opening and closing of portions of the Keweenaw waterway and Portage Lake
Approved Resolution KB-015-2025 Vacated Council Seat Positions as presented
Approved option #1 Sick Leave Proposal for Enterprise, retroactive for three months from today’s date
Happy April everyone!
I want to begin by summarizing happenings on the federal level as end the 1st Quarter of our Fiscal Year. In recent months, several decisions by the federal administration have raised serious concerns across Indian Country. Key federal programs supporting Tribal health, education, and civil rights have been reduced or dismantled, including cuts to the CDC’s Healthy Tribes initiative and the rollback of equity-focused agreements in the Department of Education Immigration enforcement changes have also prompted fear and confusion in Tribal communities. Adding to the concern, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has moved to terminate federal leases for several Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) offices including locations in Baraga, MI; Ashland, WI; and Shawano, WI. These offices provide essential services like land management, public safety support, and forestry programs, and their closure could directly impact access to resources for multiple Tribes in the region. In response, Tribal Nations are advocating for the protection of their rights, speaking out through national organizations, exploring legal action, and working to strengthen community-based programs that preserve sovereignty and ensure continuity of services despite federal setbacks. I will continue to provide outreach and communication to our Community on these matters.
Registration is now open to learn Spear Fishing from experienced Fishermen for this year’s Spring harvest! The Natural Resources Department is providing this opportunity in collaboration with KBIC Promise Neighborhoods and all participants will learn to fish at Quota Lakes and/or traditional rivers. For the Ojibwe people, the spring spearing season is much more than a way to gather food it’s a powerful expression of treaty rights, cultural tradition, and connection to the land and water. As the ice melts and the walleye begin their annual spawning runs, our hope is families and tribal members will take to the lakes at night with spears and lights, harvesting fish in the same way our ancestors have for generations.
This seasonal practice is protected under treaties signed with the U.S. government in the 1800s, affirming the Ojibwe’s right to hunt, fish, and gather in their ceded territories. Beyond its legal importance, spearing is a way for the community to pass down traditional knowledge, provide for their families, and maintain a respectful relationship with natural resources. The harvest is done with care and sustainability in mind, guided by tribal regulations (Title 38) that reflect both science and cultural values. For many, this season marks a time of renewal, reflection, and continued resistance.
The week of May 13 – 16 is a big one for KBIC as we welcome our first Gathering of Native Americans (GONA). The GONA is a proven model that helps communities heal from intergenerational trauma. It follows four key phases: Belonging, Mastery, Interdependence, and Generosity. Our theme for the gathering is “Healing through Education” and will be held at the Big Bucks Bingo Hall. The approach behind a GONA reflects our cultural values, traditions, and spiritual practices. I included a link to this fact sheet for more information!
The KBIC Housing Department is ramping up for some big projects to be completed this coming Summer/Fall. The first is initiating the preapplication process for a housing development being built in Marquette, named Black Rock Crossing. There are 50 1- and 2-bedroom units with a set aside of 9 units specifically for KBIC members. These are income-based apartments so there will be qualifications and criteria to meet when someone applies to rent one. Please look for more detailed information about the pre-application process rolling out this month. The expected movein date for this is Fall 2025.
Housing is also holding a contest to name the new apartment building being put up within our housing area. The contest deadline is May 2 and all entries can be sent to Beth Connor, Housing Manager. From there, Tribal Council will select the winning name and the winner will receive a $100 Pines gift card! The development is a 25-unit facility with studio and 1-bedroom apartments. The application and qualification criteria are still in the works of being developed but I can tell you our absolute hope is to start moving people in closer to December of this year. nd
Lastly, this is a reminder of our 3rd Annual Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe Spring Contest Powwow that will take place April 18 – 20 in Marquette at Lakeview Arena. Please continue to spread the word about this great event and let’s make this the best year yet!
If you are an enrolled member and reading this please do not forget about our new Member Portal on the newly updated website (kbic-nsn.gov). If you need access please contact Sheila Royal, sroyal@kbic-nsn.gov, for assistance. We have also updated our website with a new Events page with a calendar laying out all events that are happening within the Community. As always, you can find all relevant KBIC happenings on our Facebook page under Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
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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Diindiisi-kwe misko miikana bimose (Blue Jay Woman walks the red road)
Submitted by: Shiloh Lussier, Healing to Wellness Coordinator
The KBIC Healing to Wellness Program celebrated Tahala Davis on March 7, 2025. She successfully completed the intensive program. Tahala has fully committed to her sobriety journey for over a year and her time in the Healing to Wellness Program has been very beneficial. Tahala’s journey of selfdiscovery has been an inspiration to fellow peers, family members, and community members.
Completing Healing to Wellness is not an easy task. It takes honesty, willingness, dedication, and true change Tahala exhibited these traits plus some She works a solid program and continues to do so. While participating in Healing to Wellness, Ms. Davis accomplished many positive things. She created a Red Road to Wellbriety meeting for the community, became a certified Peer Recovery Mentor through CCAR, enhanced her family relationships, and led by example for other individuals suffering with the disease of addiction.
Tahala’s graduation ceremony was held at the Zeba Hall and she was acknowledged with a certificate of completion, an eagle feather, a blanket, and other customized gifts. Many community members attended to support her journey along with family members and her beautiful children. Tahala completed all four phases of the program with minimal setbacks. Her progress and growth are a beautiful thing to witness. The community is proud of you Tahala!
Healing to Wellness
Healing to Wellness
Toss It Forward Event A Success!
Submitted
by:
Shiloh Lussier, Healing to Wellness Coordinator
Healing to Wellness Program participant Brett Degenaer, hosted an alcohol and drug free community event on March 8. Brett facilitated a cornhole tournament that was held at the Ojibwa Seniors Center. The event also included a feast, cash prizes, 50/50 raffles and basket raffles. Teams were drawn at random and was a double elimination style bracket. Many members of the community attended to support the event and it was a great turnout. Several individuals left the event with prizes and winnings. Brett donated the proceeds to both the L’Anse and Baraga Schools to contribute to the Senior lock ins. Miigwech to all businesses and individuals for their generous donations! Awesome job Brett!
Brett (middle) pictured with the first place winners of the Toss it Forward tournament, Rob and Reggie.
Baraga Senior Lock-in donation
L’Anse Senior Lock-in donation
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Natural Resources
CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE
Blossoming partnerships… Erin Johnston, Wildlife and Habitat Manager, Air Crew, has been a part of the department for over 14 years. She is no stranger to working with the MDNR or any other professional partner. For years she has been an advocated-on behalf of the Tribe and our programs. A steward of the land and our community, Erin highlighted the development of our partnerships.
“In the past, it felt as if the state did not view us as legitimate stewards. They were always hesitant to work with us, call it lack of understanding… We put a lot of that behind us on this project, staff from both the NRD and DNR seamlessly integrated and accomplished our goals with little to no issues… This highlights our capabilities moving forward, we have grown in our professional capacities and it shows.” –
Erin Johnston
Experience of a lifetime… Jacob Dessellier, Habitat Specialist, Ground Crew, qualified for the Moose Team in the twilight hours, receiving his chemical immobilization certification just two weeks prior to the start of the project. This was Jake’s first experience working with immobilized wildlife and he’s hopeful of similar opportunities in the future.
“Driving in the second day, I was reflecting on day before. Driving into Michigamme, the sun rising over the lake, I had a moment of just gratefulness. I thought to myself, this is my job, it’s hard to believe. To be passionate about work and to have this experience, what a reward.” – Jacob Dessellier Moose have long held a position of honor in our society They are the carriers of knowledge, a beacon of truth, the magnitude of creation. For all Anishinaabe, they are a connection to Aki, a reminder of our strengths, a symbol of our persistence. To be able to help understand what is limiting our relative’s success is a privilege. This project not only incorporates Anishinaabe values of the landscape but integrates western science into our understanding of our more than human relatives.
“This work, this job, is a special life experience. I’m very grateful to be able to serve my community in this role, but also to serve our greater than human relatives in this way too This project is a testament to the land and what it offers to us all.” – Kyle Seppanen
“On my 4th moose, I sat and listened to the moose breathing, and just had a very surreal moment. It was the closest I’ve ever been to a moose, living at least. We’re doing our best to understand how we can help. It was awesome to watch all the moose leave after the work ups.” – Blake Chosa
“I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the experience, we did what we came here to do.” – Erin Johnston
“I was double and triple checking our oxygen tubes, and I had a moment the calmness to look around and appreciate the professionalism of this partnership ” – Jacob Dessellier
This story highlights the ongoing of the Natural Resource Department and its programs. We hope to provide unique insight into the management of our resources. It is an honor to serve our community in this capacity. This work is ongoing and will continue for several more years. Check back here for more highlights as the projects
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Handicapped Accessible Van Guidelines
Eligibility
Enrolled KBIC members and their non-KBIC family members who are not mobile enough to be transported without a wheelchair lift (Eligible User) are eligible to use the Handicap Accessible Van (HAV).
Overview
The driver of the HAV assumes the duty of obeying all motor vehicle laws, maintaining the vehicle properly at all times, and complying with the following guidelines
Vehicle Purposes
The HAV shall be used for transportation to medical appointments or other purposes approved by the CEO or Tribal President.
Authorized Driver
Drivers must have a valid and unrestricted driver’s license and be able to drive a HAV.
The HAV allows drivers to perform approved transportation activities safely, efficiently, and economically while promoting a positive image of the KBIC. Drivers are required to operate the HAV safely and responsibly
The Tribal Center Receptionist shall instruct firsttime HAV drivers on operating the wheelchair lift before their first trip.
The following rules apply to using the HAV: Only authorized individuals may drive. The vehicle must be picked up at the assigned location and returned to that location after use It must also be locked, and the keys must always be secured.
The driver must review the vehicle's use in the Driver Log, which is to be kept in the HAV at all times and returned for review at the end of use.
The driver and all passengers must wear available personal restraints, including seatbelts. Eligible users must be secured in the rear of the HAV utilizing the available locking straps.
Report all accidents immediately to the appropriate police and the CEO's office (906)353-4104.
Maintenance
Drivers and eligible users must maintain the HAV at all times. The HAV must be returned in the same condition it was issued: clean and with a full fuel tank. The eligible user is to pay for the fuel cost.
The HAV should not be operated with any defect preventing safe operation during current and foreseeable weather and lighting conditions. Preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes, tire pressure, and fluid checks, determines to a large extent whether eligible users will have a reliable and safe vehicle to drive. Please report any issues with the HAV you experience during your use of the CEO’s office.
The use of tobacco products by all occupants in the vehicle is prohibited and includes cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and all other forms of tobacco.
Traffic Violations
Fines for parking, moving violations, etc are the personal responsibility of the driver/eligible user.
Accidents Involving the HAV
In the event of an accident: Do not admit negligence or liability. Do not attempt settlement, regardless of how minor. If possible, get the name, address, and phone number of the injured person(s) and witness(s). Exchange vehicle identification, insurance company name, and policy numbers with the other driver
Take a photograph of the scene of the accident if possible. Call the police.
Complete the vehicle accident report in the HAV. Turn all information over to the CEO’s office upon your return.
Thefts
In the event the HAV is stolen, notify local police immediately.
Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in denied future use and may result in additional costs to the eligible user.
The Driver/Eligible User is responsible for the actual possession, care and use of the HAV.
Members wishing to utilize the HAV can contact the Tribal Center Receptionist at (906)353-6623 or receptionist@kbic-nsn.gov to reserve it.
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https://wwwkboccedu/employment/ openings/
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Ontonagon Fighting Miners Rally in Third Period to Secure 18U MAHA State Championship
In a stunning display of determination and resilience, the Ontonagon Fighting Miners staged an incredible third-period comeback to clinch the 18U MAHA Tier 3 BB State Championship, defeating Belle Tire 4-2.
Entering the final period down 0-2, the Fighting Miners refused to quit, netting four unanswered goals to secure the victory. Their relentless effort and perseverance paid off, earning them the state title and solidifying their place in Michigan hockey history.
With an impressive season record of 30-7-3, the team consistently proved their dedication to success. This championship win is not only a testament to their skill and teamwork but also to the opportunities provided by the Ontonagon Area Hockey Association (OAHA). OAHA has played a crucial role in allowing these young athletes to continue pursuing their hockey dreams. Without its support, some of these players may not have had the chance to compete at this level.
The Fighting Miners featured a talented roster of players from across the western Upper Peninsula, including four standout athletes from L’Anse and also members and descendants of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community: Blake Harden, Kayan Goodbird, Keyden Goodbird, and Maysen Bergerson. Their contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, highlighting the depth of talent in the region.
As the newly crowned 2025 MAHA Tier 3 18U BB State Champions, the Ontonagon Fighting Miners have showcased their unwavering spirit, teamwork, and passion for the game, leaving a lasting legacy in the hockey community and inspiring future players.
Kayan Goodbird, Maysen Bergerson, Blake Harden and Keyden Goodbird
Northern Reign 15U Travel Basketball Team placed first in the 15/16U bracket at the Bash at the Bay tournament held in Ashland, Wisconsin, on April 12, 2025.
KBIC YOUTH: Payton LeClaire #5, Kwynn Voskuhl #1, Breyelle Bowers #3, Cara Connor #20, Aaliyah Maki #15, Dalanna Connor #2 and Princess Pierre #24
Northland Elite 14U Travel Basketball Team placed first in the 14U bracket at the Bash at the Bay tournament held in Ashland, Wisconsin, on April 12, 2025.
YOUTH: Jax Geroux #7 and Michael Delich #13
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