August 2023

KBIC NEWS

MIINKE GIIZIS - BLUEBERRY MOON

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Hosts 45th Annual Maawanji'iding

At the scenic Ojibwa Campgrounds, KBIC hosted the 45th Annual Maawanji'iding

The Pow Wow arena comprised 561 registered dancers who participated in exhibitions, inter-tribals, and specials throughout the weekend

An integral part of the festivities was the crowning of the 2023 Miss Keweenaw Bay and Jr. Miss Keweenaw Bay. Starr Dunleavy and Serena Chosa took on their respective titles with grace

Though greeted with rain,

IN THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER

DRAFT WATER QUALITY

STANDARDS 2023

ANISHINAABE

DENTAL OUTREACH

UNDERSTANDING CYBER SCAMS

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

f , f

creativity as the community decided to hold the first-ever Slip 'n Slide contest in the powwow arena

An honor song celebrating elders Frances Drift and Donny Dowd was held during Saturday afternoon's session.

Specials held over the weekend included a Hand Drum contest, Jingle Dress special, Woodland special, and Two-Step competition

(MORE PICTURES ON PAGE MIDAASWI- 10)

Starr Dunleavy, 2023 Miss Keweenaw Bay and Serena Chosa, 2023 Jr. Miss Keweenaw Bay.

Boozhoo Anin Gakina,

Our 45th Annual Maawanji’iding is the highlight of our summer activities. On behalf of the Tribal Council, I would like to say Chi Miigwetch to the Powwow Committee and all departments, volunteers, tribal groups, and committees who made this event successful It was a weekend of good songs and dance, cultural teachings, the children’s remembrance walk, and a wide array of vendors selling food and artistries, also we watched the first “Slip and Slide” contest after a thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon’s session

For the month of July, the Tribal Council had four Special Meetings. The Tribal Council took action on the following items:

Approved Cultural Leave Policy 7 14

Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Approved Resolution KB-040-2023 KBIC Opposition to Indigenous Imagery Used as Mascots

Approved the Tier IIB Window Outfitters Services Agreement for removal and replacement of exterior doors at KBIC facilities

Approved additional hours for the Powwow Committee for 2023

Approved Heartland Business Systems to provide and install network and security upgrades at the Health Clinic at a cost of up to $150,000.00.

Authorized a letter to Congress in support of the Native American Voting Rights Act.

Approved the Tier IIB Services Agreement with Upper Hand Window Company for the replacement of KBIC facility windows

Motion approved to direct the Office of the CEO to prepare the 2024 budget packets and to include a raise, based on employee job evaluations, up to 3% Motion approved to make an offer for the real estate and personal property located in Crystal Falls in the amount of $570,000.00 for a Cannabis grow facility.

07/26/2023

Special Meeting

Motion approved to create a CFO Assistant position, to be added to the KBIC government organizational chart, and for the Chief Financial Officer to develop a succession plan by August 31.

Tabled Resolution KB042-2023 ICWA

Motion approved to move forward with a request for proposals to remove the vessels the Kathy and the Katherine and to release Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ownership interest in the boat previously owned by Corey Goodbird

Approved a donation to the Baraga County Fair in the name of the Ojibwa Casino in the amount of $1,000.00.

Approved a Services Agreement Renewal with GMJ Designs for the database management system to be extended through September 30, 2024

Approved the KBIC Forestry program’s efforts to pursue a 638-Program status

Approved Resolution KB-041-2023 Red Oak Restoration Phase 2 to improve forest health and wildlife habitat on 80 acres of Tribal Trust land near Pikes Peak Road

President Blaker had the honor of being the Grand Marshal for the 2023 Lumberjack Days

Committee Bylaws Update

KBIC No Longer Purchasing NMU Golf Course

After continuing the necessary due diligence, the Tribal Council has decided not to move forward with the purchase of the NMU Golf Course, Chocolay Downs The Council had brought the issue forward to the membership at the last General Election in December 2023 as a referendum question At that time, it was believed that the project total would cost under the $1.5 million budget. As the purchasing and development process continued, it became clear that substantial additional funds would be needed to upgrade the course, the clubhouse, the rental properties and much of the equipment would need to be replaced in the short term It would be quite some time, if ever, before KBIC would see a return on its investment

I have to say that July was one of my favorite months of the year and am so sad to see it come to an end The 45th Annual Maawanji’ding was a complete success along with all of the community and cultural events surrounding it, the sun was shining more and temps were higher, and overall a sense of pride was felt in

everything going on I am hoping August can match that energy ��

For the month of July, I:

Website review meeting

Performed a 90-day Probationary Employee review

Viewed an informational webinar on the Recompete Pilot Program opportunity

Attended a GPO Monthly Call with SAMHSA

Attended Dentist interviews with the KBIC Health Board

Held a meeting with IT staff to discuss Emergency Response Planning and department

IT needs and alignment

Held a meeting with Medical Advantage and VAST To discuss health billing

Attended a Communities that Care meeting at BCMH

Submitted a successful AFCARS file on behalf of Tribal Social Services

Participated in the 10th Annual Water Walk

Attended a meeting with the Administration for Children and Families

Participated in the 3rd Annual Childrens Remembrance Walk

Attended the “Understanding Environmental Risk” presentation from GSI Environmental and KBIC Natural Resources Department

Held a staff meeting with the Substance Abuse Programs

Attended the UP Rural Leadership Summit

Attended three Tribal Council meetings

At the July 12th Tribal Council meeting, Cultural Leave was added to the Personnel Policy for employees.

7.14 CULTURAL LEAVE

With supervisor approval, employees may have up to twenty-four (24) hours of paid leave per fiscal year to attend cultural activities such as but not limited to drumming, dancing, ceremonies, teachings, celebrations, or funeral preparations.

The website update project is in full-swing! Phase I is complete as the home page and department pages have been completed The project has been split into three phases to allow for the most efficiency with time and information gathering. A full launch of the website is expected after Labor Day.As a reminder we are working to update the current KBIC website to 1) increase access to information for members and partners 2) bring a more modern look to the site to align with our new branding and messaging 3) provide a space to tell OUR story.

On July 12th, I hit my two-year mark within my role as CEO. There have been highs, lows, and everything in between But I can honestly say I love my job, I love this community, and I LOVE the people I work with I am still learning everyday and enjoy every challenge I encounter. As humans, we have to take these challenges and turn them into growth. Challenges you may encounter in any part of life are only creating a path for resiliency and then a foundation for success later on I am excited to see what year 3 brings – I hope you are too

All my best, Brigitte

Amya V , KBIC member, 2023 Lumberjack Days Princess with Queen Kianna Schroeder

National Immunization Awareness and World Cancer Support Month

Cancer can take years, even dec after a person has HPV There is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems from HPV.

People with weakened immune systems may be less able to fight off HPV HPV is thought to cause 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U S Tobacco and alcohol use increase the risk of developing mouth cancer

Rates of oropharyngeal cancer have increased dramatically, driven by HPV infection – 54,000 new cases of oral cavity and oropharynx cancers were diagnosed in the United States in 2022 It is estimated that 11,580 deaths (8,140 men and 3,440 women) from oral and oropharyngeal cancer will occur in the United States in 2023.

This August is National Immunization Awareness Month and highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines. August is also World Cancer Support Month and it is important to note that wellchild recommended vaccines can protect against oral (mouth) cancers.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. HPV can cause cancer at varying times in life; these cancers are in genital and oral locations in the body.

There were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018 in the U S , many among people in their late teens and early 20s Often, there are no signs or symptoms Sometimes, these infections can cause visible health problems, including warts. These may be present in the genital area, but also in the back of the throat. This can include the base of the tongue and tonsils Mouth and throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) can also develop at any time in life after HPV infection

There are vaccines that can help stop these diseases from happening. Talk to your doctor to ensure you and your family are protected Talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have

An initial HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls around age 11 or 12 (but can start at age 9). This is commonly a two-dose series.

A catchup HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 26 if they are not already vaccinated This is commonly a three-dose series

Most people have no symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer Sometimes, symptoms may include a longlasting sore throat, earaches, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. If you have any symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor or dentist right away.

There is no test to find out a person’s HPV status Also, there is no approved test to find HPV in the mouth or throat

The HPV vaccination can prevent HPV oral cancers. Finding these cancers early greatly increases the survival rate. Screening for oropharyngeal cancer is done at every dental exam visit A referral to an oral surgeon may be recommended

So, be sure to see the dentist twice a year, as recommended by the American Dental Association.

Health awareness months: Calendar list (medicalnewstoday com)

https://www medicalnewstoday com/articles/health -awareness-months

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm

https://www.cancer.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic info/hpv oro pharyngeal htm

https://www cancer gov/news-events/cancercurrents-blog/2021/hpv-oropharyngeal-cancer-lesstreatment-fewer-side-effects

Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach

Artwork Found on CDC website:

3rd Annual Children's Remembrance Walk

On a beautiful Friday morning, a solemn yet powerful gathering took place at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as participants came together to remember and honor the legacy of boarding school survivors and those affected by colonial violence.

The 3rd Annual Children’s Remembrance Walk commenced on July 21st with an opening ceremony at 8 am, followed by a deeply moving walk at 9 am Dressed in hues of orange, a color symbolizing resilience and solidarity, attendees united to pay tribute to the strength and spirit of those who endured the harsh realities of the past

The event, organized by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in collaboration with the Native Justice Coalition, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, and Michigan Truth & Reconciliation Commission, held special significance as it aimed to shed light on the dark chapter of history when indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and communities to attend boarding schools. The walk served as a reminder of the enduring impact of colonial policies on indigenous communities and their ongoing journey toward healing

Children's Remembrance Walk in the News

Promise Neighborhoods Welcomes New Staff

Boozhoo! My name is Desiree Jermac I am the new Promise Neighborhoods Anishinaabe Gikinoo’Amaadiwin for L’Anse Area Schools I am the daughter of Craig Jermac and Bobbi Loonsfoot. I am an enrolled KBIC member and I take pride in my culture I have an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies and plan to further my education in the future I enjoy spending my time traveling, spending time with my family, reading, or finding an adventure!

10th Annual Pauline KnappSpruce Memorial Water Walk

The 10th Annual Pauline Knapp-Spruce Memorial Water Walk took place on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting our planet's most precious resource

This yearly event, which covers a 17-mile route beginning at First Sand Beach Pequaming Point and ending at Sand Point, saw participants from all walks of life come together to raise awareness about the state of our water and to honor the legacy of KBIC member Pauline Knapp-Spruce. The event began with opening water ceremonies at 7 am and ended with a celebratory feast at the Ojibwa Pow wow Grounds.

Participants gathered at the break of dawn to embark on the 17-mile journey, with each step carrying a message of mindfulness towards water consumption and conservation. The walk traced a scenic route through the heart of the community.

Payton LeClaire of the BCLL Seniors Softball team battles at the plate during a game against Calumet.

KBIC Youth, Cara Connor, Adrianna Kyllonen (back row), and Dalanna Connor (front row, right) took first place at the Gus Macker in Wakefield, MI.

Breyelle Bowers for the Baraga County Little League Seniors Softball team snags the ball during a game against Houghton.

Kroy and Evan Ekdahl of the 9U Keweenaw Crush travel baseball team competed in Kaukauna, WI on July 14, 2023

Kwynn Voskuhl of the BCLL Seniors Softball team reaches for a tag at home plate during a game against Houghton

Tribal veteran Rodney Loonsfoot: Serving is ‘in our blood’

As a young boy, Rodney Loonsfoot was watching coverage of the Vietnam War when he turned to his father and said he wanted to go fight Both his father and grandfather had served in the U S military and had thus become Ogichidaag warriors in their native Anishinaabe Ojibwe culture.

Loonsfoot would go on to become an Ogichidaa himself He served in the National Guard for two years before enlisting in the Marine Corps and serving from 1984 to 1993, including a stint in Somalia

When he returned home to tiny village of Baraga in the Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, Loonsfoot would eventually serve as both a Tribal Council Member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and a tribal Veteran Service Officer for his fellow tribal veterans.

Now 57, Loonsfoot continues in both roles, he says, because giving back to his people is part of who he is He also serves on the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees and coordinates the Baraga County Toys for Tots program And he recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to support the KBIC’s legislative effort to get compensation for the federal government’s unlawful taking of thousands of acres of reservation land in Baraga County

“You know, I kind have been lifted and gifted into this position to be able to serve the community in many, many ways,” Loonsfoot says. “Our clans take care of ourselves. It’s in our blood and it’s in our DNA.”

‘Doing what we’re supposed to’

In the early 1990s, Operation Restore Hope was carried out as a humanitarian mission to stabilize war-torn Somalia so food and medical supplies could be delivered to its citizens Loonsfoot, a Marine platoon sergeant at the time, would receive a combat action ribbon for his role in the mission

At one point, Loonsfoot and his troops were hunkering down near an airport and he ordered them to dig foxholes around the perimeter. When it was Loonsfoot’s turn, he inadvertently dug into a grave He immediately threw the dirt back into the hole and went off to try to collect himself

“For me being a Native American, disturbing that grave was a big issue,” he says. “This is something that has rocked me ever since And it’s something I battle every day ”

While serving in the Marines wasn’t easy, Loonsfoot says he “had a blast.” He’s extremely proud of his service to his country and honored to identify as a veteran, just like his father and grandfather.

“There was a lot of satisfaction within our community and within our family that we're doing what we're supposed to do,” he says. “And that was defending our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

‘They’ve earned these benefits’

Loonsfoot, who sustained a shoulder injury in the military, is a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, meaning he receives the maximum monthly disability compensation payment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs He also uses the VA for his health care

Getting the full disability rating took years, which is why Loonsfoot tries to make it easier for younger tribal veterans to get the benefits and resources they earned for their service, whether that’s disability compensation, education or employment benefits, or emergency assistance He says many tribal veterans continue to distrust the government, which can add another obstacle to the process.

“Part of it is being stubborn. Part of it is being proud, too,” he says “They may feel like they don’t need the help because they’re strong And then I would assume some people don’t want to feel like they’re a burden But they’ve earned their benefits Being a veteran, you've given that service. You've put your life on the line for our country.”

The good news is that more and more veterans are reaching out to ask him and other Veteran Service Officers for help

“In our small community, the word is getting out,” Loonsfoot says. “In our own veteran society, we stand with them and we work together to take care all of our Baraga County veterans ”

* Veterans of any age or era or their dependents may qualify for benefits and resources, such as VA health care, mental health services and education

and employment assistance. The MVAA serves as the central coordinating point for Michigan veterans to get connected to their benefits. Contact us at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or visit our website at michigan.gov/mvaa.

If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention 24/7/365 Call 988 and press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

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.