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)

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

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