KBIC NEWS
MANIDOO GIIZISOONS - LITTLE SPIRIT MOON
L’Anse Schools Powow: A Celebration of Culture and Community
On December 13, 2024, the L’Anse Schools came alive with the vibrant sounds and colors of the L’Anse Schools Powwow. Held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, this enriching cultural event was hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Promise Neighborhoods With the support of L’Anse Schools, the powwow welcomed students, staff, and community members to take part in a morning filled with learning, dancing, and cultural connection. The powwow featured a variety of activities that showcased the traditions of the Ojibwe people of KBIC. Attendees were invited to join in inter-tribal songs,
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
CEO'S CORNER
MINING UPDATE
ANISHNAABE DENTAL OUTREACH
background, could take to the floor and where everyone, regardless of dance. Spot dances brought an element of fun and spontaneity to the event, while specials like the two-step and crow hop highlighted the unique rhythms and movements of traditional powwow dances.
For many students and staff, the powwow was a first-time experience and an opportunity to learn about and connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. The event emphasized the importance of community and the shared joy of coming together to celebrate diversity and tradition.
(MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 6)
2024 TRIBAL COUNCIL
Doreen Blaker, President
Rodney Loonsfoot, Vice President
Susan J LaFernier, Secretary
Elizabeth Liz Julio, Jr, Asst. Secretary
Theodore "Austin" Ayres, Treasurer
Robert RD Curtis, Jr.
Everett Ekdahl, Jr.
Sue Ellen Elmblad
Dale Goodreau
Hope Laramore
Sam Loonsfoot
Toni J Minton
Office of the President
Special Meeting 11/06/2024
Boozhoo Anin Gakina,
On behalf of the KBIC Tribal Council, we would like to wish everyone a Mino Niibaa Anama’e Giizhiigad. Mino Oshki Biboon igaye. (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year)
For the month of November, the Tribal Council held four Special Meetings. The following actions were taken:
Approved tribal candidate Violet M. Friisvall Ayres to run for Chief Judge in the 2024 tribal elections. Certified the results of the November 2, 2024 Baraga district primary election results as presented.
Approved the changes to the Home Ownership Program Lease to Own Policy as discussed.
Approved the amendment to the Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling Service Agreement, it was found that the well needed to be an additional 20 feet deeper in the ground than originally planned for, this will raise the total cost of the project to $145,968 04, an increase in $3,517 60 from the original estimate.
Approved the proposed retirement plan changes as presented.
Approved public comment process regarding the Eagle Mining progress.
Approved Resolution KB-061-2024 Robert A. Rajacic Recreational Lease.
Approved Resolution KB-062-2024 Otis D. Gale Residential Lease.
Special Meeting 11/13/2024
Approved the 2021 minutes from March 3rd, March 10th, March 17th, March 24th, and March 31st as presented.
Approved the preferred bid from Specialty Vehicle Services, LLC for the purchase of a 2024 8.5’x20’ Kitchen Trailer in the amount of $76,400.00.
Approved a donation to the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes in the amount of $1,000 00
Approved the preferred bid from Specialty Vehicle Services, LLC for the purchase of a 2025 38’ Ford Winnebago in the amount of $473,900.00 as presented.
Approved the preferred bid from Satellite Shelters, Inc. for the purchase of a 2025 8’x36’ Pull Behind Mobile Office in the amount of $43,466.00 as presented.
Approved a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to the National Indian Head Start Directors Association (NIHSDA) American Indian Alaska Native Child Advocacy Fund.
Approved a donation in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Learning to Walk Together Traditional Powwow at NMU on November 23, 2024.
Approved the Sub-contractual Agreement for the Mental Health and Delivery System for Native Americans FY 2024-2025.
Approved the Sub-contractual Agreement for Tribal Behavioral Health Implementation.
Approved the M&M Mid Valley Supply bid for pump replacement at the Pies in the amount of $237,421.32.
Approved an amendment to the 401K requirements to change the eligibility requirements for the 401K retirement plan, by eliminating the year of employment requirement and allowing eligibility after 1,000 hours worked.
Approved the preferred bid from Marquette GMC for the purchase of a 2024 GMC Yukon in the amount of $78,328.82.
Special Meeting 11/20/2024
Approved amending the donation in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Learning to Walk Together Traditional Powwow at NMU on November 23, 2024 to $2000.00.
Approved the revisions to KB-054-2024 and KB-055-2024 for the General Welfare Program and to create guidelines for the Winter Assistance Program.
Approved naming the Street designated as “Street C” in map number 2 AnintaatigMiikana (Maple Trail).
Approved naming the Street designated as “Street D” in map number 2 Mishiimin Miikana (Apple Trail).
Approved naming the Street designated “Street E” in map number 3 Aniibiing Miikana (on/in/near elm location).
Approved the preferred bid for a 2025 Chevrolet 1500 Custom Trail Boss from Keweenaw Chevrolet in the amount of $51,964.00
Special Meeting 11/27/2024
Approved the L’Anse 30 acres Housing Infrastructure Development construction contract with Danielson Construction, Inc. as presented.
Approved the Special Tribal Prosecuting Attorney Agreement with Jennifer France. Approved Resolution KB-067-2024.
The 2% funds in the amount of $165,492 99 are available for distribution for Baraga County for the second half of the year 2024, with the request that this money be distributed as follows:
Baraga County $ 33,738.04
Baraga School District $ 38,557.75
Baraga Township $ 13,254.23 Bay Ambulance $ 25,000.00
Baraga Village $ 10,844 37 Baraga Fire Department $ 10,000.00
L’Anse School District $ 20,483.81
L’Anse Township $ 2,409.86
L’Anse Village $ 1,204 93
L’Anse Fire Department $ 10,000.00
Approved Resolution KB-068-2024.
The 2% funds in the amount of $221,277.07 are available for distribution for Marquette County for the second half of the year 2024, with the request that this money be distributed as follows:
Chocolay Township –Water Tower Fund $ 31,000.00
Works Contribution $ 32,500.00 Sewer Vac Truck $ 40,000.00 Kawbawgam Pocket Park $ 17,500.00
Forsyth Township –T.E.A.M. – Repairs and Maintenance $ 1,250.00
“You People” $ 1,500.00
Marquette Area Public Schools – Title VI $ 10,000 00
City of Marquette David and Thu Brule’ YMCA $ 4,000.00 Marquette Police Department $ 14,777.07
County of Marquette
Community Action Alger Marquette –Home Meals $ 8,500.00
MCHD – Suicide Prevention $ 3,500.00
MCHD – New Points Harm Reduction $ 4,000 00
Mqt. Co. Aging Services RSVP –Lifetracker Program $ 3,750.00
Mqt. Co. 25th Circuit Court Juvenile Probation – Truancy $ 5,000.00
Central UP CISM Team and Peer Support $ 12,500.00 Superior Watershed Partnership $ 20,000.00 Sands Township – Fire Department Portable Lights w/Chargers $ 11,500.00
As we close out 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and involvement throughout the year December offers us a moment to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the milestones we’ve reached together. I would also like to praise the efforts and dedication of our tribal government staff; whose commitment has strengthened vital programs and upheld the traditions that define us. As we look ahead to 2025, I hope we can carry forward this spirit of collaboration and shared purpose to continue building a stronger, more vibrant future for generations to come.
2024 has been an incredible year of growth, innovation, and community empowerment for our tribal government, marked by numerous exciting developments across various departments. We expanded our Health Services with a new Behavioral Health Clinic and enhanced dental care, while welcoming Dr. Shelder to our medical team. In Substance Abuse Programs, the opening of the Halfway House provided vital transitional support for individuals in recovery. Victim Services hosted impactful talking circles and events for vulnerable populations, Social Services continues working with our families to protect and enhance child welfare, while Tribal Police made strides with a new School Resource Officer, added staff, and ongoing renovations to the Police Station.
Our Youth Programs thrived with consistent yearround offerings and a newly renovated gym. The CAP Office implemented changes to better support members through programs like ABON and Winter Costs Assistance In Education, the Promise Neighborhoods program strengthened our communities and neighbors with resources for students and families. Housing initiatives, including Supportive Housing, the L'Anse Infrastructure project, the Black Rock Crossing development in Marquette and the addition of sidewalks in Baraga (kudos to Transportation/Realty!), have set the stage for longterm community growth and stability. Elder
Services continued to shine with the ENP Home Health program and consistent support, including nutritious meals for elders.
Our Public Works team has kept up with vital preventive maintenance, while continued response to infrastructure needs. The Natural Resources Department has been proactive in sustainability efforts, managing mining activity, and enhancing climate resilience while protecting our environment and wildlife, in conjunction with Forestry. Pre-Primary expanded workforce development with many new training opportunities, such as Conscious Discipline, supported by Promise Neighborhoods. IT upgrades boosted security, with more improvements planned for the coming year. The Commodity Foods program continued its essential service, addressing hunger needs, and Marketing and Communications kept the community informed with updates via social media, signage, and media releases.
Our Personnel growth reached new heights, with nearly 335 active Government employees, a significant milestone for the tribe. Cultural Preservation came through with two successful powwows and events in local schools and nursing homes, celebrating our rich traditions. Enrollment and Licensing efforts remained steadfast, ensuring continued eligibility support for our members. Community collaborations, like those with Copper Country Mental Health and Feeding America, strengthened resources and support. The Gaming Commission welcomed a new Compliance Officer to ensure rigorous oversight, while our Legal Services expanded with the addition of a fourth attorney, increasing our capacity to serve.
On the financial side, we made significant strides with an updated accounting system, due for completion in 2025, and secured over $21 million in Grant Funding to fuel vital programs and initiatives. This is only a summary of the many key department takeaways but what a year it's been, and we’re excited to continue this momentum into 2025!
Looking ahead, the CEO's Office has identified key goals for 2025 that will guide our progress:
Strategic plan implementation: We will prioritize putting our long-term vision into action by executing the strategies outlined in
our updated strategic plan, ensuring measurable progress toward our goals.
Continued capacity building and community development: Strengthening our workforce, leadership, and infrastructure will remain at the forefront as we aim to empower individuals and foster sustainable community growth.
Improve organizational culture: Creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment will be a focus, with initiatives designed to encourage collaboration, trust, and employee well-being.
Enhance our Personnel Office functions: We will work to streamline hiring, onboarding, and employee support processes to ensure staff receive the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
Organizational structure – span of control within departments: Evaluating and refining the span of control within departments will help us improve efficiency, accountability, and workflow across the organization.
Continued communication upgrades: We will build on efforts to enhance transparency and accessibility by improving internal and external communication platforms.
Policy review efforts: A thorough review and modernization of policies will ensure alignment with best practices, compliance standards, and the needs of our community and staff.
Compensation analysis efforts: Conducting a comprehensive compensation analysis will allow us to ensure fair and competitive pay that reflects the value of our employees’ work.
Financial stewardship: We will continue to exercise responsible and transparent financial management to protect resources and invest wisely in initiatives that benefit the community.
If there are questions or comments on any of the 2024 highlights or 2025 look ahead, please contact my office
Notices:
The Police Department headquarters will be temporarily relocated to the Ojibwa Industrial Park while a renovation of their current space takes place. The project is expected to be completed by September 2025. We hope to share the updated plans with the community very soon!
Government offices are closed Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, and Thursday, December 26th for the Christmas holiday. Normal
hours of operation resume Friday, December 27th. We will then be closed Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year holiday.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season,
Brigitte
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Introducing the New Native American Outreach Worker at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Greetings! My name is Jill Beeler and I have lived in Baraga County for about 10 years. I was raised in a coastal town of Massachusetts and although the ocean will always be home, it has been an honor to plant roots here and be a part of such an amazing community. I was very excited to accept the position of Native American Outreach Worker for MDHHS
back in September. My role is a helper role and can be many things, but one of the things I am most looking forward to is being able to work with families to help find any resources they may need. My passion is community and culture, and I want to thank you in advance for trusting me with your needs. My goal is to build a safe bridge with a comfortable path to take when you may need help with something between KBIC and the State of Michigan. I plan to do this by creating programs that are specific to your needs as a community. I will be spending the next few months gathering information from you on what you would like that to look like.
When I am not working, I am with my family. Usually attending some sort of sporting event. Basketball season is our favorite season of the year! I am married to my best friend, and I am a very proud mother to a 24 and 16 year old. I am also the luckiest Nonna to a very sassy 4-year-old princess. Miigwech for having me!
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.
Marquette Senior Christmas Luncheon
The Marquette Senior Christmas Luncheon was a heartwarming celebration held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Ojibwa Casino Event Center Tribal seniors from the Marquette area gathered to enjoy an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and engaging activities. The event featured a wide array of mouthwatering dishes and desserts, ensuring everyone had something to savor. The beautifully decorated venue added to the holiday spirit, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all in attendance. In addition to the delightful meal, seniors participated in a variety of fun games, including Perfection, Bop It, Operation, and a bow game. These activities not only brought laughter and excitement but also gave participants the chance to earn additional drawing slips for the highly anticipated bucket prize
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2024 Mining Update
From
the
Great Lakes Section at the Natural Resources Department
Eagle Mine owned by Lundin
Eagle is a copper-nickel mine that operates a mine near Big Bay and the Humboldt Mill near Champion Revex Technologies, an Eagle project partner, was selected for a Department of Energy grant to reprocess mine tailings from Eagle Mine to remove sulfur compounds and nickel; the final amount of the grant has not yet been determined. To prepare for the project, Eagle is submitting permit revisions to prepare for a new part of their ore processing and mine backfilling. After Revex re-processes Eagle’s tailings, they will be used as aggregate to seal off the previously mined areas. In mining jargon this is called “paste backfill”. KBIC Tribal Council wrote a letter of support since the project focuses on recycling as a source of critical minerals and reduces the amount of tailings stored on the landscape. Learn more about the Revex project herehttps://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/09/2 0/marquette-county-nickel-project-awarded-up145m-federal-government/. Since this paste backfill process is a change to what they originally proposed, Eagle Mine must apply to the state to revise their original air and mine permits. Learn more about the air permit from the November 6th Council meetinghttps://www.ojibwa.com/.
Natural Resources
KBIC involvement with the Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) continues in cooperation with the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP). Throughout the year NRD staff join SWP in collecting water samples in and around Eagle Mine to independently show that the company is meeting their permit conditions. Youth Technicians and NRD staff visited Eagle Rock to learn about the cultural significance of the rock, the geologic history of the area, and the plants live there and what we can learn from them. While we collected blueberries for CEMP we talked about the importance of monitoring edible plants, too. Learn more about CEMP here - https://swpcemp.org/.
Tilden Mine owned by Cleveland Cliffs
Tilden is an iron mine located on the Marquette Iron Range, about 5 miles south of Ishpeming. In 2022 Cleveland Cliffs applied to expand their mine tailings disposal area. KBIC submitted comments expressing concerns about inadequate rare and endangered species surveys, major wetland impacts, and minimal consideration for project alternatives that would lessen the environmental impact. This year, Cleveland Cliffs is reapplying and invited KBIC, Red Cliff, and Lac du Flambeau staff and GLIFWC for a mine tour and a meeting to learn more about the changes the Company has made to their application (October 8th). Participants were not able to take photos during the tour and we have still not received the Company-approved photos.
Copperwood owned by Copperwood Resources, a subsidiary of Highland Copper Inc.
Copperwood is a potential copper and silver mine located near Wakefield, and is immediately west of the Porcupine Mountains State Park. There is no mining occurring at the site; the company is in the pre-construction phase of the project and is currently rerouting streams and building wetlands. Permits have been in place for years, but some, including the “permit to install” need to be renewed and are in a public comment period until December 3rd.
Photo (above): YCC youth sits on Eagle Rock overlooking Eagle Mine and writes notes/reflections following our discussion about geology, plants, and cultural significance of the area.
Natural Resources
Photo description (above): The majority of the 11,000-acre White Pine mine complex in Ontonagon is the three tailings ponds In July NRD staff participated in a cultural survey and a site tour of the While Pine complex
During an October 2nd site inspection, EGLE identified areas where stream rerouting work was improperly completed. EGLE made recommendations to Highland Copper and NRD staff are in communication with GLIFWC and other Tribes for the best way to respond. The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee is considering a $50 Million grant for the project. Learn more about Copperwood from the September 25th and October 23rd Council meetingshttps://www.ojibwa.com/.
Talon Metals is doing mineral exploration in the area
Talon Metals is a mining and mineral exploration company operating the Tamarack Project in Minnesota and conducting mineral exploration in the Upper Peninsula. This year Talon hosted two community open houses in L’Anse and Baraga and provided drill site tours to NRD staff and Natural Resources Committee staff on multiple occasions.
Photo (right): NRD staff visited Talon’s Roland Lake and Boulderdash drill sites It was an opportunity to observe the exploratory drilling process and learn about the different methods for predicting where and how large a mineral deposit is and confirming those models by drilling
On October 24th, Talon announced a nickel and copper intrusion was found during exploratory drilling at the Boulderdash site
Geologically speaking, an intrusion means that something (e.g., copper and nickel) exists in rock of a different kind. Finding this intrusion is promising and confirms a decades long hunch that these minerals exist at the site, but it will take years to confirm a mineable quantity of mineral. On November 19th, Talon announced that three other boreholes also show these minerals are present. This means that Talon is still working to figure out how large the mineral deposit is.
Misc mining
Last year the White House released a report, Recommendations for Improving Mining on Public Lands, which made policy and regulatory recommendations to assist legislators and agency staff in pursuing changes to the mining and permitting process in the US. KBIC submitted a comment letter expressing broader concerns about the Forest Service not being involved in drafting the report, current emphasis on streamlining the permitting process rather taking time for meaningful engagement and consultation, federal investments that are primarily directed at finding and quantifying critical mineral deposits and not groundwater characterization, and Tribal consultation as a legal minimum.
Natural Resources
Photo (above): A map with approximate locations of proposed mine locations (Copperwood), current mine locations (Tilden, Eagle, and Humboldt Mill), and exploratory areas (Talon).
Photo (above): With permits in hand, Talon completed work to clear the drill site and access trail at the Boulderdash property in mid-August. Talon shared this photo with NRD staff
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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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Current Job Postings
https://wwwkboccedu/employment/op enings/
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December - National Handwashing Week
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights frequent hand hygiene as one of the most important acts in preventing disease. Hand hygiene includes washing and sanitizing hands. Let us review these recommendations about hand hygiene:
Whenever a messy chore is done, wash your hands, because dirt is visible on the hands. But it is what we cannot see that is dangerous.
Germs are invisible. Germs are microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
Germs are everywhere. They are within and on our bodies and on every touchable surface.
Not all germs are bad. Good germs help to keep us healthy and to keep our immune system strong. On our hands are good germs that live under the deeper layers of the skin, and most are not removed by washing with soap and water.
Our hands can also have transient, bad germs on the outermost layer that cause illnesses.
Health experts recommend washing our hands with soap and clean, warm water for at least 20 seconds. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice equals 20 seconds.
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Be sure to work up a good lather and clean the back of the hands, the wrists, between the fingers and under the nails.
Dry them using a clean towel or a hot air dryer.
7. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is another way to keep our hands clean. 60% alcohol is recommended.
8. If neither soap nor sanitizers are available, follow the above steps with water and vigorous rubbing. 9.Let us model good behavior by washing our hands, because our children want to do what we do. Wash babies’ hands and teach children to wash their hands after the bathroom and before eating.
So, we must take hand cleanliness seriously by remembering other healthy hand habits:
Learn to control your hands by not coughing or sneezing into hands A typical human sneeze emits around 40,000 droplets, carrying germs from the mouth. Sneeze or cough into your shoulder or into your elbow.
Let’s not put our hands or fingers in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth.
Germs can live on surfaces from three hours to seven days; germs survive less on dry surfaces. Germs live on shared surfaces such as door handles, counters, phones, remote controllers, keyboards, piano keys, ink pens, sports equipment, handling food, toys, and others’ hands.Sometimes, we can handle these items with a tissue. We can turn off water faucets & open many doors with our elbows; latch doors handles can be opened with the ring & pinky fingers of the nondominant hand, often the left fingers. Small hand-sanitizers can fit in our pocket or purse, to use after touching items.
We learned from the COVID Pandemic that the Covid virus is less likely to spread when excellent hand hygiene is practiced.According to the CDC, handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses. And handwashing prevents 1 in 5 infections, including the flu, colds, pneumonia, and sore throats.
Worldwide, about 1.4 million children under age 5 die from diarrhea and pneumonia Handwashing can stop many of these deaths. Why not do what we can to help our children??
This is why we love National Handwashing Week in December, because by this small effort, we can protect ourselves, our family and each other.
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https://nationaltoday.com/national-handwashingawareness-
week/The%20Effect%20of%20Handwashing%20with %20Water%20or%20Soap%20on%20Bacterial%20Co ntamination%20of%20Hands%20%20PMC%20(nih.gov)
https:/www.cdc.gov/handwashing/whyhandwashing html
https:/www cdc gov/handhygiene/science/index html
https:/allnurses.com/december-nationalhandwashing-montht663840/#:~:text=December%20is%20National%20Ha ndwashing%20Month%2C%20a%20global%20advoc acy,that%20hospital%20personnel%20accomplish%2 0on%20a%20daily%20basis
Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach jrickert@deltadentalmi.com; 231-313-8407
Tribes Awarded Climate Change Support
through MI Healthy Climate Corps and NOAA B-WET Projects
SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan will be a new grantee of AmeriCorps’s MI Healthy Climate Corps on Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. CPRG is a grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help develop climate action plans with six Tribes in Michigan: Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The MI Healthy Climate Corps accelerates Michigan’s climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Members serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2022, aims to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; create good-paying jobs; position Michigan as a climate action leader; and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders.
MI Healthy Climate Plan lays out a broad vision for fulfilling Governor Whitmer’s commitment to achieving 100% economy-wide carbon neutrality in Michigan by midcentury. MI Healthy Climate Corps members serve at organizations across Michigan, providing critical support to communities tackling climate change. The program launched in early 2024 with new cohorts selected annually. MI Healthy Climate Corps members receive significant training and career development support to step into Michigan’s climate leadership pool. The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan is one of thirty-one communities or organizations that will be hosting the new MI Healthy Climate Corps
“Plans will include how the Tribes will combat climate change for the next 25 years,” said Dustin Paras, the CPRG Program Manager. He continues “We also plan to include complete greenhouse gas inventories for each participating Tribe, emissions projects and emissions reducing projects that the Tribes can use to lower their carbon footprint.”
“My role in this project will be helping create greenhouse gas inventories for the Tribes along with emission projections,” said Lucas Roff, Environmental Technician with MI Healthy Climate Corps. He adds “I’ll also help with obtaining Tribal members’ input for these plans through outreach events this upcoming spring and summer.”
Lucas is a cohort for the MI Healthy Climate Corps, partnered with Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan. He will be working out of Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s central office in Sault Ste. Marie. Lucas is from Sandusky and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Lake Superior State University.
Lucas will also be assisting with the NOAA B-WET project this spring and early next fall. The NOAA BWET grant is funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ITCM has partnered to support Bay Mills Biological Services on the project. The main purpose of this program is to provide students at Ojibwe Charter School with meaningful watershed educational experiences. These experiences will teach students the importance of watersheds and how climate change has a major impact on local watersheds. In this program, students will attend field days at three different locations In the field days, students will learn how to properly identify a healthy watershed. Lucas’s role in this project is to help students during the field days this spring and next fall.
More information on MI Healthy Climate Corps can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organizatio n/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climateplan/initiatives/mi-healthy-climate-corps
ITC of Michigan
Lucas Roff, Environmental Technician with MI Healhy Climate Corps will be helping participating tribes create greenhouse gas inventories along with emission projections as part of Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. He will also be providing support on Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s NOAA B-WET project to provide students with meaningful watershed educational experiences. Lucas’s office is located at Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan’s central office in Sault Ste. Marie.
NOAA B-WET promotes student learning in their local communities and encourages capacity building for environmental education. B-WET funding supports states, school districts, and their partners to develop high-quality environmental education experiences for every students, as well as rigorous teacher training opportunities. Learn more about NOAA B-WET at https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/bwet
MI Healthy Climate Corps members serve at organizations across Michigan, providing critical support to communities tackling climate change. The program launched in early 2024 with new cohorts selected annually. MI Healthy Climate Corps members receive significant training and career development to step into Michigan’s climate leadership pool. Learn more about MI Healthy Climate Corps here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organizatio n/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climateplan/initiatives/mi-healthy-climate-corps
The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit corporation duly organized under a state charter filed April 16, 1968. The agency represents all twelve federally recognized
tribes in Michigan. The agency is divided into several different divisions, including headstart; early headstart; health services; behavioral health; environmental services; child, family, and education services; and administration. The agency employs approximately 160 employees. 35 of these employees are based in the agency’s central office in Sault Ste. Marie, while member tribes have offices and staff on site. Visit http://www.itcmi.org/ to learn more about the agency.
Media Contact:
Mike Willette
Communication Specialist
Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan 906-632-6896 x.154 mwillette@itcmi.org
Breyelle Bowers and Princess Pierre participated in the Baraga
and Field and Cross Country
on Saturday, November 20. Breyelle finished 1st in her age group, and Princess finished first for all females, receiving the overall female trophy.
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