GICHI MANIDOO GIIZI - GREAT SPIRIT MOON

On Saturday, December 17, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community held its 2022 General Election. A total of 234 voters cast their votes in the Baraga District. A total of 144 voters cast their ballots in the L'Anse District Absentee votes totaled 55 The top two votegetters from each district earned a seat on Tribal Council. The top vote-getter for Associate Judge earned that title.
The General Elections results are as follows;
Baraga District:
Rodney Loonsfoot (Inc) - 193 votes
Don Messer (Inc) - 115 votes
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
Everett Ekdahl, Jr. - 310 votes
Warren C Swartz, Jr - 185 votes
L'Anse District:
Edward M Edwards (Inc) - 231 votes
Gary F. Loonsfoot, Jr. (Inc) - 159 votes
Austin Ayres - 260 votes
Rodney Loonsfoot IN THIS ISSUE
CEO'S CORNER
FATHERHOOD
Joanne (Swartz) Clement - 146 votes
Associate Judge:
Violet Friisvall Ayres - 296
Proposal 1: Do you support a Hotel and RV development in Marquette at the current casino site with an estimated cost of $25 million? - Yes - 308, No - 117
Proposal 2: Do you support the purchase of the Nothern Michigan University Golf Course of approximately 189 acres of land adjacent to Marquette casino site for up to $1.5 million? - Yes - 251, No - 173
Happy 2023 everyone! A new year is always a time for a refreshed look at yourself, goals, and what was accomplished in the previous year. It may also be a time to reflect on the not so good things and learn from experiences to make them better in the future. As for me, my motto this year is: New year, SAME me, BIGGER
goals. I am ready to take this year head on, who’s with me?!
I looked up “what does the year 2023 mean?” and here is what I found (in terms of energy):
The digit 2 energy resonates and is blended between coexistence, teamwork, and romance.
The digit 0 energy resonates with wholeness, all that is, and infinite potential.
The digit 3 energy resonates with creative selfexpression, charisma, and tolerance
Take these energy meanings how you want but I think it’s fun to have a little understanding of where the year may lead and why.
With the Packers AND Lions not making the playoffs, it means we will have a little less stress to worry about and have more time for winter activities In addition to high school and youth basketball, hockey, and figure skating seasons our community is offering different activities for families throughout the month. The Youth Department has over 25 youth participating in a new skiing program over the next 6 weeks at Mt Ripley A Winter Nature Walk for families is planned with our Maternal Child Health staff on January 19th at 4:00 pm and our Natural Resources Department is teaming up with the youth program to offer a Youth Outdoors Adventure day on January 21st. Following that on January 28th, we have our 17th Annual Winter Traditional Pow-Wow held at the Niiwin Akeaa Center – so, lots to look forward to this month, I hope you and your family are able to take part in something we have to offer.
Please tune into our official Facebook page – Keweenaw Bay Indian Community – for listings of ALL we have to offer for the community throughout the year.
Some of the big wins in 2022 for KBIC was seen initially through continuing to navigate through the pandemic. We know it’s not completely over but I feel, as a whole, we have a grip on protocols and an understanding of procedures to keep our workplace and community safe. Huge kudos to our health staff and assisting every step of the way
Speaking of the health staff, we have a couple of new faces within our health clinic leadership that are paving the way with changes and improvements to better serve our community members. We were able to hire our first-ever Chief Medical Officer through a change in the organizational structure at the clinic. This change was made to offer a more team approach to meet the mission and vision of the clinic. In fact, if you would like to meet our new staff there will be a Meet and Greet at the clinic from 10:00 am to Noon on January 26th (snacks provided!)
Another big hire was a Marketing Communication Coordinator. This was significant for KBIC because it allows us to bring all of our internal and external communication efforts together into one area to allow for the most alignment of all that is happening with KBIC This was also essential to bringing back and producing the Community Newsletter and now entering a website update project that will include a lot of needs heard from members through the last year and a half.
Other key hires over the year were: Health Administrator, Personnel Director, Assistant Public Works Director, and Housing Manager. All are integral pieces to their departments that will assist with again, meeting the mission and vision of the department and KBIC.
Introducing the annual performance review program was a large feat for the CEO and Personnel offices We have always had policy around annual reviews but never anything streamlined to actually perform them. This year we were able to tweak the policy, provide a procedure, and now a timeline for reviews to begin. This may seem like something that isn’t important but annual reviews allow for a time for supervisor and employee to meet and provide consistent advice on employee performance Without it, employees are sometimes left in the dark on what their job is, how they are doing, and if it really matters how well they do at work. This can lead to decreased initiative, motivation, and drive to be the best employee they can be.
A Policy Review Workgroup was formed early in 2022 The purpose of this workgroup is to address the current policy handbook in place and revise, edit, or change policies to fit with our organization today. We were able to get seven sections through the year and will be reviving internal meetings as well as meetings with council to get approvals as we enter 2023.
Another large undertaking this year was bringing in Johnson Controls to begin assessments of our tribal buildings. They were able to complete Phase 1 of 3 in 2022 with Phase 2 beginning in the next month. These assessments allow our Public Works staff to understand
where and what in our buildings need attention. This is important as we continue to improve our community buildings as well as our workplace environments Look for more improvements throughout 2023.
Last but not least we were successful in many grant opportunities and submissions this past year! This is HUGE for KBIC as we were without a Grant Specialist for many months Kudos to all department staff and our Grant Specialist for their hard work in meeting the needs of the applications and moving forward successfully with the awarded grants. By the end of 2022 we were able to secure over $26 million in grant funding through many different agencies and departments.
2023 goals in the CEO office include:
Capacity and Community Building
o offering more opportunities to build up our community and what we offer
Improved onboarding and orientation process for new employees
Increased professional development opportunities for all employees
Continued enhancement of communication and creation of policies
o Website update project
o Surveys and Social Media
o Digital and Video usage
Continued policy reform
o Internal and Externally with partners and how/why we work with them
Record and storage retention
o address and strategize ways to improve
Continued evaluation of health clinic and its structure
o where can we potentially mimic this in other departments
As always thank you to everyone for your trust and patience as we keep moving forward with the day to day work and overarching improvements we are trying to make here at KBIC My door is always open
Stay warm, Brigitte
Tribal Council met for their reorganizational meeting on January 7, 2023 After certifying the election results and swearing in of the following elected officials: Associate Judge Violet Friisvall Ayres and Council members: Austin Ayres, Edward M. Edwards, Everett Ekdahl Jr., and Rodney Loonsfoot, the Council voted for Executive Board positions for 2023.
The KBIC Executive Board for 2023 is as follows:President: Doreen Blaker, Vice President: Toni Minton, Secretary: Elizabeth “Liz” Julio, Assistant Secretary: Robert “RD” Curtis, and Treasurer: Theodore “Austin” Ayres.
Tribal President Blaker will oversee Tribal Council business which includes several departments that report to the Tribal President’s office. Ms. Blaker has over 31 years of employment with the KBIC, including Housing Director, Tribal Court Advocate, and wildland firefighting. She has served on the Tribal Council for a total of 14 years and enjoys volunteering her time in the community
"President Blaker emulates the character and traits needed in a President for KBIC to move forward in a positive direction. I am more than excited to work relentlessly with her to meet the priorities of TribalCouncil, " said Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, Chief Executive Officer "Her experience and trust gained within our community and with our tribal citizens will allow for an easy transition in her new role."
“It is an honor to serve the people as the KBIC President in the upcoming year,” said Blaker. “Our people, tribal organizations, and businesses work diligently to provide a sustainable foundation and economy for today and our future generations. I look forward to overseeing the goals and objectives that the Tribal Council will set forth this year.”
The next Tribal Council meeting is Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 9 AM in the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center
With frost curling sparkles across the windows and fuzzy socks adorning your feet, gardening season is a warm, summer memory put to bed under a blanket of snow
Or is it?
It’s easy to think that yardwork is over during snow season, but there’s a perfect winter task waiting if you’re itching to get outdoors – pruning
You can also see the shape of broadleaf, or deciduous, trees best when branches are not obscured by leaves
The potential for transfer of diseases by insects is also at its lowest in winter since it’s too cold for beetles and flies to move about. This is important for oak trees that can be infected fatally with oak wilt disease in warmer months when beetles move from tree to tree
Most trees and shrubs should be pruned in winter, except springflowering plants like hydrangeas and dogwoods. Prune them after they flower
The graphic shows the difference between a good pruning cut, outside the tree's natural branch collar, and a bad one, a flush cut that removes the branchcollar (ImagefromUniversityofMinnesota)
Pruning is more than just giving your trees and shrubs a trim. Sure, whacking branch ends off will make a tree neater, but a bit of technique will help ensure its health and vitality. Pruning removes damaged or sick parts of trees and can stimulate new growth and fruit production.
“The best time to prune most trees is in late winter to early spring before growth starts,” said Kevin Sayers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program leader “That’s January to March in Michigan ”
During this time, trees are dormant, and sap is not flowing, which minimizes the impact of cuts from pruning.
Specific pruning techniques can vary by plant species, blooming time and whether the tree produces fruit, but the basics remain the same
To prune your tree, look at its overall branch structure and shape
First, remove diseased, dead or broken branches Then cut any branches that cross and rub together, as well as any that make the tree grow lopsided Work around the tree, not just from one side, so the shape is even. Prune away suckers sprouting from the base of single-stem trees and trim off low-hanging branches If unsure, ask yourself, “will I be whacked in the face when I mow the lawn?”
When you prune away twigs and branches, find the sweet spot: don’t leave long stubs that can slow healing, but don't make flush cuts that remove the branch collar, the slight swelling where the branch meets the stem.
Wounds created by cuts too close to the trunk can injure the tree. Always make pruning cuts on the outside of the natural branch collar.
Pruning should improve air flow in your tree or shrub by opening up the crown but avoid removing more than 25% of the tree in any single year so it can recover more easily.
The “less is more” rule applies to pruning. Good pruning is not measured by the quantity of material removed, but rather by the quality.
Remove heavy or long limbs using the “three-cut method” to prevent damage to your tree First, cut the end third of the branch off. Then remove the middle third, and finally, cut the remaining third above the branch collar This prevents a heavy branch from tearing off a strip of bark as it falls.
If your pruning project is do-it-yourself sized, gather your gear and size up the scene before starting
Work gloves are a must for pruning, especially if you’ll be dealing with a thorny plant. If you’re working on a particularly overgrown or dense tree, also consider putting on a pair of safety glasses or goggles before diving in to avoid getting poked in the eye.
Prune away suckers sprouting from the base of single-stem trees as part of yourwintercare
To finish, do you need to use pruning spray? Tree care professionals say no
“Trees are able to naturally repair and seal themselves after pruning, so treatment is not necessary,” said Lawrence Sobson, DNR urban forester and partnership coordinator
Having the right tool for the job will make pruning quicker and easier. Depending on the size and type of plant you’re growing, here are a few options to consider investing in:
• Handheld pruning shears – use for small trees and shrubs, roses and detail work
• Long-handled loppers – best for shrubs, hedges and larger fruit trees
• Pruning saw or long-handled pole saw – used to remove lowhanging overhead limbs, large branches or brush
Maintain your tools by keeping a sharp edge, which will help neatly cut twigs instead of crushing them with dull blades. Keep them clean by wiping them with alcohol or a cleaning wipe after use to prevent the transfer of diseases between plants. A bit of oil before storing tools can help keep blades and moving parts from rusting
Some pruning tasks are manageable at home, while others are best left to experts
If you are dealing with large, heavy branches or tall trees, especially those located near a building or electrical wires, don’t take risks. Tree care can be dangerous, so have tough jobs handled by a professional tree service company.
Find a landscaping company accredited with the Tree Care Industry Association or a certified arborist with the Michigan chapter of the International Society of Arborculture.
When trimming low-hanging branches, a long-handled pole saw is your friend, allowing you to work from the ground. Be aware that branches can swing and strike you if only partially cut through, so make decisive cuts, work in small sections at a time and be aware of your surroundings
When dealing with anything taller than you can reach with a pole saw, thoughtfully evaluate your abilities and safety.
“Ladders are useful for changing lightbulbs and cleaning gutters, but are not usually appropriate for pruning tree limbs,” said Sayers
Ladders are unstable and usually aren’t large enough to reach desired branches for pruning mature trees, which can be anywhere from 20 to 100 feet tall In most cases, if you think you need a ladder to accomplish your work, you probably need a professional instead
From homes for birds to tasty fruit to cooling shade in the summertime, trees and shrubs provide an array of natural benefits With the right knowledge, tools and care, your trees and shrubs will be happier, healthier and thriving.
Once your winter pruning is accomplished, it’s time to start planning for spring planting season. Get ready with tips from our Mi Trees resources and add your new trees to the community planting map.
Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories at Michigan gov/DNRStories To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan gov/DNREmail
KBIC Youth Programs and Youth Committee held the annual Christmas parties on Saturday, December 17, for Baraga youth and Sunday, December 18, for Marquette youth.
The Baraga party was held at the Niiwin Akeaa Community Center, and the Marquette party was held at the Children's Museum in Marquette.
Youth ages 0 - 17 enjoyed dog sled rides outside the community center and a hot chocolate station to warm up with Lunch from Pizza Hut, Cakewalk, candy bags, a photo booth, and a chance to see Santa Clause
The Children's Museum provided the entire facility for Marquette youth, lunch was served by Jet's Pizza, and children received a candy bag and a chance to see Santa Clause
Great job to the Youth Programs staff and the Youth Committee for all your hard work at this year's parties.
This time of year brings out the carolers in the Franc Family. Their annual tradition of gathering to s Christmas carols was enjoyed by the residents of t Housing department's Superior View apartmen Residents and guests gathered around to sing some their favorites.
Members of the Francois family included Jeff Franco Natalie Mleko, Rebecca Callejas, Eugenio Callej Francisco Callejas, Samuel Callejas, Juan Pablo Callej Caleb Callejas, and Reyna Callejas.
Superior View residents included Catherine Elliot, Dorot Stevens, Anita Chosa, Beverly Lussier, Fanchon Boyet Robert DeCota, Clara Corbett, Grace Miikola, and Bets Ross
§3 1706, Controlled Substance (Meth) 3rd Offense:
1. $500.00 Fine.
2.One Hundred and Eighty (180) days jail, credit for thirty (30) days served, serve one hundred and fifty (150) days jail with good time.
3 Six to twelve (6-12) probation with the $10 monthly fee
§3.1308, Disobedience of a Lawful Court Order:
1. $500.00 Fine.
2.Forty five (45) days jail, credit for three (3) days served, forty two (42) days suspended jail pending successful completion of all terms and conditions of probation
3. Banishment shall be entertained if further violations occur.
Feather Alert (ca.gov)
A Feather Alert is a resource available to law enforcement agencies in California investigating the suspicious or unexplainable disappearance of an indigenous woman or indigenous person The Feather Alert will provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of missing indigenous persons.
In order for a Feather Alert to be activated, certain criteria need to be met.
1 The missing person is an indigenous woman or indigenous person.
2. The investigating law enforcement agency has utilized available local and tribal resources.
3 The law enforcement agency determines that the person has gone missing under unexplainable or suspicious circumstances.
4. The law enforcement agency believes that the person is in danger.
5 There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.
The Education Department would like to recognize the following college students placed on the Honor's, Dean's, or President's List at their respective schools for the Fall 2022 semester The list is compiled of those who submitted transcripts to the Education Department following the end of the Fall 2022 semester.
Congratulations to all students who have been recognized for these honors; it takes hard work and dedication to achieve such accomplishments KBIC is proud!
DySean Allen - President's List: 4.0 GPA, School: Central Michigan University, Major: Pre-Medicine
Taylor Drift - Honor's List: 3.43 GPA, School: Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Major: AA-Liberal Studies
LeRoy Gauthier - Dean's List: 4 0 GPA, School: Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Major: AS Business Administration
Anna Lindgren - Dean's List: 3.54 GPA, School: Michigan Technological University, Major: BS - Psychology
Steven Maki - Dean's List: 3.51 GPA, School: Michigan Technological University, Major: BS - Software Engineering
Jenna Messer - Dean's List: 3 76 GPA, School: Michigan Technological University, Major: BS - Social Science
Gabrielle Picciano - Dean's List: 3.92 GPA, School: Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Major: AALiberal Studies
Alayna Schofield - Dean's List: 3.85 GPA, School: Lake Superior State University, Major: BS - Fisheries & Wildlife
Shawn Seppanen - Dean's List: 3 8 GPA, School: Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Major: ASEnvironmental Science
Brayden Velmer - Dean's List: 3.57 GPA, School: Northern Michigan University, Major: BS - Multimedia Production
Nathanial Welsh - Honor's List: 3.23 GPA, School: Northern Michigan University, Major: BS - Biochemistry
Javon Shelifoe, a senior at Baraga High School and a member of the L'Anse Hornets co-op football team has been selected to play in the 2023 U P All- Star game at the Northern Michigan University Superior Dome in June 2023
Javon played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Purple Hornets football team He received 1st Team Defense for the WestPac conference and All-UP 1st Team for defense Javon
represent L'Anse's
community is proud!
For the past nine years, minus the 2021 cancellation due to COVID-19, the L'Anse Hoops elementary basketball program and the Baraga Booster Club elementary basketball program have come together to host a season kickoff tournament between the two basketball programs for what they dubbed the "Battle of the Bays." Both programs have many of our kbic youth that plays Each district alternates hosting the event each year. The basketball programs will play 12 games, boys' and girls' teams, from K-2 to 6th grade each year. The Program with
the most wins after the one-day event take away the Battle of the Bays trophy for the remainder of the year. This year, L'Anse pulled away with a 7 - 5 total over Baraga to keep the trophy in L'Anse until 2024.
K - 2 Boys Game 1: L'Anse
K - 2 Girls Game 1: L'Anse
K - 2 Boys Game 2: L'Anse
K - 2 Girls Game 2: Baraga
3rd Grade Boys: Baraga
3rd Grade Girls: Baraga
4th Grade Boys: L'Anse
4th Grade Girls: L'Anse
5th Grade Boys: L'Anse
5th Grade Girls: Baraga
6th Grade Boys: L'Anse
6th Grade Girls: Baraga
My husband and I are empty nesters. We have three adult children and two puppies. I have a Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have about two years of experience in child support with several years of experience in
behavioral health and health care administration. I have worked for 4 different local governments throughout my professional career.
My goal for the program is to improve the lives of the families we serve through successful program implementation, continue program growth, and improve collaboration with community partners
Rebecca Dove Community Outreach CoordinatorI am a single mom of 4 children, I live in L'Anse and have worked in my position for just over a year. I am a certified Mediator through the State of Michigan, I sat on the Anti-Violence Task Force in my previous job and have 10 plus years of experience serving the community in both my career and volunteer related fields. I enjoy spending time with my family in nature as often as possible and am looking forward to being a part of the upcoming program.
My goal for the Program is to use skills I have learned to help our fellow community members strengthen the bond they have with their children, to support and encourage them to be the best parents they can for their family. No two families are the same and I believe that is whats the best part about this program, that it can suit any parent or guardian in a childs life, it starts with the basic fundamentals of being the most positive influence your child can have.
I am happily married with two sons and three dogs. I enjoy sports and hunting. In my free time, I coach elementary basketball and enjoy spending time with my family.
My goal for this program is to get mothers and fathers back on the right path and assist them in bringing their
families back together. This program takes a fundamental approach based on traditional Native American traditions and values. I am grateful to be given this opportunity to help guide parents where they need to be to make our community a great place
I'm Steven Denomie I'm 34 years old son of Robert and Lauri Denomie. I have 3 children ages 7, 4, and 1, myself and my Children are all Tribal members from the Bay Mills Indian Community. I've been working for the tribe for 23 years in different departments.
I Coach JR High Football along with Varsity Basketball here in L'Anse. If I'm not spending time with my children, I spend a lot volunteering around the Community. This past year I was selected for the Baraga County Appreciation Award This award honors those who selflessly volunteer their time and talent to make Baraga County a better place to play, work, and live.
My goal is to help this Community by Strengthening Families and helping them to be the best they can be for themselves and our Community
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