KBIC NEWS
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Welcomes Dr. Shelbie Shelder to Health Services Team
In a significant stride towards enhancing health care for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), the community proudly announces the addition of Dr. Shelbie Shelder to its health services team. Dr. Shelder, a distinguished family medicine physician with an unwavering commitment to rural and Native American health.
Originally hailing from Muskegon, Michigan, Dr. Shelder is an enrolled member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Her educational journey is a testament to her dedication
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
CEO'S CORNER
ANISHINAABE DENTAL OUTREACH
C-CHARM PROJECT
to serving underserved communities. Dr. Shelder completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University (MSU), where she laid the foundation for her medical career.
Her pursuit of medical excellence led her to the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth, where she focused extensively on rural and Native American health.
After her initial training in Minnesota, Dr. Shelder moved to Seattle,
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
Washington, where she completed her family medicine residency at the renowned Swedish Cherry Hill program. During her residency, she worked primarily at the Seattle Indian Health Board, gaining hands-on experience in serving the Native American community. Her time at the Seattle Indian Health Board was instrumental in shaping her approach to culturally sensitive and community-oriented healthcare.
Dr. Shelder completed her residency in June 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the healthcare needs specific to Native populations.
Office of the President
Annin Boozhoo Gakina,
For the month of June, the Tribal Council had four Regular Meetings. The Tribal Council took action on the following items listed below.
Special Meeting 06-052024
Approved budget
modification for the Constitutional Task Force for additional $10,000.00 for postage, advertisement, supplies, food and stipends.
Approved adding the Campground Caretaker wage and fringe to the KBIC Enterprise budget.
Approved an employee agreement for one year with WMQT/WZAM Manager Thomas Mogush
Approved increasing the volunteer leave from 4 to 8 hours for employees aged 55 years and older to participate in fundraising activities until a general volunteer policy is formulated.
Approved Resolution KB-028-2024 to purchase 200 acres of land from Lyme Great Lakes Timber LLC for $320,000.00.
Approved Resolution KB-030-2024 Brian Dunleavy Recreational Lease.
Special Meeting 06-12-2024
Approved amending the Services Agreement date between KBIC and Shanne Charley until October 31,2024. (Health services contractor)
Approved the Development Agreement between KBIC and the Black Rock Crossing Limited Dividend Housing Association Limited Partnership and Woda Cooper Development, Inc and the assignment of the development fee between Woda Cooper Development, Inc. and KBIC.
Approved 24 more additional hours of Powwow Committee leave and to have the policy rewritten within three months.
Approved the Tier II Services Agreement between KBIC and Stix and Stones Construction LLC for the reconstruction of the pole barn behind DPW offices in the amount of $189,000.00.
Special Meeting 06-19-2024 (held in Marquette)
Approved the Council meeting minutes from September 2nd 16th 30th 2020.
Approved the bid from Kleiman Pump and Well Drilling in the amount of $142,450.44 to drill an 8-inch diameter well for KBIC Natural Resources as presented.
Approved KB-031-2024 Brandon P. Dakota Residential Lease.
Approved KB-032-2024 Michael S E Miron Residential Lease.
Approved an amendment to the Enterprise Policy Section IV Paid Leave -D. Bereavement Leave paragraph (1) to include “ ….and immediate family members of domestic partners” and the definition of domestic partner
Domestic Partner – A personal relationship between two individuals who live together for a minimum of one year and share a common domestic life but are neither joined by marriage nor a civil union.
Third Reading of Proposed Ordinance 2024-01 Amendments to Title 38 Chapter 1. Section 38-1 Definitions and Chapter 2. Commercial and Subsistence Fishing section 38-43 Definitions.
Approved Amendment One: KBIC Descendant means a person lineally descended from a Tribal Member who is the biological child of a Member of the Community.
Approved Amendment Two: Helpers card with photograph issued by the Licensing Clerk to a KBIC Descendant person who is an enrolled member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community or a KBIC Descendant assisting or employed by a Commercial Fisherman or assisting a Subsistence Fisherman
Approved Proposed Ordinance 2024-01 with amendments one and two.
Chapter One Section 38-1 DEFINITIONS –KBIC Descendant means a person who is the biological child of a Member of the Community
Chapter Two Sec. 38-43 – DEFINITIONS –
Helper’s Card means an [SR1] identification card with photograph issued by the Licensing Clerk to a person who is an enrolled member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community or a KBIC Descendant assist or employed by a Commercial Fisherman or assisting a Subsistence Fisherman.
Special Meeting 06-26-2023
Approved the Service Agreement amendment of $41,721.00 with World of Wood Inc. for the L’Anse Behavioral Health Building Remodel for additional work needed.
Approved the Employment Agreements with Ann Marie Amsler and Colleen Buzzo.
Approved the Patterson Remodel & Upgrade bid for $211,999.95 for dental lab equipment and cabinetry.
Approved an amendment to the Services Agreement with World of Wood, Inc. for a new door and hardware for the Pines bathroom remodel for the amount of $1,511.00.
Approved Resolution KB-033-2024 HUD Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement Grant Application Firm Commitment of Leveraging.
Approved KB-034-2024 to certify the HUD PRICE Grant Application Public Hearing and Public Comment.
Approved KB-035-2024 appointment of Robert “R.D.” Curtis to the Mashkiki Board of Directors.
Approved the following tribal members to the ICWA committee: Liz Curtis, Tyler Larson and Connie Hemmila. One opening will be posted.
Approved the Sage Intacct Proposal presented by the CFO Hosh LaPointe.
Office of the President
Well, we have reached the midst of summer with higher temps, lots of sunshine, and, of course, our annual Powwow right around the corner. The 46th Annual KBIC Maawanji’ding is being held July 26 – 28th at the Ojibwa Campground, as usual, here in Baraga. There are many Specials planned as well as a popular 5-Man Bass Drum
Special with a top prize of $3,000 and of course the popular Midnight Two Step. On the morning of the 26th leading up to the Powwow at 9:00 AM will be the annual Children Remembrance Walk. Other Native American Boarding School Experience community engagement events are also taking place that week. Look for information on this on page .
Summer is always still a busy time for many KBIC departments, especially our Youth Department. Right now, they are busy with the Summer Day Camp that includes daily activities and field trips for just under 30 youth ages 5 to 12 (Grades K-6). The camp runs Monday – Thursday, 8 am to 4:30 pm until Thursday, August 15th. As the department gains interest from more families, look for expansion of this camp in the years to come. I know I am really looking forward to assist in planning this!
The department is also busy with the youth Golf Program, Movie Nights, Whitewater River Rafting field trip, Paintball Wars, and of course the Summer Youth Employment Program. If you need more information on any of the youth programming please do not hesitate to reach the department at 906.353.4643 or find and “like” them on Facebook at KBIC Youth. The official Facebook page of KBIC also has ALL up to date information on all activities and events related to the tribe
For the month of June, I:
Attended a KBIC Proposed Services Agreement Kick-off Meeting with Johnson Controls
Attended a Elevating Rural Women’s Leadership planning meeting
Met with the new Executive Director of the Superior Health Foundation
Attended a KBIC Employee Summer Picnic meeting
Met with NTIA Broadband Grant programming lead
Attended an annual 180 mid-year Benefits meeting with Acrisure (VAST)
Attended a KBIC/UP Kids Case update meeting with Tribal Social Services
Attended a monthly Governors Office monthly Tribal Partnership meeting
Attended KBOCC’s Stakeholder Survey discussion and dinner
Attended two MSU Fellowship Economic Resiliency planning meetings
Held three Policy Review Workgroup meetings
Attended four KBIC/MDHHS update meetings with Tribal Social Services
Held individual department update meetings throughout the month
Attended three Tribal Council meetings
July also means budget time for our Government and Enterprise operations. This timeline always includes distribution of the budget packets to department heads, budget training opportunities with our Assistant CEO, a due date, an internal review with Government, Enterprise, and Tribal Council representatives, and finally department budget presentations with Tribal Council. The goal is to have a balanced budget finalized and passed by Friday, October 1st. As a reminder, budget meetings are closed session but open to KBIC members and will take place the third week of September.
We currently have job openings in many different departments. You can find a list of these openings on our website www.kbic-nsn.gov/careers. If you ever have questions about a certain position never hesitate to reach out to the Department Head of that particular department, myself, or the Personnel Office for more information.
KBIC Government offices are closed Friday, July 26th for Culture Day.
On July 12th, it will be the end to my third year as Chief Executive Officer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. I want to offer Chi-Miigwech to
my Community, Tribal Council, and all the staff for their continued support. I can honestly say I enjoy coming to work every day and getting the work done! I may not be perfect in everything I do but I continue to learn, take direction, and look ahead for our future generations. If anyone ever wants to stop in and provide feedback or say Hi, my door (is usually) always open!
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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Michigan Dental Association 2024 Allied Dental Professional Educator Award Beckie
Wooters, RDA, CDA, BS
Bay Mills Indian Community College and Northwestern Michigan College developed an academic articulation originated by Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, DDS. As the NMC Dental Assistant Director, Ms. Wooters makes recruiting visits to the Bay Mills Indian Community reservation and visits other Native American student advisers in Michigan. She also designed a second-year program schedule that will allow BMCC students to return home for frequent visits.
A tribally controlled college, BMCC is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This is the first time nationally that dental training has ever been offered at a tribal college; dental training has never been offered in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. BMCC welcomes all students of all races, ethnicities, and ages.
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After their first-year study at BMCC, students can transfer to NMC’s dental assistant program in Traverse City, MI. NMC’s second-year dental assistant curriculum will include chairside, laboratory, academic, and intern education. NMC’s dental assistant program allows students to obtain an associate degree and to sit for the state exam to become a Registered Dental Assistant in Michigan. The efforts put forward by Ms Wooters, Dr Jessica A. Rickert, BMCC and others are making strides in helping to improve access and relieve the shortage of dental assistants in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The scarcity of timely dental care, especially in Anishinaabe areas and other underserved communities, is causing serious hardship for Michigan’s citizens For more information, go to: https://commons.ada.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=1294&context=journalmichigandentalassoci ation & https://www.nmc.edu/programs/academicprograms/dental-assistant/index.html
Thank you. Your continued support means everything to me. Stay Strong,
Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach 231-313-8407, jrickert@deltadentalmi.co m; jarickert@charter.net
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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.
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Members wishing to utilize the HAV can contact the Tribal Center Receptionist at (906)353-6623 or receptionist@kbic-nsn.gov to reserve it.
https://wwwkboccedu/employment/op enings/
Baraga County Schools Release 4th
Marking Period Honor Roll
Baraga and L'Anse Area Schools have issued the grades for the third marking period of the 2023-24 school year. We congratulate the KBIC students who made the honor roll, maintained perfect attendance, or both.
Keep up the excellent work!
Honor Roll
C.J. Sullivan Elementary School
4th Grade
Sadie Voakes
5th Grade
John Martin
Perfect Attendance L'Anse Jr/Sr High School
6th Grade
Kobe Forcia
7th Grade
Michael Delich
8th Grade
Breyelle Bowers
Brendon Friisvall
Princess Pierre
9th Grade
Kydan Dean
Nizhoni Jacker
Matthew Stein
10th Grade
Anung Tilson
11th Grade
Rayleah Jacobs
Honor Roll L'Anse Jr/Sr High School
6th Grade
Xander Seppanen
7th Grade
Alice Curtise
Michael Delich
Kiera Dix
8th Grade
Breyelle Bowers
Payton LeClaire
Anen Maki
Princess Pierre
11th Grade
Rayleah Jacobs
Dallas Moulden
12th Grade
Kiera Dakota
Adyson Moulden
Perfect Attendance
Baraga Jr/Sr High School
5th Grade
Aaliyah Loonsfoot
Honor Roll
Philip LaTendresse Elementary School
4th Grade
Reed Geroux
Jacob Jokela
5th Grade
Derek Dix
Kruze Ekdahl
Aaliyah Loonsfoot
Perfect Attendance
Baraga Jr/Sr High School
6th Grade
Adrianna Kyllonen
Bentley VanDyke
Honor Roll Baraga Jr/Sr High School
6th Grade
Adrianna Kyllonen
Kadynce Loonsfoot
7th Grade
Madyson Evans
10th Grade
Jayla Isaacson
11th Grade
Rylee Holm
12th Grade
Dhanya Ekdahl
Destin Gauthier
Octavia Geroux
Kamrin Kahkonen
Darious Loonsfoot
Thomas Rasanen
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New C-CHARM project works to bring communities together
The Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is already feeling the impacts of abnormal weather events this season with a short winter with light snowfall and heavy precipitation events that followed. A new community-driven project called C-CHARM is working to bring community members together and examine how best to proceed based on those impacts and the impacts of potential extreme weather events down the line. The Center for Climate-driven Hazard Adaptation, Resilience, and Mitigation (C-CHARM) is a project that aims to work within the community and co-create plans that ensure resiliency and preparedness.
The Western Upper Peninsula has many aspects that make it unique; vast amounts of publicly accessible forest and coastline, many small towns that prioritize outdoor recreation, large forest and ecotourism industries, long and short seasons, incredible winter sport opportunities, and generations of community members hunting, fishing, and foraging. These traits have been stewarded for years, but going forward that stewardship will require understanding impacts of potential extreme weather events; C-CHARM is working to build the connections between the community and climate data so that the Western U.P. can have the tools to make important decisions and continue ensuring these unique traits can be enjoyed by future generations.
C-CHARM currently partners with; researchers, community members, business owners, community planners, science communicators, and more; from organizations like; Michigan Technological University, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, UPPCO, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Argonne National Labs, Keweenaw Economic Development Area, and others.
The project has already been making strides towards these goals. Scientists and project partners have begun expanding and improving flood prediction maps of the area, evaluating local infrastructure and energy systems, and installing weather stations to improve climate monitoring. These are the first steps to the multiyear plan that aims to collect and use detailed data for models that simulate potential extreme weather events, with the end goal being improved readiness and communication about potential consequences to a changing climate.
If you are interested in learning more about this project, check out https://c-charm.org/ or contact Dr. Pengfei Xue (pexue@mtu.edu).
Have you heard about “the Hub” yet? Technically named the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub, the Hub is being made possible by $3.4 million dollars in grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to be dispersed over three years.
This resource will be available to businesses and start-ups in Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties. Yes! This program is something you can take advantage of in the Baraga region.
The collaborative effort includes a wide range of partners including the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP), Accelerate UP, Innovate Marquette SmartZone, Northern Michigan University, Small Business Development Center Upper Peninsula, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Sault Tribe Thrive
Streamlining delivery of resources and support to small business is the primary purpose for these Hubs popping up around the State of Michigan. While many resources and support organizations exist to help small business, navigating them all while trying to run your business often times results in frustration. By placing boots-on-theground in these counties, the Hub aims to make your life easier while putting additional, existing tools in your hands to be successful.
Three main categories of support will be available:
Technical assistance including 1:1 coaching Assistance in pursuing outside financial resources (loans, grants, etc.)
Direct grant opportunities via the Hub
Expected to be rolled out in July, the Hub Direct Grant program will award more than $400,000 that may be used to:
Purchase equipment, inventory, software, hardware up to $4,999 per unit
Pay for highlight specialized consulting services, or other services the Hub cannot provide or directly contract for
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Pay certification or licensing fees
Pay for any other Hub-approved cost related to supporting the business’ operations or growth needs (not including ineligible activities)
Ineligible activities for the program include:
General overhead
General infrastructure projects
Buildings-based construction or renovation
Eligible costs to be reimbursed r that have been reimbursed by another MSF, MEDC, or federal program
Projects contrary to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19
For more information on this exciting program, contact Erica Huss the Small Business Support Hub Project Manager at erica@marquette.org. Or go to the Baraga County EDC website, https://keweenawbay.org/edc/building-resiliency/, for additional details.
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Sienna Forcia age 6 on the first day of her summer gymnastics session
Northland Elite 14u took first place at the SEA Showdown in Stoughton, Wisconsin, on June 23, 2024. KBIC Youth include Princess Pierre (#24), Kwynn Voskuhl (#1), Cara Connor (#22) and Breyelle Bowers (#3)
Kennadie Forcia age 8 on the first day of her summer gymnastics session.
The Baraga County/LOTC All-Star team fell short in the District 11 All-Star Bracket tournament semi-final game
finished 2-2 in the tournament . KBIC youth include Cayden Duerkop, Roman Brennan, Kyren Klug, Jordan Ekdahl, Prestan Stevens, Derek Dix, and Brayden Duerkop
