Family Ice Fishing Day 2023

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, KBIC Natural Resources Department hosted the inaugural Family Ice Fishing Day as a part of KBIC free fishing weekend, co-hosted by KBIC Youth, KBOCC, and KBIC Tribal Police The event took place at Vermilac Lake (Worm Lake) near Covington, MI on KBIC ceded territory. A total of 84 community members participated in the event, some of whom were ice fishing for the first time. Ten or so fish were caught by participants, mostly northern pike. The day started with participants being given tip-ups, live bait, and other fishing gear. Participants were then given a short ice safety presentation by KBIC Tribal Police Sergeant, Dale Goodreau. Upon completing the safety training, participants were allowed to choose on a fishing spot on the ice. NRD staff was available to auger holes if needed. KBIC Youth staff assisted participants with any other needs that arose Experienced ice fishermen, John Hebert and Patrick LaPointe, worked with novice fisher-people to bait hooks, set tip-ups, remove hooks from caught fish, etc. When asked about the event, Mary Johnston, a local KBIC Tribal Member who participated in the event, stated, “I have lived next to the lake most of life and have never been ice fishing There were staff members there to teach us every step of the way The event was very well done The grandkids said it was more fun than staying home and playing video games.” Feedback for the event was overwhelmingly positive. We intend to make this an annual event, utilizing different lakes in the ceded territories and different fishing techniques in the future We thank everyone who assisted in coordinating the event and a very special thanks to everyone who exercised their treaty rights by participating in the event!

Tubing Event at Mount Ripley

Tubing Hill

The KBIC Youth Programs traveled to Hancock on Friday, February 17, for a youth activity at Mount Ripley's Tubing Hill The youth enjoyed hours of tubing and had the entire hill to themselves during their time there Fifty-one children enjoyed the winter evening with many laughs and trips up and down the tubing hill. Plans to make another trip are in the works.

Meet Kaison Joseph Waranka, born on January 14, 2023, to parents Brent Waranka and Shawna Lussier of Zeba Kaison weighed 9lbs 6oz and was 21 inches long.

Migizi Displayed at KBIC Health Clinic

On February 27, 2023, the Migizi (Eagle) was transported to the community for placement at the KBIC Health Clinic. President Blaker and KBIC Health Administrator were consulted prior to placement of the eagle at the clinic.

Once the eagle was placed for display to the public, it was smudged by councilman Ayres Chief Judge Jondreau provided a brief presentation on the eagle and Alden

Connor and his drum group performed an honor song. The placement of the eagle allows for the best viewing for the members of our community, and it's the safest location for the eagle.

"In February 2022, I was contacted by Brad Johnson of the Michigan DNR to inquire if I was interested in accepting the eagle, as the eagle was fully intact and would be advantageous for a display," said KBIC Chief Judge Bill Jondreau "I informed Brad Johnson that I would accept the eagle on behalf of KBIC Tribal Court. Arrangements were then made with the State of Michigan to accept the eagle. At this time, I also informed then KBIC President Klopstein, KBIC-NRD Director Ravindran, and THPO Director Connor."

The State of Michigan bypassed the normal necropsy of the eagle, and it was transported to a local taxidermist, Duncan Price. The eagle was found in the Huron Bay area and banded as an eaglet. The band indicated that the eagle was banded in 1988 in Wisconsin. According to the Michigan DNR, the eagle is the oldest at 33 years old to be received by the Michigan DNR, of the thousands of eagles received by the State.

KBIC Health Administrator Deanna Foucault retains the permits and necropsy reports.

Please contact Bill Jondreau with any questions or concerns

KBIC CEO Appointed to NMU Board of Trustees

Governor Gretchen Whitmore has appointed KBIC member and CEO, Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees.

LaPointe-Dunham took over the CEO role for KBIC in July 2021. She previously served in the capacities of director of strategic initiatives and corporate marketing manager for Upper Peninsula Health Plan in

Marquette, LaPointe-Dunham earned a bachelor's degree in sports science from NMU in 2009, a master's certificate in performance improvement-training & development in 2012, and a master's in exercise science in 2015. She also holds a master's degree in management, strategy and leadership from Michigan State University, and a certificate from Harvard Business School in leading people and investing to build sustainable communities.

“Northern Michigan University was a life-changing experience for me and will always hold a special place in my heart,” said LaPointe-Dunham. “I am honored to serve the faculty, administration and students at NMU as a trustee Education is the one thing that can never be taken away from someone and can create empowerment for individuals on many different levels in any stage of life. I am looking forward to working with everyone to create transformational change for the university and beyond.”

Northern Michigan University's eight-member governing board, the Board of Trustees, is appointed by Michigan's governor and has general supervision of the institution, the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds, and such other powers and duties as prescribed by law. It also has the authority to hire and evaluate the university president, who reports directly to the board