May 2024

KBIC NEWS

WAABIGWANI GIIZIS - FLOWER MOON

A Resounding Success at the 2nd Annual Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Spring Contest Pow Wow

The Northern Michigan University Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan, came alive as the 2nd Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Spring Contest Pow Wow unfolded on April 19 - 21. The event drew a crowd of more than 1,900 people who came together to experience the vibrant cultural heritage showcased during the contest pow wow

Over 400 dancers from various categories showcased their dance and regalia throughout the weekend The presence of 14

drums added depth and a resounding heartbeat to the , uniting the community in shared moments of joy and connection.

The energy within the Superior Dome was palpable as participants and attendees came together to honor traditions, support the dancers, and foster community spirit

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

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER

ANISHINAABE

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

A special Chi-Miigwech is extended to the Pow Wow Committee for their dedication and hard work in preparing for the event. Their commitment ensured that the pow wow was a seamless and enjoyable experience for all, further strengthening the community's bonds and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

The 2nd Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Spring Contest Pow Wow was a successful and memorable weekend that left a lasting impact on all who attended.

KBIC Pow Wow Committee: Front (L to R) Christine Awonohopay, Carla Kyllonen, Raistlin Awonohopay, Dana Awonohopay, Back (L to R) Crystal Brunk, Rodney Loonsfoot, Rebecca Genschow and Demery Connor

Office of the President

Boozhoo Anin Gakina,

Ziigwan! (It is spring) KBIC had a successful spearing season and on behalf of the Tribal Council, I would like to say Chi’Miigwetch to our KBNRD Fisheries crew for overseeing and tracking the harvest during the spearing season and Chi’Miigwetch to our KBIC Conservation Officer whose presence

ensured the safety of our tribal members exercising their treaty rights. For the month of December, the Tribal Council had four Special Meetings and one work session. The Tribal Council took action on the following items listed below.

04/05/2024 Special Meeting

Approved the bid from MD Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $194,000.00 for the abatement, demolition and site restoration, at six former residential sites in Baraga and L’Anse.

Approved April 19, 2024 to be observed as a Cultural day

04/10/2023 Special Meeting

Approved a donation in the amount of $500.00 to go to the American Legion Post #444 for flags, markers and wreaths for Memorial Day.

Approved a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 to go toward the 16th Annual Baraga County Lake Trout festival.

Approved a donation in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Third Annual Children’s Water Walk.

Approved a donation in the amount of $500.00 for sponsorship of Alexus Warchock in the Miss Michigan USA pageant.

Approved KB-019-2024 Baraga Housing

Development HUD IHBG Grant

Approved the MOUs for the KBIC Education Department with the Baraga and Lanse Schools.

04/12/2024 Work Session

Discussion in closed session with the CEO Brigitte LaPointe on future projects to explore.

04/

17/2024

Approved the Council Minutes from June 17, 2020, June 24, 2020 and June 29, 2020.

Approved KB-020-2024 Anthony E. Charron Residential Lease.

Approved amendments to the Cultural Committee By-Laws.

Appointed George Gauthier to the Powwow Committee provided he applies for his ICP background within 30 days

04/24/2024 Special Meeting

Approved the Council Minutes from July 8, 2020, July 15, 2020, July 29, 2020 and July 30, 2020.

Approved a donation for the 2024 Lumberjack Days Celebration in the amount of $10,000 00

Approved a donation to the 2024 Parade of Nations in the amount of $2,000.00 and a KBIC flag.

Approved a donation to the ITC raffle in the amount of $500.00.

Approved a donation for the Shantell Ekdahl scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00.

The official start to Summer is right around the corner. The days are definitely feeling longer, the grass is greener, and (at times) we are getting glimpses of that warm summer air. Either way, I am looking forward to more sunshine and smiles in the workplace. The start of Summer also means planning our KBIC Government Employee

Picnic. The picnic is always a fun time for staff to take a day to relax and enjoy the presence of coworkers with the chance to win some great prizes and take part in fun activities.

Indigenous Insights has started leadership and department updates again. This is a great way to understand more about a particular department or staff person so please take the time to tune in – you might learn something new �� See my recent update below.

The KBIC Strategic Plan will be updated this month starting with a work session with Tribal Council. This plan is important because it provides direction for our Council, staff, and community as a whole Decisions being made should align with this plan to allow for the most transparency and clarity on why and how it will be accomplished. I am looking forward to revamping this and releasing to the Community.

For the month of April, I:

Held a Supervisors and Managers Meeting at Zeba Hall

Assisted with the 2024 AFCARS submission with Tribal Social Services

AFCARS stands for the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. It's a federally mandated reporting system in the United States that collects data on children in foster care and those who have been adopted from foster care. AFCARS collects information such as demographic details, placement history, and outcomes for children who are in the foster care system or have been adopted. This data helps government agencies and policymakers track trends, assess the effectiveness of child welfare programs, and make informed decisions to improve outcomes for children in foster care.

Held a meeting with Bulletproof, an IT management company, to discuss current needs and opportunities.

Attended a meeting with KBIC staff and Paycom

Attended a meeting with Syncurrent, a start-up company looking to enhance Indigenous business owners

Attended a Talon Metals/KBIC check-in meeting

Held a Tribal Social Services Department meeting

Held a Tribal building policy update meeting with Housing, Youth, and Elder Nutrition staff

Attended a monthly NTIA Broadband program check-in meeting, submitted annual reporting

Attended a Forestry Legacy Project discussion with Natural Resource Department staff

Attended a L’Anse/LVD trail corridor discussion

Attended a monthly Tribal State Partnership meeting with the Governor’s office

Spoke at the Celebration of Student Scholarship at Northern Michigan University

Attended the 2024 UPHCS Trustee Forum in Marquette

Attended the 2024 Spring Contest Powwow –GREAT TURNOUT!

Spoke at the 2024 mLive.com Women’s Summit in Grand Rapids

Submitted SLFRF-ARPA reporting with the Department of Treasury

ARPA-SLFRF stands for the American Rescue Plan Act - State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. It refers to a specific component of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by the United States Congress in March 2021. The ARPA allocated funds to states, local governments, territories, and tribal governments to support their recovery from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attended a KBIC Monthly Grant Management Meeting with NTIA Broadband officials

Attended four KBIC/MDHHS update meetings with Tribal Social Services

Held individual department update meetings throughout the month

Attended three Tribal Council meetings

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.

As a reminder KBIC Government offices are closed Monday, May 27th Baraga and L’Anse graduations take place the week following with our annual Education Banquet to take place the following week on June 6th at Zeba Hall. One last shout out to all the Nurses working within KBIC Health System. National Nurses week is May 6 – May 10. The important work and compassionate care you provide to each and very patient is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. A special THANK YOU to you all!

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.

Chief Judge Violet Frisvall Ayres administers the oath of office to the newly appointed Tribal Police Officers, Austin Smith and Seth Server.

KBIC Youth Participate in Youth in Government

Two students from L'Anse High School recently had the exceptional opportunity to attend the Youth in Government Spring Conference in Lansing, Michigan. Kydan Dean and Tristan Muma represented the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) at the event, immersing themselves in a simulation of Michigan's state government.

The Youth in Government program provides high school students with a unique platform to step into the shoes of state legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, and members of the press corps. During the conference, participants engage in a hands-on learning experience, simulating all phases and positions within the actual state government.

Dean and Muma actively participated in the conference, taking on challenging roles and gaining valuable insight into the workings of state government. Their involvement not only expanded their understanding of the political process but also honed their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Around the Community

National Women's Health Week in May

Anishinaabe women are sacred, honored and revered because they bring new Anishinaabe babies to our tribes, and for their vital role in raising children. The earth’s energy powers the cycles of life, including the cycles of Anishinaabe women, the Anishinaabekwewa g.

National Women's Health Week (NWHW ), 5/145/20, celebrates the health and well-being of all women.

Healthy teeth healthy woman healthy tribe healthy Anishinaabe! How can we achieve this goal?

Ideal physical health

Prevention

Stress management

Physical activity

Healthy eating

Ideal Health can be defined as the condition of being of sound body, mind, and spirit, with freedom from physical disease or pain.

There are many factors contributing to ideal health. Genetics plays a big part, which cannot be controlled. Why not control what each of us can to promote individual ideal health?

Dental disease contributes to premature births and low-birth weight. Healthy eating for mother and baby requires excellent dental health.

The Center for Disease Control states that Native American women die at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other group of mothers Our women’s health impacts the future of our Anishinaabe nations.

Around the Community

Prevention is key to optimal health. The early diagnosis and treatments of diseases results in better health outcomes for women.

Anishinaabe have a higher rate of diabetes than any other group. Adhering to CDC recommendations to control diabetes can slow many severe effects. Excellent dental health with a full complement of strong teeth and healthy gums enables diabetics to eat the recommended raw vegetables and fruits.The American Dental Association states that dental disease makes blood sugar control so difficult. When diabetes is not controlled, the human body will deteriorate more quickly. A negative spiral begins when uncontrolled diabetes causes more tooth loss and gum deterioration; this makes eating raw vegetables and fruits and cooked protein more difficult. Blood sugar levels then become hard to control.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of experiencing heart attack disease and stroke.

Obesity is a serious problem for all women.Dental disease resulting in poor chewing ability can lead to a diet of soft, gooey, sugary, caloric foods which seem to be addictive.

Nearly one million American women will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Early cancer detection saves many women’s lives.

Cancers of the mouth are diagnosed and treated by dentists and oral surgeons and oncologists.It is so important that all women see the dentist twice a year. Oral cancers include lip, tongue, roof-of-themouth, inside cheek, floor-of-the-mouth, jawbone, and salivary gland cancers. Tobacco, illegal drugs, and alcohol use increase the risk of all oral cancers.

Throat cancer rates have risen in the past two decades. These are most often caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, (HPV). The HPV vaccine can prevent most of these cancers.

Stress affects the entire body. Preventing and managing stress improves the health of women. There are many factors which cause stress: money problems, a long-term illness, taking care of family (add your own woes to this list).

Around the Community

Physical signs of stress can include Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) If diagnosed early, the dentist can help stop damage totheteeth,gums,faceandjoints.

Physical Activity improves health and can relieve stress. May is also National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, so this is a good time to start walking, swimming, biking, dancing, exercising, joiningcompetitivesportsandotheractivities. The key to better strength, endurance, and stamina is consistency. For any contact sport, a mouth guard is recommended for protection. If dental pain is present,womenarelesslikelytoexercise.

CourtesyofUS Dept ofHealth&HumanServices

Healthy Eating always requires choosing healthy, whole foods. Women should limit the amount of junk foods eaten. Foods and beverages high in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium can contribute to many health problems, including poordentalhealth.

The digestive process begins in the mouth The saliva has enzymes which start the breakdown of food. Excellent dental health with a full complement of strong teeth and gums starts the process. The chewing process macerates food so that the stomach & intestines can ideally extract the nutrients. Healthy choices include fruits, vegetables,wholegrains,milk,yogurt,cheese,rice, seafood, lean meats, poultry, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and eggs. These foods promote excellent dentalhealth.

There are many recommended minerals, which include: Calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and folic acid All vitamins, but especially vitamin B9, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for women to be healthy. These nutrients can be found in whole foods.

Women do have unique nutritional needs, during differentstagesoflife,suchasadolescence,during pregnancyandbreastfeedingoraftermenopause.

Water and milk supply all the body needs to have strong teeth, healthy saliva, hydrated gums and strong bones and muscles.

Anishinaabekwewag’s love and care for the Anishinaabe is greatly esteemed.My challenge to you is to love yourself enough to improve your health this month!

https://www koognaasewin com/blog/anishina abekwewag-anishinaabe-women https://niibicenter.org/ https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/health https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG5573#:~:text=Pregnant%20and%20breastfeedin g%20women%20need%20more%20nutrients %20than,whole%20grains%2C%20lean%20pro tein%20and%20low-fat%20dairy%20products https://www.myplate.gov/lifestages/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM C7926714/ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oralcavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/keystatistics.html https://www.health.harvard.edu/hearthealth/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-thecommonthread#:~:text=People%20with%20gum%20dis ease%20%28also%20known%20as%20period ontal,But%20there%20may%20not%20be%20 a%20direct%20connection https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthconditions/heart-health/manage-stress

Thank you. Your continued support means everything to me

Stay Strong, Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach 231-313-8407, jrickert@deltadentalm i.com; jarickert@charter.net

Around the Community

Around the Community

https://wwwkboccedu/employment/op enings/

Around the Community

KBIC Members Graduate from Northern Michigan University

he Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is proud to celebrate the academic achievements of two of its members, William Pilto and Serene Gauthier, who recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with bachelor’s degrees.

William Pilto earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business and has been accepted into Northern Michigan University’s Master’s program. itment to his future and his community.

Serene Gauthier graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability.

We congratulate them on their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their respective fields.

Baraga County Schools Release 3rd

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!

Perfect Attendance

C. J. Sullivan

Elementary School

1st Grade

Lyle Roberts

2nd Grade

Kennadie Forcia

Kroy Ekdahl

3rd Grade

Grayson Harry

4th Grade

Sadie Voakes

5th Grade

Hunter Picard

Perfect Attendance

L'Anse Jr/Sr High School

6th Grade

Yancey DeCota

7th Grade

Kiera Dix

8th Grade

Breyelle Bowers

Anen Maki

9th Grade

Matthew Stein

Honor Roll

C.J. Sullivan Elementary School

4th Grade

Sadie Voakes

5th Grade

John Martin

Honor Roll

L'Anse Jr/Sr High School

6th Grade

Xander Seppanen

7th Grade

Michael Delich

Kiera Dix

8th Grade

Breyelle Bowers

Payton LeClaire

Princess Pierre

11th Grade

Rayleah Jacobs

Dallas Moulden

Perfect Attendance

Philip LaTendresse

Elementary School

1st Grade

Braxton Lauritsen

Honor Roll

Philip LaTendresse Elementary School

4th Grade

Reed Geroux

Jacob Jokela

5th Grade

Kruze Ekdahl

Aaliyah Loonsfoot

Perfect Attendance

Baraga Jr/Sr High School

6th Grade

Adrianna Kyllonen

8th Grade

Michael Morning Star

10th Grade

Daniel Connor

11th Grade

Rylee Holm

12th Grade

Destin Gauthier

Honor Roll

Baraga Jr/Sr High School

6th Grade

Dante Gauthier

Adrianna Kyllonen

Kadynce Loonsfoot

7th Grade

Madyson Evans

8th Grade

Michael Morning Star

11th Grade

Rylee Holm

12th Grade

Dhanya Ekdahl

Destin Gauthier

Octavia Geroux

Kamrin Kahkonen

Darious Loonsfoot

O’Dell Loonsfoot

Thomas Rasanen

Around the Community

Around the Community

Congratulations to Colleen Buzzo for Achieving Her CAADC Certification

The KBIC Behavioral Health Clinic is thrilled to announce that our own Colleen Buzzo, LMSW, has recently achieved her CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals.

Colleen’s dedication to her work at our clinic and her pursuit of advanced clinical skills have made her an invaluable asset to our community. This significant achievement reflects her ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care to her clients and further advancing her expertise in the field of addiction counseling.

We are incredibly proud of Colleen for her hard work and dedication in obtaining this certification. Please join us in congratulating Colleen on this well-deserved accomplishment! Thank you, Colleen, for your continued contributions to our community’s health and well-being.

Meet Our Dedicated Community Assistance Programs Office Coordinator

My name is Amber Loonsfoot. I was born in Hancock and raised in L’Anse, and now I live in Baraga with my husband and our three daughters. I graduated from high school in 2010 and am currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Business Administration at KBOCC.

For over 11 years, I have been part of the KBIC team, working in various positions. Since 2019, I’ve been part of the Community Assistance Programs (CAP) Office, which has been a rewarding experience. My favorite aspect of this role is the opportunity to build relationships with clients over the years.

When people reach out to the CAP Office, they are often going through challenging times. Whether they're facing financial difficulties, need to travel frequently for medical reasons, or encounter other hardships, these individuals set aside their pride and come to us for support. My goal is to make them feel comfortable and respected when they seek assistance.

I strive to help each client in whatever way I can, whether it’s providing direct support or connecting them with additional resources. Seeing the relief on their faces as they leave my office is what inspires me to return to work every day.

If you have any inquiries about the Community Assistance Programs, please contact Amber at (906) 353-4179 or aloonsfoot@kbic-nsn.gov.

Around the Community

Northland Elite Basketball Club 14u team took first place at the Twin Borders Battle Tournament in Duluth on Sunday, April 21. KBIC

youth included Kwynn Voskuhl, Princess Pierre, Breyelle Bowers, and Cara Connor.

Princess Pierre of the Northland Elite Basketball Club 14u team.

Kwynn Voskuhl of the Northland Elite Basketball Club 14u team.

Cara Connor of the Northland Elite Basketball Club 14u team.

Breyelle Bowers of the Northland Elite Basketball Club 14u team

Kiera Dix of the L’Anse Middle School Track team is ready for the 4x200 Relay. L’Anse Girls Relay Team took first place with a time of 2:01 68 at the Houghton Invite

Carson LaBeau of the L’Anse Middle School Track team during his 70 Meter Dash at the Houghton Invite

Jordan Ekdahl of the L’Anse Middle School Track team during his 100 Meter at the Houghton Invite.