May 2025 by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

KBIC NEWS

WAABIGWANI GIIZIS - FLOWER MOON

Spring Contest Pow Wow Brings Culture and Community Together in Marquette

The 3rd Annual Spring Contest Pow Wow, hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, welcomed a large and enthusiastic crowd to Vandament Arena in Marquette, Michigan. With around 1,200 people attending throughout the weekend, the event was a powerful celebration of culture, tradition, and community.

“This year we had 409 dancers

participate in the Spring Contest Pow Wow,” said KBIC Pow Wow Committee Chair Christine Awonohopay. “It was an amazing weekend celebration and a great turnout.”

2025 TRIBAL COUNCIL

Robert “RD” Curtis, Jr, President

Everett Ekdahl, Jr, Vice President

Sam Loonsfoot, Secretary

Elizabeth “Liz” Julio, Asst. Secretary

Theodore "Austin" Ayres, Treasurer

Doreen G Blaker

Sue Ellen “Suzie” Elmblad

Dale Goodreau

Jeremy T. Hebert

Rodney Loonsfoot

Tony Loonsfoot

Toni J. Minton

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER ANISHNABE

CONTEST POW WOW

Dancers and drum groups traveled from across the United States and Canada to take part in the competition. The energy in the arena was electric as nine contest drums and host drum HoChunk Station filled the space with powerful songs throughout the weekend. The Drum Contest winners were:

1st Place: Sharp Shooter

2nd Place: Young Enemy

3rd Place: Bear Creek

4th Place: Little Bear

DENTAL OUTREACH

5th Place: Battle Nation

The pow wow also featured 18 food and craft vendors, offering a wide

selection of handmade goods, artwork, beadwork, traditional foods, and more. With rows of colorful regalia, championship dancers, and powerful drum performances, the event truly showcased Indigenous excellence. From the Grand Entry to the final contest rounds, the pow wow created a welcoming space for all to gather, celebrate, and honor cultural traditions.

The KBIC Pow Wow Committee thanks everyone who helped make the event a success. This year’s Spring Contest Pow Wow highlighted the strength and beauty of indigenous culture, and the community is already looking forward to next year.

PhotoCourtesyofDeclandMcQueen

Boozhoo Anin Gakina

For the month of April, the Tribal Council held four special meetings. The following actions were taken:

Special Meeting 4/2/2025

Approved the April 2, 2025 Agenda with changes

Approved the February 2025

monthly department head reports

Approved the Community Needs Assitance Program policy amendments with changes as discussed

Special Meeting 4.9.2025

Approved the April 9, 2025, meeting agenda with changes

Approved the 2021 minutes from September 8, September 21, September 22 and Septemer 29 as presented

Approved the change order for the KBIC L’Anse 30 acre site development as presented

Approved the AAMC uniform clinical training affiliation agreement as presented

Approved the McMillian Bid for the Aquaculture assessment in the amount of $90,040.00 as presented

Approved the Johnson Controls, Inc. bid to replace the A/C unit at the pines in the amount of $62,663.00 as presented

Approved the addendum to the memorandum cooperative agreement with ITC for SOR4 Tribal Perinatal opioid use disorder/neonatal abstinence syndrome initiative as presented

Special Meeting 4/16/2025

Approved the April 16, 2025 agenda with changes

Approved the amendment to the services agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc., extending the completion date to September 30, 2025 as presented

Approved the subcontractual agreement for the Healthy Start initiative as presented

Approved the AAMC Uniform Clinical training affliation agreement with UMass Chan Medical School as presented

Approved the gaming device master agreement with Sega Sammy Creation USA Inc. as presented

Approved the master agreement with Dymanic Gaming Solutions, LLC as presented

Approved the Light & Wonder Gaming Inc. participation game change as presented

Approved the appointment of Brian Haataja to the

Natural Resource Committee

Approved a donation for the 2025 Lumberjack Days celebration in the amount of $10,000 004

Special Meeting 4/24/2025

Approved the April 24, 2025 agenda with changes.

Approved the Health System organizational chart as presented

Approved Resolution KB-016-2026 as presented

Approved KB-017-2025 as presented

Approved the Services Agreement with U.P. Building & Development for repair of the Tribal Court Roof as presented

Approved to initate Phase 1 of the Synergy Restaurant Consultants proposal as presented

Approved the Compensation Study master agreement with REDW as presented

Approved the appointment of Hope Laramore, Sheila Royal and Jailyn Shelifoe to the YOuth Committee for the available full-term seats expiring in May 2027 and to repost for the remaining partial term seat

Approved Resolution KB-004-2025 KBIC Forest Carbon Development Agreement as presented

It’s May! The month of May brings with it a vibrant sense of renewal and purpose, and within our community, it also marks a time to reflect, celebrate, and uplift those who shape us.

May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to center our attention on emotional well-being and encourage open conversations around mental health. This year’s theme, “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” reminds us of the importance of compassion, for ourselves and for others, and the value of seeking support when facing life’s challenges. Whether through checking in on a friend or accessing community services, small actions can have a big impact.

Our very own Anishinaabeg Noojimo Wigamig (People's Healing Center) offers services that include individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, as well as crisis intervention for children, teens, and adults. They also provide comprehensive medication management and ongoing psychiatric care. The mission of our Behavioral Health team is to deliver care that positively impacts individuals affected by mental illness, including dependency and relationship issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Peggy at 906-3534532.

We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude during two important observances: National Nurses Week (May 6–12) and Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9). Nurses continue to be the backbone of our healthcare systems, providing skillful, compassionate care with strength and dedication. At the same time, our educators, across classrooms, libraries, and community centers, continue to shape the next generation with patience, knowledge, and unwavering support. We are grateful for their tireless commitment and the many ways they uplift our youth and elders alike.

This season also marks a major milestone for students across our region as we celebrate the Class of 2025. Graduation ceremonies are being held at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Northern Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, and other regional higher ed institutions, each recognizing years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. Locally, Baraga and L’Anse High Schools are also preparing to honor their seniors as they take the next steps into adulthood. These ceremonies are more than just formalities they reflect family support, cultural pride, and the power of education in transforming futures.

As we continue through this meaningful month, may we each find ways to celebrate growth, show appreciation, and strengthen the spirit of community that connects us all.

Speaking of our Youth, Summer Youth jobs are now open and applications are due June 6th Youth workers will be assigned across various KBIC departments, gaining work experience and developing professional skills while contributing to the community. This program fills up fast, so don’t wait. The first day of work will be June 23rd and end August 8th.

Other openings happening right now for College Students or members over 18 and over include our College Internship and Summer Day Camp Workers. You can find a list of these and other openings on our website www.kbicnsn.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

One last note I want to highlight from MY month of April is the opportunity I had to attend the 43rd Annual NAFOA Conference in New Orleans This is where Tribal leaders, finance professionals, and policymakers gathered to share insight, strategy, and innovation in Tribal governance and economic development. The sessions highlighted critical topics like federal funding opportunities, economic sovereignty, and the future of Tribal infrastructure. It was an inspiring week of learning, collaboration, and reaffirming our commitment to sustainable, community-driven growth

As a reminder KBIC Government offices are closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. th

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.

Honoring Baapaagimaak: Protecting Our Sacred Black Ash from the Threat of Emerald Ash Borer

Wood working, tool making, basket weaving, all are storied traditions in the Anishinaabe culture. Black Ash trees have played a critical role in supporting Anishinaabe tradition. They offer the perfect material for crafting our baskets, snowshoes, and even sleds. Black Ash like many of our more than human relatives has a story tied to its relationship with the people.

Black Elk, a leader in his community, was nearing the end of his life. He felt the need to provide one last gift to his family, a gift that would teach them patience. The Creator granted him a vision, when Black Elk died his body should be burned and the ashes should be buried in a sacred place. From his ashes grew baapaagimaak (Black Ash).

This gift to his family and the people would provide them the necessary materials to produce their baskets, to practice patience in their crafts, to recognize the relationship that we have with all of creation. Baapaagimaak can be found in the swamps of the northern woods. Like many of our traditional tools and medicines, Black Ash as well as Green Ash play critical roles in the ecosystem.

The ash species we have in the western U P are black and green ash. On rare locations, there are white ash. Emerald Ash Borer is a non-local being (invasive species) that made its way to Michigan from north eastern Asia in 2002, through wood packing material. Emerald Ash Borer is able to kill a mature tree in 2 to 5 years of infestation, 10 years to kill a whole stand of ash trees. The galleries their larvae make in the wood restrict nutrient flow, essentially girdling the tree and cutting off its supply to live.

Losing one of our relatives has serious impacts across the environment, KBIC Natural Resources Department has been concerned about the decline of our ash tree population since the early 2000’s. Our efforts to monitor the ash population involve seed collection and Emerald Ash Borer trap counts. Our newest addition to helping the ash is being involved in biocontrol release.

There will be three species of wasps released in the summers of 2025 and 2026. They are microscopic in size, do not harm humans or our native borer beetles. They lay their eggs into emerald ash borer larvae, a parasitoid relationship to the emerald ash borer, effectively killing the borer. The summers of 2027 and 2028 will consist of monitoring their population to see if they survived our winters and have established a population. Our hopes are that the wasps establish a population and give the new regeneration of ash trees a chance to fight back against the non-local being Emerald Ash Borer that has demolished their population across the country. Wasps will be provided by USDA APHIS.

If you are interested in learning more about the project, have questions, or concerns please reach out to Austin Ayres, Outreach Coordinator at (906) 524-5757 x. 4241 or Emma Stockton, Invasive Species Coordinator (906) 524-5757 x.4216

Emerald ash borer galleries in an ash tree. (Photo: CitiTurf)

Spathius galinae

Tetrastichus planipennisi

Oobius agrili

Around the Community

No Tobacco Day

Anishinaabe Dental Outreach

May 31, as endorsed by the World Health Organization Jessica A. Rickert,

Anishinaabe Dental Outreach

DDS,

Do you want an attractive face? Do you want a fabulous smile? Want to be cool? Then, put that tobacco down. Tobacco (and nicotine) use in any form cigarette, cigar, pipe, smokeless and vape can have a negative impact on appearance at an early age.

Your complexion can get worse with discoloration and skin tags. Your face can look dull, sullen and leathery Fine lines may develop around your eyes and dark bags will form under them.

Eyes can become bloodshot and dry. Deep wrinkles can form around your mouth.

Your hair can lose luster and shine because the chemicals in cigarettes cause hair to be starved of oxygen, making it dull and brittle.

Bad smells include stinky breath and smoke on your hair, body and clothes.

Smoking can ruin your teeth gum disease results in red, puffy, ugly gums with increased pain. Teeth stained by smoking can be up to five shades darker than non-smokers. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers. More than 48,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, mainly caused by using tobacco. Often, your voice will weaken, accompanied by a cough.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, makes it difficult to breathe. All pneumonias are more frequent in smokers and are harder to treat.

Heart attacks occur more often and at younger ages in tobacco users.

Strokes occur when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted or blocked completely, causing brain tissue to die

An abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is a bulge in the lower part of the largest blood vessel, the aorta; this is life-threatening if untreated.

Eye diseases leading to blindness occur in tobacco users. You are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with people who do not smoke You are three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with nonsmokers.

Tobacco use remains the nation’s number one cause of preventable, premature death because smokers are starving the cells in the body of oxygen.

Tobacco users have a much greater incidence of all cancers at an earlier age, especially mouth, throat and lung cancer. Here are just a few other health impacts:

Severe blood cancer is associated with tobacco use. (Acute myeloid leukemia)

Vaping is particularly dangerous. All the above diseases and afflictions can happen at younger and younger ages Vapes contain nicotine and many toxins and metals, all heated to a higher temperature than cigarettes. Additionally, the cartridge contains batteries that can explode and disfigure you for life.

Tobacco marketing is dominated by themes of social desirability, empowerment and independence, which are conveyed by images of slim, attractive, sultry and athletic models. Don’t believe it! Athletic prowess is greatly weakened by tobacco use.

Anishnaabe Dental Outreach

Can you afford to burn money? The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.96, which means a pack-aday habit sets you back $208.80 per month or $2,541 00 per year

Quit today by calling toll-free 1-855-5AI-QUIT (1-855524-7848) to connect directly with American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program counselors. Your Anishinaabe health department can help you to stay strong,

References:

·https://americanindiancancer org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/10/swtobacco-all2017.08.06.pdf

·https://mi-americanindian.quitlogix.org/en-us/& https://aiquitline.org/en-US/About-Program https://truthinitiative.org/

·https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data statistics/fact s heets/tobacco industry/marketing/index.htm

·https://www tobaccofreekids org/assets/content/wh at we do/industry watch/product manipulation/20 14 06 19 DesignedforAddiction web.pdf

·https://allwomenstalk.com/7-ways-in-whichsmoking-affects-your-beauty/ https://nationaltoday.com/world-no-tobaccoday/#:~:text=World%20No%20Tobacco%20Day%20i s%20an%20initiative%20by,that%20is%20geared% 20towards%20the%20youth%20in%20particular

Mnamaadizin. Our Mission is to improve oral health through benefit plans, advocacy, and community support.

Stay Strong,

Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach 231-313-8407, jrickert@deltadentalmi.com; jarickert@charter.net

Around the Community

Healing Spritzer Workshop

The Healing to Wellness Program (HTWP) collaborated with the Natural Resources Department (NRD) to participate in a healing spritzer workshop on April 12th. The workshop took place at the Culture House by the pow-wow grounds and it was a positive gathering. NRD Ecologist, Karena Schmidt, generously volunteered to facilitate the workshop and share her knowledge and teachings. Spritzers or sprays are used to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. They can be utilized to promote healing and boost the mood. They can also assist with stress and anxiety.

Each healing spritzer spray is filled with either witch hazel or almond oil. Three of the four sacred herbs are then added to each spray as well. Mashkodewashk-sage for purifying. Giizhik-cedar for guidance. Wiingashk-sweetgrass for experiencing harmony. The fourth sacred herb Asemaa-tobacco for giving gratitude is tied around the outside of the bottle. Over 100 tobacco ties were made by the participants. The spritzers are then gifted out to various individuals as a way to give back to the community. It was a great opportunity for the Healing to Wellness Program participants to receive teachings and share laughs

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DECLAND MCQUEEN

Natural Resources

Environmental Fair 2025

Submitted By: Austin Ayres, Natural Resources Department

Earth Day 2025, the Niwiin Akeaa Center is host to the Environmental Fair. This biennial stewardship event targets 2nd through 5th grade learners and aims to increase awareness of impacts to the environment. Hosted by the Natural Resources Department in partnership with the Youth Department this event provides the opportunity to local partners, researchers, universities, state, and federal agencies to engage with our community concerning environmental impacts. Those included were Superior Watershed, The Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife Services, KBIC Health System, MTU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, KBIC Forestry, USDA Ottawa National Forest, MSU Extension, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, GLIFWC, KBOCC, Promise Neighborhoods, Baraga Fire Department, and 8th Fire Consulting With over 10 booths hosted by the various sections of the Natural Resources Department.

Activities like the Bat Quiz hosted by NRD’s own Kyle Seppanen provide an engaging and exciting way for our youngest stewards to understand the impact humans have had on the local bat populations. KBOCC provided nutritious snacks gathered and harvested from the local landscape, they shared about sustainability and reducing our impacts on the environment by changing our diets! USDA Ottawa educated the students about the local wildlife and how our choices impact them, they encouraged sustainable use of the forests and its resources. 8th Fire Consulting showed demonstrations on renewable energy and sustainability, small scale models of wind power were shown to the students.

Every student in attendance left with a wealth of knowledge, books, and many other educational items. Over 280 students from Baraga County were in attendance, staff, volunteers, and aides from the local schools were also there. The Natural Resources Department and our partners are thrilled to offer the next generation this opportunity to engage with today’s stewards. Together we can work to build a better future.

Around the Community

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.

Around the Community

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.

Around the Community

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.

https://wwwkboccedu/employment/ openings/

Around the Community

The L’Anse High School Track 4x200 and 4x800 girls’ relay team took 3 and 1 place at the Baraga Invite on April 28, 2025. The relay team comprises all freshmen and three KBIC youth, Princess Pierre, Breyelle Bowers, and Kwynn Voskuhl.

The Northland Elite 11u girls’ Basketball team played in the JAG Spring Showcase in Wisconsin Dells, on April 26, 2025. The team finished 2-1 in the tournament.

KBIC Youth: Kaleigha Kalita (fourth from left, top row) and Aaliyah Loonsfoot (Second from left, bottom row)

The Great Northern Elite 15u girls’ Basketball team played in the US Junior Nationals Windy City Classic tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 25-27, 2025. The team finished 3-1 in the tournament.

KBIC Youth: Princess Pierre (#24), Breyelle Bowers (#3), and Kwynn Voskuhl (#1)

Members of the Baraga 4 grade basketball team competed in a tournament at Jeffers High School. th

KBIC Youth: Isaac Gauthier, Donovan Francois