September 2023

KBIC NEWS

MANOOMINIKE GIIZIS - RICE MAKING MOON

KBIC Hosts Inaugural Bill Jondreau Memorial Cornhole Tournament and Social Gathering

The community came together in a spirit of unity and celebration at the inaugural Bill Jondreau Memorial Cornhole Tournament and Social Gathering, hosted by KBIC. The event, held on Saturday, August 12th at the Ojibwa Camgrounds, was a heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Jondreau, a beloved figure in the community.

The day saw enthusiastic participants of all ages converging to pay homage to Bill Jondreau's legacy while enjoying a friendly

IN THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER

MANOOMIN SURVEY

ANISHINAABE

DENTAL OUTREACH

competition of cornhole, a popular lawn game The tournament, organized as a double-elimination format, showcased both seasoned and beginner cornhole players competing for victory with throws that displayed finesse and precision

Beyond the tournament, the social gathering aspect of the event offered a range of engaging activities for all ages. Children enjoyed pony rides, the fishing pond, bounce houses, snow cones, and face painting. The event resonated with the infectious energy of participants and spectators alike

2023 TRIBAL COUNCIL

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

Rodney Loonsfoot

Deanna Hadden holding Bill’s grandaughter at Saturday's event

Boozhoo Anin Gakina,

On behalf of the Tribal Council, I would like to say Chi Miigwetch to everyone who made our many KBIC summer activities and events a success For the month of August, the Tribal Council had five Special Meetings The Tribal Council took action on the following items listed below.

08/16/2023 Special Meeting

Approved a donation of $340 to sponsor a team in the Mike Hazen Sr Memorial Golf Tournament.

Approved the Department Head Reports from October 2022 to April 2023

Approved the 2023 Primary and General Election Timelines.

Approved a $240 sponsorship for the Mark Morkin Memorial D.A.R.E. Golf tournament.

Approved $600 for the Social Gathering being held on August 12, 2023

Approved the bid submission for $61,045 for a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD crew cab truck from Keweenaw Chevrolet.

Approved the OHM Development Proposal outlining the work plan, schedule, design and cost of services to build a 25-unit housing complex for the Supportive Housing Project

Approved Resolution KB-044-2023 - International Advocacy in Opposition of Continuing Operation of Enbridge Line 5

Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Michigan for the purpose of establishing a partnership to restore wild rice for the benefit of wildlife and people throughout the western Upper Peninsula effective from October 1st, 2022 through September 30th, 2027.

Selected Amber Loonsfoot, Nissa Morningstar and Brittanee Gauthier to serve on the Youth Committee

Approved $520 for the Child Support Awareness Month event held at the KBIC Tribal Court

Approved $500 for Honor Flight Guardian, Mindy Lantz.

Approved a donation of $780 to the Baraga Fire Department for the Ice Cream & Lemonade Stand at the Social Event held August 12, 2023

Approved the KBIC NRD sole source bid from Larson Wells for a new fish hatchery well in the amount of $119,300.

Appointed Crystal Geroux, Dana Awonohopay and Demery Connor to the Powwow Committee and to have the Powwow Committee update their By-laws within 30 days

Appointed Crystal Geroux and Robin Roe to the KBIC Housing Grievance Committee.

Approved a donation of $496 to the Michael Denomie Sno-cone Stand at the Social Gathering held on August 12, 2023

08/23/2023 Special Meeting

Approved the Meeting Minutes of February 15th, 22nd, 27th of 2023 and March 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th of 2023.

Approved the bid of $71,845 from Ed Koehn Ford for a F-550 Chassis (Fire & Emergency Management)

Approved Resolution KB-47-2023 Lawrence E. Swartz Residential Lease.

Approved the list of candidates for the KBOCC Board of Regents as presented.

Approved the Cultural Leave Policy Update. Held the first reading of Proposed Ordinance 2023-03 Amendment to Title 38 Chapter 2 –Commercial and Subsistence Fishing Section 3843 Definitions.

Approved Resolution KB-045-2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Section 40101 (d) Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid

Directed the Business Director and Environmental Specialist to develop a plan and take actions appropriate for the closure of the BP as a gas station.

08/30/2023 Special Meeting

Authorized a 30-day notice to terminate the BCMH Primary Care Services Agreement

Approved $330 donation for three teams to participate in the Native American Pool Tournament being held at the Bingo Hall in Baraga

Approved the bid from Copper Country Ford for $65,624 for a 2023 Ford 250 with plow (Housing Department)

Approved the Participating Agreement Between KBIC and the USDA Forest Service.

Approved Resolution KB-049-2023 2023 401 Water Quality Certification

Approved Resolution KB-050-2023 Cancellation of Lease No B-1086 (77) Helene C Welsh

Approved Resolution KB-051-2023 Powwow Pines Thinning Project.

Approved Resolution KB-052-2023 NE St. Arnolds

Fee Hardwood Thinning Project

Approved Resolution KB-053-223 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Approved the bid and Tier III Services Agreement with Danielson Contracting Inc. for Grand Traverse Harbor project in the amount of $448,000.

Approved three vendors to purchase unfinished wild rice seed for restoration purchases First preference will be given to Dynamite Hills Farms of L’Anse, MI.

Authorized the KBIC Attorney’s office to draft a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Sovereign Finance.

September is here people and it came in on FIRE The sun was out, the temps were high, and we were able to hold on to those summer vibes just a bit longer. As we prepare for the Fall season on the outside, here at KBIC we are preparing department budgets and getting ready to set the tone for the 2024 Fiscal Year. For those that don’t know a fiscal year is,

in short terms, our financial year. It is different than a calendar year (Jan – Dec) and is how we dictate a lot of our policies and quarterly business and reporting needs here

September is also back to school time for us I LOVE seeing all the back to school photos and everyone ready to embrace the new routine and busy schedules. Our Education Department has been busy with their usual college student duties as well as preparing for elementary and high school incentives but this year with their expanded department they are busy embedding their Promise Neighborhood staff into the local schools and addressing needs and gaps that we can address and make moves on to enhance programming and learning for our students. It really is an exciting venture and cannot wait to see what the data shows us It will be time well spent

This past month we held our annual summer employee picnic on August 11th at the Pressbox. It was initially supposed to be held at the L’Anse Golf Course but due to weather, we had to make a quick switch. None the less, our staff still made the most of the venue and activities We held a golf scramble, fishing tournament, and cornhole tournament We were able to hold an employee recognition program where we recognized our amazing employees for their years of service starting at 10 all the way to 35 years+. I expressed this at the picnic but that is something we must be proud of That longevity and experience within one organization is not seen these days so being able to witness that and be a part of it is really special. Congratulations, again, to all who were recognized!

For the month of August, I:

Held a meeting with Johnson Controls, Inc

Met with Employment Resource Group on an additional Physician search

Met with Health Clinic and KBIC leadership

Attended a Policy Review Workgroup meeting

Met with DHHS on contract requirements

Held a Quarterly Department Head meeting

Met with M3

Attended State of Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, presentation at the Senior Citizens Center

Attended a National Telecommunications and Information Administration grant meeting around enhanced broadband on reservation

Attended KBIC Employee Summer Picnic

Attended meeting with ERG

Attended “Strengthening Prevention and Sharing Best Practices to Support Behavioral Health and Wellness” Conference at Lac Du Flambeau, Lake of the Torches Casino and Conference Room

Held a meeting with MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel and KBIC leadership and staff

Attended Central UP Regional Housing Partnership

Draft Action Plan Review meeting

Met with the Capacity Building Center for Tribes staff

Met with Tribal Council leadership, CFO, and Tribal Sovereign Finance Group

Held a 90-day review for employee

Attended Lunch and Learn on a discussion about the Sand Point shoreline

Attended a Lake Superior Community Partnership board meeting

Attended three Tribal Council meetings

The Natural Resources Department will have workshops this month around Manoomin Camp 2023 Keep your eyes and ears open for when these occur The main Manoomin (Wild Rice) Camp will take place Saturday, September 30 from 9 am – 4 pm on Brewery Road in L’Anse. Registration is recommended but not required This month is also the last few weekends of volunteer opportunities at our DIGS Community Garden It will ALWAYS be time well spent to learn and assist others with growing and preserving food sources. Our Health Clinic is always offering events covering many different areas of interest: Diabetic Education and Foot Care Clinic, Nutrition Consultation, Blood Pressure and Glucose screening, Audiology clinic, and cancer survivorship care On September 18th and 19th the Mobile Mammography will be here! Free mammograms will be available for uninsured or underinsured women. This is here to address the gaps we are seeing amongst women and getting up to date mammograms

One final note, there will be a new face in the Health Clinic for the next six months. Dr. Li, a Family Physician, has joined the team and will be providing care along side our health team to meet the health needs of our community. We are so excited to have him and cannot wait for our community to meet him Welcome Dr Li!

All my best, Brigitte

KBIC NRD Survey on Manoomin (Wild Rice)

The KBIC Natural Resource Department is working in partnership with Michigan Tech to gather information about the use, importance, and desired future practices involving manoomin (wild rice) Results from this survey will inform future restoration efforts on KBIC homelands by contributing to a Manoomin Restoration Guidance document. This research study will develop standards for the KBIC Natural Resource Department to assess effectiveness of wild rice restoration efforts, including cultural, social and environmental metrics Future efforts will include manoomin workshops and environmental restoration and will be informed in-part by this survey. This information will help KBIC better address the needs of the community and inform priority needs going forward

The following survey includes 3 sections, Personal Information, Wild Rice Questions, and Additional Comments. Your participation is entirely voluntary and surveys will be anonymous. The information on

this survey will be kept on a secure Michigan Tech server and transferred to KBIC NRD servers once the graduate research is completed (May 2024). Miigwech for sharing your thoughts and for your time

Please fill out this short (5 minute) survey to assist KBIC NRD and Michigan Tech researchers in this work. You can scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5D3JGGG

Please contact Cassandra Reed-VanDam cmvandam@mtu edu or Val Gagnon vsgagnon@mtu edu with any questions

September - Celebrating Healthy Aging Month

Let’s ask our elders, “How’s your smile?” Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to our overall wellbeing Research

shows people who smile more often bring joy to those around them, and smilers themselves are happier.

We Anishinaabe are a community that cherishes its precious citizens aged 60 and older In September, we celebrate Healthy Aging Month by helping our elders build resilience as they age. This annual observance focuses on the positive aspects of growing older. The mission of Healthy Aging Month is to inspire and promote personal responsibility for one’s health be it physically, socially, mentally or mentally

Michigan Indian Day is an excellent opportunity to better understand and appreciate the many contributions that Native American elders have made to our state; celebrated every year on the fourth Friday of September, this year is September 22, 2023

Aging Anishinaabe do experience the decline of numerous aspects of their lives. Resilience, hardiness, energy, vigor and immunity wane with each decade. The prevalence of systemic diseases that impact the mouth increases, making older adults more susceptible to oral health issues Likewise, poor oral health can contribute to worsening physical health

Our elders might also participate in harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol use. The effects from both are increasingly harmful to the teeth as we get older

Additionally, some older adults take a myriad of medications for various conditions. A large number of these health conditions and medications cause dry mouth, alteration to taste and oral ulcers.

Previous dental restorations may begin to break down and require repair and/or replacement High levels of oral bacteria can result in rampant decay, especially

along the root surfaces. These same bacteria can dislodge from the mouth and can be aspirated, causing pneumonia Gum disease may rapidly progress with certain bacteria present

Accessing professional care is especially difficult for those living in elder facilities and for homebound adults.

Dental disease or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, because people prefer soft, easily chewed foods instead of healthier foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Recent studies by the National Institute on Aging strongly suggest that older adults with poor dental health have a higher risk of cognitive impairment, and of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias The reason for this is unclear Bacteria and the associated inflammatory molecules can travel from infections in the mouth through the bloodstream to the brain, including the plaques of beta-amyloid protein

Cancers of the mouth (oral and pharyngeal cancers) are primarily diagnosed in older adults; the average age at diagnosis is 62 years old. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums, and the glands that make saliva Those patients with excellent oral health prior to a cancer diagnosis tend to fare much better.

With age comes many disabilities that can affect an individual’s capacity to maintain good oral self-care We ask that caregivers help older individuals brush and floss their teeth, if the elders are not able to perform these activities independently.

Older American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) report the following: The prevalence of complete tooth loss for Native American elders is higher than the general population; only 5 out of 19 AIAN elders have enough teeth to chew food well, compared to 7 out of 10 in the U.S. middle class; 49 percent of AIAN over 55 years of age have untreated dental cavities. Twice as many AIAN report the following, compared to other older Americans: poor oral health mouth pain; and avoiding certain foods because of the inability to chew

The American Dental Association recommends that our elders:

Brush teeth twice or more per day Use an oscillating power toothbrush and other mechanical aids.

Floss regularly. There are also other interdental cleaning aids available.

Fluoride is a proven cavity-preventing mineral Use daily fluoride toothpaste, a fluoride rinse and fluoride varnish treatments at the dentist’s office

Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning.

Consider having your teeth cleaned two times per year

Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take

The dentist does an oral cancer exam at each dental examination.

Eat a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease This will decrease the risk for other complications, including gum disease Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.

Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk for oral cancer and gum disease.

Limit alcoholic beverages.

Use lip balm with sunscreen

Drink only water throughout the day

Replace missing teeth to aid in eating, speech, and to maintain the form, shape, and function of the mouth.

Keep your dentures clean by removing and brushing dentures every day and soaking them in water or a denture-cleansing liquid at night Be sure to leave them out of your mouth while you sleep

Education of the caregiver, as well as the patient, is an important part of the prevention of dental disease.

We may not be able to control the aging process, but why not control what we can? Let’s achieve excellent dental health. This will enhance our ability to speak, smile, taste, chew, swallow, and convey feelings and emotions through our beautiful smiles.

https://healthyaging net/healthy-aging-month/10-tipsfor-september-is-healthy-aging-month/

https://worksmartlivesmart.com/celebrating-healthyaging-month-september/

www cdc gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oralhealth/adult older htm

https://www cdc gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oralhealth/tips.html

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-andresearch-institute/oral-health-topics/aging-anddental-health%20

https:/www.ada.org/resources/research/science-andresearch-institute/oral-health-topics/aging-anddentalhealth%20

www health harvard edu/diseases-andconditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-ityounger%20

https:/www.ihs.gov/doh/documents/surveillance/Eld er%20Care%20Infographic%20for%20dental%20pro grams,%20IHS%20leaders%20and%20tribal%20lea ders pdf%20

https:/www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/oralhealthinameri ca/section-3bsummary#:~:text=While%20tooth%20loss%20remain s%20a%20problem%20for%20older,%28no%20rem aining%20teeth%29%20is%20at%20an%20alltime%20low %20

https://www.nrcnaa.org/assets/2214-8614/oral-healthin-native-american-elderly.pdf%20

https://pubmed ncbi nlm nih gov/11243044/%20

https://www nia nih gov/news/tooth-loss-olderadults-linked-higher-risk-dementia%20

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gumdisease-dementia

Thank you Your continued support means everything to me Stay Strong,

Jessica A Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach

231-313-8407, jrickert@deltadentalmi com; jarickert@charter net

Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) sponsors the Diversity Dental Student Scholarship

Given annually, this scholarship is awarded to students from a disadvantaged racial and ethnic background entering dental school. The $25,000 scholarships were given to five wonderful, capable, promising young dental students As dental professionals, each student will have a major impact on their communities for decades, improving the health and lives of those around them. The African American, Hispanic, and Asian students have worked hard to achieve their dreams.

You can read more about them at: https://www deltadental foundation/blog/diversityscholarships-2022

If your student wants to apply for this scholarship, contact Delta Dental Foundation Manager Holli Seabury at hseabury@deltadentalmi com or 517 282 9834 today

The Michigan Dental Association Foundation also has scholarships available for all students. These scholarships are need-based and the deadline is September 30, 2023. Full information at Ph: 800589-2632 & 517-372-9070 and at: https://foundation michigandental org/programs/sch olarships/

Let’s work together to have an American Indian from student the state of Michigan be among the future recipients Please encourage all students to consider a career in the dental profession

Thank you. Your continued support means everything to me Stay Strong,

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

Ojibwa Seniors Host Michigan Attorney General

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the KBIC Seniors on August 10, 2023, offering crucial insights into recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes targeting seniors. The informative presentation, held at the Ojibwa Seniors Center, tackled the various avenues through which scammers often prey on vulnerable individuals, including phone calls, mail, email, and text messages

Attorney General Nessel's visit to the Ojibwa Seniors Center highlighted her commitment to protecting Michigan's elderly population from financial exploitation With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, the event was an invaluable opportunity for seniors to learn about the telltale signs of fraudulent activity and arm themselves with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves.

Social Gathering

Around the Community

KBIC Youth, (l to r) Dalanna Connor, Breyelle Bowers, Princess Pierre, and Kwynn Voskuhl for the L’Anse 8th Grade Girls Basketball team defeated the Jeffers Jets 49-13 on Thursday, September 7, 2023

KBIC Youth Kwynn Voskuhl and Dalanna Connor go after the ball on defense against the Jeffers Jets.

KBIC Youth Adrianna Kyllonen for the Baraga 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball team dives after the ball during their game against the Chassell Panthers. The Vikings beat the Panthers 59-18 on Wednesday, September 6, 2023

KBIC Youth Jayla Issacson, for the Baraga JV Volleyball team, serves the ball against the Chassell Panthers on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Baraga defeated the Panthers

Daniel Connor, QB for the L’Anse JV Hornets Football team lead the Hornets to victory on Thursday, September 7, 2023 against the West Iron County Wikons

A low-interest, 30-year fixed mortgage (a fixed mortgage means your interest rate will stay the same over the full life of the loan). The current VA interest rate for NADLs starts at 2.5%. To find out what your interest rate will be, contact an NADL coordinator by email at NADL@va gov or by phone at 888-349-7541

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