KBIC NEWS
MANOOMINIKE GIIZIS - RICE MAKING MOON
Jordan Toma Inspires L'Anse and Baraga Students with 'I’m Just a Kid with an IEP' Presentation
On September 11, 2024, L’Anse Area Schools welcomed motivational speaker Jordan Toma for an inspiring presentation titled "I’m Just a Kid with an IEP." The event was organized by members of the Title VI Parent and Education Committees, which brought together students from both L’Anse and Baraga Schools, and was made possible through funding from the KBIC Promise Neighborhoods initiative
Jordan Toma, a renowned speaker and advocate for students with learning disabilities, shared his personal journey of overcoming the
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
CEO'S CORNER
JAPANESE BARBERRY TRADE-UP DAY
challenges associated with having an Individualized Education Program (IEP). His message of perseverance, selfadvocacy, and believing in oneself resonated deeply with students.
In his presentation, Jordan emphasized the importance of not letting labels define one’s future. "Your struggle is your strength" he said. Through humor, heartfelt stories, and real-life experiences, he connected with students on a personal level, reminding them that their struggles do not have to dictate their success.
The students left the presentation motivated and inspired, with many expressing their appreciation for Jordan’s relatable and encouraging words.
Jordan’s message was a powerful reminder that success is possible no matter the obstacles.
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
The event highlighted the continued collaboration between KBIC Promise Neighborhoods and local schools, working together to uplift students and offer them tools for their future success.
Jordan Toma and Yvette Simmons of the Title VI and Education Committee. Chi-miigwech to Yvette for working to get Jordan to Baraga County.
Office of the President
Boozhoo Anin Gakina, The Tribal Council had four Special Meetings in the month of August. Council took action on the following items:
8/07/2024 Special Meeting
Approved the addendum to the Memorandum of Cooperative Agreement for implementation of the Tribal Behavioral Health Initiative ITC program #794 as presented. They approved the Amendment to the Services Agreement with Trimedia Environmental & Engineering Services, LLC, as presented. Approved Option 2 of the Employee Recognition options, where everyone receives a one-time payment in 2024 using the amounts specified by the Longevity Payment Program table used by KBIC Enterprise, then reverting back to the 5-year increment process previously used with updated amounts comparable to the Enterprise Longevity Payment program. The KBIC Personnel Office is directed to budget for the new amounts.
Approved a nepotism waiver to allow Rodger Hebert to work for the KBIC Youth Department under the supervision of Donald Shelafoe, Jr.
08/14/2024 Special Meeting
Approved the Promise Neighborhood budget as presented.
Approved the Hotel Manager Reclassification Approved Resolution KB-044-2024 Descendancy.
08/21/2024 Special Meeting
Approved the meeting minutes from November 2, 2020, November 4, 2020, November 10, 2020, November 18, 2020 and November 30, 2020.
Approved the Unprocessed Wild Rice Seed Bid from Jeremy Londo for $8 – 10lb bag of unprocessed wild rice seed plus $500 delivery fee.
Approve the Data Sharing and Ownership Agreement between KBIC and the USFS Northern Research Station for the Phytoremediation Project at Sand Point.
Approved the bid from Whitman Construction for $61,780 for the Walleye Incubation Building Addition.
Approved the Tier II Services Agreement with Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling Inc. for $142,450.44 and the pipe size from 8 inches to 10 inches (no extra costs associated with the bigger pipe materials).
Approved KB-045-2024 Gregory D. Geroux Residential Lease.
Approved the bid of $91,619.36 plus an additional 10% (if needed) by Action Floors Systems for a new floor in the Niiwin Akeaa gymnasium.
Approved the application of Jenna Messer for the Indoozhichigaazomin Program, not to exceed $15,000 for the academic year.
Approved KB Resolution KB 043-2024
Ojibwemowin Recognition.
Approved the following language to be added into Process para 5 of the Background Investigations Policy: After the initial screening, the Personnel/HR Office, having found no disqualifying inflation for Level 2 or 3, shall……….and other pertinent information required to properly complete the background investigation to the background investigator for all potential hires.
08/28/2024 Special Meeting
Approved the amendment to the Tier III Services Agreement with Danielson Contracting, Inc. as presented.
September always feels like a reset to the year with the Labor Day holiday and first day of school starting for many families. September is also important because it is National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month!
This is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions who haveexperienced suicidal thought and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It is time to share the message of hope and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Follow this link to learn more about prevention, trainings, and other education resources: https://sprc.org/
Recovery is for everyone, learning of substance use treatment and mental health services can help those with mental or substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life. Learn how to support and find resources for mental and substance use disorders. There are many individuals who complete treatment and have changed their lives, let’s celebrate them in their accomplishments. The SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association) has many resources to assist with outreach and education: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month
KBIC Health System departments are sponsoring a Mental Health First Aid training for the community on September 25th. Registration is required and spots are limited so contact Peggy at the clinic if you are interested!
Some ways to decrease stress in the workplace, especially if you are not able to keep up with a regular exercise routine but try to get some extra activity in during the day at work, include:
Take a walk during your breaks
If you work at a desk, do stretches in front of your computer
If you live close enough, try a walk to work Park farther away from your workplace than usual to get extra steps in Take the stairs :)
And as always, make sure you are drinking water and staying hydrated throughout your day! For the month of August, I:
Attended a Hub Advisory Council meeting with local organizations, tribes, and the Lake Superior Community Partnership
Attended the Government to Government Tribal Tour meeting with the US Attorney, Mark Totten
Attended ABNON Taskforce meeting
Attended Drug Free Workplace Taskforce meeting
Attended the MI Governor’s Office Monthly Tribal/State meeting
Held two Policy Review Workgroup meetings
Attended four KBIC/MDHHS update meetings with Tribal Social Services
Held individual department update meetings throughout the month
Attended four Tribal Council meetings
The Commodity Food Program recently received a notice to inform Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) operating the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) of the opportunity to receive funding, in the form of direct cash assistance, for the purchase of domestically grown and produced foods.
These funds will enable ITOs to alleviate supply chain challenges and national warehouse delays, which are impacting FDPIR inventory levels and more broadly, the availability of a sufficient variety and quantity of food resources for participants. This use of funds is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act. In accordance with this CCC authority, the funds must be used to purchase agricultural commodities, which includes domestically grown and produced foods for distribution to FDPIR participants. To learn more about the supply chain issues please go to: https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-foods/supplychain-disruptions
KBIC’s next Feeding America event is September 25th. We are starting to seek volunteers for this day, if you are interested please contact Sheila Royal in Marketing. The final distribution for the year will be December 4th.
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. Reminder - KBIC Government offices are closed Friday, September 27th for Michigan Indian Day!
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.
Me and my daughter, Amya, on her first day of 1st grade at Baraga Schools! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy school year!
Japanese Barberry Trade-Up Day
Submitted by Emma Stockton, Invasive Species Coordinator
In August, KBIC NRD partnered with Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA) in an event to get homeowners to rip out their nonnative barberry plants and trade them for a $10 gift card to a local nursery. People stopped by to drop off barberry and claim their gift card, while others had questions about other plants on their property.
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a nonlocal being, known for its prickly stems and bright yellow roots. The native region of the plant is Asia. It was brought to the United States as a garden ornamental. Since the United States lacks natural predators (deer won’t eat this plant), it was easy for barberry to escape gardens and overtake disturbed forest floors. Barberry is considered a noxious weed or invasive species, shading out native plants, creating dense stands and prime tick habitat.
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If you find barberry on your property, the best way to remove it is with a shovel and gloves, making sure to get the whole root. Be mindful of the spines; they can leave nasty slivers. To dispose of barberry, hang the plant high in a tree where the root and plant can dry out through the summer. It can also be burned in an enclosed fire pit.
Native alternatives to grow are ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), or bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica). To learn more about invasive species and native plants, KISMA has great resources on their website: https://www.mtu.edu/kisma/. Even more exciting, KISMA is now a Go Beyond Beauty Hub! Visit https://www.gobeyondbeauty.org/kisma.html to learn more. For questions regarding invasive species on or near the reservation, contact Emma Stockton at estockton@kbic-nsn.gov or call 906524-5757 extension 4216.
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Milestones in Healthcare: A Mother and Son’s Academic Success
In May 2024, Kathleen Mayo and her son, Nicholas Mayo, both proud members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, celebrated a significant milestone by each receiving their Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration/Management. This remarkable achievement highlights their dedication to advancing their education and making meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.
Nicholas Mayo began his academic journey at Ferris State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration in 2016. His work with Indian Health Services and tribal communities, along with his passion for healthcare, inspired him to pursue further education. He successfully completed his master’s in healthcare management from Michigan State University. Nicholas now serves as the Quality and Compliance Officer for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s Health and Human Services Department, playing a vital role in ensuring the organization’s adherence to healthcare regulations and standards.
Kathleen Mayo’s healthcare journey began with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northern Michigan University, which she obtained in 1992. Her extensive experience in nursing and tribal healthcare sparked a desire to expand her expertise, leading her to complete a master’s in healthcare administration from Ferris State University in May 2024. Kathleen worked for the KBIC Health System for 29 years before retiring in 2022. She is currently employed with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) in their Center for Child and Family Health, where she contributes to improving public health outcomes for children and families across Michigan.
The dual achievement of Kathleen and Nicholas was made possible in large part by the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, along with support from the KBIC Student Sovereign Fund. These resources were crucial in helping them pursue higher education, and without them, they may not have considered going down this path. Their journey highlights the importance of these programs in empowering Native students to achieve their educational goals.
Their accomplishments show their commitment to education and their community. Kathleen and Nicholas’s journey emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, and the impact dedicated healthcare professionals can have on their communities. As they continue to apply their knowledge and skills, both are poised to make significant contributions to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.
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Meet Our New Assistant Chief Financial Officer
We are excited to welcome Keith Rolof, who has recently joined the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) as the new Assistant Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Keith’s journey is deeply rooted in L’Anse, Michigan, where he was born and raised, with a brief period spent attending high school in
Edwardsville, Illinois, from 2000 to 2003. He pursued higher education at Michigan Technological University, where he graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in accounting and minoring in psychology.
Keith’s professional career began in the Accounting Department of KBIC, where he quickly made an impact. He later transitioned to the Natural Resources Department, taking on the role of operations and compliance specialist. In 2012, Keith seized an opportunity that aligned closely with his academic background—a budget analyst position at the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). His commitment to furthering his education led him to earn a Master’s degree in Tribal Administration & Governance from the University of MinnesotaDuluth in 2014. During his tenure at GLIFWC, Keith advanced to the role of Deputy Administrator, serving for over five years and working with eleven Ojibwe tribes across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Keith has been a dedicated member of the Board of Regents for the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) since 2017. His service on the board has seen him in various roles, including Trustee, Treasurer, and Vice Chairman. Currently, Keith holds the position of Chairman of KBOCC and also contributes his expertise to the Board of Directors for the Lake Superior Community Development Corporation.
Returning to KBIC in his new capacity as Assistant CFO marks a full-circle moment in Keith’s career. He is particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming implementation of a new accounting system, which will go live on January 1, 2025. Keith is eager to contribute to this significant transition and looks forward to reconnecting with familiar and new faces within the community.
Keith’s office is in the tribal center, and he is available for any questions or discussions. Feel free to contact him at 906-353-6623 x4121 or via email at keith.rolof@kbic-nsn.gov.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Michigan’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
Michigan Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $1.5 Billion
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Michigan’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
This approval enables Michigan to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Michigan and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in Michigan. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the state is connected.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Michigan was allocated over $1.5 billion to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
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Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on highspeed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
“Today, Michigan can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Michigan HighSpeed Internet Office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”
“Every Michigan family deserves access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and our congressional delegation for passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made the largest federal investment in internet infrastructure ever. Thanks to their efforts, Michigan secured nearly $1.6 billion from the BEAD program the fourth highest of all states—to connect more than 200,000 homes and small businesses to high-speed internet. I am so proud that we are getting these resources out the door so we can continue building up the essential broadband infrastructure every community needs.”
“COVID showed us how many families were disadvantaged without reliable internet access at home, preventing them from participating in school, telehealth, and other services many of us have come to take for granted,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “It is a top priority at the federal and state level to address this issue so all households have equal access to online resources and opportunity. We worked hard to secure more than one billion dollars in the
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Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet to unserved and underserved households across Michigan.
BEAD is a once in a generation opportunity to close the digital divide and ensure all families have access to the resources that digital connectivity provides, and this announcement is an important step to bringing our infrastructure into the 21st century.”
“The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is thrilled about the opportunity the BEAD program holds for our state,” said Michigan High-Speed Internet Office Chief Connectivity Officer Eric Frederick. “While there is still crucial work ahead in preparing for BEAD applications, we are fully committed and ready to support and collaborate with our applicants to drive their success. MIHI values our partnership with the NTIA and their dedication to helping us achieve our vision of a digitally equitable Michigan.”
BEAD-eligible entities the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.
NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal here: https://Internetforall.gov/beadinitial-proposal-progress-dashboard.
NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.
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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.
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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.
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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/op enings/
National Women’s Health and Fitness Day…
…is celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of September, falling on September 25 this year, 2024. It’s a special day to promote the importance of excellent health and fitness for all women.
Here are significant topics to focus on going into 2025:
The awareness that it is important for each woman to strive for excellent health. A woman gets only one body, the one she is born with. Of course, she must take care of it the very best she can! Start with the gateway to the body, the mouth.
Prevention is better than reacting to disease. Choosing a healthy lifestyle can prevent disease. Many dental diseases can be prevented with excellent daily oral hygiene habits. A healthy diet and drinking habits will contribute to excellent dental health and will benefit a woman’s entire body.
Routine dental checkups help in the early detection of dental problems. Schedule a dentist’s appointment at least once a year.
Make a commitment. Celebrating health and fitness on September 25 is great but what would be even better is making a lifelong commitment to live a healthier life every day.
Encourage all women to achieve this important goal of health and fitness. Women can support each other when choosing healthy habits.
On September 25, awareness programs will occur in a variety of locations, so join thousands of other women and attend these fun events.
Knowledge is power. Recognizing and learning new things today and every day about women’s health is an ongoing goal.
Here’s an example: World Heart Day occurs on September 29. It is a mistake to believe that women don’t suffer from heart disease. Severe dental disease is often a contributing factor in heart disease. Every woman must become healthconscious and live heart-healthy.
Dental cavities could significantly increase the risk of a life-threatening stroke from bleeding in the brain, according to new research.
In fact, severe dental disease can worsen many physical ailments. Why not control what you can? Why not strive for excellent dental health and a healthy body?
Plan ahead by asking: “Where do I want to be in five years?”
Here’s a reminder: Heathy teeth, healthy woman, healthy tribe, healthy Anishinaabe.
Find out more from your dentist and from your medical doctor.
https://nationaltoday.com/national-womenshealth-and-fitness-day/ https://www.healthline.com/health/dentaloral-health-prevention https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/prevention/index.html https://www.health.harvard.edu/hearthealth/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-thecommon-thread
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/03/19/ho w-oral-health-may-affect-your-heart-brainand-risk-of-death https://world-heart-federation.org/worldheart-day/
Stay Strong, Dr. Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, Anishinaabe Dental Outreach
jrickert@deltadentalmi.com; jarickert@charter.net
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Eagle Release
KBIC Natural Resources Department
An eagle, which was rescued and rehabilitated earlier this year, is ready to return to the wild! Back in May, our NRD Wildlife & Habitat Section, with the help of Patrick LaPointe, rescued an injured eagle from the Sturgeon River near M-38. Thanks to quick response and care, the eagle was transported
to a raptor rehab center downstate and has now fully recovered.
Local raptor rehabber Beth Maatta will be bringing the eagle back to the UP for its release. We invite you to join us for this special event:
Date: Wednesday, September 18th time: 2:00 PM
Location: Sturgeon River access point (see map below for parking details)
Ojibwa Land Seniors Progam Welcomes
New Staff Members
Boozhoo, my name is Amanda Hueckstaedt, daughter of Ronald Hueckstaedt Jr. and Robin Hueckstaedt. I was born in Milwaukee, WI, but raised here in Baraga, MI.
I have worked for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for over four years in various positions, and I recently accepted the
Respite Care Worker position with Ojibwa Land Seniors under the Elder Nutrition Program. My primary role is to provide relief to primary caregivers, who often overlook their own wellbeing while caring for others. I’m excited to form new connections with clients and help caregivers maintain a healthy balance in their lives by offering them the support they need.
I am a proud mother of three beautiful, spunky children: Brynlee, Amelia, and Kanon. In my free time, I love spending quality time with my children, boyfriend, and our dogs playing in the yard, going to the beach, cruising backroads, and cooking and baking.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (906) 353-6096. I look forward to assisting you in any way I can.
Miigwech!
Boozhoo, My name is Diana Veker, and I have lived on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation in Baraga County for the past 28 years. I’m excited to announce that I’ve accepted the position of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Ojibwa Land
Seniors, working within the Elder Nutrition Program. With 7-8 years of experience as a CNA, I am currently enrolled in the Nursing program at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) at the Tribal Health Center.
Previously, I worked at Bayside Village Nursing Home and have gained valuable experience in hospice and home care. Caring for others is my passion, and I can assure you that the health, safety, and comfort of your loved ones are my top priorities.
I hold multiple certifications and have undergone extensive training over the years. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to care for our elders and look forward to working with and getting to know the community even better.
Public Notice: KBIC NRD Brownfields Program
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department (NRD) is pleased to announce that, through funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), we have successfully addressed six abandoned structures on the KBIC reservation. Additionally, we will be conducting a cleanup at the Brownfield site in Assinins.
For more information about these projects, please contact Serene Gauthier, Environmental Response Program Specialist, at (906) 524-5757, Ext. 4228.
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Chi-Miigwech went to the Public Works department as they assisted with their excellent service by brushhogging the Assinins site.
KBIC Youth, (back row, l to r) Alice Curtis, Breyelle Bowers, Kwynn Voskuhl, Cara Connor, Princess Pierre, and Dalana Connor (front row, middle) represented KBIC at the Indigenous Hoops Back to School Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis on August 17 & 18. The team took home the championship in the 7/8 grade bracket finishing off the weekend 4-0. The team, Three Fires also consisted of teammates from Lac Vieux Desert in Watersmeet.
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