September 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

WWW.KBIC-NSN.GOV

ISSUE 34

KBIC NEWS

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Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry Continues to Serve Families in Baraga County The Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry, hosted by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, provided food to 350 families on August 27, 2025, at the former Big Bucks Bingo Hall in Baraga.

Now in its second year with KBIC, the Mobile Pantry has become a vital resource for Baraga and surrounding counties. Each month, staff and volunteers dedicate their time to distributing food and ensuring the program operates efficiently. The effort is made possible with the support of KBIC Promise Neighborhoods, which

IN THIS ISSUE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CEO'S CORNER 2024 TRIBAL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY ANISHNABE DENTAL OUTREACH SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

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

partners to strengthen services and opportunities available for community members.

Since its start in 2024, the Mobile Food Pantry has consistently met community needs and maintained strong participation. Organizers note that the pantry has been successful every month it has been held, underscoring its importance to local residents.

“The Mobile Pantry has truly been a valuable resource for our community,” said KBIC CEO Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham. “We hope to continue offering this service in Baraga County for as long as we are able.”

Community members interested in volunteering for a future Mobile Food Pantry event are encouraged to contact Sheila Royal, KBIC

Tony Loonsfoot Toni J. Minton

Marketing Communications Coordinator, at sroyal@kbic-nsn.gov or (906) 353-4109.

The Mobile Food Pantry is part of KBIC’s ongoing efforts to support community members and provide resources that strengthen the health and well-being of local families.

President’s Report Boozhoo Anin Gakina, For the month of July the Tribal Council held two Special and three regular council meetings.

The following actions were taken: Regular Meeting 7/2/2025 Approved KB-025-2025 as presented Approved KB-026-2025 as presented Approved KB-027-2025 as presented Approved Tier III Services Agreement with Baraga County Road Commission as presented Approved Tier III Services Agreement with the Village of L’Anse as presented Approved the Master Services Agreement with Nursestar Medical Partners, LLC, as presented Approved Amendment to the Services Agreement with Jinny Sirard as presented Approved the preferred bid from Riverside Auto Sales, Inc. in Escanaba for a 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van in the amount of $60,688.25 as presented Approved the donation in the amount of $381.00 to cover the remaining cost of the tshirts for the 2025 Annual 4th of July Liberty Run Approved the Tee or Green sponsorship in the amount of $300.00 for the 2nd Annual Summer Daze Golf Benefit on July 26, 202,5 at the Lac View Desert Golf Course Approve the reallocation of the $5,000.00 donation previously allocated for the inaugural NAIV Convention toward the 2026 Honor Flight for tribal veterans Approved the waiver of the facility use fee for up to three craft shows per year as presented Special Meeting 7/7/2025 Approved the amendment to the Services Agreement with Danielson Contracting, Inc. as presented 1 - BEZHIG

Approved the update to the FEMD policy as presented Approved the Midwest Memory Grant subcontract as presented Regular Meeting 7/16/2025 Approved KB-028-2025 as presented Approved the Great Lakes Coastal Monitoring Project as presented Approved a donation to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) in the amount of $500.00 Approved a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 towards the Baraga County Fair Approved the Indian Housing Plan (IHP) for 2026 as presented Approved the MDOT Performance Resolution for Tribal Government as presented Approved Diana Chaudier and Isaac Ekdahl to the Secretarial Election Board with Yvette Simmons and Jeanne Emery as alternates Regular Meeting 7/30/2025 Approved the Supportive Housing change order as presented Approved the amendment to the Tier III Services Agreement with Danielson Contracting, Inc. for Assinins Brownfield Site Cleanup as presented Approved the Sole Source Bid and the Tier IIB Services Agreement with the University of Buffalo for PFAS Fish Tissue Analysis as presented Approved a donation in the amount of $2,500.00 each to the Wildlife Rehabilitators U.P. Wildlife Rehabilitation - Keweenaw Group and Keweenaw Wild Bird Rec as discussed Approved a donation in the amount of $1,081.76 for the Kick the Addiction Healing to Wellness event Special Meeting 7/31/2025 Approved the preferred bid from Copper Country Ford in the amount of $71,549.00 for a transport vehicle to be utilized by the KBIC Substance Abuse Program as presented

SEPTEMBER 2025

CEO’s Corner It’s my birthday month!

As the calendar turns to September, we once again find ourselves in a season of transition — something I touched on in last month’s article.

Summer’s warmth still lingers (despite the rainy start to this month ), yet new routines and

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responsibilities are beginning to take shape.

Families are settling into back-to-school schedules, while across our community, we too are entering a time of planning and preparation. Just as the changing seasons remind us of renewal, this is our moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together over the summer and to look ahead with focus and determination to the work and opportunities that lie ahead.

August gave us plenty to celebrate, including our annual Employee Summer Picnic on August 15th. This year featured the inaugural “Rez Olympics,” with the Health System team “Rez-uscitators” taking home 1st place overall – I’m coming for you all next year!

As usual, friendly competition continued with a bean bag tournament, fishing tournament, and plenty of bingo.

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What made this year especially meaningful was honoring a number of employees with 30 to 40 years of service. In today’s world, where new generations often move between jobs more frequently, that kind of commitment stands out as something truly special. It reflects not only dedication to the organization but also a deep connection to our community and the values we share.

The day was well attended, the weather was perfect, and the event was a great reminder of the strength and spirit of our KBIC family.

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August marked the end of our first-ever Summer Step Walking Challenge, and the results were incredible! Participation was high across departments, and together our team walked a total of 22,135,815 steps over the summer months. That’s equal to about 10,481 miles — the distance from Baraga to Los Angeles and back nearly twice!

Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. It boosts heart health, improves mood, lowers stress, and can be done almost anywhere. While the warmer weather made it easy to get outside, the benefits of walking don’t have to end with summer. As the colder months approach, consider ways to keep moving: use indoor areas like our local gym or community center, or even take short breaks during the day to walk indoors at work or home. By keeping up this habit, we can carry the momentum of the challenge into fall and winter, continuing to support both our physical health and overall well-being.

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in Dartmouth’s Tribal Leadership Academy, where 26 Indigenous government leaders from 24 tribal nations came together for a week of deep learning and mutual support. What sets this academy apart is its engaged approach where participants spend meaningful time exploring governance challenges, economic opportunities, health care strategies, and climate resilience in a collaborative setting. As Cynthia Petersen, President of the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, said: “When we come together like this, we have a better understanding of what’s working for other tribes … and we might discover that something that doesn’t work for another tribe might work for us.”

Attending this academy reinforced for me the power of networking across Indian Country.

Leveraging the diverse experiences, wisdom, and innovations emerging from our

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CEO’s Corner neighboring tribal communities isn’t just beneficial…it’s essential. By partnering and colearning, we strengthen our collective sovereignty, adapt best practices, and ensure our leadership approaches are dynamic, culturally aligned, and forward-looking.

services. By taking advantage of this opportunity, we not only protect our individual health but also strengthen the overall wellness of our community. Look for more information on this on the KBIC and KBIC Health Systems Facebook page! A flyer is also included in this edition of the community newsletter.

KBIC’s next Feeding America event is September 24th. 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 October 22nd .

Reminder - KBIC Government offices are closed Friday, September 26th for Michigan Indian Day! All my best,

Looking ahead to mid-September, the KBIC Health System will host the Mobile Mammography Unit on-site to provide convenient access to breast cancer screening.

Mammograms are one of the most effective tools for early detection, helping identify cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. When breast cancer is found early, treatment options are often less invasive and survival rates are significantly higher.

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 for Native is not new. We hope MDHHS's assistance will help cancer has the Community provide adequate child and adult protective services.

This is especially important American communities, where become one of the leading causes of death and where access to preventive screenings is often more limited. Studies have shown that Native women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of cancer, making regular screenings like mammograms critical for improving outcomes.

Bringing the Mobile Mammography Unit directly to our community helps reduce barriers to care, such as transportation or scheduling challenges, and ensures more of our members can benefit from preventive

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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.

SEPTEMBER 2025

Around the Community 2024 Michigan Non-Gaming Tribal Economic Impact Study Shows Strong Growth Across the State

The 2024 Michigan Non-Gaming Tribal Economic Impact Study highlights the growing role of Tribal Business Entities (TBEs) in building economic independence, creating jobs, and supporting community prosperity.

By focusing on non-gaming economic development, Michigan’s 12 federally recognized Tribes are strengthening their financial sustainability while providing vital services for their Citizens.

$136 Million in Taxes Paid: Tribes contributed almost $136 million in federal and state taxes, up from $38 million in 2019.

Sustainable Businesses: TBEs have an average operational lifespan of 15.3 years.

Employment Opportunities: Tribes maintain or created 2,819 direct jobs with an average wage of $59,971. These jobs span 16 industries, including manufacturing, software solutions, environmental services, retail, and transportation.

Regional Economic Growth: Tribal economic activity is thriving statewide, with the Upper Peninsula ($470.3M), West ($373.2M), and Southwest ($206.2M) regions showing the most activity.

This study underscores the power of strategic economic diversification and “Seven Generations Thinking.” Tribal Nations are not only building financial strength for today but are also investing in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic sovereignty for future generations.

Read the Full Study: https://waseyabek.com/eis Copies will be available at the KBIC Tribal Center

Key Findings from the 2024 Study: $1.24 Billion Economic Impact: Tribal businesses generated $1.24 billion in total economic activity in 2024—a more than 22% increase over the 2019 findings. $1.49 Billion in Assets: The 12 Tribes collectively hold $1.49 billion in business assets. $805 Million in Revenue: The 78 Tribal Business Entities reported $805 million in total gross revenue in 2024, nearly a 21% growth since 2019.

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Around the Community

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Around the Community

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Anishinaabe Dental Outreach September - Celebrating Healthy Aging Month

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 eldes 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.

Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation Elder Artist, Monica Whitepigeon

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 well-being. 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… physically, socially, mentally and dentally.

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 26, 2025.

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Previous dental restorations may begin to break down and require repair and/or replacement.

Oral bacteria can result in rampant decay, especially along any newly exposed 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 can be 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, resulting in plaques of beta-amyloid protein.

SEPTEMBER 2025

Anishnaabe Dental Outreach The average age at diagnosis of cancers of the mouth is 62 years old. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat cancer. Side effects include problems with the jaws, teeth, 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 26% AIAN elders have enough teeth to chew food well, compared to 70% in the U.S. middle class; 49 % 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.

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

Fluoride varnish treatments at the dentist’s office 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. Alcohol increases the risk for oral cancer and gum disease.

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 Keep 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.

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

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Around the Community

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Health System KBIC Partners with University of Michigan Pharmacy Team to Strengthen Tribal Pharmacy Services A pharmacy team from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Collaborative for Indigenous Resources in Care, Learning, and Equity (UMCOP-CIRCLE) has partnered with KBIC for a capacity building grant that KBIC has been fortunate to be selected for. The grant aims to expand clinical pharmacist services and address identified needs for our tribal pharmacy through four key approaches: 1) Community Engagement and Partnership, 2) Culturally Appropriate Implementation; 3) Impact Evaluation; and 4) Educational Enhancement. The primary health issues that the UMCOP-CIRCLE focuses on include enhancing medication safety, improving access to care, supporting program development that enhances community health, well-being, and disease prevention, and optimizing pharmacy services to ensure effective, efficient, and equitable healthcare delivery for all individuals.

with clinic/pharmacy staff, leadership and tribal leadership. Their visit was very successful and they enjoyed learning more about our clinic and our tribe. They expressed their appreciation for our hospitality and look forward to our continued relationship to optimize the services of our tribal pharmacy.

Medication safety and optimization are critical public health priorities, and evidence-based strategies are essential to reduce adverse events and improve medication-related outcomes. In this project, the UMCOP-CIRCLE team will collaborate with KBIC leadership to strengthen our pharmacy department’s infrastructure to improve evidence-based processes, safety, and efficiency as identified by a KBIC organizational assessment. Areas for internal organizational capacity building supported by this grant will focus on organizational infrastructure, organizational development, and technology enhancements and optimization.

The team came up from Ann Arbor on September 2nd through September 4th , 2025 to condut initial asessments and discussion

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Around the Community

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Around the Community

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Natural Resources An end to our summer with NRD outh workers By: Natural Resources Department

Leaves are slowly beginning to change, garden harvesting is ramping up, and the NRD summer youth worker season is winding down. The past couple months have had weeks filled with beach cleanups, jam making, macroinvertebrate sampling, and garden plot tending. Ivan and Nathaniel returned as our year-round team members and were joined by Kaleb, Zae, and Lealynd, the newest additions to our Great Lakes crew! As the most experienced youth, Ivan and Nathaniel took on additional leadership responsibilities and helped ensure tasks and projects were successful.

NRD Youth Workers visit the NRD’s wildlife table to learn about being a Wildlife Biologist from Blake Chosa.

In addition to our typical activities, youth had exciting opportunities, including the Lake Superior Youth Symposium in Duluth, MN, a Geoheritage internship with Michigan Tech, and GLIFWC’s Career Day at Camp Nesbit.

During the Career Fair the youth had the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in natural resources and also spoke to peers about their experiences as youth workers in the field. When asked about their favorite activity this summer, many of

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the Youth Workers listed events such as the Kids Fishing Derby, Lake Superior Day, and the Powwow. Several said their favorite part of the job was how much time they got to spend outdoors, giving them the chance to be active and continuously learn new things. As Nathaniel put it, “We’re along for the ride.”

Kaleb grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved here last summer to be closer to family. He enjoyed working with other Tribal members and connecting with his relatives. When asked why he decided to apply for the NRD Youth Worker position he joked, “I wanted to get an NRD t-shirt.” More seriously, he added, “The people here are super nice and very accepting,” and said he enjoyed working with them. Outside of work, Kaleb enjoys watching One Piece and other anime and playing video games like Minecraft.

Zae applied for the Youth Worker position because she wanted a job that allowed her to be outside. “Who wants to work inside all summer?!” she said. When asked what she enjoyed most this summer, she enthusiastically shared that she loved learning more about wildlife, as well as the more artistic activities we took part in, like sewing.

Outside of work, she enjoys doing arts and crafts like painting and making dreamcatchers, as well as swimming and paddle boarding. In the future, she hopes to travel—her dream destination is the Amazon River because of its incredible wildlife.

Ivan has been a Youth Worker for three years and is the most senior member of the group.

His experience shines through, especially when he has the chance to reflect on how things have changed over the years. He originally applied because it was the first job he was eligible for, but he has stayed because he values learning about the area where he grew up. “I also really appreciate that every week is different. Sometimes we do events, but there are always new opportunities and

SEPTEMBER 2025

Natural Resources Whether they were leading events, participating in cultural activities, exploring nature, or simply learning something new, they each contributed in meaningful ways to the team and community. Their continued engagement has made this summer a productive and memorable season for the entire NRD.

NRD Youth Workers taste test their homemade jam – made with blueberries harvested from DIGS Community Garden and local strawberries.

experiences, like learning to sew feast bundles for Lake Superior Day.” Outside of work, Ivan likes to hang out with his friends and play firstperson shooter games like R6.

Nathaniel prefers variety in his work because “… it keeps things interesting.” Over the years, he has assisted with fish stocking, fin clipping, and teaching at the Environmental Fair. This summer he enjoyed even more new experiences, including tending a garden and learning how to cook the vegetables they harvested. Outside of work, Nathaniel enjoys working out and spending time on his new car.

Lealynd is one of our newest Youth Workers and appreciated the chance to learn something new every day. His love of the outdoors is what originally attracted him to the position, and he took full advantage of all the new experiences. Outside of work, Lealynd enjoys swimming, fishing, skateboarding, and spending time with friends. He also plays hockey and wants to take another trip to Florida.

At the DIGS Community Garden the youth are tending their own vegetable plot with onions, tomatoes, beans, and squash.

They’re also tending to a plot with potatoes and onions for Waawaashkeshi Camp and Asemma.

This week, the Youth Workers presented to their families and other NRD staff, sharing some of their accomplishments. We lunched on a homemade feast – pasta, tomato sauce, and garlic bread; all made from scratch by the youth. As the summer wraps up, we’re proud of the growth, dedication, and curiosity these Youth Workers brought to every task.

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Health System Welcoming PA Student Morgan Ewald The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Health System is pleased to welcome Ms. Morgan Ewald, a Physician Assistant student from Concordia University Ann Arbor. Morgan began her rotation with us on Monday, August 25, and continue through Thursday, September 18, 2025.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Around the Community Handicapped Guidelines

Accessible

Van

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 first-time HAV drivers on operating the wheelchair lift before their first trip.

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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.

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, ecigarettes, and all other forms of tobacco.

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Around the Community 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.

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.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Current Job Postings Government FULL-TIME POSITIONS Teaching Assistant Physician Pharmacist Payroll Clerk Fishery Technician Language Helper Social Services Specialist Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Para Legal - Legal Assistant High School Specialist Outpatient Counselor Treatment Counselor Certified Nursing Assistant AANIKANOOTAGEWIN (Speaker on behalf of others) Healing to Wellness Peer Recovery Mentor Health System IT Help Desk Technician Jail Diversion Case Manager Grant Accountant

ONGOING RECRUITMENT CLEANING PERSON LABORER PHARMACIST OR PHARMACY TECHINICIAN RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL WORKER RN OR LPN UNIT MANAGER (SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS) UNIT MANAGER (TRANSITIONAL HOME PROGRAMS & SERVICES) VAN DRIVER OR PREP COOK WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER YOUTH/FITNESS WORKER

CLOSING DATE September 8, 2025 at 4 pm September 10, 2025 at 4 pm September 12, 2025 at 4pm September 12, 2025 at 4 pm September 16, 2025 at 4 pm September 18 2025 at 4 pm Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Open Until Filled

CLOSING DATE Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous Open Continuous

For complete job announcement and application requirements, contact:

KBIC Personnel Department 16429 Beartown Road Baraga, MI 49908 (906) 353-6623 ext. 7178 or 4140 or 4175 Visit us at: www.kbic-nsn.gov

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Current Job Postings Enterprises BARAGA Bartender Facilities Manager Internal Sales Specialist

MARQUETTE

CLOSING DATE Continuous Open Until Filled Continuous

CLOSING DATE

Account Executive/Sales Count Team Member Dealer F&B Cashier Housekeeper Internal Sales Specialist

Open Until Filled Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous

CONTINUOUS POSTINGS

DEPARTMENT

Account Executive/Sales Bar Back/Busser Bartender Board Operator Cage Cashier Casino Housekeeper Count Team Member C-Stores Cashier C-Stores Kitchen Cook C-Stores Maintenance Worker Dealer Dishwasher F&B Cashier Front Desk Clerk Gift Shop Clerk Guest Services Clerk Internal Sales Specialist Line Cook Maintenance Worker Prep Cook Room Attendant Security Officer Server Shuttle Driver Slot Attendant Solid Waste Attendant Surveillance Monitor APPLY ONLINE: https://www.ojibwacasino.com/employment Baraga HR Office: (906) 353-6333 x4188 Marquette HR Office: (906) 249-4200 x4705

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Eagle Radio Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Eagle Radio Cage Housekeeping Cage Pines, MSS, & Rez Stop Pines Pines & MSS Table Games Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Hotel Marquette Casino Guest Services Eagle Radio Food & Beverage Maintenance Food & Beverage Hotel Security Food & Beverage Guest Services Slots Solid Waste Surveillance Or scan the “QR cod” with your smartphone to complete the online application (open camera & scan)

SEPTEMBER 2025

Around the Community

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Around the Community Promise Neighborhoods Students Tour Michigan Tribal Colleges Promise Neighborhoods (PN) Post-Secondary Department recently hosted a trip to Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) and Saginaw Chippewa Community College (SCCC), visiting two of the three tribal colleges in Michigan. Six students attended, accompanied by three dedicated chaperones: Serene, Shiloh, and Betsey.

The students participated in guided tours of both campuses, where each college warmly welcomed KBIC with swag bags, informational materials, and even a Jeopardy-style game.

They also visited the Ziibiwing Cultural Museum, gaining meaningful knowledge about Anishinaabe history from its origins to the present day.

In addition to the educational activities, the students had fun exploring a trampoline park near SCCC, enjoying restaurant dining experiences, and—most importantly—seeing firsthand what other tribal colleges have to offer as they consider their future educational paths.

Another trip will be planned in the future. For more information, please contact Betti or Serene at (906) 353-6623, Ext. 4307 or 4308.

The PN Scholarship Coordinator, Liz Curtis, also has scholarships available for college students and will be hosting upcoming FAFSA workshops. Please reach out to Liz for scholarship support at (906) 353-6623, Ext. 4304.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Elders

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Elders

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Elders

MANOOMINIKE GIIZIS - RICE MAKING MOON

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Around the Community

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Youth From Powwow Trail to Triathlon: 2025 Miss Keweenaw Bay Leads by Example

Over Labor Day weekend, Dalanna traveled to Ponemah, Minnesota, for the O-Bah-Shiing Labor Day Celebration to represent KBIC. In addition to competing in the arena, she participated in a triathlon event that included a two mile canoe, a five mile bike ride, and a one and a half mile run. Having trained for cross country since the beginning of August, Dalanna volunteered to take on the running portion of the race. Her training and dedication paid off, as her team claimed first place in the triathlon. Dalanna also earned second place in the powwow arena over the long weekend, showcasing her many talents.

When she is not dancing in the arena or running cross country, Dalanna can most often be found on the basketball court, continuing to develop her skills and passion for sports. She is a role model for our youth and a shining example of what it means to carry the title of Miss Keweenaw Bay. Congratulations to Dalanna Connor on her many accomplishments. We look forward to witnessing her continued success in the arena, on the courts, and on the courses across the nation.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is proud to celebrate 2025 Miss Keweenaw Bay, Dalanna Connor, who continues to represent our people with grace, strength, and dedication. Dalanna is no stranger to the powwow trail, as she and her family travel year-round to attend and participate in cultural gatherings across the nation.

Dalanna not only embraces our traditions through her dancing, but she also excels as a multi-sport athlete. She currently competes in basketball, volleyball, and, most recently, has taken on a new challenge, cross country. Her commitment to athletics reflects the same passion and determination she brings to the powwow arena.

MANOOMINIKE GIIZIS - RICE MAKING MOON

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Sports

KBIC youth, Breyelle Bowers and Princess Pierre finished their first half-marathon on August 30, 2025 at the Marquette Marathon in Marquette, Michigan. They finished alongside KBIC members, Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham and Cheryne Clements.

KBIC youth, Breyelle Bowers, goes in for a kill against the Westwood Patriots. Breyelle is a member of the L’Anse Varsity Volleyball team and they defeated Westwood 3-0.

KBIC youth, Jordan Ekdahl, running at the Bill Freezy Invite in Houghton, Michigan. Jordan runs for the L’Anse Middle School Cross Country team.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Sports

KBIC youth, Brody Clements of the Marquette High School Varsity Football team, made a spectacular catch for a touchdown against Alpena High School on Friday, September 5, 2025. The Sentinels won 41-13.

KBIC youth, Princess Pierre of the L’Anse Hornets Varsity Cross Country team led her team at the Bill Fezzey Invitational at Houghton High School on Thrusday, September 4, 2025.

MANOOMINIKE GIIZIS - RICE MAKING MOON

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Casino Promotions

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SEPTEMBER 2025

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community 16429 Beartown Road Baraga, MI 49908

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