Win Awenen Nisitotung November 18, 2020 • Vol. 41 No. 11 Frozen Moon Mshka’odin Giizis

Official newspaper of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians New tribal program offers free help to sexual assault victims By Brenda Austin hope that not only will current The Sault Tribe Advocacy victims utilize our new program, Resource Center (ARC), under but those victims who have not the umbrella of Sault Tribe received services for their trau- Anishinabek Community and mas also.” Family Services, recently The new SVS program announced its new grant fund- offers a 24-hour crisis hotline/ ed program – Sexual Violence helpline, emergency response Services (SVS). services, supportive individual SVS Grant Coordination and group counseling, advocacy Assistant Manager Jena and supportive services, public McKerchie awareness and said the ARC systems change, Photo by Brenda Austin worked with and SANE/ Drive through flu shot clinics were held in October throughout the service area. Above, CHT Kelly Kopko (left) Sandra Pilgrim SAFESTAR medi- and CHN Tami Duncan, both from Hessel, administered shots Oct. 22 in the Sault’s Big Bear parking lot. Lewis, victim cal forensic exam- services liaison inations. Tribe lauds Line 5 easement decision with the Victim In addition SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. dated February 2015. Since then, ogitchidaakwe (warrior women) Service Division to McKerchie, — Today, Sault Tribe leadership the tribe has pursued this through have been persistent voices for of the Michigan Ashley Gravelle applauded the announcement by all legal channels, in hearing stopping the oil before a disaster Department has been hired as Michigan’s Governor Whitmer rooms and meeting rooms as strikes, especially those on our of Health and the cultural heal- that the state bottomlands ease- well as at information gatherings, tribal board of directors – both Human Services, ing educator, and ment for the Line 5 twin crude oil demonstrations and peaceful those currently seated and those and Uniting is making public pipelines has been revoked, effec- protests. Often led by women, who previously served. They’ve Three Fires Against Violence, awareness a priority, along with tive immediately. these protests have informed the led the way to shut down Line 5. Michigan’s tribal coalition providing traditional alternatives “The Sault Tribe is enormous- public about the importance of Therefore, it is particularly satis- against domestic violence and to healing from sexual assault ly relieved that this ongoing tribal lifeways and culture and the fying that the women leading the sexual assault, to develop and trauma. Cecilia Atkinson, the threat to the health of the waters tribe’s values of respect for water, State of Michigan have taken this implement the program. program’s new secretary, will be of Lake Michigan is ending,” land and other beings. responsibility seriously and taken McKerchie said, “The need the first person victims and sur- Sault Tribe Chairperson Aaron “In our culture, women this action today.” for tribal specific sexual assault vivors will meet when accessing Payment said. “We have been bear the responsibility for pro- The Sault Tribe congratulates services that provide comprehen- the program. asking the State of Michigan to tecting the water, with men’s Governor Whitmer, Attorney sive and culturally appropriate Plans are awaiting approval take action on this matter for assistance,” Hessel area tribal General Nessel and the rest of the services to all victims of sexual to house the new program in a many years and today is a day to board Representative Catherine Michigan government for this his- assault became very apparent. 2,000-square-foot modular office celebrate.” Hollowell said. “Our tribal fish- toric and wise action, and looks Through community focus building on the Sault Tribe reser- Sault Tribe first called on “any ing grounds are under direct forward to the day, 180 days from groups it was determined that a vation by March 2021. government” to take the neces- threat of an imminent catastrophe now, when we no longer have sexual assault center was need- To access the program’s ser- sary action to stop the flow of from these aging pipes.” to worry about a breach in those ed.” vices or ask questions of staff, oil through Line 5 in a resolution Payment said, “Our tribal pipes. Services offered through call 632-1808 or (877) 639-7820. the program are free to both For the 24-hour staffed emergen- tribal and non-tribal victims cy hotline/helpline, call (906) Chippewa County COVID-19 update and survivors of sexual assault. 632-1808 or 639-7820. SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. munity members who test positive — Those who spent 15 or McKerchie said the program will You can also reach McKer- – As COVID-19 cases drastically for COVID-19 to complete an iso- more minutes over the course provide a safe haven for all vic- chie by emailing jmckerchie1@ increase in Chippewa County, the lation period of 10 days, regard- of 24 hours within 6 feet of the tims to access services. “It is our saulttribe.net. local hospital and health depart- less of if they are contacted by COVID-19-positive person. ment ask residents to take precau- health officials. Positive individu- Isolation and quarantine mean www.saulttribe.com tions to slow community spread als should remain in isolation until staying home from work (and of the novel virus. “As we experi- all of the following conditions are away from other household mem- ence a surge in our area, we want met: bers as much as possible), school, everyone to take the necessary — 10 days from onset of symp- social gatherings, extracurricular

precautions. Wear a mask, social toms (or from positive test result) activities and any other public PAID

49735 distance and practice proper hand — Fever-free for 24 hours, and place except when seeking medi-

Gaylord, MI

PRSRT STD PRSRT U.S. Postage

Permit No. 30 hygiene” said David Jahn, CEO of — Symptoms have improved cal care. Avoiding crowds, limiting War Memorial Hospital (WMH). COVID-19 positive individuals time with others not from the same On Oct. 10, 2020, the case are asked to contact their close household, wearing a mask in pub- count for Chippewa County was contacts to alert them of the expo- lic, and following good hygiene 95. As of Nov.10, 2020, the case sure. Due to the overwhelming practices may prevent local health count was 404. This is an average number of cases, there may be a facilities from becoming over- increase of 10 new cases per day. delay from CCHD staff in contact- whelmed. “With the significant increase in ing a positive individual’s close The State of Michigan has cases, it has become more diffi- contacts. a COVID-19 hotline, available cult to rapidly contact everyone If a person is identified as a Monday-Friday, 8-5, by calling who has tested positive or who close contact, they should quar- (888) 535-6136. If you believe is considered a close contact of a antine for 14 days post-exposure. your symptoms are life threaten- positive case,” said Karen Senkus, Close contacts are defined as: ing, call 911. Health Officer for Chippewa — Those who were with the For the latest information from County Health Department COVID-19-positive individual CCHD and WMH on the COVID- (CCHD). while contagious (while symp- 19 pandemic, visit our Facebook On Nov. 12, the first two tomatic or up to two days before pages at WarMemorialHospital or COVID-related deaths were symptoms began, or the individual ChippewaCountyHealth or visit reported for Chipewa County. received a positive test if asymp- www.warmemorialhosptial.org or

Win Awenen Nisitotung 531 Ashmun St. MI 49783 Marie, Sault Ste. WMH and CCHD are urging com- tomatic) AND www.chippewahd.com. Page 2 Community November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung BMCC offers new bachelor’s degree program BAY MILLS, Mich. — Bay Early Childhood Education Mills Community College Department chair and faculty (BMCC) continues to shape its member. educational programs to meet BMCC is one of three tribally the needs of the job market and controlled colleges in the state of local students. With a shortage Michigan and the only communi- of teachers throughout the state ty college in Michigan’s eastern of Michigan, the opportunity to Upper Peninsula. As a 1994 land earn a bachelor’s degree in Early grant institution, BMCC works Childhood Education (ECE) is with land grant partners, such as now offered fully online through Michigan State University, to pro- BMCC. vide service and expertise to the Students can attend BMCC Bay Mills Indian Community and virtually to earn their Bachelor the surrounding region. BMCC is of Arts in early childhood educa- accredited by the Higher Learning tion. ECE is for students who are Commission and is a member Photo courtesy of BMIC interested in working with young of the American Indian Higher Members of the first graduating class of 2020 in the early childhood education bachelor’s program, Diane children, newborn to 8 years of Education Consortium. McLeod-Maleport, Faith Gaubault and Brooke Spencer. age, and their families. Students will acquire an understanding of developmental patterns in such areas as appropriate to learning, social and emotional develop- Tribal Citizens and Descendants ment, language and literacy, cognition, perceptual, motor and physical development. They will also acquire knowledge in parent Can Earn While They Learn! engagement and the necessary College isn’t for everyone — training programs can be expensive, lengthy and difficult to manage with a job, a skills required to administer an early childhood program. family, or with life in general — but vocational training can be! The Nitaazhitoojik Industrial Training (NIT) program Preparing teachers, family service is designed to address these barriers for students enrolled in high demand STEM-related programs. What does personnel, education managers this mean for our community members? The NIT Program provides students money to complete the short-term and administrators of Indian Head training necessary for high paying jobs located right here in Northern Michigan! Start facilities nationwide is the primary focus of this program, but the program gives students The NIT program has worked closely with area manufacturers and grant partners to identify key business sec- the adequate preparation and tors within Northern Michigan that are growing rapidly. These relationships help our program link students to credit requirements to work as profitable careers and growth opportunities with area businesses. Focusing on these regions of growth, the NIT substitute teachers in Michigan as program targets condensed trainings that develop the necessary skillsets in students looking to jumpstart their well. A secondary focus is impart- new career without having to commit to extended degree programs. ing an understanding of Native American culture as it applies to children in early childhood pro- Nitaazhitoojik Industrial Training-approved programs are offered through North Central Michigan College grams. (NCMC), and the Industrial Arts Institute (IAI). Both of these institutions of higher learning tailor their programs In August, the first cohort of to meet the needs of the growing manufacturing industry in our area. Trainings can be completed in a year or five graduates took center stage less and provide students the opportunity to also earn industry-recognized credentials which give an advantage and earned their degrees. In May, 2021, 15 students are on track to in the hiring process. receive their degrees. When completing a NIT-approved program, students will develop the skillsets necessary to make them more BMCC previously only offered employable with Northern Michigan businesses. The NIT Program and its grant partners will work to connect an Associate of Arts and a cer- students with opportunities for employment through NCMC’s state-of-the-art Career Development Center and tificate of completion in early hiring events. Not only can students can obtain training locally but most importantly, they can become employed childhood education completely online. locally through our program! Faith Gaubault was a member of the inaugural class of gradu- To further ensure the success of our students, the NIT program offers several different forms of assistance to ates. She found the online plat- support students with the costs associated with enrolling into a NIT-approved vocational program. Eligible stu- form a convenient and positive dents will receive tuition and textbook assistance, required course equipment, an hourly stipend of $12.75/ experience, especially as a work- ing single mother. hr, mileage reimbursement, and/or coverage of related training costs. All applicants will also receive program “I feel that my education is incentives for enrolling into and completing a NIT-approved course of study. helping me in my current work in the EUP as a quality improve- The main goal of the Nitaazhitoojik Industrial Training Program is to promote and sustain economic stability with- ment specialist with Great Start to in the LTBB community. Program preference is given to Indigenous students or individuals of Native American/ Quality (UP Resource Center),” said Gaubault. “I learned current Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent. Descendancy refers to anyone that directly descends from original tribal theories and best practice recom- people, regardless of blood quantum or Tribal Nation. mendations, which specifically apply to my scope of work sup- Preference is also given to applicants that are residing in the Tri-County area (Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet porting childcare providers and counties), veterans, high school students, individuals between the ages of 16 to 49 years old and those who are programs in extending high quali- ty experiences for children.” underemployed, unemployed or belong to displaced households. However, everyone is welcome to apply! Anyone interested in the pro- gram can find out more online Students must be enrolled in one of the five NIT-approved programs of study to be eligible to receive assistance: at www.bmcc.edu. Registration for the spring semester is now open until Jan. 7. Industrial Arts Institute: The bachelor’s program was Comprehensive Industrial Welding Program developed after BMCC received Work-Based Welding Program - Cancelled for 2020 a grant from the Administration for Native Americans to support development of the completely North Central Michigan College: online program. Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Certificate “Bay Mills Community College thanks the Administration Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Certificate for Native Americans for assisting Mechatronics Certificate – Coming Fall 2021 in the development of the early childhood education online bach- elor’s degree to educate students Are you ready to make your next career move and increase your earning potential? If so, please contact who will embrace and look out contact Kerstine Bennington at (231) 242-1485 or [email protected] for more information. The for our young children’s futures Nitaazhitoojik Industrial Training looks forward to working with you! and the next seven generations to come,” said Sheryl Hammock, November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Notices Check carbon monoxide detectors as cold hits LANSING, Mich. – As tem- make sure their heat sources “Only one in eight families in the batteries in your detector and • Never run a car in an peratures continue to drop and and carbon monoxide detectors the United States have a func- push the “Test” button to be sure enclosed space. If a vehicle is Michigan prepares to turn back are in good working order,” tioning carbon monoxide detec- it’s working properly. Replace running, you must have a door the clocks on Nov. 1 for Daylight said Orlene Hawks, director of tor. Michigan residents should your detector every five years open to the outside. Saving Time, Michiganders are the Department of Licensing install a detector today to protect or according to manufacturer’s Symptoms of overexposure urged to take action to prevent and Regulatory Affairs. “Being our loved ones from the dangers instructions. Use a battery-pow- to carbon monoxide include carbon monoxide poisoning. aware of the dangers of carbon of carbon monoxide poisoning. ered detector where you have headache, fatigue, dizziness, To help bring attention to this monoxide and having a working Carbon monoxide is a colorless, fuel burning devices but no elec- shortness of breath, nausea and potentially life-threatening issue, carbon monoxide alarm is odorless, tasteless and poison- tric outlets, such as in tents, cab- confusion. At high levels, carbon Governor Gretchen Whitmer essential to keeping your family ous gas known as the ‘Invisible ins, RVs and boats with enclosed monoxide can cause death within declared Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2020, safe.” Killer; it requires an electronic cabins. minutes. If you suspect you may as Carbon Monoxide Safety Annually, about 140 people sensor to detect.” • Have your furnace or be experiencing carbon monox- Awareness Week. are hospitalized for carbon mon- These hospitalizations for wood-burning stove inspected ide poisoning or your detector “Carbon monoxide poison- oxide poisoning in Michigan carbon monoxide poisoning are annually. Hire a professional sounds an alarm, head outside ing can occur almost anywhere and across the United States, preventable when people are to make sure it is functionally immediately for fresh air and and I hope Michiganders take thousands are poisoned and at prepared. sound and vents properly outside call 911. this time to prepare and prevent least 430 people die from acci- To protect yourself and your the home. In addition, Michiganders are this life-threatening issue,” said dental carbon monoxide poison- family from carbon monox- • Never run a gasoline or reminded to install smoke alarms Whitmer. “Awareness about ing. In 2017, the latest year data ide, follow these safety tips: propane heater or a grill (gas or and carbon monoxide detectors carbon monoxide safety is a top is available from the Michigan • Make sure you have work- charcoal) inside your home or on every floor in your home, priority, and Michiganders are Department of Health and ing carbon monoxide detec- in an unventilated garage. Any push the button to test them reg- encouraged to learn about this Human Services Environmental tors. Detectors on every level of heating system that burns fuel ularly, change all alarm batteries poisonous gas and ensure homes Public Health Tracking Program your home, including the base- produces carbon monoxide. every six months, and replace and appliances are maintained (MiTracking), 126 people were ment, are strongly recommend- • Generators should be run at alarms after 10 years. to protect themselves and loved hospitalized. ed. Detectors can be purchased a safe distance (at least 20 feet) Visit Michigan.gov/ ones against possible poisoning.” “Working carbon monoxide at most hardware and big box from the home. Never run a gen- MiTracking for more information “To prepare for winter detectors save lives,” said State stores. Daylight Savings Time is erator in the home or garage or about carbon monoxide weather, Michiganders should Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. a good time each year to replace right next to windows or doors. poisoning. Mackinac County Transportation at your service Offering inexpensive spe- and 4 p.m., Monday through System, War Memorial the Mackinac County Board to ensuring that no person is cialized transportation ser- Friday. Mackinac County Hospital, Hiawatha Behavioral of Commissioners. The Civil excluded from participation in vice for seniors along with Transportation is closed on Health, Veterans Affairs and Rights Act of 1964 prohibits or denied benefits of its transit transportation for the general weekends, holdiays and during others. Learn more about discrimination on the basis services. public, Mackinac County inclement weather. “Rides to Wellness” by calling of race, color or national ori- The Mackinac County Transportation serves the folks Seniors aged 60 and over and the Chippewa Luce Mackinac gin in programs and activities Transportation Dispatch Office of Mackinac County Monday disabled people only pay $2 for Community Action Agency receiving federal financial is at Chippewa Luce Mackinac through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 transportation and the general (CLM CAA) Transportation assistance. Mackinac County Community Action Building at p.m. Rides take you throughout public fare is $4. Transportation Department in Sault Ste. Transportation is committed 368 Reagon Street in St. Ignace. the county on a demand-re- is free for accompanying care- Marie at (906) 632-4008. sponse car pool bus system pro- givers and children under 6 Further, Mackinac County viding door-to-door service. It is years of age. Transportation “Rides to not a taxi service and all vehi- Mackinac Country Wellness” may be able to assist Training opportunities cles are handicapped accessible. Transportation also offers with trips anywhere in the state Training opportunities avail- reimburse an employer 50 per- Regularly scheduled trans- non-emergency medical trans- of Michigan. able! The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe cent of your wage for a specified portation may be arranged portation trips on behalf of CLM CAA oper- of Chippewa Indians Workforce training period. by calling dispatch at (906) partnering agencies such ates Mackinac County Innovation and Opportunities Candidates must meet certain 643-6746 between 8 a.m. as Mackinac Straits Health Transportation on behalf of Act (WIOA) Program has fund- eligibility requirements and be ing for on-the-job training and a resident of the seven-county short-term occupational training service area. Sault Tribe committee vacancies opportunities. Apply at the WIOA office The following committees questions. Two vacancies (4-year term) The program may be able to at the Chi Mukwa Community have vacant seats. Sault Tribe Anishinaabe Cultural Health Board – five vacancies provide tuition assistance for Recreation Center in Sault Ste. members interested in filling Committee - six vacancies – (4-year term) skills training if it leads to an Marie, Mich, or call Brenda these vacancies should submit three males (4-year term), three Housing Commission – one industry-recognized certification Cadreau at 635-4767 for more one letter of intent and three females (4-year term) vacancy-open to all units (4-year or under OJT, the program may information. letters of recommendation from Child Welfare Committee - term) other members to Joanne Carr three vacancies (4-year term) Special Needs/Enrollment or Linda Grossett, 523 Ashmun Election Committee – three Committee - five vacancies Tribal members: need assistance? St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. vacancies (4-year term) (2-year term) Three membership liaisons Ste. Marie, (906) 635-6050, Call (906) 635-6050 with any Higher Education Committee - work with the chairperson’s (800) 793-0660, sberger@ office on membership issues and saulttribe.net concerns across the service area. Units II and III — Clarence Traditional Medicine Program schedule The liaisons respond to mem- Hudak, Lambert Center, St. Gerard Sagassige Center — Nov. 17; please call (877) 256-0135 bership issues and follow up to Ignace, (906) 643-2124, Sault Ste. Marie Health Lori Gambardella at (906) 632- Sault Ste. Marie Health Center ensure they are resolved. Sault [email protected] Center — Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 0236 or Annie Thibert at 632- — Nov. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 20 and Tribe members are encouraged Units IV and V — Mary 18, 23, 24 and 30; please call 0220 25; please call Lori Gambardella to contact the liaisons when they Jenerou, Manistique Tribal Lori Gambardella at 632-0236 or Munising Health Center — at (906) 632-0236 or Annie need help with tribal issues by Center, (906) 341-8469; Annie Thibert at 632-0220. Nov. 25; please call 387-4721 or Thibert at 632-0220. emailing membersconcerns@ Munising Centers, (906) 450- Manistique Health Center — (800) 236-4705 Newberry clinic — Nov. 19; saulttribe.net or contacting them 7011 or (906) 450-7011, Nov. 4; please call 341-8469 or Joe Syrette please call (906) 293-8181. individually at: [email protected]. (866) 401-0043 St. Ignace Health Center — Please call for questions or to Unit I — Sheila Berger, Escanaba Tribal Community Nov. 18; please call 643-8689 or schedule an appointment. Office of the Chairperson, Sault “For All Your Tire Needs”

Win Awenen Nisitotung welcomes Chippewa Indians and is published call for other foreign countries. Win Awenen submissions of news articles, feature 12 times a year. Its mission is to Subscribe by sending your name and stories, photographs, columns and inform tribal members and the pub- mailing address to the address below Nisitotung announcements of American Indian lic about the activities of the tribal with your check or money order The official newspaper of the or non-profit events. All submissions government, membership programs made out to the Sault Ste. Marie Sault Ste. Marie Tribe are printed at the discretion of the and services and cultural, social and Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Or, call of Chippewa Indians. editor, subject to editing and are not spiritual activities of Sault Tribe (906) 632-6398 to pay by credit to exceed 400 words. Unsigned sub- members. card. November 18, 2020 missions are not accepted. Win Awenen Nisitotung, in Advertising: $8.50/column inch. Mshka’odin Giizis Please note the distribution date Anishinaabemowin, means, “One Submission and Subscriptions: U.P. TIRE Frozen Moon when submitting event informa- who understands,” and is pro- Win Awenen Nisitotung Vol. 41, No. 11 tion for our community calendar. nounced “Win Oh-weh-nin Nis-toe- Attn: Communications Dept. Complete Tire Sales & Service Submissions can be mailed, faxed tuhng.” 531 Ashmun St., or e-mailed. The distribution date is See our full, online edition at Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Jennifer Dale-Burton...... Editor the earliest the newspaper can arrive www.saulttribe.com. Telephone: (906) 632-6398 (906) 632-6661 Brenda Austin...... Staff Writer in the seven-county service area. Subscriptions: The regular Fax: (906) 632-6556 Rick Smith...... Staff Writer Win Awenen Nisitotung is funded rate is $18 per year, $11 for senior E-mail: [email protected] or 1-800-635-6661 Sherrie Lucas...... Secretary by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of citizens and $30 to Canada. Please [email protected]. 1129 E. Easterday Ave., Sault, MI 49783 Page 4 News November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Bill would address Indian boarding school policy By Rick Smith The text of the bill asserts the as young as 5 years old from their thousands of AI/AN {American The bill quotes the founder Legislation recently introduced purpose of U.S. Indian board- homes in tribal communities and Indian/Alaska Native} children, and superintendent of the Carlisle in the U.S. Congress would ing schools was to was to strip transferring them to one of 367 as young as 5 years old, relo- Indian Industrial School in establish a federal commission American Indian and Alaska Indian boarding schools across 30 cating them from their homes Pennsylvania as having said the to investigate, document and Native children of their “indig- states. in tribal communities to one of ethos or inspiration of the board- acknowledge the U.S. govern- enous identities, beliefs and The bill, introduced in the the 367 Indian boarding schools ing school policy on its boys and ment’s “cultural genocide and traditional languages to assimi- chambers of Congress by Rep. across 30 states,” the bill in one girls was essentially to kill their assimilation practices” toward late them into White American Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Sen. section. “By 1926, nearly 83 Indian being while saving their American Indians nation- culture through federally funded Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), percent of AI/AN school-age minds and bodies for assimila- wide. The Truth and Healing Christian-run schools, which had would hold the U.S. government children were enrolled in Indian tion into mainstream society. The Commission on Indian Boarding the effect of cultural genocide.” accountable for the policy of boarding schools in the United resulting impact on American School Policy Act also calls for Focusing on a nearly 100-year employing Indian board schools States. However, because nearly Indian families of those who Congress to develop recommen- period between 1869 and the to convert American Indian chil- 62 percent of the school records went to the schools were often dations to expand public educa- 1960s, the bill states the boarding dren into the prevailing Euro- have been lost or destroyed, the disastrous leaving many families tion on this historical policy that school policy also authorized the American culture. full extent of the federal Indian harmed somehow or destroyed still haunts Indian Country citi- forced removal of hundreds of “This policy authorized the boarding school policy has not in the wake while other families zens to this day. thousands of indigenous children forced removal of hundreds of been identified.” fared better. PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act of 2019 signed into law By Rick Smith In essence, it reduces the ment, the PROGRESS for Indian control and administration of The federal government administrative burdens of the Practical Reforms Tribes Act of 2019 streamlines the federal Indian programs and enacted the bipartisan Practical original PROGRESS for Indian DOI’s process for approving self- providing clear requirements for Reforms and Other Goals to Tribes Act introduced into and Other Goals governance compacts and annual negotiating self-determination Reinforce the Effectiveness Congress 15 years ago. to Reinforce the funding agreements for tribal contracts and self-governance of Self-Governance and Self- The legislation is also the programs and aligns the process compacts, the PROGRESS Act Determination (PROGRESS) latest in improvements sought Effectiveness of to be similar to the one used by will improve tribes’ abilities for Indian Tribes Act of 2019 on to the Indian Self-Determination the IHS. to customize federal Indian Oct. 22.The new law is designed and Education Assistance Act of Self-Governance Further, the law adds more programs to best suit their to provide greater control and 1975, which has had a central and Self- flexibility in administering communities’ unique needs. I flexibility to American Indian role in improving Indian Country contracts for tribes that have not look forward to building on this tribes in administering their communities. Determination qualified for self-governance or partisan work in consultation federally funded programs. The 1975 law authorizes tribes choose to administer just a few with tribes to further address self- In announcing the enactment, to contract with the Bureau of (PROGRESS) for BIA programs. Other provisions governance priorities for Indian Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs (BIA), a DOI Indian Tribes Act are included in the measure as Country,” he said. Committee on Indian Affairs, agency, and the Indian Health well. Hoeven and Udall introduced Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) Service (IHS) for federal funding of 2019 is latest in Vice Chairman of the Senate the 2019 act into the Senate said the legislation corrects and program management that Committee on Indian Affairs, Committee on Indian Affairs in standard federal processes and would otherwise be managed by improvements to a Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), January 2019. The committee procedures the U.S. Department federal agencies. law passed in1975. said the new law reinforces the approved the bill in April 2019 of the Interior (DOI) self- The law was amended in 1988 services previously administered principles of tribal sovereignty and sent the measure on for a governance programs impose, to establish a demonstration by federal agencies. More and self-determination at the core vote on the floor of the Senate, which tend to hinder working project in which, for the first amendments were added in of the United States government- where it passed in June 2019. The negotiations between the federal time, tribes could plan, administer following years. to-government relationship with House passed a companion bill in government and tribes. and consolidate programs and According to the announce- tribes. “By promoting local September 2020. November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung News Page 5 Supporting Native American entrepreneurs By Rick Smith three-year grants through the at least a 25 percent non-feder- and red tape. Especially now, Country can grow their enter- A bill that haunted the U.S. Department of the Interior al contribution of their annual as Native communities contin- prises and build strong vibrant chambers of the United States (DOI) to tribes, tribal colleges award and 33 percent of renewal ue to grapple with the terrible economies.” Congress since 2016 was recently or universities, higher education grants. The law also directs the health and economic impacts of Business incubators are orga- enacted to promote tribal eco- institutions and non-profit organi- Department of the Interior to COVID-19, Indian Country’s nizations that provide physical nomic development and support zations serving American Indian work with business development need for the economic drivers in facilities and resources to start- American Indian entrepreneurs. communities to create and oper- programs of other federal agen- this legislation is more pressing ups and established business- The Native American Business ate business incubators to func- cies to streamline efforts and than ever.” es designed to accelerate the Incubators Program Act was tion as one-stop-shops to help ensure grant recipients have all Representative Haaland said, growth and success of businesses signed into law on Oct. 21. American Indian entrepreneurs necessary information to help “Native Americans’ entrepre- through a wide variety of mea- Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), in the various facets of building entrepreneurs in navigating avail- neurial spirit can break cycles sures. vice chairman of the U.S. Senate businesses. able federal programs. of poverty, but for far too long, The DOI Office of Indian Committee on Indian Affairs While starting small business- “Small businesses form the key economic resources have Entergy and Economic introduced the bill in the Senate es anywhere can be daunting, backbone of strong economies not been available to Native Development is the administer while U.S. Representative Deb it is often more challenging in and communities. But for too businesses. When I was running of the Native American Business Haaland (D-N.M.), co-chair tribal communities because of long, Native American entre- my salsa company, I could only Incubators Program. Additional of the House Native American an array of obstacles unique to preneurs have faced unique imagine how much easier it support for the program comes Caucus, co-championed the Indian Country. Obstacles range barriers in accessing capital would have been if I had access from the National Congress of legislation in the House of from unique laws and regula- and resources for their small to business incubation support. American Indians, the National Representatives along with tions, finding investment sources, businesses,” said Udall in an In the midst of a global pan- Center for American Indian Representative Tom Cole (R-La.). overcoming disadvantages of announcement. “The enactment demic and economic recession, Enterprise Development, the According to a Senate remote locations and fear of the of the Native American Business tribal communities need our help Native American Contractors announcement, the law autho- unknown in potential associates Incubators Act is a win for Indian now more than ever. The Native Association, the Native American rizes expenditures of $5 million in doing business with Indian Country, and will support Native American Business Incubators Finance Officers Association annually for fiscal years 2020 Country partners. American-owned businesses in Program Act will ensure that and the National Indian Gaming through 2024 for competitive Grant recipients must provide navigating through obstacles future business owners in Indian Association. Handy tips on filling out online application forms By Sara Keinath, limits. The webpage may time If you rush through your answers, online application, you can also want to be able to see the skills MSU Extension out after a certain amount of you will give the impression that ask trusted people in your life and abilities of all the candidates Whether for a job or a scholar- time or it may only give you one you don’t care about the quality to review what you’ve written so that they can make a decision ship, filling out an application is opportunity to submit informa- of your work. before you submit. They can about who will be the best fit for usually the first step. Learn how tion. There are some sites that Keep it thoughtful and proofread for grammar and their open job, leadership position online versions may be different will allow you to come back and meaningful. There may or may clarity issues, as well as give or for awarding scholarships. or the same as regular applica- edit your responses before sub- not be character limits to your you feedback on how well you Keeping this in mind will help tions. mitting the whole application, but answers (i.e., a predefined limit are demonstrating your skills. you present yourself in the best More and more, applications you will want to know what you of how much you can type). Consider asking teachers, 4-H light. are available and submitted are getting into first. In either case, make sure your leaders or staff members, mentors Michigan State University online. Think of the online application answers are well thought out. or other dependable advisors. You Extension and Michigan 4-H With so many applications for as the place where information There is a happy medium for may get differing opinions on Youth Development helps to pre- jobs, scholarships, awards and gets submitted, not where you are these answers: You want to fully some things, but it will help you pare young people for successful leadership opportunities now ask- still working out what you are answer the question and give see your application from differ- futures. For more information or ing for submissions online instead going to say. If you can look at supporting details as much as ent perspectives. resources on career exploration, of by paper or email, it is import- the application’s questions first, possible (i.e., instead of just say- Remember, the goals of an workforce preparation, financial ant to understand how these copy them into an offline docu- ing you have strong leadership online application are the same education or entrepreneurship, applications are different and how ment to use as a working space. skills, describe a situation where as the applications submitted on email us at 4-HCareerPrep@msu. they are still the same. Michigan Then you just need to copy and you used these skills), while also paper or over email: Reviewers edu. State University Extension has paste when you are ready. not going on for so long that the some recommendations for filling Spelling, punctuation and reviewer gets bored and gloss- IN BUSINESS FOR 45 YEARS out online applications that will grammar still matter. Write in es over what you’ve written. help you look your best. full sentences and avoid text- Remember, applications often When filling out any appli- speak (shortening words or sen- open the door for an interview FLOWERS’ cation, your goal is to paint a tences to save on space). This is where you will have the chance full picture of your skills and one of the quickest ways for an to expand more on the infor- abilities. Here are some things to application to be thrown out of mation and provide additional AUTO SERVICE consider. the running. You want to show details. LICENSED MASTER MECHANIC Timing. One of the key char- that you respect the time of the Enlist help. If you write acteristics of an online applica- people reviewing applications by your answers in another docu- (906) 632-8074 tion is that there may be time paying attention to these details. ment before inputting into the 3750 East 5 Mile EPA funding water access improvements WASHINGTON, D.C. – The ing is available under the Water children in tribal communities MY LIFE IS MOBILE. U.S. Environmental Protections Infrastructure Improvements for from lead in drinking water at SO IS MY CREDIT UNION. Agency (EPA) announced on the Nation (WIIN) Act’s Small schools and childcare facilities. Nov. 12 it will dedicate more and Disadvantaged Community The 2016 Water Infrastructure than $20 million in infrastructure program. For the 2020 round of Improvements for the Nation Act funding to projects that improve funding, EPA focused on access (WIIN Act) addresses, supports access to safe drinking water to safe drinking water in under- and improves America’s drinking for American Indian and Alaska served communities. Current water infrastructure. Included in Native populations. This funding federal data shows tribal popu- the WIIN Act are three drinking will significantly boost public lations lack access to drinking water grants that promote public health protections for these com- water at far greater numbers than health and the protection of the munities by improving their abil- non-tribal populations. Consistent environment. Since 2018, EPA ity to obtain safe water for drink- with the goals of the Federal has made available $875,000 to ing, cooking, and handwashing. Infrastructure Task Force to assist public water systems in “EPA is working to ensure that Improve Access to Safe Drinking tribal, small and disadvantaged all Americans — regardless of Water and Basic Sanitation to communities meet Safe Drinking their zip code — have clean water Tribal Communities, EPA antic- Water Act requirements and $3 for drinking and recreation,” EPA ipates funding projects in tribal million to reduce exposure to lead With our web enabled mobile app, you have access anywhere in the world, Assistant Administrator for Water communities with the greatest in drinking water in tribal com- anytime, wherever you are. View accounts, transfer money, make deposits David Ross said. “EPA’s infra- need for access to drinking water, munities. In July, EPA announced and more all from the palm of your hand using your smart phone or tablet. structure funding will support which include Alaska Native $4.3 million to prioritize the public health in American Indian Villages, the Navajo Nation and testing for lead in drinking water and Alaska Native communities tribal populations in New York. at tribal schools and child care by providing needed funding to Recently, the EPA announced programs. EPA has six recognized connect populations to reliable how it will distribute $4.3 mil- tribal consortia that will receive and safe drinking water.” lion under the separate WIIN Act funding under this grant. EPA EPA is committed to ensur- Lead Testing in School and Child anticipates awarding this funding ing all Americans are provided Care Program Drinking Water in 2021. Sault Ste. Marie • Brimley • Bay Mills sustainable, long-term access to Tribal Grant Program. This fund- For more information, visit Kinross • Cedarville safe drinking water. This fund- ing will be used to help protect www.epa.gov/safewater/grants. www.soocoop.com NCUA Insured

November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung News Page 7 New bill would ensure Native American Languages Act compliance by federal agencies By Rick Smith and International Studies, When the NALA was enacted announcement. “Throughout pose was to promote and protect On the 30th anniversary of National Indian Education in 1990, it officially ended pre- my congressional career, I the rights of Native people to the enactment of the historic Association and the National vious federal policies and prac- have worked to support these use and maintain their Native Native American Languages Act Coalition of Native of Native tices designed to curtail usage of language revitalization efforts. languages. Today, we continue to (NALA) on Oct. 30, the U.S. American Language Schools and American Indian languages as And, today, I am proud to mark work to ensure that our federal Senate Committee on Indian Programs. part of assimilation programs. It this important anniversary by agencies are meeting the expec- Affairs announced a new bill to According to the announce- also recognized the absolute right announcing a new bipartisan tations of that legislation. Our ensure the federal government ment, the Durbin Feeling Act of American Indians to use and bill, the Durbin Feeling Native bill will ensure that policies and honors its policies set forth in the would direct the president to cultivate their ancestral languag- American Languages Act of procedures are compliant with NALA. review compliance of federal es. 2020, to hold the federal govern- NALA, improve interagency The new bill is named in honor agencies with NALA require- The Durbin Feeling Act was ment accountable for its work coordination, authorize funding of well-known Cherokee linguist ments and make any needed announced by the vice chair- to live up to the policies and to help gain a greater under- and Vietnam veteran Durbin recommendations to improve man of the Senate Committee principles set out in the Native standing of Native languages, Feeling, who walked on last Aug. coordination between federal on Indian Affairs, Senator Tom American Languages Act over and more. I remain committed 19, 2020. The bill is titled the agencies in support of Native Udall (D-N.M.), and committee three decades ago. Congress must to maintaining and revitalizing Durbin Feeling Native American American languages. Further, it member Senator Lisa Murkowski continue to do its part to support the languages of Alaska’s Native Languages Act of 2020, if passed would authorize a federal survey (R-Alaska). the advancement of communi- peoples to help strengthen and into law it would provide instruc- of Native language usage and “Native languages hold with- ty-driven Native language use empower their communities for tion on actions to be taken by the unmet needs of language revi- in them the culture, history and and revitalization.” generations to come.” White House and federal agencies talization programs every five resiliency of their communities. Murkowski added, “Native According to the Senate to review NALA compliance. years. The surveys would serve Over the last 30 years, cata- languages are integral to culture Committee on Indian Affairs, The measure has the support as checks for American Indian lyzed by the Native American and identity. When the Native the 1990 NALA legislation was of the National Congress of communities and Congress to Languages Act, Congress has American Language Act or led by Senators Daniel Inouye American Indians, Joint National improve designating federal promoted the protection and NALA was signed into law in (D-Hawaii), John McCain committee for Languages, resources for bolstering indige- revitalization of Native lan- 1990 — a bill my father worked (R-Ariz.), Frank Murkowski National Council for Languages nous languages. guages,” Udall said in the on over 20 years ago — the pur- (R-Alaska) and others. DOJ awards over $5 million for public safety GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. lion) and Office of Community L. Rogers. “These awards repre- $251,841 of the Ottawa and Chippewa – U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge Oriented Policing Services sent the strong commitment that Violence Against Women Indians $1,349,987 recently announced that, as (COPS) ($22.5 million). OVW has made to help protect Tribal Governments Program Justice Systems and Alcohol part of a national rollout, the An additional $113 mil- the most vulnerable members of (OVW) and Substance Abuse (BJA) - Department of Justice awarded lion is being awarded to 133 tribal communities.” • Little River Band of Ottawa $899,897 $5,174,318 in grants to improve applicants nationwide under Additional awards to sup- Indians $299,815 Children’s Justice Act public safety, serve victims of the Tribal Victim Services Set- port tribal public safety efforts Tribal Youth Program Partnership for Indian crime and support youth pro- Aside Program. This program, are being made by OJP and the (OJJDP) Communities (OVC) - $450,000 grams in tribal communities in managed by OJP’s Office for COPS Office. These grants will • Little Traverse Bay Bands of A full listing of all the the Western District of Michigan. Victims of Crime, is designed to provide community policing Odawa Indians $416,033 “American Indian and Alaska help tribes develop, expand and training and other training and Violence Against Women announced CTAS awards Native communities experi- improve services to victims of technical assistance. Awards will Tribal Governments Program is available at https:// ence rates of violent crime and crime and promote other public also address the needs of tribal (OVW) www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/ domestic abuse that are among safety initiatives. youth, fund tribal reentry efforts, • Nottawaseppi Huron Band xyckuh241/files/media/ the highest in the nation,” said “Public safety officials and help tribes combat substance of the Potawatomi $658,507 Attorney General William P. victim service providers in abuse and manage sex offenders, Public Safety and Community document/ctasfy20awards. Barr. “The awards underscore Indian country face exception- and support tribal research. In Policing (COPS) pdf. the Department of Justice’s deep al challenges, but they bring addition, funds support efforts in • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of A full listing of all Tribal commitment to improving pub- to their work an extraordinary 17 tribal communities to address Chippewa Indians $836,284 Victim Services Set-Aside lic safety in tribal communities array of skills and resources the challenges posed by the out- Violence Against Women Program awards is available at throughout the United States. that enable them to meet and break of COVID-19. Tribal Governments Program https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/ This administration will continue overcome any obstacle,” OJP “Ensuring our nation’s tribal (OVW) xyckuh241/files/media/ to work closely with our tribal Principal Deputy Assistant communities have the resources • The Grand Traverse Band document/tribaalsetaside.pdf. partners to guarantee that they Attorney General Katharine T. they need is paramount for the have the resources they need to Sullivan said. COPS Office and the Department combat violence and bring crimi- She added, “The Office of of Justice,” said COPS Office Roy Electric Co. Inc. nals to justice.” Justice Programs is proud to help Director Phil Keith. “These “The Department of Justice fulfill Attorney General Barr’s awards are a critical component IndustrIal – CommerCIal – resIdentIal has a special responsibility when strong commitment – and the to the overall public safety strat- it comes to helping federally federal government’s long-stand- egy for tribal law enforcement Don’t get caught without power again! recognized tribes keep their com- ing responsibility – to our tribal and the COPS Office is honored Generators: Sales, Installation, Maintenance munities safe,” explained U.S. partners in the matter of their to provide vital resources to hire by a Trained Licensed Electrician Attorney Birge. “These resources citizens’ safety and wellbeing.” more sworn officer positions, Visit our website for a list of services! underscore that commitment.” In addition to the CTAS and advance tribal training and pro- A total of more than $103 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside cure equipment needed to keep (906) 632-8878 million is being awarded awards, the Office on Violence communities safe.” www.royelectriccompany.com to tribes across the country Against Women is making addi- The following tribes in the under the Justice Department’s tional tribal awards of more than Western District of Michigan Coordinated Tribal Assistance $31 million to support a wide received funding: Solicitation. CTAS supports range of efforts to address the • Bay Mills Indian activities that enhance law crimes of domestic violence, Community $461,941 enforcement and tribal justice dating violence, sexual assault, Public Safety and Community practices, expand victim services stalking and human trafficking. Policing (COPS) and sustain crime prevention “OVW’s funding supports • Keweenaw Bay Indian and intervention efforts. CTAS Native American and Alaska Community $900,000 grants are administered by the Native communities as they Violence Against Women Department’s Office of Justice work across their communities Tribal Governments Program Programs (OJP) ($41.5 million), to prevent and respond to gen- (OVW) Office on Violence Against der based violence,” said OVW • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Women (OVW) ($39.1 mil- Principal Deputy Director Laura Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Moving? Don’t forget to let us know! Tribal and paid subscribers must let the tribal newspaper office know if they are changing their mailing address. You can email [email protected] or call us at (906) 632-6398. Be sure to contact us early enough so that you don’t miss a single issue! Miigwech! Page 8 News November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Home weatherization program saves money LANSING, Mich. – Governor Opportunity. MDHHS uses Energy efficiency measures healthful living conditions in • Air sealing your home. Gretchen Whitmer is rais- Community Action agencies and installed in client homes include weatherized homes. • Fall and winter energy saving ing awareness on National non-profit organizations to pro- items such as insulation, blow- Eligibility is based on house- tips from Energy.gov. Weatherization Day for a program vide weatherization services for er-door-guided air sealing of key hold income and if the home’s • Energy efficiency tips from that reduces household energy local access points. junctures, and installations such current condition is weatheriza- Consumers Energy. costs by an average of $283 per “MDHHS is committed to as lighting and water saving mea- tion ready. * The Energy Saver year. helping Michiganders who are sures. Anyone interested in applying Guide from Energy.gov. “As the temperatures get cold- struggling to pay their energy Health and safety issues such for the Weatherization Assistance • Twenty-five Quick and Easy er, the Weatherization Assistance bills,” said Lewis Roubal, the as carbon monoxide, moisture Program can contact their local Energy Saving Tips from Direct Program will reduce energy costs department’s chief deputy direc- problems, ventilation needs and providers. Visit https://www. Energy. for low-income families,” said tor for opportunity. “We want to heating systems safety and effi- michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7- • Energy Efficiency Tips for Whitmer. “This program will give these families more peace ciency are also addressed. There 339-71547_5531_7211-58707-- Renters and Homeowners from help families across the state who of mind by assisting them in is growing evidence that the pro- ,00.html to find a statewide coun- Energy.gov. need support this winter as we lowering their energy costs. That gram provides benefits beyond ty-by-county listing of providers. For information about the continue to fight the COVID-19 can remove worries about having energy savings. Improved indoor More information about home training of those who work pandemic, and it will help us pro- their heat shut off and leave more air quality and appropriate ven- energy savings can be found by in the program, visit www. tect our environment by making money in the household bud- tilation strategies lead to more visiting websites that cover: MichiganTEC.org. homes more energy efficient. This get for food, clothing and other program is also good for our local needs.” economies, as it supports 8,500 Trained weatherization profes- jobs nationally for workers who sionals known as energy auditors Federal agencies criticized for weatherize homes. Moving for- use computerized energy audit ward, my administration will con- software and advanced diagnostic tinue working around the clock equipment such as blower doors compromising tribal data to ensure Michigan families have and infrared cameras to create a By Rick Smith Inspectors found that the data was improperly released by the support they need as we head comprehensive energy analysis of U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice Treasury sent a spreadsheet the Trump administration to par- into the winter months.” the home. This analysis is used to chairman of the U.S. Senate of CARES Act tribal registra- ties outside of the federal govern- The U.S. Department of determine the most cost-effective Committee on Indian Affairs, tion information to the DOI as ment,” Udall said in a prepared Energy Weatherization Assistance measures to install in each home. strongly criticized the Trump requested. The Treasury collected statement. “The inspector gener- Program is administered by The energy auditor creates a cus- administration following an the spreadsheet information from al’s findings are deeply troubling, the state through the Michigan tomized work order and trained investigation that found sensi- tribes and it contained financial and raise serious questions as to Department of Health and Human contractors and crew install the tive tribal information regarding details such as expenditures, trib- this administration’s protection Services (MDHHS) Bureau of identified energy-efficient and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and al populations and the names and of sensitive tribal data, and its Community Action and Economic health and safety measures. Economic Security (CARES) Act email addresses of contact infor- ongoing mishandling of the distri- funding was shared with parties mation. The Bureau of Indian bution of funding to tribes as part outside of the U.S. government. Affairs later asked the Treasury of the CARES Act. This is just According to the investigation for the information to confirm if the latest data point in a series MAST congratulates report from the U.S. Department tribes had registered to receive of examples of how the Trump of the Interior’s (DOI) Office CARES Act funding. It was at administration has horribly mis- of Inspector General, the office this point where the Treasury managed its coronavirus response president-elect and was asked by Udall and others in failed to mark the information for tribes and Native communi- April and May of 2020 to conduct as confidential before it sent the ties. Indian Country is paying the an investigation of alleged impro- requested information to the DOI. price for the Trump administra- vicepresident-elect prieties by officials of the DOI The BIA consequently forward- tion’s incompetence and missteps. GRESHAM, Wis. — The didates largely ignored the needs and U.S. Treasury. Specifically, ed the information on to other We must take the protection of Midwest Alliance of Sovereign of Indian Country. In 2020, the to investigate allegations that tribal officers as a reminder to sensitive tribal data seriously, Tribes (MAST) congratulates Biden-Harris campaign, howev- the officials worked together or register for CARES Act funding. and I will continue to hold this President-Elect Joe Biden and er, developed a comprehensive separately to intentionally release The investigation found that the administration accountable for the Vice President-Elect Kamala platform that reached out to tribal confidential tribal information information sent by the BIA did efficient distribution and alloca- Harris for their successful cam- communities. This appears to to Alaska Native corporations. not apply nor was related to the tion of CARES Act funding.” paign, which projected a very have made a difference in key The DOI collaborated with the recipient tribes. Along with the reported findings, strong Native platform. While battle ground states for which Treasury’s Office of Inspector “Today’s alarming findings investigators also made several MAST is a non-partisan Native Native American mobilization General in conducting the inves- confirmed what tribes have recommendations to prevent such organization advocating on and the Native vote appears to tigation. feared: that sensitive proprietary episodes from occurring. behalf of 35 sovereign tribal have made the difference. Tribal nations across Iowa, Minnesota, leaders in Michigan, Wisconsin Wisconsin and Michigan, we and Minnesota took an active role TRIBAL MEMBER REGISTRATION IN THE TAX AGREEMENT AREA recognize the value of the Native in facilitating Get Out The Vote vote and impact on the outcome and encouraged Native voters to TRIBAL MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES of the 2020 presidential election. inspect presidential, senate and American Indians and Alaska congressional candidates’ plat- (Including the Issuance of Certificates of Exemptions) Natives make up 1.2 percent of forms for a demonstration of sup- the state of Wisconsin’s popu- port to uphold the treaty and trust lation, or about 70,000 people, responsibility. While these efforts INITIAL REGISTRATION AND OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS according to the U.S. Census were not partisan, candidates 2019 estimate. In this election, who had clearly articulated tribal Under the Tax Agreement between the Tribe and the State, tribal members who live within the President Donald Trump garnered platforms prevailed as tribal voter “Agreement Area” are able to claim exemption from certain state taxes. In order to take advantage of about 18 percent of the votes participation made the difference. these benefits, the member must with be registered the Tribal Tax Office and must prove that they do in Menominee County (in the Melanie Benjamin, chief exec- live in the “Agreement Area.” Menominee Nation Territory) utive of the Mille Lacs Band of while Biden took 82 percent. Ojibwe, added, “The Mille Lacs The registration process begins with the member filling out an “Address Verification Card” and Biden also won 57 percent of the Band of Ojibwe congratulates providing their name, address, and other personal . information The member must also provide a Bayfield County votes (in north- President-Elect Joe Biden and copy of their MI driver’s license, MI State ID card, or voter’s registration card. All of these forms of ern Wisconsin in the Red Cliff Vice-President-Elect Kamala State identification MUST have the member’s current address and that address must be located in the Ojibwe Nation’s territory). Harris on their election victory, Tax Agreement Area. Members must also include a utility bill in their name and their current address Shannon Holsey, president of and are excited to work with as an additional proof of residency in the . Tax Agreement Area the Stockbridge Munsee Band them. This is also a day of cele- of the Mohican Nation, said, bration because this is a profound The Tribal Tax Office cannot register a member with the MI Department of Treasury unless these “We worked hard to facilitate moment in history. The glass ceil- documents are included with the “Address Verification ” Card. the Native vote in the Midwest ing is forever shattered and our understanding what was at stake little girls now know their dreams and really turned out the vote. can come true. I’m excited for the CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTIONS Especially at a time of epic chal- day when I meet Senator Harris lenges. Tribal nation citizens again and get to say, ‘Madame Tribal Code 43.1103 states that Resident Tribal Members shall notify the Tribal Tax Office in writing participated and fought for truth Vice President.’” prior to moving their principal place of residence. and reconciliation and supported Sault Tribe Chairperson Aaron leadership that understands that Payment and acting MAST pres- If the Tribal Tax Office receives a request for a Certificate of Exemption and the address for the power must come with account- ident concluded, “While Native member on the request is not the same address as the that the Tribal Tax Office and MI Department ability and the ability to bring Americans represent just over 2 of Treasury have on record, then no Certificate of Exemption can be issued. us together, and move us all in a percent of the total U.S. popula- forward direction. Representation tion, we represent the margin of We will usually attempt to contact the member ask to them update to their address by filling the out truly matters.” victory in key battleground states “Address Verification Card” and providing the required , documents but it is the member’s In 2016, traditionally blue so we can and did make the dif- responsibility to provide this information. Certificate A of Exemption can not be issued unless the states in the Midwest voted ference in this election.” member has filed the correct information proving that they live within the Agreement Area. Republican as presidential can-

November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Community Page 9 Letter to the editor – members should expect more Dear Tribal Members, according to the tribal website, on the part of both the current hiring requirements for tribal tribal judges who may make As my term as a reserve no board of directors meeting and previous board of directors members or Sault Tribe decisions at odds with the board appellate judge (May 2016- was scheduled. On October 21, to let our appellate court incur attorneys. We can and should of directors. The board could 2020) on the tribal appellate 2020, I reached out to the Tribal vacancies due to their inaction. do more with our contracts to in theory simply vote to amend court has recently expired Court and was informed that I The lack of a functioning develop the legal talent of our the code, dismiss appointed I wanted to share a few had not been re-nominated by judicial system undermines members. And while the impact judges and even eliminate the experiences over the last few the board. tribal sovereignty and continuity of COVID certainly has an tribal court. Our tribe needs a years with tribal members. I am On Oct. 28, 2020, the tribal of government. It should never impact on hiring now, letting constitutional coequal judicial an EPA attorney in Washington, webpage shows that the board have happened. positions like the senior attorney branch to ensure that our tribal D.C., and formerly served of directors held a special It is unprofessional and position lie vacant while Constitution and tribal Code are as a legislative assistant to meeting yesterday. But there disrespectful to let candidates qualified tribal attorneys are implemented for the benefit of Congressman John Conyers, is no agenda posted on the for positions in our tribal seeking to serve our community all our citizens. There needs to Jr. I graduated from the tribal webpage as required by government languish when does not comport with our tribal be a means to check the board University of Arizona in 2007 Tribal Code, Chapter 14, Rules filling any position. At the very values nor does it show respect of directors, especially when and McGill University with a of Parliamentary Procedure least, the board of directors for our members. they fail to comply with our Master of Laws in International Ordinance, 14.106 Agenda, could have insisted that our new Finally, the board’s conduct tribal laws. Aviation and Outer Space Law which requires the board to post general counsel/law firm hire reinforces the need for changes We face many challenges in 2014. I have served on the an agenda to the tribal website Sault Tribe attorneys to work to our tribal Constitution. Our as a tribe, but our institutions board of directors of the Native five days prior to a special on our legal matters. The board Tribal Court was created should not be among them. We American Bar Association of meeting. of directors made a similar under the powers granted to can do better. We should expect Washington, D.C., since 2008. Tribal members can and mistake when the Greektown the board of directors and is better. We deserve better. I serve on the American Bar should expect more from our Casino went through bankruptcy enumerated at Tribal Code Jared Hautamaki Association Coalition on Racial government. spending $41 million on outside Chapter 80. There is no Silver Spring, Md. and Ethnic Justice and I serve First, it was irresponsible law firms with no contractual separation of powers to protect on the Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee for Montgomery County, Md. I also run a tree farm in Eben Junction, Mich. In October 2018, I applied to serve as our general counsel. While home for hunting season in November 2018, I was asked to provide additional materials to support my application, which I did immediately. In May 2019, eight months after my application, I was finally interviewed by the board of directors. And then…nothing. There were no status updates, there was no communication from board members or the Human Resources Department until December 2019, when the Human Resources Department called to inquire if I was still interested in the position. I said, “Yes.” And then again I heard… nothing. In June 2020, the board of directors issued a press release, which stated they had selected a Washington, D.C., Native-owned law firm to serve as the tribe’s general counsel. They had not called to tell me I was no longer being considered or that they had made another selection. I found out through our tribal webpage. Our new general counsel may be “Native owned” but it does not employ any Sault Tribe members as attorneys. (https:// nativelawgroup.com/attorneys/). In September 2019, I applied to serve as our tribe’s senior attorney. I have never been contacted regarding that role and the position remains advertised as vacant on our website to this day. (https:// saulttribe.hirecentric.com/ jobs/170359.html). In early spring of 2020, I applied to serve a second term as a reserve appellate judge for the tribe. In August 2020, three months after my term as appellate judge expired, I was interviewed for re-nomination. Since August our board of directors meeting agendas have stated that Tribal Court items were to be discussed on October 27 (https://www.saulttribe. com/images/September_29_ Meeting_Resolutions.pdf) but, Page 10 Community November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Letter to the editor – concerned about marijuana dispensary I am writing this letter being, that is. As the only dispensary is in at all? Why not ask our input on down the pike, like it or not. because no one seems to want to Our children and grandchil- Negaunee, that leaves our com- this matter? I’m not against the dispensa- answer my phone calls or return dren can ride their bikes and munity in jeopardy because of It seems like the only time ry, only where it will be located, one. scooters out on the road. But the the high influx of traffic that this anyone wants to hear from us is right in a residential area. Lord, I live in tribal housing in quiet and safety of our commu- dispensary is going to bring. when they are running for office, please keep our children safe. Escanaba, Mich. It is a quiet and nity is soon to end with a place- Why, as a resident of tribal other than that they want us to Terry McPherson, safe community; for the time ment of a marijuana dispensary. housing, were we not informed be quiet and take what’s coming Escanaba, Mich. ‘Back To Michigan’ virtual job fairs kick off to bring talent back home LANSING, Mich.—Back To attend – job seekers can talk Companies are hiring in many Detroit will partner to host the backtomichigan.com. Michigan, a series of eight virtual one-on-one with recruiters from fields, including IT, engineering, virtual events which are spon- Event series details: job fairs for people interested in organizations with immediate finance, advanced manufacturing, sored by Consumers Energy. Date: Nov. 18 – Northwest relocating back to Michigan, will talent needs, and community healthcare, art and design, pro- ”Consumers Energy is com- Lower Peninsula (Traverse City) be hosted by community partners ambassadors will be on hand to fessional services, government, mitted to Michigan’s prosperity Nov. 19 – West Michigan throughout the state from Nov. answer questions for those who hospitality and more. and showcasing our state as a (Grand Rapids) 17-24. may be considering a move back The virtual job fair platform great place to work and live. We Nov. 19 – Detroit/Flint During each of the eight vir- to Michigan. is provided by LEO’s Office of are excited to sponsor the Back Nov. 23 – Lansing tual events – which are free to The Back To Michigan event Employment and Training. to Michigan job fairs to bring tal- Nov. 23 – Great Lakes Bay series is the “COVID-friendly” MTEC SmartZone, ent home to Michigan and keep and Central Michigan Part-time job virtual version of events that typ- TCNewTech, MiWorks! NE the next generation right here,” Nov. 24 – Northeast Lower ically happen on Thanksgiving Consortium, MiWorks! Region said Cathy Hendrian, senior vice Peninsula opening in weekend throughout Michigan. 7B, The Right Place, Inc. Hello president of People and Culture Nov. 24 – Ann Arbor These events are target- West Michigan, Saginaw Future, for Consumers Energy. Locations: Virtual Sault for elders ed to people living outside of Middle Michigan Development The Back To Michigan vir- Time: All events are 3 - 7 p.m. Michigan, people who recent- Corporation, Flint & Genesee tual job fair events are free to E.T. and are open-house style Sault Tribe Senior ly relocated, or those who are Chamber of Commerce, Lansing attend, but advance registration is (Attendees do not have to be Employment Program local and seeking employment. 5:01, Ann Arbor Spark and Let’s required. To register, visit www. logged on the entire time). announces a part-time job opening in Sault Ste. Marie for delivering elders’ meals. The position is 14 hours per week. This employee will deliver meals to elders in their homes on meal days (Monday– Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Working conditions/safety hazards: Position medium with lifting of 25 pounds maximum and frequent lift- ing/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include con- stant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, pushing/pull- ing, climbing, stooping, kneel- ing, reaching, manual han- dling, driving and bending. Working conditions include constant exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold, wet/humid- ity and noise and air quality. Potential hazards include constant client contact, equip- ment use; frequent infectious exposure and exposure to nee- dles/syringes and occasional exposure to electric shock and insecticides/pesticides. Protective equipment/clothing needed to perform the job includes protective eye wear, masks, gloves and gowns. Applicants must be Sault Tribe members aged 60 or over and reside within the seven-county service area, undergo and pass a criminal background investigation and pre-employment drug testing, possess a valid Michigan driv- er’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Chauffeur’s endorsement is preferred. Must be self-motivated, neat in appearance and have a good rapport with elders. Must be confidential and maintain a good moral charac- ter standing. Must be willing to be CPR certified. Renumeration is $9.65 per hour, position is open until filled. Reply to WIOA/Senior Employment Program, Attention: Brenda Cadreau, 2 Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, (906) 635-4767. november 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Health Page 11 Marquette and Munising hold flu shot drive-through clinics Photos courtesy of Valeri Ford The Marquette Tribal Health Center served 101 tribal members and their family members for this season’s community health flu clinics. Valerie Ford, RN, CHN, administers a flu inoculation (below) to a member at the Marquette Tribal Community Health Center drive-through flu vaccination clinic on Oct. 3.

Left: From left, Valeri Ford, RN, CHN, Amber Perry, CHT, and Elizabeth Delene, Community Health clerk, under the inoculation site canopy. Not pictured, Marlene Glaesmann, who assisted with the function.

Below left: Valeri Ford, RN, CHN, and the spouse of a Sault Tribe employee display a post-inoculation thumbs up at the Munising Tribal Health Center flu clinic on Oct. 10 where 56 people received inoculations.

American Indians specializing in Home Loans for American Indians

 We are a Native Community Development Financial Institution certified by the U.S. Treasury  Now offering VA, FHA, Conventional and Reverse mortgages  Offering HUD’s Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program  Offering USDA’s Section 502 Direct Home Loan Program with Payment Assistance  Business Loans for Native Farmers and Ranchers! 906.524.5445 | www.lakesuperiorcdc.com Air quality assessments available By Robin Bouschor, environ- mental specialist Sault Tribe’s Environmental Department is offering free November is National indoor air quality (IAQ) assess- ments on tribal residents’ homes in the seven-county service area. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to sick building syndrome, reduced productiv- Adoption Month ity and impaired learning in schools. The air quality assess- ments measure carbon monox- ide, relative humidity, carbon Each year, November is recognized as National dioxide, particulate matter 2.5 and 10. Testing can also be done Adoption Awareness Month. to detect moisture in the walls and floors and observe any While all adoption related issues are important, the particular focus is the adop- bio-contaminants in the home. When the assessment is tion of children currently in foster care. The goal of National Adoption month is finished, a detailed report of to raise awareness for children and youth in foster care who are waiting for per- the findings is given to the res- manent families. ident with recommendations of what can be done to improve indoor air quality. The tribal The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, through the services of the member will also receive a free Sault Tribe Binogii Placement Agency, has provided adoption services since eco-friendly cleaning kit, a car- 1985. Sault Tribe actively participates in cases involving tribal children across the bon monoxide alarm (if alarm country. isn’t present or is out of date) and a radon test kit. It is recom- mended to get your home tested The priority of placement for the tribe is to maintain tribal children within their for radon every two years. families whenever possible. Situations may arise where children cannot remain The Environmental Department is offering virtual with their families and in those cases, the tribe works actively to match tribal chil- assessments in place of in per- dren with tribal families to preserve the child’s tribal connections. son assessments if the resident There are currently tribal children across the country in foster care that are not chooses this option. matched with a family and are in need of a committed family to help them to Contact the Sault Tribe Environmental Department find their forever home. The shortage of tribal placement resources is a problem by phone (906) 632-5575 or across the state, country, and in other tribes. Sault Tribe is no exception — Sault through email rbouschor1@ Tribe, too, is in need of dedicated foster parents and adoptive parents. saulttribe.net for more infor- mation on obtaining an IAQ assessment. If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life and becoming a fos- ter parent and/or an adoptive parent, please contact Anishnaabek Community and Family Services at (906) 632-5250 or 1-800-726-0093. Page 12 • November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung COMMUNITY Win Awenen Nisitotung • November 18, 2020 • Page 13 Trick or treaters in tribal Units I and II mask up and social distance for their goodie bags of treats

A drive-through Halloween trick-or-treat function took place on Oct. 30 for the Sault Ste. Marie community in the parking lot of Big Bear Arena. Goblins and ghouls arrived in vehicles and waited in line while they were treated to performances by a dancing bear, witches dancing with broomsticks and inflatable Halloween displays. Youngsters were handed treat bags through their vehicles’ windows while they took in the special occassion. See story on page 16. Photos by Rick Smith Children and their families had some Halloween fun in Unit II stuffing scarecrows and other fun activities while social distancing and masking up. See article on page 16.

Photos by Unit II YEA coordinator Lisa Burnside Page 14 Education November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung MSU granted over $100,000 for Native American students to study agriculture LANSING, Mich. – U.S. comes from the United States with promising careers in agri- the two-year program, students field of agriculture,” Christie Senator Debbie Stabenow Department of Agriculture culture – both on and off the will have access to faculty and M. Poitra, interim director, (D-MI), ranking member of (USDA) New Beginning for farm.” peer mentor support and learning Michigan State University the U.S. Senate Committee Tribal Students grant program Michigan State University opportunities to prepare them for Native American Institute said. on Agriculture, Nutrition and in the 2018 Farm Bill, which will recruit Native American their careers. To find out more, visit the Forestry, recently announced Senator Stabenow co-authored. undergraduate students to major “Broadly, this grant will USDA’s website at https://portal. Michigan State University “Young people are critical to in agricultural studies in order to allow us to enhance agriculture nifa.usda.gov/web/ will receive $138,920 to bol- the future success of Michigan increase diversity and equity in programming for undergradu- crisprojectpages/1024242- ster opportunities for Native agriculture,” Stabenow said. agriculture and provide students ates. Through multilevel student growing-native-american- American students to study “This project will help connect with the skills they need to pur- support, we will provide added student-pathways-into- agriculture. This investment our Native American students sue a career. Once admitted into opportunities to engage in the agriculture.html. COVID-19 grants for teachers and support staff available LANSING, Mich. – Eligible learning continued when in-person in-person instruction was suspend- of Treasury is working with ensure they receive a grant. Michigan teachers and support staff instruction was suspended in the ed in the spring. the Michigan Department of Grant funding checks are antic- who worked additional time and spring. School support staff includes Education, school entities and other ipated to be sent to teachers and incurred additional costs during the Full and part-time classroom full or part-time paraprofessionals, education partners to implement support staff in February of 2021. 2019-2020 school year due to the teachers who taught K-12 students aides or non-instructional staff who the programs. Eligible teachers and For more information about the COVID-19 pandemic can receive in a school district or non-profit work in a public school, which support staff should consult the grant program, including frequently a grant through two new grant pro- non-public school classrooms includes local and intermediate school entity where they worked asked questions, go to www. grams. during the 2019-2020 school year school districts and public school during the 2019-20 school year to michigan.gov/TSSC19Grants. Under both the Teacher prior to the suspension of in-class academies. COVID-19 Grant and the Support activities are eligible. To receive up to $250, individ- Staff COVID-19 Grant programs, To receive up to $500, teachers uals must have performed at least eligible teachers can receive up must have performed at least of 75 of 75 percent of their workload in to $500 and eligible support staff percent of their standard instruction brick and mortar buildings during can receive up to $250. The State workload in brick and mortar class- the last school year prior to the of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2021 rooms during the last school year suspension of in-person instruction budget provides $53 million for prior to the suspension of in-person on April 2. eligible K-12 classroom teachers instruction on April 2. The Michigan Department and $20 million for eligible support The Support Staff COVID-19 staff. Grant Program was created in state The Teacher COVID-19 Grant law to recognize the additional time Stepanik Program was created in state law to eligible K-12 support staff spent recognize the additional time and outside of normal working hours, additional costs classroom teachers hazardous conditions encountered recognized in a school district or non-profit and additional costs incurred to non-public school spent to ensure provide services to students when Sara Solanti graduates

Sean Stepanik was named a win- ner of the College Board National Recognition Program Indigenous Scholar owing to his high score Sara Soltani, shown above with her service dog for the deaf, graduated in the top 2.5 percent in the PAT on Sept. 25, 2020, with a Master of Science in forensic anthropology and academic achievement. He from Boston University School of Medicine. Soltani hopes to find a posi- was also named a National Merit tion as a forensic anthropologist or medico-legal death investigator for Scholar Commended student. a medical examiner or coroner’s office, and later, pursue a doctorate on He is a senior at Legacy PCA the cranial reactions and identification of cochlear implants in modern in Houston, Texas. His parents forensic contexts. Soltani has a particular interest in contributing to the are Amber and Mike Stepanik; identification of deceased individuals found near the border and mur- grandparents, Lou and Brenda dered or missing Native individuals. Landreville.

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S The Risk of Underage Use

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Communities that Care are partnering to bring you

the following message:

C t s o e m B m ry it e ed V to ur One in Four. That’s your risk for addiction if you drink, smoke, vape or use before 18. Choosing Giving You O to wait until 21 to drink reduces your chance of addiction by 90 Percent. The teenage years are a vulnerable time to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your lives. The teen brain is not fully developed making youth that choose to use at increased risk for addiction. Wait21 supports teenagers to make the choice to wait. To find out more about what they have to offer visit wait21.org November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung News Page 15 Sault Tribe Thrive marks first year of service with online expansion on multiple sites By Justin Emery Social media – Connect with STMOBs, Sault Tribe Thrive development information and for the responses and engagement Over the past year, the Sault Sault Tribe Thrive today on aims to increase engagement helpful business resources we’ve seen over this first year Tribe Thrive office has seen social media! Just like the email with consistent updates across all located in one place. and hope to continue growth steady growth with its support to distribution list, interested tribal a variety of platforms. Be on Development is nearly complete leading into our second year in our Sault Tribe Member Owned business leaders can expect to see the lookout for SAULT TRIBE and the Sault Tribe Thrive the Tamarack Business Center. To Businesses (STMOB). With the same helpful info on services THRIVE and be sure to give us a website go-live date is tentatively all the STMOBs who have been this success, and to bridge the offered, job postings, funding like, follow or share. scheduled for December 2020. in contact with our office, Thank communication gaps currently opportunities and how Sault Tribe Website – The brand new Be on the lookout and be sure to you for allowing us to support experienced due to the COVID- Thrive can help your business. saulttribethrive.com page offers connect with Sault Tribe Thrive your business, help you preconize 19 pandemic, the Sault Tribe Find us at Sault Tribe Thrive on a one-stop-shop for all Sault to get in the Member Owned for your dreams, and share in Thrive office plans to go live with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tribe Thrive and Sault Tribe Business Directory and get the your successes. Miigwetch expanded service options through Google Plus and Instagram. EDC happenings. The website latest news on all things Sault Justin Emery, Sault Tribe an increased online presence to Through our commitment to provides a much-needed resource Tribe Economic Development. Thrive, [email protected], better serve our STMOBs. increased communication with for our STMOBs, with business Sault Tribe Thrive is grateful (906) 635-6050, extension 26121. Treasury provides special benefits to military mem- bers and veterans LANSING, Mich. – The • Principal residence exemp- Michigan Department of Treasury tion (PRE) for active duty mil- extends gratitude to current itary. Property owners can retain and former military members a PRE if their property is rented by reminding them of special or leased. benefits they may be entitled to • Property tax relief during receive. active aervice. Property owned State Treasurer Rachael by a serviceperson cannot be sold Eubanks said, “The Michigan to pay delinquent property taxes Department of Treasury will work during a tour of active duty. closely with our military mem- • Summer property tax bers to ensure they get the tax deferment. A serviceperson, vet- benefits and other resources they eran or widow or widower whose deserve.” income outside of military com- Current and former military pensation is no more than $7,500 members may be eligible to per year may be eligible for a receive: summer property tax deferment. • Military pay tax exemp- • Federal Military Spouses tion. Military pay is exempt from Residency Relief Act. The Michigan tax, including military spouse of a military member may not be subject to the state’s tax- retirement benefits and exit and ation if they are a nonresident of separation pay. the state, the service member is • Children of Veterans present in the state due to military Tuition Grant. This program orders, the spouse is solely in the provides undergraduate tuition state to accompany the service hlep to children of Michigan member and the spouse maintains veterans who were totally and a domicile in another state. This permanently disabled, missing act was amended in December in action or died while serving. 2018 to alternately allow military Students may receive scholarship spouses to elect the same state of assistance for up to four academic domicile as their service member years for a total of up to $11,200. spouse, even if they are not pres- • Disabled veterans property ent in that state. tax exemption. A property tax To learn more about tax relief exemption for real property used and other benefits for current and owned as a homestead as and past military members, go outlined in state law. to www.michigan.gov/taxes. SAULT STE. MARIE TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS SENIOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Community Health Program Clerk Part-Time/Regular - (14 Hrs/ — Process collections for services Wk) Escanaba Tribal Community rendered Health Center. Responsible for — Coordinate processing of all providing: Clerical support ser- program information vices to the Community Health — Collaborate with on-site staff Program; Program resource, — All other job-related duties as consultation and coordination assigned. services for program staff located Immediate peers, peers in at the Tribal Community Health other departments, immediate Center; Direct clerical support supervisor/manager, managers in services for the Community other departments, executives, Health staff at the Center. customers and outside vendors/ — Greet the public in a profes- service providers. sional, courteous manner and Must be a Sault Tribe member assist clientele age 60 or over and reside within — Answer all incoming calls and the seven county service area. transfer to staff. Must undergo a Criminal back- — Process all incoming / outgo- ground investigation and pre-em- ing mail. Sort and route to staff ployment drug testing. — Receive, process and distribute — $9.65 per hour medications to clients. WIOA / Senior Employment — Maintain filing systems Program — Schedule Clinic appointments Attention: Brenda Cadreau, 2 for services. Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI — Prepare and process medical 49783, (906) 635-4767 OR records for scheduled services. Mary Jenerou, 906-341-8469 Page 16 Community November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Drive-through Halloween staged in Sault at the Big Bear Arena, featured crafts and candy By Rick Smith from Flannigan’s Goat Barbeque from the tribe’s Community and other items. Along the way, tions of candy and offerings of The Sault Tribe Wellness food truck and representatives for Health Department, Big Bear they were greeted and entertained to-go plates from their ghost Collaborative hosted a Halloween the Girl Scouts. Arena, YEA and tribal youth by a dancing bear at the entrance feast, Anishinabek Community trick-or-treat drive-thru on Oct. According to Sault Ste. Marie councils from Sault Ste. Marie, to the parking lot and the and Family Services donated 30 in the Big Bear parking lot on Youth Education and Activities Rudyard and Hessel. Wolfshager Hexenbrut Dancing candy, promotional bags and hand the tribe’s reservation in Sault (YEA) coordinator Jill Lawson, Folks arrived for trick-or-treat- Witches as they approached the sanitizer, and the Quarter to Five Ste. Marie. The function featured about 550 youngsters and accom- ing in their vehicles and remained treat stations. shop also donated items. Sara craft and candy giveaways, per- panying adults enjoyed the event. in them while waiting their turns Others involved in the holi- Homminga and her family operat- formances by the Wolfshager The Sault Tribe Wellness to go through the treat stations to day observance were the tribe’s ed a vending stand. Hexenbrut Dancing Witches, food Collaborative consists of staff receive the pre-packaged candy Culture Department with dona- See photos on page 12. Volunteers help with first Pumpkin Path Halloween Festival held at Hessell casino campground By Lisa Burnside, Unit II for our local youth. A special chi National Bank-Cedarville, Soo successful without the help of ditional life skills program in YEA coordinator miigwech to our unit directors, Co-op Credit Union-Cedarville, our amazing volunteers: Kelly Pickford. This amazing program Our first Pumpkin Path Catherine Hollowell and Lana Central Savings Bank, UP Paquin, Kimberley Albert will include nutrition, beading, Halloween Festival was held at Causey-Smith, for their funding State Credit Union, The Narley Treleaven, Mona Gugin, Kadin music and movement. The after the Hessel Casino Campgrounds. support. Special thank you to Whale, EZ Mart for donating Lee-Backus, Josh Salvador Jr. school program will be held Seeing the smiles on some faces, the Kewadin Casino mainte- candy, Cedarville Foods, Merle’s and with help from our Unit I three days a week for three watching the participants have nance crew for ensuring we had Towing, Hessel School House YEA staff – Jill Lawson, Terri weeks, starting Thursday, Nov. fun and hearing the laughter everything prior, during and after for the use of their games and Linacre and Sarah Bedell. 5, and running Monday, Tuesday nearly brought tears to my eyes the event. Chi-miigwech to the props, UP Feeds in Germfast for Most importantly, thank you and Thursday with Monday, Nov. as this was as this was our first Kewadin Casino Hessel for the the fantastic deal on the pump- to everyone for participating 23 being our final program. We major activity since March. use of the campgrounds. Thanks kins and straw, Blue Water Salon and for your help in maintaining are also planning for our Unit II In partnership with the to the following businesses for for the many pumpkins. Also social distancing, wearing your Christmas parties, one in Hessel Kewadin Casino Hessel, carved donating a carved pumpkin to thank you to Kimberley Lee for masks and ensuring that this on Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m., and pumpkins donated by most of go along our pumpkin path: your help in preparation for the event was fun and safe for all DeTour on Dec. 19 from 3 to 5 the local businesses we held a Applecore General Store donat- event. involved! p.m. safe successful outdoor event ed a pumpkin and candy, First This event would not be On Nov. 5, we begin our tra- See photos on page 13. NIEA takes on pandemic challenges facing Native students WASHINGTON, D.C. – The sworn-in during the closing cer- board. She currently serves as the the National Advisory Council on Du Flambeau Band of Lake National Indian Education emony. Five newly elected and CEO for the Office of Hawaiian Indian Education with the U.S. Superior Chippewa Indians and Association (NIEA), the leading seven current board members will Affairs. Department of Education. Eastern Band Cherokee of North Native education advocacy orga- take on the challenge of govern- Dr. Lori Quigley, Seneca • Dr. Jolene Bowman, Carolina, also joined the gen- nization, has elected five Native ing a Native education organiza- Nation, continues her office as Stockbridge Munsee Community, eral board as an at-large mem- leaders to join an already dedicat- tion amid unprecedented times of secretary. Quigley is current- is also returning to the board and ber. Thoms owns and operates ed board of directors. The NIEA educational disruption. ly assistant to the provost for was elected as parliamentarian. Torchlight Consulting, a Native Board of Directors is comprised Continuing board members: the graduate programs and the Bowman currently serves as American public relations firm in of a committed and compassion- • Jason Dropik, Bad River chairwoman of the board of vice-president for Stockbridge- Lac du Flambeau, Wis. ate team of educators, community Band of Lake Superior Chippewa directors for the Seneca Gaming Munsee Community. Brenda Dial Deese, Lumbee and tribal leaders, parents, grand- Indians, was elected as presi- Corporation. • Teresa Sarabia, Tlingit, Nation, also joined the general parents and business owners. dent of the board of directors. Jaylyn Suppah, Confederated joins the general board as the board as an at-large member. She “It is an honor to welcome new Dropik serves as the head of the Tribes of Warm Springs Alaska representative. Sarabia is is a retired educator from North board members. Their experi- Indian Community School, near Reservation, continues her seat currently the Tribal Vocational Carolina who previously worked ence and expertise will further Milwaukee, Wis. as student board member. She Rehabilitation Project manager with AmeriCorps and Boys strengthen this organization’s • Dr. Connie Locklear, Lumbee is currently attending Evergreen for southeast Alaska. and Girls Club for the Lumbee impact in advancing NIEA’s mis- Tribe, was elected as first vice State College in Washington. • Tesia Zientek, Citizen Nation. sion,” said Jason Dropik, NIEA president. Locklear is the director Newly elected board members: Potawatomi Nation, was elected • Ben Baldwin, Kenaitze Board of Directors president. of Indian Education for the Public • Patricia Whitefoot, Yakama to the general board as an at-large Indian Tribe, joined the general Last week, during the annual Schools of Robeson County. Nation, a returning board member member. She is the Citizen board as a student board member. NIEA Convention and Trade • Dr. Sylvia Hussey, Native who was elected as the second Potawatomi Nation Education He is pursuing a degree in Alaska Show — the first ever in a virtual Hawaiian, continues her term vice president. Whitefoot was director. Native governance from Alaska format — board members were and office as treasurer for the appointed by President Obama to • Brandon Thoms, Lac Pacific University. Safety priorities prompt first virtual NIEA Convention, Trade Show WASHINGTON, D.C. – networking lounges and a socially dent. to gather, to see our communities incredible new and veteran board Breaking a fifty-year tradition distanced powwow with more than The convention was previ- thriving in challenging times was members. Our Native leaders of convening in-person to meet 800 educators, students, supporters ously scheduled to take place a great success. I feel inspired to need everyone working together with friends and colleagues, shake and advocates in attendance all vir- in Albuquerque, N.M., at the see all of the commitment to stand to affect change for all American hands, tell stories and share knowl- tually. Albuquerque Convention Center strong, stand together, and to con- Indians, Alaska Natives and Native edge was a difficult but necessary “I could not be more proud of and coincide with the Albuquerque tinue to build a collaborative com- Hawaiians and I am heartened by decision for the National Indian NIEA’s first virtual convention, Balloon Fiesta from Oct. 7 to Oct. munity,” Dropik said. the collective strength our board Education Association (NIEA) hosted in response to COVID-19. 10, 2020. In July, NIEA announced NIEA Executive Director Diana brings to our mission. I also con- in response to the COVID-19 As a people, we know that connec- the virtual convention platform Cournoyer said feedback from tinue to be inspired by those who pandemic. Yet, undeterred, the tion is vital. Our connection to the in response to COVID-19 pre- attendees and sponsors after the have been doing amazing work for 51st annual NIEA Convention and earth, to each other, and to all of cautions, “in order to safely serve convention was positive and the many years,” emphasized Dropik. Trade Show went on as planned. creation is important to who we are Native educators and students and organization was praised for con- NIEA is offering the virtual con- The event included more than and how we learn and grow. While deliver critical education informa- tinuing the tradition of gathering, vention webpage for all registered a hundred workshops, live ses- we could not safely gather together, tion and resources to our beloved albeit in a virtual platform. Dropik convention attendees for 30 days, sions with the Bureau of Indian we were able to continue to adapt communities and partners.” echoed Cournoyer’s feedback, through Nov/ 9, 2020. After that Education, a keynote address from and adjust, just as our ancestors Conducting the convention in “The connection was much differ- date, all 2020 convention events Sen. Tom Udall (NM-D), a virtual had before us,” said Jason Dropik, this new virtual format provid- ent than we have had in the past, will be archived on the NIEA web- trade show with 20 online vendors, newly elected NIEA Board presi- ed both NIEA and attendees the but the dialogues and partnership site, www.niea.org, for members to opportunity to garner direct feed- opportunities were still very much access. back from educators, presenters present. Despite our necessary NIEA was formed by Native Chippewa County 4-H award winners and students about their thoughts changes, the strong sentiment educators to find solutions to on this unique experience. It also expressed by attendees was “We improve the education system Michigan State University Extension of Chippewa County con- provided a forum to learn how are still here!” for Native children. The NIEA gratulates the following 4-H members who received County Awards various communities across Indian Also conducted for the first time Convention was established to for their participation in the Chippewa County 4-H program: Jessy Country have been transitioning to in a virtual format were the NIEA mark the beginning of a national Baron, Ty Baron, Brett Batho, Paris Bedell, Ella Boatwright, Helena online learning due to the impact Board election and the passing of forum for sharing and developing Bourque, Leland Bourque, Molly Escherich, Caleb Klier, Elizabeth of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I organizational resolutions. “It is a ideas and influencing federal pol- Martin and Graceanne Winegard. felt that the opportunity to share, gift to be able to serve alongside icy. November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Community Page 17 Walking on . . . LEO E. BERKLAND Rebecca was preceded in death Casady, Jr., of Holly Lake Ranch; sister, Joanne White of Florida; had a contagious smile and laugh Leo Edward Berkland, 58, of by her grandparents, Patrick and granddaughters, Jessica Witherow daughters, Joanne (Helmut) that will forever be remembered. Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., passed Mary Ann “Nan” Grogan; her of Heartland, Soren Casady of Umbrasas of Pickford and Colleen Jodi is survived by her chil- away on Sept. uncle, Rodney; and her father-in- Aurora, Colo.; great-granddaugh- (Paul) Woodruff of Pickford; dren, Zach (Jenn) Eitrem of 23, 2020, law, Arthur Boucha. ter, Ava Elizabeth Mitchell of grandchildren, Amanda (Michael) Tucson, Ariz., and Tarah (Adam) at McLaren A tribal ceremony took place Heartland; sisters, Cheryl Olear Fairchild of Drummond Island, Steinhauer of Sault Ste. Marie, Northern on Oct. 3 at Epoufette Cemetery, (Mike) of Chipley, Fla., and Christopher Cottelit of Ramsey, Mich.; sisters, Brenda Pristelski of Michigan in Epoufette, Mich. Mariane Mulcay (Jim) of Fenton, Minn., and Jessica Forbes of the Sault Ste. Marie, Betty (Danny) Hospital. R. Galer Funeral Home in Mich.; brother and sister-in-law Sault; eight great-grandchildren Debusk of Sault Ste. Marie and Leo was Pickford, Mich., served the fam- Mike and Diana Casady, Holly and her many nieces and neph- Debbie Beatty of Quincy, Ill.; born on Feb. ily. Condolences may be sent to Lake Ranch; and many cousins, ews. brother, Gordy (Amy) Lane of 27, 1962, in the family online at www. nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her Sault Ste. Marie; mother-in-law, Sault Ste. rgalerfuneralhome.com. Emalee was preceded in death parents; five brothers, Maurice, Dorothy Eitrem of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., son of the late by her father Charles Hipkins; Gordon, Jimmy, Leroy and Marie; partner of five years, Rick Alfred and Evelyn (Aikens) MARY T. BRIDGE mother, Deanne Wilson; and Eugene; and two sisters, Orpha Roy; and many nieces and neph- Berkland. He attended Sault Mary Theresa Bridge, 74, of step-father Pat Wilson. McDonald and Margaret Dietz. ews. High School and was a member Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., passed Emalee had a plaque which Visitation and a memorial Jodi was preceded in death of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of away on Oct. 25, 2020, in Sault read, “She leaves a little sparkle Mass took place Sept. 22 at Holy by her husband, Stephen Eitrem; Chippewa Indians. Leo loved to Ste. Marie, wherever she goes.” I found that Family Church. Interment will be brother, Steven Lane; sister, be outdoors hunting and especial- Mich., sur- to be true. at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Barbara Ann Lane; parents, ly fishing. rounded by Arrangements are in the care of Dwane “Bud” and Betty Lane; Leo is survived by two sisters, her loved DONNA M. COTTELIT C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and and father-in-law, Joe Eitrem. Karen Berkland of McMillan, ones. She was Donna Marie (White) Cottelit, Cremation Services. Condolences Visitation and services took Mich., and Brenda (Bruce) born on Aug. with her children at her side, went may be left online at www. place on Oct. 22 at the First Lipponen of Brimley, Mich.; a 16, 1946, in to be with the Lord on Sept. 15, csmulder.com. Church of Christ with Mr. Tom niece, Brandi Aube of Sault Ste. Sault Ste. 2020, at the Cash officiating. The family Marie; and four nephews, Lance Marie. Mary age of 81. GLENN E. DOW requests, in lieu of flowers, dona- Berkland and Terry Berkland, was a member She was Glenn Edward Dow, 73, passed tions be made to the Hospice of both of Sault Ste. Marie, Lucas of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of born in Sault away on Oct. 2, 2020, at his home the EUP, 308 W. 12th, Sault Ste. Mahanna of North Dakota and Chippewa Indians. She enjoyed Ste. Marie, in Raco, Mich., surrounded by his Marie, MI 49783, for their incred- Alex Mahanna of Kinross, Mich. reading, puzzling and sudoku. Mich., on family. ible compassion, care and support He is also survived by several Mary is survived by her son, March 27, He was during this difficult time. great-nieces, great-nephews, William Michael Bridge; sons- 1939, to born on Dec. Clark Funeral Cremation Burial friends and other family members. in-law, Rick Riley and Jerry Calvin and 5, 1946, in Services assisted the family with Leo was preceded in death Casey; daughters, Betty (nee Anna White. Sault Ste. arrangements. by his parents; a brother, Robert Bridge) Riley and Stephanie (nee Donna enjoyed spending time Marie, Mich., Online condolences may be left Berkland; a sister, Pamela Bridge) Casey; sister, Marjie (nee with her daughters. She was fond to the late John at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com. Mahanna; and a nephew, Nathan McClellan) Pilcher; brothers, of helping with school assign- and Lillian Berkland. James McClellan, Joseph Irvine, ments; leaf projects were her (Andrus) Dow. JAMES FITZGERALD A celebration of Leo’s life took Bill Irvine and Harry Irvine; favorite. It was very important Glenn was James “Jim” Fitzgerald, age place on Sept. 30 at the Dafter grandchildren, Duncan and John that her children valued education. a graduate of 76, of Cookstown, passed away Township Hall. Doran, Alexander and Dillon She decided to continue her edu- Sault High School with the class peacefully in his home surrounded Arrangements were in the care Davies, Andrew Riley, Nicholas cation once the girls where older. of 1967. He served in the United by his loving family on Oct. 18, of C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and Riley, Susan Riley, Jacol Casey She attended Lake Superior State States Army during the Korean 2020. He was born in Newberry, Cremation Services. Condolences and Toni Casey. and graduated with a bachelor’s and Vietnam wars. He was a Mich., to may be left online at www. Mary was preceded in death degree in human services. member of St. Joseph Parrish of Fannie and csmulder.com. by her parents, James McClellan She was a devoted Catholic Rudyard, Mich. He worked as a the late Robert and Betty Irvine; and brothers, who successfully completed lay groundskeeper for the National Fitzgerald on REBECCA J. GROGAN Ronald McClellan and Joseph ministry school. Donna always Forest Service, retiring in 2006. July 8, 1944. BOUCHA Paul McClellan. enjoyed working with the church He loved to garden and all his After high Rebecca Jo “Becky Jo” Grogan A memorial funeral Mass took youth and doing children produc- animals. He enjoyed keeping school, Jim Boucha, 43, of Moran, Mich., place on Oct. 30, 2020, at St. tions for holidays. She had a spe- busy building things and hunting. enlisted in the died on Sept. 20, 2020, in St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church cial place in her heart for her two Glenn married Lisa Mongene in United States Ignace, Mich. with Father Dominic Yamoah offi- God daughters, Michelle Rogers Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on Dec. Air Force She was born ciating. Clark Funeral Cremation and Mia Shawhan. 7, 2007. and proudly on July 10, Burial Services assisted the family She spent many years sup- Glenn is survived by his wife, served his country during the 1977, in St. with arrangements. Online condo- porting her husband’s love of Lisa Dow; his children, Ashley Vietnam War. In 1980, Jim met Ignace. lences may be left at www.rgaler- hockey. Together they also shared Dow, David Tadgerson and the love of his life, Vatina, and the Rebecca funeralhome.com. a fondness of the arts while Jennifer Tadgerson, all of Raco. two were later married in 1981. grew up in participating in the local theater Glenn is also survived by his Jim spent most of his life serving Moran and EMALEE K. HIPKINS CASADY group; they enjoyed being in sev- sister, Marion Lytle of Sault Ste. the community through the local attended St. Emalee Kay Hipkins Casady, eral productions. She was a kind, Marie; and his father-in-law, Fred VFW and making what many say Ignace schools. 72, passed away on June 24, loving person who always went Mongene. is the best breakfast around. Jim After graduation, she worked 2020. She was a native of Flint, above and beyond when assisting He was preceded in death by worked from sun up to sun down for MacGregor Oil and was Mich., daughter of Charles others. Upon retiring from the his parents; and his brother, Doug at Jim’s Amoco/Jims Repair Shop, a server at The Galley and Hipkins and Deanne Wilson. Department of Social Services, Dow. his successful auto repair business Mackinac Grill. She married Emalee enjoyed life to its full- Jack and Donna took their dream A funeral service took place that he built from the ground up. Christopher Boucha on June 3, est. Residing in Michigan until vacation, an Alaskan Cruise, on Oct. 8 at C.S. Mulder Funeral His smile was contagious and 2000. They worked together doing 1979, then moving to Texas. In which proved to be everything Home. Burial with military honors instantly warmed any room. You lawn care maintenance and snow- Texas she they had hoped it would be. will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in always knew where you stood plowing and had two sons. She raised her Donna was a woman of many Raco. with Jim, but also that you could then went on to work as a mail children and talents — baking, sewing, knit- Condolences maybe left online handle anything if Jim stood by carrier with her mother and then volunteered at ting, crocheting and most any- at www.csmulder.com. your side. There wasn’t a car that on her own. She loved her job the schools as thing she put her mind to. She he couldn’t fix, an omelette he as a mail carrier and her postal a Red Cross had a great love of flowers and SHARON M. EITREM couldn’t make, a stronger hand- patrons. She was a member of the nurse. As the spent countless hours looking Sharon “Jodi” Marie Eitrem, shake, a brighter smile or a bigger Rural Carriers Association. children grew through catalogs to find her next 56, of Sugar Island, Mich., passed heart than Jim’s. Jim is known Rebecca loved her sons more older she had prize variety. She was a dedicated away on Oct. 16, 2020, at EUP for always greeting you with than anything. She enjoyed nature various jobs. grandmother who used her many Hospice House “Morning, morning, morning!” and wildlife — hunting birds She enjoyed helping at the talents to support her grandchil- surrounded And goodbye with “See y’all and deer, fishing, gardening and American Legion in Plano, Texas, dren. Whatever it took to make a by her family. later, folks!” Jim was a loving bird watching at her bird feeders. Post 321. She loved her veterans. difference in their lives, whether She was born son, husband, father, grandfather, She liked riding back roads on In 2012, Emalee moved from that was sewing show clothes, Nov. 14, 1963, brother, uncle and friend who will four-wheelers and mudding with Garland, Texas, to east Texas set- sitting in a cold ice rink or taking in Torrance, be deeply missed by all who knew her postal jeep. She loved her dog, tling in Holly Lake Ranch. She them on a trip, there was never Calif., to par- him. Johnny. enjoyed the peacefulness of the any doubt that family was her ents Dwane Jim is predeceased by his Rebecca is survived by her wooded areas, the wildlife and the everything. Dedicated wife, moth- “Bud” and father, Robert Fitzgerald; his mother, Linda Grogan; her hus- friendly people. er, grandmother and great-grand- Betty Lane. first wife, Darla May; two broth- band, Christopher Boucha; sons, Emalee will be lovingly mother, you are gone from this Jodi loved spending time with ers-in-law, Carl and JR; a niece, Artie (Hannah Brady) Boucha and remembered by her husband, Bill, world but you will forever remain family and friends, laughing and Dana Hacker; and nephew, Corey Carter Boucha; mother-in-law, for 53 plus years and her children, in our hearts. making others laugh, and being on Pritchett. Donna (Levi) Moses; and many Dawn Casady Witherow (Chris of She is survived by her loving Sugar Island with her love, Rick, He leaves behind his adored aunts and uncles. Heartland, Texas), her son, Billy husband, John “Jack” of 62 years; and her fur baby, Cheyenne. Jodi See “Walking on,” page 18 Page 18 Community November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Walking on, continued from page 17 wife, Vatina (nee Hacker) stepson, Jason Kellis; many nieces In lieu of flowers, please and Al were avid Detroit Tiger from Riverside to San Diego. Fitzgerald of Cookstown; his and nephews as well as great-niec- consider donating to Loaves fans as well as lifelong fans of For the next several years, Tuck children, Darla Jean Fitzgerald es and great-nephews. and Fishes and Johnson Cancer Notre Dame football where they worked as the superintendent (Ellis Stillwell, Jr.) of New Egypt, A memorial service is to be Center of Muskegon. attended hundreds of games over of Valron Metals. Tuck and his James H. Fitzgerald (Lori) of determined, but per her wishes the years. As a devout Catholic, family moved back to the Upper Bordentown, Michelle Malinak will be kept to close family and ELIZABETH A. MAINWARING she felt the Irish were her faith’s Peninsula in 1977, where he (Steven) of Pennsauken, Christina friends. We would like to ask Elizabeth Anne (McGulpin) football team. In her later years, started and ran Mackinaw Tool Ford (Robert) of Cookstown, that donations not be made in her Mainwaring, 87, was born on as a member of the Sault Ste. and Die. In 1982, he sold the Ashley Dunn (James) of honor, but if someone has a good Mackinac Island, Mich., on Sept. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, business and retired. Following Cookstown; and a young man, memory to share or story to tell, 17, 1933, to John and Beatrice she became a tribal elder. Anne his retirement, they then moved Shannon Roberts, whom he loved the family would love to hear, and McGulpin and was a caring and passionate to Boyne City, Mich., and he like a son; his mother, Fannie please do not hesitate to reach passed on to sibling, wife, mother, aunt and was a real estate agent for six Aslin of Michigan; his 10 grand- out. her heavenly grandmother. years. The moved to Manistique children, JR, Jake, AJ, Jojo, Eddie, Arrangements are in the care of reward on Oct. She is preceded in death by and they owned Beach Comber Christopher, Isabel, Makalah, C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and 24, 2020. her parents, John and Beatrice Motel. In 2000, he moved back Abby and Brayden; his sisters, Cremation Services. Condolences Along with McGulpin; her sister, Marie T. to the Cedarville area to live out Maryann Belonga, Diane Menzia may be left online at www. her parents; Weak; brother, John McGulpin his glory days. (Jerry) and Roberta Chippewa; his csmulder.com. older sister, Jr.; and her beloved husband of 59 Tuck attended the Our Lady brothers-in-law, Robert Hacker, Marie; and years, Al Mainwaring II. of the Snows Catholic Church in Jr. (Toni) of Eastampton, Kenneth FREDERICK T. LEE younger broth- Anne is survived by her 12 Hessel and was a member the air Hacker of Cookstown, Donald Frederick Thom “Skip” Lee ers, John and children, Lynn (Ted) Attila of sled club in Cedarville. Hacker (Susan) of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on James, she Watervliet, Shaun Mainwaring of Tuck enjoyed hunting with Bobby Still (Brenda) of Maryland; May 10, 2020, at the age of 75. enjoyed the Mesa, Ariz., Victor Mainwaring II the boys and fishing. He was his sisters-in-law, Twila Pritchett He was born simple life of Whitehall, Mich., Al (Melanie) an excellent carpenter and an (Carey) of Cookstown, Kathy to George of the island Mainwaring III of Houston, avid storyteller and prankster. Boesch (Tom) of Cookstown Allen Lee and at the time. Texas, Colleen (Paul) Brooks He loved to spend time with and Dawn “Missy” Minnick of Burnadette O. Anne vividly of Weddington, N.C., Shannon his best buddy, Steve Tassier. Texas; along with several nieces, (Jensen) Lee on remembered (Sheryl) Mainwaring of Coloma, When he was young, he enjoyed nephews and extended family Feb. 24, 1945, her father Susan Chatman of Grand Rapids, spending time with his uncle, EJ members. in Muskegon, going off to Brian (Marcie) Mainwaring of Mertaugh, while they worked on Relatives and friends gathered Mich. He mar- World War II during which time Benton Harbor, Mich., Kathleen a Chris-Crafts. on Oct. 24, 2020, at the Tilghman ried the love the family took in boarders and (Kevin) Versnyder of Lake Tuck was survived by his Funeral Home in New Egypt, N.J. of his life, did laundry to make ends meet. Leelanau, Mich., Sue Cooper daughter, Sherri (George) Huff Interment will be held privately Kathleen M. Surrounded by immediate family, and Erin Mainwaring of Sparta, of Hessel; sons, Patrick William at the convenience of the fam- (Keefe) Lee on July 22, 1972. it was a time filled with memories Mich.; her stepdaughter, Victoria (Josephine) McLeod of Oakland ily. Immediately following the Fred was a fun and loving she would never forget. (Tim) Woodward of Seattle, Township, Mich., and Shawn services at the funeral home, the husband, father, grandfather In 1947, the family relocated Wash.; her brother, James (Shawn Marie) McLeod of family gathered at the Cookstown and friend. He loved his family from Mackinac Island to St. Joe, McGulpin of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Boyne City; grandchildren, April VFW. An honorary procession with everything he had. His kids Mich., where Anne graduated 46 grandkids; 41 great-grandkids; (Norman) Brood, Thomas Huff, as a final tribute took place for will never need to wonder if he from St. Joseph Catholic High and numerous nieces and neph- Jordan (Olivia) Huff, Nicholas Jim. In lieu of flowers, donations was proud of them, he was very School as a proud St. Joe Pony. ews. McLeod, Francesca McLeod, can be made in Jim’s memory to proud and talked about them with Anne loved music and seeing In lieu of flowers, one of William McLeod, Sophia either the Cookstown VFW Post everyone he met. Everyone. His live shows and it was at one of mom’s last wishes was to ask that McLeod, Adam (Katelynn) 6590, 22 Wrightstown-Cookstown wife, children and grandchildren these events she met the love donations be made to the Brook McLeod, Samantha (Matt) Road, Cookstown, NJ 08511 or to were undoubtedly the light of his of her life, Al Mainwaring II, Senior Center in Cedar Springs, Hansen, Sidney (Zack Hancock) the American Cancer Society, at life. He was a giving person and at the Crystal Palace Ballroom Mich., for a garden overhaul McLeod, Jakob McLeod and www.cancer.org. always helped people any way in Coloma, Mich. Anne had a which she was spearheading. She Lukas McLeod; great-grandchil- that he could whether they were friend who was also friends with also wanted to thank all the staff dren, Jurrien, Octavia, Asher, DEBORAH A. KELLIS family, a friend or a stranger. He Al who thought they would be and friends at the Brook for mak- Miles and Madalyn; special Deborah “Debbie” Ann Kellis, had an amazing ability to connect perfect for each other. After a ing her last years enjoyable and friend, Joanne Smith of St. 66, of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., — with his positive energy, end- couple of missed opportunities, for their assistance up to the end. Ignace; sisters, Adrian Smith of passed away less generosity, humor and heart- they finally met. Soon after, on Anne had an unassuming yet Pickford, Mich;, Maryana Carr unexpectedly on-his-sleeve authentic presence. July 19, 1952, Anne and Al were amazing life. A life celebrat- of Cedarville, Angela (Jack) on Sept. 26, Fred, a retired patternmaker married at the justice of the peace ed on Oct. 30, 2020, followed Porco of Canada; and sister-in- 2020, at War and founder of the Muskegon in Hartford Mich. The military by a Mass of Christian burial law, Marilyn McLeod of Hessel. Memorial County Muscle Car Club was life took them to many different at Assumption BVM Catholic Tuck was preceded in Hospital. also an inventor, founder of places, but Michigan was always Church in Belmont, Mich. death by his brothers, William Deborah HammerHead IRS Differentials home. Watervliet Mich., is where Interment will be at the St. McLeod, Frances “Geet” was born and National Foundryman’s they settled during the 1960s and Annes Catholic Church Cemetery McLeod and Michael McLeod; in Saginaw, Society Casting of the Year half of the 70s as they proceeded on Mackinac Island at a later date. sister, Janey McLeod; brothers- Mich., on Finalist. He was a NHRA/IHRA/ to have 10 children. The oldest Anne is finally going home. in-law, Jay Smith and Ernest Sept. 29, 1953, the daughter of NMCA record holding drag racer four graduated from Watervliet “Bud” Carr; and his best friend, John Sparks and the late Isabelle and an accomplished racing High School before Anne and Al THOMAS M. MCLEOD Steve Tassier. (Martin) Sparks. engine builder and owner of ET again moved with the remaining Thomas Merle “Tuck” “Coop” A memorial gathering took She graduated from Sault High Enterprises Speed Shop. six kids to Grand Rapids, Mich., “Bumpa” McLeod, age 86, of place on June 26, 2020, at Our School with the class of 1972. On He graduated from Reeths- where Anne would spend the rest Cedarville, Mich., died on June Lady of the Snows Catholic Oct. 7, 2000, she married William Puffer High School in 1963, of her life. Anne was very active 14, 2020, at Cedar Cove Assisted Church in Hessel followed by a (Bill) Kellis at their home. For attended Muskegon Community in many aspects of her kids’ lives. Living. He memorial Mass with Father Joes many years, she drove school College and Ferris State From being the boys den mother was born Cherian officiating. bus for Sault Area Schools and University. Later in life, he went in the Cub Scouts to teaching her on May Internment will be at Cedar also owned her own business, back to school to continue learn- girls how to sew and knit as well 14, 1934, Cemetery in Cedarville. Deborah’s Custom Sewing. She ing the latest technology in his as how to be strong independent in Sault Memorial contributions may enjoyed sewing and flower gar- industry, an example for his chil- women. Anne loved music from Ste. Marie, be made to Cedar Cove Assisted dening and was well known for dren to always continue learning. Frank Sinatra to Van Halen she Mich., Living, 266 Mary L. Street, her and Bill’s business Oasis Fred is survived by his wife, rocked it all. She loved the the- to Lyle Cedarville, MI 49719. Gardens at the local farmers mar- Kathy (Keefe) Lee, of 48 years; atre, patron of the arts and reading William and R. Galer Funeral Home in ket. Deborah was also a member his children and their spouses, anything that caught her interest. Margaret Pickford served the family. of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Jeffrey (Sarah) Lee, Rebekah Also, gardening was a passion Mary (Mertaugh) McLeod. Condolences may be sent to the Chippewa Indians. (Adam) Lee-Beard, Elizabeth and every spring and summer Tuck grew up in Hessel and family at www.rgalerfuneral- Deborah is survived her father, (Phillip) Lee-Schullo and John her yard was filled with beautiful attended the Hessel School home.com. John Sparks; her husband, William Lee; grandchildren, Henry Lee flowers and flowering trees. Anne House. He graduated from (Bill) Kellis; two daughters, and Josephine Beard; brother, was an amazing chef and a highly Cedarville High School with the CALVIN W. ODBERT Michelle Parker of Grand Haven, Randy (Angela) Lee; sister, Sandy experienced seamstress as well as class of 1952. After high school, Calvin William Odbert, 35, Mich., and Jeniffer Perks of Grand (Larry) Pawlowski; his beloved a knitting wizard and porcelain he joined the United States Army of Sault Ste. Rapids, Mich.; and two grand- mother-in-law, Rosemary Keefe; doll maker. She was also a profes- and served during the Korean Marie, Mich., daughters, Andrea and Taylor and many dear in-laws, cousins, sional level cribbage player who conflict. Tuck met Carol Ann passed away Aikens; two brothers, Mel (Sue) nieces, nephews and friends. We taught her kids to love the card Behm and they married on March on Oct. 26, Sparks and John (Colleen) Sparks, will greatly miss Fred, Skip, Dad, game as well. Anne could deco- 29, 1961, and they started their 2020, at his both of Sault Ste. Marie; two sis- Papa, Poppy Raisins. rate her house for Christmas like family. He worked at Valenite home. He was ters, Carol (Gary) Maleport and No public memorial is planned it was a store display. Anne spent Metals in Detroit, Mich., and they born Jan. 11, Lisa (Frank) Killips, both of Sault at this time due to the COVID-19 her professional career as an exec- added to their family before they 1985, in Sault Ste. Marie; stepdaughter, Nicole global pandemic. A celebration of utive secretary for the Hartford moved to California around 1970. Ste. Marie to (Jason) Winegarner; grandsons, life will be scheduled once it is Insurance Company where she Shortly after moving they bought parents Anne Layton and Tanner Winegarner, safe to gather together. met many lifelong friends. Anne horses and went on De Anza Trail See “Walking on,” page 19 November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Community Page 19 From “Walking on,” page 18 The family honored David’s of Yuma, Ariz., and Brian James Research Hospital or Boys Town Apartments and then in his oral Marie Wambach and Andrew request, cremation has taken Snider of Union City, Calif.; of Omaha. maxillofacial practice. William LaPonsie. Calvin was a place. A celebration of his life and three grandchildren and six Ruth didn’t like being called member of the Sault Ste. Marie will be held at a later date. great-grandchildren. RUTH A. WOLSKI a fighter, but there is no better Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He Hanlin Funeral Home in Mary was preceded in Ruth Anne Wolski of Burton, way to describe her. She was enjoyed reading, biking, listening Millington, Michigan assisted the death by her parents, John and Mich., 73, passed away peace- diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 to music and sewing. family with arrangements. Catherine (McFarland) Beadle; fully on Aug. 19, 2020, with her and combatted the disease and Calvin is survived by his wife, brother, John Mark Beadle; husband, daughters and sister by all of its secondary illnesses even Amber Odbert; parents, Anne MARY K. SNIDER sister-in-law, JoAnne Beadle; her side. after receiving a bone marrow Marie Wambach and Andrew Mary Kay Snider, 76, of Sugar and granddaughter, Jessica Lyn Ruth was transplant in 2010. Ruth was William LaPonsie; step-parent, Island, Mich., passed away on North. born in Flint, diagnosed with lung cancer in Patrick Buris; daughter, Twyla Sept. 20, Funeral services took place Mich., on 2019, but she still persevered. Odbert, and unborn baby on the 2020, at her on Sept. 28 at Clark Funeral Aug. 2, 1947, She chose to fight cancer on her way; sister, Leigha Wambach; home. She Cremation Burial Services in daughter of the brothers, Daniel Wambach and was born on Sault Ste. Marie with Father late Arthur and own terms. The family would Tim Longnecker; grandparents, May 15, 1944, Dominic Yamoah officiating. Bette (Bellant) like to thank her bone marrow Twyla and Klawde Edward Filer in Denver, Burial was at Riverside Cemetery Murphy. When donor Gerhard Huefnagel from Jr., Joanne and Andy LaPonsie; Colo., to John in Sault Ste. Marie. Online con- she was 9, Munich, Germany. His selfless and best friend, Clifford Eugene and Catherine dolences may be left at www. her parents moved the family to gift allowed Ruth 10 more years Henry Jr. (McFarland) rgalerfuneralhome.com. Tawas, Mich., where she gradu- of life. Thanks also to cousin, Traditional services took Beadle. ated from high school in 1965. Barbara Neeley, Dr.V. Peram, Dr. place on Nov. 2, 2020, at the Mary Kay was a cheerleader in PATRICIA A. ELLIOT STROPE After graduation, she moved back Greg Yannick, McLaren Hospice Niigaanigiizhik Ceremonial high school and graduated from Mrs. Patricia Anne Elliott to the Flint area where she met (especially Makella McAdams), Building in Sault Ste. Marie. Stephens College for Women in Strope, age 85, passed away on and then later married the love and all the wonderful health- In lieu of flowers, memorial Columbia, Mo., and Michigan Aug. 19, 2020. She was born on of her life, Ron Wolski, on Aug. care workers who cared for her contributions may be made out State University. She was a grad- Jan. 9, 1935, 1, 1969. Together they enjoyed through the years. to Amber Odbert. Online condo- uate of Ferris State College as a to the late Fred 51 years of happy memories with Ruth is survived by her lences may be left at www. certified optician. She worked for and Florence family and friends, and no mat- husband, Ronald; two daugh- rgalerfuneralhome.com several years as an optician/office Elliott. ter where she went, Ruth made ters, Renee Gatica and Rejean manager for D.O.C. in Grand Pat was a friends. Ruth and Ron were sea- (Gregory) Bull; son-in-law, DAVID J. PELTONEN Rapids, Mich. After moving graduate of son ticket holders of the original Jason Gatica; two grandsons, David John Peltonen, 61, of Otter to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., she Cheboygan Flint Generals for 10 years. They Matthew and Andrew Gatica; Lake, Mich., passed away on worked for Sault Vision Clinic High School also spent over 30 years boating her sister, Kate (Ed) Anschuetz; Oct. 15, 2020. He born on Oct. and the Sault Tribe of Chippewa in 1953. She and were members of the Bay two brothers, Ken (Judy) Murphy 31, 1958, the Indians as an optician for Sault attended City Yacht Club. Together with and Randy (Kathy) Murphy; two son of Mary Tribe Health Center. Mary Kay Mercy Central School of Nursing Ron, Ruth enjoyed spending sisters-in-law, Jean Thomas and (Betty) and also taught catechism classes and in Grand Rapids and earned her evenings watching the Red Irene Lovegrove; many cousins, the late Fritz was a past member of St. Mary’s her degree in 1955. She retired Wings or any team playing hock- Peltonen. Pro Cathedral Altar Society. from Butterworth Hospital in nieces and nephews; and special ey as well as watching Tigers’ David grad- She served as a trustee on the 1995, where she worked as a friends including Pat Miarka, baseball. She spent over 20 years uated from Sugar Island Township Board of registered nurse. Her hobbies Dan and Eva Kryglowski; and bowling at Eastown Bowl in the Millington Directors and was a teacher and included genealogy, doll making two grandpuppies, Finn and Go Go Gals League. She also High School in director at Bay Mills Community and sewing. Pat was a member of Daisy. loved her weekly bingo games 1976. He was Child Care Center. Miss Mary the Rockford United Methodist She was preceded in death by at the P.L.A.V. where she was a handy with his mind and hands was especially fond of children Church and the Sault Ste. Marie her parents; in-laws, Ziggy and and willing to help someone and her time during the holidays Tribe of Chippewa Indians. member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Nellie Wolski; and brother Dale. out if they needed it. He loved portraying her role as Mrs. Claus. Surviving are her husband, Ruth loved being a grand- Please share your thoughts his family and friends. David Mary also loved playing golf, John F. Strope, of Rockford, mother. She loved spending time with the family at www. leaves to cherish in his memory, reading, gardening and spending Mich.; daughter, Tracey with her grandsons and having allenfuneralhomeinc.com son, Greggory Peltonen; mother, time with her family. (Andrew) Kasul, of Rockford; the whole family together for a Cremation has taken place. A Mary E. (Carpentier) Peltonen; Mary is survived by her hus- sisters, Jane Shewchuck of Holt, Sunday meal. Most importantly, memorial service was conducted siblings, Mary, Debrah, Donna, band of 43 years, George H. Mich., and Nancy Schramm of Ruth was a loving mother and on Aug. 27, 2020, at Davison great role model for her two Denise, Robert, Darlene, Diane, Snider; brother, Robert Beadle Dimondale, Mich.; and many Missionary Church in Davison, daughters. She was always there Fritz and Doreen; many aunts, of Lanse, Mich.; sister, Carol other family and friends who with Fr. Steve Makranyi officiat- to listen and guide them as they nieces, nephews and cousins. (Oscar) Joseph of Ocala, Fla.; loved her dearly. ing. In lieu of flowers, memorial found their own paths in life. He was preceded in death by daughters, Jodi Lyn Tippett of No services are planned at donations may be made to the Ruth spent the greater part of her his father, Fritz Peltonen; neph- Sault Ste. Marie and Cynthia this time. Those desiring an Humane Society of Genesee career working for Dr. Arnold ew, Brady Dantzer; and niece, (Mark) North of Sault Ste. Marie; expression of sympathy may County in Ruth’s memory. Stacy Thompson. sons, D. Dale (Chris) Poppenfuse consider the St. Jude Children’s Schaffer first at Miller West United Way EUP announces annual fundraising goal EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA tasked with recruiting a global pandemic that could community through competitive – Each year, United Way of pair of co-chairs to assist easily close workplaces, grant awards to direct-service the Eastern Upper Peninsula them while learning the schools and businesses yet agencies and programs like the (UWEUP) recruits a volunteer ins and outs of United again, they are stepping up Communal Garden project; READ team to help organize and Way and its campaign. to meet the challenge. UNITED, which encompasses implement a fundraising campaign The DeCoes, after “The reality is this will Reading Buddies, support for the to raise money in support of searching for co-chairs be a difficult year for non- Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the organization and its EUP that would complement profit organizations across and literacy kits given to pre-school neighbors. Taking the lead this their passion for service From left, Abby Christense, Jen Constantino, and Olivia the board, United Way will and early elementary students; year are Chairwomen Franci and and connection to the and Franci DeCoe. not be immune from that,” and Cradle to Career initiatives Olivia DeCoe, a mother-daughter EUP, are pleased to build a happier and healthier said Raulaniesa Aranda, which include an intergenerational team from Sault Ste. Ste. Marie. announce Co-Chairwomen Jennifer community for all of our friends United Way of the EUP’s chief mentoring component to ensure Franci grew up in Barbeau and Constantino and Abby Christensen. and neighbors.” executive officer, “We know it will children receive the support they is a graduate of Sault Area High Jen grew up in Philadelphia, Pa., Abby works for the Chippewa take dedication and a passionate need throughout their formative School and Central Michigan and moved to Sault Ste. Marie, County Road Commission and is community to help us continue years and into early adulthood. University. She is employed with Mich., in 2013. A former attorney a native of Sault Ste. Marie. She to support residents at the level Donate online by visiting https:// the Sault Tribe of Chippewa for the Diane Peppler Resource and her husband, Shane, own C&C we’ve been able to in the past. We paypal.me/uweup or, for more Indians, and lives with her husband Center (a partner of United Way Auto and Collision as well as a have already started seeing the information on how you can help of 23 years, Bill, and her daughter of the EUP), Jen is currently Helping Hearts Medical Training downward trend from workplace support United Way and current Olivia. Olivia is a recent graduate employed as the Anishnaabek service, a local CPR certification closures at the tail end of our 2019 volunteer opportunities, call United of Sault Are high School where Community and Family Services business. In her spare time, Abby campaign. Franci, Olivia, Abby Way at (906) 632-3700 or follow she volunteered through Student Attorney for the Sault Ste. Marie can be found spending time with and Jen are part of our solution them on Facebook and Instagram United Way and currently attends Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is a her husband two children, Taylor for 2020. They’re driven to do @UnitedWayEUP. To live better, Lake Superior State University, graduate of Haverford College and and Trevor. “I’m excited to be good and we look forward to their we must LIVE UNITED. majoring in biology/pre-dental. the Villanova University School part of the United Way team, I innovative approach as campaigns United Way of the EUP serves Olivia has been volunteering for of Law. When asked to share her believe working together helps kick off this fall.” Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac the United Way since middle thoughts on why it was important build a better community,” Abby United Way’s campaign raises counties. It is governed by a vol- school and has received several to her to support United Way in shared when asked to share why funds to support both external unteer board of directors – local honors for her volunteerism spirit, the community, Jen responded, she felt being a UWEUP campaign and internal programming. This volunteers oversee every aspect of including an annual Presidential “I support United Way because it co-chair was important service in year, the fundraising goal of the organization! Student Volunteer Service Award fosters our sense of community, which to engage herself. $200,000 takes into consideration If you are interested in volunteer through UWEUP’s Community especially in this unprecedented Together, this team of a decreasing giving trend and the opportunities, or would like more Engagement Center (formerly, time when so many people need a community-minded women agreed impact COVID-19 has had in the information, call (906) 632-3700, UWEUP’s Volunteer Center). helping hand. By focusing efforts to take on a fundraising campaign EUP community. Funds raised stay email [email protected], or Every chair member duo is in our local community, we can like no other. Amid what is still a local and are directed back into the visit www.unitedwayeup.org. Page 20 Representatives’ Reports November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung

Representing All Members funding the treaty and trust Secretary of Interior. This is ment relations. The NCAI sored this resolution and rec- Everywhere responsibility. I am confident a moment in history for resolution below doesn’t sin- ognize my friend Bay Mills the Biden-Harris Administra- which I believe we cannot let gle anyone out but it does President Bryan Newland for Ahneen, Boozho, Negee: tion will do just that so I am pass without clearly express- increase the chance a Native his contribution in drafting it. grateful for the outcome. ing our desire that this posi- will be in the running. During this federal elec- Natives in the Midwest and tion be held by a Native As you celebrate Native tion cycle, I promoted our Arizona turned out and I American. Recognize that the The Biden-Harris cam- American Heritage Month, people to vote. While I per- believe made the difference Secretary of Interior is the paign has intimated that “at please pray and thank our sonally endorsed my friend by turning Wisconsin, Michi- Chair of the White House least one” Native will be in ancestors for their strength in Gary Peters for Senate, no gan, and Arizona from red to Council which oversees all the Cabinet. This will be a enduring the worst federal tribal funds were used for blue. The lesson is never to aspects of Federal Indian historic first. If our represen- Indian policy subjected us to. this purpose. Thankfully, count us out. Policy such that the reach is tation in the cabinet is propor- But, let’s look to the future Senator Peters was re-elected. much greater than just the tionate to our percent of the with great optimism of what I did not endorse anyone for With a new administra- Department of Interior. In population, we will get one is yet to come. President out of deference to tion comes new opportunities. the dual role, an appointed seat. I simply want to tip the my role as Tribal Chair. I hope we can move forward Native American would be scales in favor of a Native Chi MeGwitch, Negee, However, I pushed for con- in a positive direction. The able to focus a respectful lev- American securing this sideration of a Presidential pre-eminent post in a new el of attention to tribal gov- appointment. This feels like Platform that supported fully administration is that of the ernment to federal govern- history in the making. I spon-

Call: 800-793-0660 Cell: 906-203-5159 Email: [email protected] Facebook ‘Aaron Payment’ November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Representatives’ Reports Page 21 Sorenson writes on integrity vs personal gain The members gave me another During the last key employee member or it’s better to just give team members and their families. four years to do what I do best, vote I specifically asked if the in to them. There are many team Due to COVID-19, the and that is being honest, outspo- candidate was related to any- members who dislike board mem- Wequayoc Cemetery will not ken and compassionate. So, for one on the board and there was bers because of their demands. have its Veteran’s Day event but those of you that I upset with silence and then Director Freheit The bullies usually get their way; the committee will still have the calling things out, I am sorry but said, “Is that appropriate for her I refuse to play those games. ceremony without public atten- it is what I stand for. to ask that?” WOW! Is it appro- It’s a fine line when you have dance. I understand that in some areas priate to sit in on an interview to work with people and use Tribal children’s Christmas more than others, especially in and vote? Apparently, because common ground to move the tribe parties will take on a new format Sault Ste. Marie, there are big it happened and with a high five forward in a good way. Calling this year with the pandemic. At families and there are many that after the votes with Director out people provokes retaliation the time of this article, a date and work for our tribe. One thing I Lowes. This isn’t the first time, and spite. time was not decided, so please don’t agree with is, if after you since there have been wages also I do not like to write about watch saulttribe.com or the tribe’s are elected that your family starts brought forward several times any of this but I am trying to be Facebook page for the latest getting hired, especially in man- and voted on. informative and let the member- information. agement or key positions of the Does this type of behavior ship see the reality. I would prefer Thank you to all of our team tribe. The same goes for your resonate with what is best for everyone place the entire tribe members who continue to work Bridgett Sorenson, family members to keep their job the Sault Tribe? You sure hear and membership ahead of their during the rise in positive cases. Director, Unit III because of your seat on the board. that a lot but sounds like what personal agenda. I’m not claiming I know it can be frustrating and I have been writing unit I don’t care who you are but is best for your family. The big to be a perfect board member, but scary but our members still need reports for over eight years. Most you should be qualified for a bad board is corrupt and there are I am not here for personal gain! services and our businesses are of the time I am fairly blunt about position and you should do your back room deals! Hmm, who is Very soon, the Lume dis- open. things that are happening in the job and not be shielded from corrupt and trying to make back- pensary in Sault Ste. Marie and The Executive Task Force tribe so that the membership is disciplinary action or interven- room deals? Escanaba will be open for busi- meets often to establish protocols, informed. That is the type of tion if you are not doing your I can proudly say I’ve been ness. St. Ignace and the other procedures and discuss any shut person I am, even in my personal job. Having said that, you should here eight years and no family sites will start in the Spring and downs. It is times like these that life. Many times, others get upset not be sitting on any interview hired, saved, etc. Hell, my mom Summer. The land has to be in all positions should be crossed about what I say or write and panels when a family member even lost her tribal card after trust. This is going to be a steady trained so that members can still that is expected and it will never has applied for that position, nor 30-plus years and generations revenue stream for the tribe. be served. change the way I communicate. should you ever vote for a family back of an Uncle Chief Buffalo. Kewadin Casinos will also If you have any questions I think most of you will under- member period! This has been My mission to run for the be going live with sports bet- or concerns, please email me stand that it is not easy calling out happening with newly elected board was because of all I had ting very soon. This should add at [email protected], things that upset or concern me. It board members. seen when I was a team member some revenue with the declines [email protected], or text or would be much easier to sit back Per the Constitution, if a for 10 years. I wanted to be their we have experienced through message me at (906) 430-0536. and play nice with everyone. I’m board member feels another has voice. I get calls, emails and mes- COVID-19 as well as the Phone calls are fine but mes- not that kind of person. a conflict, the board members sages from team members every- Canadian border being closed. saging is easier if I am in a I did not run for the board to should call it out and the board where that I try my best to help. The board discussed the hol- meeting. be friends with anyone. I try to will vote on it. This is insane to Unfortunately, politics some- iday team member gift cards we I hope our members, team communicate in a respectful way me since everyone does not know times gets in the way of cor- have previously done at GFS, members and their families even when I disagree with some- who each board is related to and recting the issues and concerns. Walmart and Meijer. With the all have a safe and happy thing. We can agree to disagree board members should have the People are always looking ahead timing, the decision was made Thanksgiving! and we all have different passions INTEGRITY to abstain from at the next election cycle and how to do a payroll advance for up to Bridgett Sorenson that from time to time light a sitting on interview panels and big the families are and if you $250. This should help with gifts, Sault Tribne Board of Dirctors fuse. votes, plain and simple. want to be harassed by a board food or any other needs for our Unit III Represerntative Christmas parties, dinners different this year back the cost of the program and to a business relationship with itored and regulated. We do not diversify the tribe and to help the board unanimously voted for Lume – a marijuana growing anticipate issues but will be pre- increase tribal support to provide these positions. and dispensary corporation. The pared nonetheless. Additionally, more services to our members. I am so glad the elders will tribe intended to hold communi- the EDC, Housing staff and our No new revenue stream for the have another avenue of help, ty meetings to provide a rough Transportation Planning office tribe means no expanded or new especially with the Coronavirus. outline of what our new devel- are collaborating to ensure traf- services for the membership. These workers will do home opment opportunity represents. fic flow. Our intent is to mini- I would also like to address visits and be able to help the Unfortunately, the due diligence, mize any disruption to Escanaba a lie that is going around the elders get services they may not licensing and securing final housing site residents. community about who makes the be aware is available or for any contractual arrangements with Finally, while cities or local selection for homes on our res- other questions they may have. If Lume adversely impacted our governments generally zone for ervations. The housing division you would like to have a worker timeline and plans. Additionally, residential, commercial, indus- has a process and a point sys- do a home visit, please call Elder the COVID-19 pandemic made trial, green spaces and other tem that is used to make tenant Services toll free at (888) 711- it impractical to hold face to face zones, these standards do not selection. The tenant selection 7356. community meetings. yet exist on all Sault Tribe land; for our reservations is done by With Coronavirus not letting Most importantly, the place- primarily due to the fact that the assistant housing director or up, and on our west end of the ment of Lume on the Escanaba we have so few land holdings. the housing director. Darcy Morrow, U.P. it is increasing daily, we housing reservation is intended As we diversify our economic Investigate what board mem- Director, Unit IV have decided to not chance the to be a temporary arrangement. development initiatives and look bers write in their articles or on I would like to apologize for spread of the virus by not hold- Once other tribally owned to operate enterprises on our res- Facebook. Some like to make not having an article the last ing our children’s Christmas property in Escanaba becomes ervation land, we unfortunately themselves out to be the savior couple of months. I have had a parties or our elder’s Christmas available, we intend to migrate must place our enterprises in for the tribe and the team mem- sick family member and we were dinners this year. We will still be the Lume leased operations to an what otherwise would be con- bers. They tell you what you traveling back and forth to Mayo doing something for the children alternate site. sidered residential zones. Let me want to hear because it sounds Clinic. and elders, but this year it might Per tribal board approval, again, restate the board’s inten- good. Look it up, investigate The Manistique elders would be mailed to your house. Let us the dispensary will be operat- tion is for the Lume dispensary how they voted on items. They like to say thank you to the trib- pray we get through this virus ed on the Escanaba reserva- operation on the Escanaba reser- vote for a resolution, then go out al fishermen who have donated and next year everything can go tion under a state license held vation to be temporary. We will and cry about how unfair this or smoked and fresh fish through- back to normal. by Lume. Recently, the tribe move the operation as soon as that is. But they fail to tell you out the year. They really appre- Below is a letter that has been approved an ordinance to allow we are able to move the dispen- they voted for the item. I have ciate it! sent to the residences on our for Lume security personnel sary to other tribal property in always told the truth, whether Elder Services will be hiring Escanaba housing reservation to ensure public safety. These Escanaba. I hope this addresses people liked it or not. And I will four elder outreach workers, from Chairperson Payment and security personnel are not law any concerns you may have. never change that. two for the east end and two on the board to explain the tribe’s enforcement, but will work in To provide the current mem- I would like to wish everyone the west end, to work in Units EDC and Lume business ven- tandem with Sault Tribe Law bership services we rely on $17 a safe and happy Thanksgiving. IV and V. Director Chase and I ture. I have added it because it Enforcement and through mutual million tribal support dollars If you have any questions, would like to welcome Heather answers a lot of questions mem- aid agreements with local law received from our casino rev- please contact me at (906) 298- Jarvis and Stacie Mattson to bers may have in general. enforcement in order to ensure enues. With Corona hitting all 1888. these positions. I have been asked by the tribal public safety on the Escanaba over our casino’s, revenue has Thank you, The elder outreach workers board of directors to explain to reservation. While the typical decreased. Less people are trav- Darcy Morrow were initiated and brought for- you the temporary arrangements concern for marijuana sales eling to brick-and-mortar casi- Unit IV Representative ward by Director Chase and the board of directors authorized might cause concern for resi- nos when they can game online [email protected] myself at a workshop and several on the Escanaba reservation dents, as a licensed operation from anywhere, they do not need board members supported the with respect to the tribe’s eco- through the State of Michigan, to go out to the casino anymore. idea. The elder director brought nomic development relating this operation will be well mon- We hired our EDC director to Page 22 Representatives’ Reports November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung I believe in processes, policies, our tribal laws come together to get through this you feel about President Trump, matter. We are elected officials thus far, but those dollars come to pandemic and other crises facing many people resonated with his and should be setting examples an end next month. our people. As someone who has approach and leadership style. It but often times we miss the mark. Our tribe has seen much served on our own tribal Election is easy to blame and tell people We must do better. expansion in the last few years: Committee for over 17 years, I what the problem is, its entirely I believe in processes, policies our school has expanded, Head know first hand what accusations different to come up with solu- and our tribal laws. We need to Start building nearing completion, and claims of misdoing can do to tions and work with people to make changes in several areas several Health Services expanded an election, but we are a nation get things accomplished. I don’t to protect our employees and to and many other tribal programs governed by laws and I am con- think President-Elect Biden will protect our tribal assets. Due to have stretched their reach and fident that no legal challenges be the solution to every problem, COVID and the duration of this impact. I thank all the employees will change the results. The but I am hopeful that we can have pandemic, our gaming has seen a involved who have allowed this people voted and the countless more respectful discussions and severe decline. We are not a per to happen. As this pandemic con- volunteers took the time and their realize that just because someone cap tribe and, as such, all of our tinues and revenues are scarce, roles seriously and counted every is not in the same party or sup- revenue goes to pay for tribal ser- we will have to prepare and ballot, and I thank them for that. ports the same candidates – we vices. Many services do receive make tough choices. I believe our The nation is split right now; it is are not enemies. federal funding, but many do not, wage grid needs to be adjusted, Michael McKerchie, going to be difficult to unite and My time on the board has also and almost all services are sup- pandemic or not. This will be the Director, Unit I we must get through this together. been filled with divisiveness at plemented by our casino revenues biggest investment of 2021 – but Now that the U.S. has elected a If this election has taught us times; that is not a bad thing. We one way or another. During this it needs to happen. This decision new leader, in part by the Native anything, it should be that char- are not always going to agree on pandemic, our tribe was fortunate will likely force our tribe to either turnout and with historic num- acter and the way we treat each things, but how we disagree and to see CARES Act funding – it reduce services or continue as is bers for voter turnout, we must other matters. Regardless of how how those messages get delivered allowed us to weather the storm with a reduced wage grid. There are pathways to achieve both a better wage grid to keep and expand services – we have Executives work to keep tribe upright been pursuing those for the last in an ever-changing climate. Our near impossible. Our CFO, casino cast earnings but is sometimes few years and, unfortunately, it’s work sessions and board meet- CEO, executive director, heath just a guess. The budgets will just a slow process. Expanding ings have been attended both in director and EDC director have truly be a living, moving docu- gaming and economic develop- person and on remote viewing. worked tirelessly to keep the ment for next year. ment continues to happen and That determination is left to each entire tribe upright. It is a privi- The board insists that every these ventures are paying off. individual board member. I have lege to work with these dedicated precaution is taken both for the More business ventures are on participated both ways. staff and we, as a board, have to safety of our team members and the horizon, but we can’t count The COVID-19 infection rate rely on all the information they our tribal members. We work on those until they happen. I has been increasing as I write but, collect and disseminate to us hard to ensure that services and appreciate any input from tribal with proper protections, we can so we can move the tribe in the programs will stay available and members. I know we will get minimize its spread. The holidays right direction. With the influx of continue. There may be hiccups through this and while we do I will have many people making COVID funding and the reduc- along the way, but we will be on ask everyone to continue praying, hard choices on whether to see tion in profits from our enterpris- guard to minimize the impact as practicing social distancing and relatives or have family gather- es, it is a tricky job of plugging much as we can. taking the necessary steps to help ings. I hope and pray for every- holes and fixing cracks as they Be safe and be healthy. Thank fight this pandemic. one to be safe and healthy. appear in our budgets. The future you for all the calls and e-mails. As always, if you wish to dis- Keith Massaway, As the treasurer of the board, budgets we are working on now Keith Massaway, 702 Hazelton cuss these issues or have sug- gestions to help our tribe, please Director, Unit III it falls upon me to try to keep the are very difficult to nail down. St., St. Ignace, MI 49781, (906) This board has been diligently board apprised of our financial Future earnings will definitely be 643-6981, kmassaway@msn. contact me at (906) 440-7768. working these last few months standing. Lately, this has been reduced. We extrapolate and fore- com. Chi miigwech. COVID-19 preventing public board meetings enjoying this fall weather. As With the numbers of COVID- ing profits and our economic ators) auto mechanics, HVAC always in the beautiful Upper 19 cases rising at an alarming development director continues and construction. Many of these Peninsula, last week I was driv- rate, we are keeping the meet- to look for ways to expand our positions offer on the job train- ing in a snow storm and this ings to only essential staff and business endeavors. ing. Michigan Works is a good week we are enjoying summer are practicing the procedures We are always trying to build place to start if you are interest- like weather. our health director has recom- a future for the next generation. ed in vocational opportunities. As I write this report, I know mended for us. We are working We have a number of opportuni- Thank you to the team mem- our membership has questions on a plan to keep everyone safe ties for our children to continue bers for your dedication and about the board of directors for future participation in our higher education. Not every hard work. Wishing everyone a not allowing the membership meetings. student plans to attend college, safe and peaceful holiday. to attend tribal board meetings. Our first casino opened 35 therefore we would like to make Please keep the men and Let’s be clear, these meetings years ago this month. It has been them aware of the skill trade women in our armed forces in are live-streamed so we are not the driving force of our econo- opportunities that are available. your prayers and thoughts for a in violation of the open meetings my for many years. COVID-19 Occupations that do not safe return to their families. act. If a member has any issues has slowed tribal businesses; as require a college degree are If you have any questions, or questions you would like a result, we need to look at other technology, energy (wind turbine or comments you can contact brought to the board of direc- ways to help fund tribal support. service tech, solar installation, me at (906) 203-6083 or at Kimberle Gravelle tors, please contact us. We will We must move forward to self etc.), home-health and personal [email protected]. Director, Unit I forward your concern to the cor- sufficiency to survive. The busi- care aides, oil and gas industry Thank You, Hello, I hope everyone is rect department to be resolved. nesses we are vested in are mak- (derrick and rotary drill oper- Kim Gravelle Giving Thanks for You! We are grateful to be a part of a community that cares for each other and makes the Eastern Upper Peninsula a great place to live and work! Providing convenient banking solutions for you is a small way we can show our appreciation.

Community People You Know TM Celebrating 132 years of service to the area. 906-643-6800 • 132 N. State St. • P.O. Box 187 • St. Ignace, MI 49781 www.fnbsi.com

Stop in to find out more at one of our 7 local banking offices. St. Ignace • North Bay • Moran Township • Cedarville • Mackinac Island • Naubinway • Newberry Member FDIC November 18, 2020 • Win Awenen Nisitotung Representatives’ Reports Page 23 New Elder Outreach program gets new workers Munising, Newberry and Please be patient as some depart- tivity to bring this to our families to our education department for Naubinway areas. ments have had to close and we in a way safe and possible. resources. Heather Jarvis – Escanaba and are attempting to identity team It’s a very difficult time for We have been presented our Marquette areas. members who can work from sure as our leadership is divided 2021 financial projections for the They can be reached by home again to lower the risks. on the thoughts on the pandemic. casino. As you must know we are calling the Sault Tribe Elder This will be ongoing and chang- Some believe it’s not as dan- down in revenue at our casino Services main office at 635- es will come again daily. We gerous as I do and some don’t properties and it’s been difficult 4971or toll free at (888) 711- have policies in place for stages need any advice except their own accept that it may be this way for 7356. and precautions we are in and I beliefs moving forward (I’m the winter. The Canadian bridge The Elder Outreach Program expect advice from our health being very politically correct being closed and the limited will be a significant expansion team on how we should move here). I will always lean toward capacities and people staying to tribal services for elders. The forward daily. I plan to take the what medical advice we receive home are just a couple factors main focus of this program will advice given and move cautious- from our educated staff for the with that. Discussion to over- be to provide elder outreach ly, please be patient as we get well-being of our members. come and get through this are workers who conduct daily home through the fall season. Our staff Work and demands have topics that need to be priority and visits to the most vulnerable are tired and it’s so stressful on not stopped for our front-line this will be ongoing. lana Causley-Smith, elders. them for the day-to-day counts workers getting services to the In closing, we have funding Director, Unit II Visiting families not only in coming out. members and creating policies, for needs that you may have so I’m happy to report that we the home, but in any nursing Our YEA coordinators in Unit identifying safety measures please contact our ACFS depart- have new team members to help home or other community or II have been working hard to for our people from execs and ment to speak about your situa- our elders in home. New elder facility setting, the elder out- keep engaged with our youth in our COVID team and our new tion needs due to the pandemic outreach workers have been hired reach worker assumes responsi- the communities. I’ve seen and business endeavors from EDC and they can assist if needed. and I’ve already spoken to some bility for coordinating programs heard that what they have done ongoing. I’m grateful to you all. As always, please take care and they are doing amazing to and services to help tribal elders to bring materials and activities In our unit we are working hard and stay safe with your families identify and make certain all ser- maintain a good quality of life to families have been a bless- to make sure the elders have their through the holidays. We will all vices including medicine and all and age in place. ing. Unfortunately, the decision needs met as best we can and get through this and I look for- needs are being taken care of that They assess and identify has been made not to host an that our youth program is up and ward to moving forward despite we can help with. If you would elders and family needs and open children’s Christmas party engaged as much as they can. If the struggles we have to endure. like to make contact with one finding resources to meet those this year, but our coordinators you have specific needs, please Take good care. for yourself or a family member, needs. Areas of assistance may and volunteers are planning a let me know and I will work Baamaapii. please call the number below and include physical, mental, psy- “drive by” gift pickup. They are through those with you. We have Lana Causley-Smith, speak to our department. chological or social as it relates working on dates and times now, delivered thousands of masks [email protected], (906) Sissi O’Connor – St. Ignace, to aging. so please watch our website, to the schools in our area for all 322-3818, (906) 484-2954 Hessel, Cedarville, Pickford, It’s been very hard to balance the paper and the YEA Unit II children and this will continue as Lana Causley-Smith, Unit II DeTour, Drummond and other services and keeping team mem- Facebook page for announce- long as we can. Home schooling Representative , Sault Ste Marie surrounding areas. bers safe during the outbreak we ments. Thank you to those and virtual learning are stressful Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board Stacie Mattson – Manistique, are now experiencing in the U.P. women who are thinking collec- to parents, so please reach out of Directors Unit I Director Freiheit reports: Matters of fact can even apply for benefits from al board. There is no full-time services are not fully funded and continue it now. Board members the tribal board pension if for- work requirement in the plan some members receive no ser- may now decide to participate in mer tribal board members pass and it only takes five years for vices at all? Social Security. Money is already before they even begin receiving benefits. Current (approximate) Many board members claim budgeted to support the board pension benefits and even if the benefits based on years are as their pension was created because Social Security. spouses have significant assets of follows: After five years – $400 board wages were not subject to It is time to end the pension. their own. per month or $4,800 a year. Social Security benefits. There If board members want to add The inequity of the tribal After 10 years – $800 a month or is nothing concrete to substanti- to their retirement, let them board pension vs. tribal employ- $9,600 per year. After 15 years ate this claim. At the time board self-fund their own IRAs or par- ees 401k is significant. The board – $1,180 per month or $14,160 a voted themselves the pension, ticipate in the tribal 401Ks by pension far exceeds the retire- year. After 20 years – $1,600 per their board wages were simply deferring their own wages. But ment benefits paid to our tribal month or $19,000 a year. Keep pre-meeting stipends, not the the days of the tribe footing the employees who must rely on in mind the board passed an annual salary we now receive. entire bill for the board retire- their own contributions to 401Ks annual COLA increase into the And most board members were ment needs to end. to prepare for retirement. Why is pension base so benefits increase already working full-time jobs It may seem like I’m on a rant the board entitled to such a pro- each year. Not bad benefits for in and outside the tribe. There about the board pension in my gram but employees are not? a position that, according to was no need for additional Social last couple unit reports; I really Betty Freiheit, To grow their retirement our Constitution, requires only Security deductions as they were don’t know how the majority Director, Unit I account, employees must con- one meeting a month and one already earning this benefit. And of the board can look our tribal Hello, tribal members, I just tribute from their current income. members’ update. These high that is how it should have stayed! members in the face, I believe want to make mention how much The tribe only provides a one cost pension programs such The board position was never only the tribal members can I miss socializing with the elders percent match to employee as the tribal board receive are intended to be a full-time job, change this pension plan if the in our unit. I miss our monthly 401Ks. Many of our employee becoming a thing of the past. except the chair. board refuses to. I have exposed meetings as well. wages are so low they can not They have been discontinued And while it is true that at one the tribal royalty’s pension plan. It’s time to end the tribal board afford to defer more than modest by many corporations, state and time tribal board wages were not What makes the board any better pension. It never should have amounts into their 401Ks. And local governments because of subject to Social Security deduc- than tribal employees? been created. It is an elitist, high for most, no matter how long the increasing costs to maintain tions, this is no longer the case. Please keep yourselves safe cost, highly paid program created they work, they will never be them and employees have been In 2018, the federal government from the COVID and help you as a means to provide deferred able to obtain the level of bene- converted to 401Ks. So why is determined that elected tribal neighbors anytime you can. compensation to board members fits board members receive. So our tribal board determined to boards could participate in the Betty F. Freiheit and their families. A way for highly paid board members make keep this pension at a time when Social Security Program. So, no Unit I Director them to obtain lifetime benefits no contribution to their pensions our financial future is uncertain, matter why the board pension (906) 379-8745 from the tribe. It was passed by a but lower paid staff must foot revenues are down, members was begun, there is no reason to [email protected] board in secret, kept under wraps nearly the entire cost of their for years and provides board own. What is even more inequita- members with tribally funded ble, many of our board also have benefits that are far beyond the full-time outside jobs so they are reach of tribal employees. And earning Social Security on those that is just wrong! jobs, likely earning other retire- The board’s pension is fully ment from those jobs and earning funded by the tribe. The board tribal board pensions as well. makes no contribution. To date, In 2008, citing economic hard- over $1.9 million in benefits ship, the tribal board discontin- have been paid to retired board ued the tribal match to employee members and that cost will only 401Ks. For the next eight years, increase as benefits increase the board provided nothing at every year. The maximum all to employee retirement. But pension paid now for a retired during this same time period they board member is approximate- raised the base of their own pen- ly $19,000 a year, for life. If a sion program each year. This is board member passes on, his/ unconscionable. her spouse then receives lifetime Most pensions require years of benefits, even if they are non-Na- full-time work to become vested tive. Board members’ spouses for benefits. But not for the trib-