to download Turtle Press – November 2008 Issue

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Volume 8 Turtle Press– November 2008 Issue Issue 11

Read more about the “Public Safety Agreement”

on pg. 5

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Something new this month…

“Women's Good Life”. See pg. 12 for details.

A VERY SPECIAL UPDATE AND“THANK YOU”

FROM THE FAMILY OF CUR-TIS DOUGHERTY JR. SEE STORY ON PG. 4

‘ SHE-KE-GIG-DO’

TURTLE PRESS “ TE KWAK K I G I SES ”

~FOREST MOON~

EM M E T T TOWN S H I P A N D NHBP AG R E E O N PU B L I C SA F E T Y SE RV I C E

All the details were ironed out on Thursday, October 16th, 2008, see more details on page 5. Shown in the picture above (left to right): Vice-Chair, Homer A. Mandoka; Twp. Treasurer, Teresa Bays; Twp. Clerk, Gloria Michaele; Tribal Chair, Laura W. Spurr; Twp. Supervisor, James Dema-rest; Full House, Jim Dacey; Tribal Secretary, RoAnn Beebe-Mohr; Twp. Trustee, Cindy Blair; Twp. Trustee, Andy Sims; Tribal Treasurer, Jamie Stuck; Sergeant-At-Arms, Henry Bush. Missing: Twp. Trustees: Frank Letters and John Sackrider Photo by John Rodwan.

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Welcome to NHBP’s Newest Staff Members New Employee Profiles:

Amy Boetcher & Stephen Allen Habitat Restoration Specialists

Amy: I recently joined the Tribe as a Habitat Restoration Specialist. I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, and my M.S. in Biology from Central Michigan University. I've lived most of my life in Michigan, but have worked on numerous community projects involving the environment and/or education in several states and the Virgin Islands. My interest in working towards a healthy bal-ance between human progress and conservation should compliment the existing goals of the Tribe’s Environmental Department. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, kayaking, sailing, and painting. I am very excited to be working in the collaborative NHBPI com-munity, where I hope to learn much and contribute to the health of the beautiful habi-tats here on the Pine Creek Reservation!

Stephen: I graduated from Western Michigan University in 1978 with a biology de-gree. I worked in a toxicological research lab out of college and then as a Field Biolo-gist/Ornithologist and Habitat Specialist for the Kalamazoo Nature Center for 14 years. In 2005, I started Geum Services Inc. (GSI), a habitat and wildlife consulting firm. The goals of GSI are to assist landholders (large and small) in the stewardship of properties under their control and improve the educational and habitat use of those grounds. I have worked with homeowners, corporations, golf courses, municipalities in the use of native plants and ecosystem diversification, and wildlife monitoring. As a resident of Southwest Michigan since college, I have been living in Richland for the last 10 years. I have been married to Andrea for 30 years, the Publications Coordinator for the First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. We share our home with three cats. I have been a lifelong bird watcher and enjoy guiding and sharing my knowledge of the out of doors with friends and acquaintances.

Main Office Administration Office

2221 1-1/2 Mile Rd. Fulton, MI 49052

Phone: 269-729-5151 Fax: 269-729-5920

Northern Office- Wyoming

Health Department Phone: 616-249-0159

Fax: 616-249-8688

Toll Free: 888-662-2808

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

General Info. 2

Tribal Chair 3

Gratitude 4

Education 6

Empl. Update 7

Language 8 Enrollment 10

Health 12

Elders 13

Health 14

Misc 16 PCM 17 T.C. Mins 22 G.O.T.N.V 25 Recall of Fall 30

Calendar 31

Health Office on The Reservation.

HPHD Phone: 269-729-4422 HPHD Fax:

269-729-4460 Toll Free:

888-729-4422

TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBERS TRIBAL CHAIRPERSON-LAURA SPURR E-mail: [email protected] VICE-TRIBAL CHAIRPERSON-HOMER A. MANDOKA E-mail: [email protected] TREASURER-JAMIE STUCK E-mail: [email protected] SECRETARY-RO ANN BEEBE-MOHR E-mail: [email protected] SERGEANT -AT-ARMS-HENRY “TIQ” BUSH JR. E-mail: [email protected]

TURTLE PRESS STAFF Editor: Kathy Mackety; 269-729-5151; [email protected] Elders Column Contributor: Lou Anne Bush; 269-729-5151; [email protected] Education Column Contributor: Barry Phillips; 269-729-5151; [email protected]

If you have any questions concerning emergency assis-

tance, please contact: Dorie Rios: 269-729-5151 Nancy Smit: 616-249-0159 Jamie Stuck: 269-729-5151 Denise Koning: 269-729-5151 Colleen Ford: 616-249-0159

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Greetings to the Tribal Membership: This year is passing very quickly and we are eagerly an-ticipating the opening of our FireKeepers Ca-sino. I hope you are watching the webcam on our website to see the progress that is being made. The Tribal Coun-cil is very busy putting pro-grams together.

Let’s Get Healthy, Let’s Get Involved, and Let’s Get Excited About Our Future! There are many questions con-cerning the de-velopment pro-ject that must be answered. We will be holding a job fair for casino positions in Janu-ary 2009; this is specifically for Tribal Members and their spouses. We will post the date in November, so you will have plenty of time to prepare for it. The job fair will be held @ Pine Creek in the Community Cen-ter.

We have many vacancies on our Tribal Staff and we are in-terviewing to fill those positions as quickly as we can. The posi-tions are posted on the tribe’s website in case you or anyone you know is in-terested. The Nurse Practitio-ner for the Grand Rapids Office has been hired (Denise Johnson) and she will be see-ing patients in Grand Rapids.

cross the finish line while the parents were cheering loudly for each runner. This was a great project for the Tribe to host. On another note, Jon G., Barry P. and Na-thaniel S. brought the first place trophy back to the Rez’. We won the overall com-petition in the Michigan Indian Family Olympics (see article be-low). In Septem-

ber, there was a miscalculation of the scores at the event and it turned out that we did win first place again in 2008. Con-gratulations to all of the mem-bers who partici-pated in the event. I hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving. All the best, Laura Spurr

October has brought new events to Pine Creek. Our Edu-cation Director, Barry Phillips, agreed to host the Big Eight Cross Country meet for Athens Area Schools on the Reservation. There were eight teams in the meet and every-one enjoyed the experience of running on the paths that had been laid out through the woods. It was a pleasure to see the runners

The following email was sent to Jonathan Gardner, Barry Phillips and other health representa-tives. This email is refer-ring to a dis-crepancy in the point calcula-tions to deter-mine which Tribe came in 1st place at the Michigan Indian Family Olym-pics. It reads: After recalculat-ing the scoring

NHBP Takes 1st Place ...AGAIN!

and reviewing the results, we have discov-ered that we have a different 1st place winner for this year’s games. As you will see in the attachment, Huron Potawa-tomi finished with 349 points (previously 320) and Little Traverse Bay Band with 333 points (previously 329). With this being said, I

would like to officially de-clare Huron Po-tawatomi the overall champi-ons of the 21st Annual Michi-gan Indian Family Olym-pics. The ef-forts and per-formance of each team should be com-mended! I sincerely apologize for the discrepancy in this year’s scoring. I en-sure you that

our MIFO Commit-tee will be look-ing into how to prevent mistakes like these in the fu-ture. We appre-ciate your un-derstanding and respectful re-sponse in this matter. Once again, congratu-lations to each team for their outstanding per-formances at

this year’s Family Olym-pics. Thank you. Jaden Harman Fitness Coordinator. Also, LTBB Michigan Indian

Family Olympics Coordinators offers their con-gratulations to NHBP for taking 1st place in the 2008 Olympics. However, they do look forward to next years games.

Tribe/ Organization Total Points

1 Huron Potawatomi 349

2 Little Traverse Bay Band 333

3 Saginaw Chippewa Tribe 205

4 Grand Traverse Band 197

5 Little River Band 89

6 Detroit Urban 42

7 Gun Lake Tribe 36

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Sincere Words of Gratitude.

Cont’. on pg. 5

9-2-2008 Boozhoo! Our family wishes to say Miigwech to so many people! First, we would like to thank Amy Vega-Boyd for the emails she passed onto the com-munity and to everyone who offered their prayers and tobacco. We also need to thank those who were in the sweat lodge as well as those that sent us numerous gifts (material, physi-cal and spiri-tual). On behalf of our son Curtis, we want to thank the Huron Potawa-tomi Tribe for helping with our lodging in Ann Arbor. And to our friends Cindy, Joe, and Forrest Brave-heart, thank you for your generosity to Curtis the day

before his sur-gery. Miigwech! We appreciate Rhonda and Mike Loonsfoot for taking Curtis on their trip to the Pow-Wow in Belleview and the Naagaanzi-jik (Pow-Wow Committee) for allowing the Waabowaani zhigaawin (blanket dance) for Curtis! We can’t thank you enough for all of your help! Thank you to Deb Muller for your networking and resources for our fam-ily. Miigwech, to the Na-tive American Community Services for the referral to Ac-cess and the gas card we re-ceived to help with the cost of gas. Chi Miig-wech to the en-tire Native and Non-Native Community for your support; we are truly grateful to you all.

Curtis is now doing very well! He is able to go up and down the stairs with-out becoming winded. I think he is ready to get back to his old self. Next year he will come back to the circle and dance Miishaashk zhi-gaawin (men grass dancer) and Adewege nini (drummer). I will be making Curtis some new regalia to celebrate his improved heart and left lung! I am thinking of a way to show our apprecia-tion for the sup-port the com-munity has given to us. My wish is to have his new regalia showcase this appreciation in a manner where he can take a piece of all of you in the circle with him as he dances.

One way we can do this is by hav-ing anyone who would like Curtis to wear some-thing attached to his new rega-lia from you, send the item into me or Cur-tis. This way when Curtis en-ters the circle, he dances with you in spirit (and this way he is giving back to you). My dead-line for this pro-ject is Spring of 2009 (no later than Summer of ‘09). Wish me luck! If you want to contact us, you may reach us by mail, tele- phone, or e-mail @ Darlene King-Dougherty or Curtis Dougherty Jr. 1139 Dunham SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 Phone: 616-514-5858 E-mail: [email protected]. His Anishinaabe name is

15 years. The technical name of what is ailing Curtis is Pulmo-nary Artesia with Ventricular Sepal Defect. In English, he was born with a hole in his heart (the size of a quarter) and a missing valve to pump his heart. (The heart comes with 4 valves and he only had 3.) Also, the ar-teries from his heart to his lung were very small and the blood flow was restricted. Es-sentially, he had no blood flow at all in his left lung (for 15 years). Every 5 years, he has to have the artifi-cial valve re-placed. As the heart grows, the artificial valve does not. This causes stress on the heart and on the valve. In turn, it causes Curtis to loose oxygen to his heart. This causes his body

Jah-one-a-gaw-bow Bey-baa-Ma-jiit-mot which means "South Standing Man bringer of good news" (he stands at the southern door of the medicine wheel with good news to share). His favorite colors are yellow, light blue, light green, and red. Curtis is a Tribal Member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians. He de-scends from the Pamptopee family. Elizabeth Pamptopee is his great-great grand mother. Her daughter, Rachel Leah Lewis, is his great grand mother. Sharon Dougherty is his grandmother and his Father is Curtis Dougherty Sr. Here is a bit of medical his-tory about my son Curtis. He has had 6 surgeries in his short life of

mailto:[email protected]�




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Sincere Words of Gratitude. to slow down and he be-comes tired and sleepy a lot more with only one lung work-ing. This last operation re-vealed that a previous shunt that was put in (when he was around 3 years old) had closed and blocked the main artery be-tween his heart and lung. This resulted in a

rotted shunt and damage to the top of his lung. It was hard on him to keep up with others (kids and adults), but he did his best when it came time for him to dance or drum. The doctors re-moved the rot-ted valve, cleaned up the damaged parts of his lung, and replaced the old valve with a

games (Number 1) and (Number 2) of course, go to the pow-wows to sing the songs at the drum and dance (and dance, and dance). Our son has had a very difficult task in life by having to endure physical pain and I can honestly say he has handled it with honor, strength, and

After all, he is my boy. Again, “Miigwech” to all of you and we will keep you forever in our hearts. Darlene King-Dougherty

humor. He has never complained about what he has had to en-dure just to live another day on this earth. As a family, we are very blessed to have this young boy with us. I, for one, am very grateful to share in every part (and be an active part) of Curtis’ life.

new one. This will give him another 5 years until the next operation when he's 20 years old (to replace the valve he just received). The improve-ments to his left lung will (hopefully) bring it back to life with blood flow and he will have more en-ergy to do what he does best…play video

Pine Creek Reservation: The Tribal Council hosted a luncheon in their Community Center for the Emmett Township Board Members to celebrate the ap-proval of a long-standing Public Safety Agreement. The agreement details that Emmett Township will assign five Public Safety Officers to the FireKeepers Casino Property for around the clock police coverage. The Tribe will reimburse the township for one fully-equipped patrol vehicle as well. Emmett Township will also provide fire and emergency medical response as needed. Emmett Township anticipates filling the newly created position in the Spring of 2009. If there are any Tribal Members interested in serving in the fields of Fire Science, Emergency Medical Responders, or Law Enforcement, contact Homer A. Mandoka: Tribal Council Vice-Chairman at (269) 986-1802 or at [email protected].

EM M E T T TOWN S H I P A N D TH E TR I B E AG R E E O N PU B L I C SA F E T Y SE RV I C E

Cont’. from the front cover:

Laura Spurr and James Demarest-Emmett Township Supervisor after signing the

agreement.


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Banks) in a very welcomed concession venture that net-ted over $200! Jamie Stuck stayed late to handle receipts. Bobby Williams, Nate ThunderEagle, and Doreece Gaines helped set up and take down for the meet. The trail was “groomed” by the always ambitious Mike Mandoka! Homer A. Mandoka scored barrels to facilitate road closing for the few hours that runners crossed 1 ½ mile road and assisted Ath-ens parents (as volunteers) to oversee trails and course safety. Che’ Migwetch to residents and staff who cooperated that day to make it safe for the fans & runners!

On October 8th, 2008, the Michigan Tribal Education Directors met at Little Traverse Bay Band in Harbor Springs, MI. We discussed “for profit” schools and higher educa-tion funds and student cred-its/transfers. Pam Alkire of the BIA was a guest speaker. Prior to returning, the exchange of trophies brought the 1st Place Fam-ily Olympics Award to its rightful place and can be viewed in the newly added display case in the Health Center!

On October 13th, the Union City Middle-School History classes of Ms. Robin Ewers invited me to give a presentation to three different sets of students. Holly Christy and Alyssa Collyer are students of Ms. Ewers. Bamapii nikanek!

nated numerous prizes. Ron Osborn, (Pro at Binder Park GC) furnished golf, carts, meals, signage, and support at the same price as last year! Kathy Mackety photographed the foursomes and other activi-ties during the event. At-tendees were treated to dessert from the culinary artistry of RoAnn Beebe-Mohr!

Final purchases to the Library Grant included a computer for the library and David Jones is ready-ing it for use!

On October 7th, NHBP partnered with Ath-ens Area Schools in host-ing 7 other “Big Eight” Schools in Cross Country for a 5K Boys, 5K Girls, and co-ed Middle School (2 mile) races. Congrats to Athletic Director, Joe Chambers, Coach Missy Hamilton, and Starter Robert Moore on a suc-cessful event!! The ath-letes & fans were wel-comed by Chairperson Laura Spurr and all left the Rez’ as beautiful as it was when they arrived! Nat Spurr and Jon Gard-ner offered valuable exper-tise and, once again, An-drea Bush, and Laura Martinez led volunteers (Denise Mandoka, Dorie Rios, Amber Day, Leona Mandoka, Kathy Mack-ety, and Mercedes

Amy Newby came in sec-ond. Finishing 3rd were Gil Holliday, Sharon Holliday, John Holliday, and Homer A. Mandoka. The Men’s Division saw Clayton Seneca, Pat Ren-kes, Rob Oleska, and Roger Lewis out shoot the field to claim first. Run-ners-up were: Todd Wesley, Tom Garnett, Matt Skaggs, and Dan Bell. Third place was claimed by the fantastic four of “Dapper” Dan Green, “Jovial” Jon Gardner, “Mighty” Matt Fletcher, and Chad “Chip-Shot” Sytsma

Standard Office & Printing Supply, spear-headed by Mary Brady, donated their skills with the professionally printed pro-gram this year! Perez APC was a major sponsor along with Fifth/Third Bank, Sonosky-Chambers, Sachse, En-dreson, & Perry, LLP, FAEGRE & BENSON, LLP, and DLZ. Other con-tributors were: Clark Con-struction Company, The Rehmann Group, Walker Parking Consultants, Battle Creek Health Sys-tem, Oaklawn Hospital, Dykema Gossett PLLC, The Wightman Associ-ates, and MRG! Paula Stuck helped us secure healthy snacks for the golf-ers and Gil Holliday do-

The Potawatomi Scramble for 2008 is in the clubhouse as a winner! A record 100 golfers en-joyed sunny skies, gradient greens, high-class hospi-tality, and fine food to help us raise shonya for the Mo-guago Scholarship. Atten-dees from Louisiana, Flor-ida, and Canada contrib-uted to the festive fund-raiser and tamed the tena-cious terrain of Binder Park Golf Course. Tribal Chairperson, Laura Spurr, superbly emceed the awards after tirelessly toiling at the registration table. She also spear-headed many of the con-tacts that donated to the benefit of our Tribal Stu-dents. The raffle prize win-ners were drawn by Mo-guago Scholar, Phillip Me-dina, who also played in the outing with his son! Past Moguago recipient, Lisa Bush and her ever energetic sister Andrea Bush, served as witnesses to the $10,000 hole-in-one contest. The Women’s Di-vision saw Sandy Blair, Dorie Rios, Alison Magda, and Deb Von Eit-sen lead the way. Run-ners-up were Tribal Mem-bers Denise Mandoka, Kim Christy, Mariesha Keith, and Nickole Keith who represented 5th/3rd Bank’s # 2 squad. Co-ed leaders were: Mike Staff, Dale Staff, Bob Potts, and Parker Fair who rep-resented I.T. & Telecom. The 5th/3rd Bank Team, led by Ann Sampair, Rachel Packer, Jim Barnum, and

November‘08 EDUCATION NEWS By Barry Phillips

Potawatomi Scramble

Education Committee, Library Grant, Michigan Tribal Education Directors, Education Outreach

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Contractor NHBP Members/Spouses Mandoka Construction (General

Labor) 5

Hoffman Brothers (Excavation) 2

Grand River (Concrete) 2

Cook Jackson (Drywall) 1

John E. Green (Pipefitting) 2

PSI (Materials Testing) 2 Denn Co (Drywall) 8

Hunt/Swan Electric 3

Schiffer Masonry 1

Unity Security 2

Total 28

Contractor NHBP Members/Spouses Mandoka Construction (General

Labor) 5

Hoffman Brothers (Excavation) 2

Grand River (Concrete) 2

Cook Jackson (Drywall) 1

John E. Green (Pipefitting) 2

PSI (Materials Testing) 2 Denn Co (Drywall) 8

Hunt/Swan Electric 3

Schiffer Masonry 1

Unity Security 2

Total 28

As of now, there are a total of eighty-five (85) NHBP Members and spouses of Tribal Members registered for employment opportunities with the building trades on the FireKeepers Casino Project. Currently, we have twenty-eight (28) Tribal Members and spouses em-ployed with various building trades. An estimated addi-tional two (2) NHBP Members will be employed by the beginning of this month. Here is a summary of the Con-tractors who are currently employing members and spouses (see chart below). With the completion of the structural steel along with the Concrete and Masonry labor close to being finished, the FireKeepers Casino is ready to be enclosed starting interior structure trades. John E. Green (Pipefitters Un-ion and Sprinklers Union) will provide positions involv-ing plumbing, sprinkler installation, and HVAC sheet metal ducting. Denn Co (Carpenters Union) will still be filling positions available for drywall framing, hanging, and finishing. There are still openings for experienced Electricians. Also, there are positions available for Tribal Members and spouses who are interested in pur-suing Electricians’ Helpers vacancies with the aspira-tions of participating in an Electrician Apprenticeship with Hunt/Swan Electric (Electricians Union). Metal wall paneling and sheet metal roofing are estimated to start the third week of this month as well. Architectural Met-

als Incorporated (Sheet Metal Union/Ironworkers) will be the sub-contractor in charge of these projects. There will be vacancies for the Helper and Laborer positions to those who have experience in these trades. The monthly Employment Meeting with Clark Construction will take place on November 20, 2008 in the Clark Construction trailer. Attendance was down for the October meeting, so I will give an update on the issues discussed. In the labor agreement, Tribal Mem-bers and spouses have the right to option out (opt-out) of being a union member within seven (7) days of employment on the casino site. We were contemplat-ing what the role was of the Business Agents of the various trade unions if Tribal Members and spouses decided not be union members. At last month’s meet-ing, we came to the conclusion that it is important for the Business Agents to be involved in the evaluation process to help with job classification and pay scale and working with the sub-contractors to ensure safety and quality. Members and spouses are encouraged to initially contact the Business Agents to begin the em-ployment process. Then, the Business Agents will get in contact with Clark Construction. The new Native American Employment Coordinator for Clark Construc-tion is Tom Ollman. Tom is with Shingobee out of Min-nesota. He has been involved with the project since Clark was selected as the Construction Manager. You

FireKeepers Casino Tribal Membership Employment Update

By Jamie Stuck; Tribal Council Treasurer

Cont’. on pg. 20

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A N A L A N G UA G E

Cont’. on pg. 9

A Language Lesson from the website of Donald Perrot—Language Instructor– Prairie Band Potawatomi—www.neaseno.org—

Mdatso shech Nswe’ Gizek ~~ 13 Moons The Neshnabe’k used a Lunar Calendar to mark time. They had 13 moons instead of 12. As the pressures of re-moval divided the people and scattered them throughout the land, differenct groups began using different terms for the moons as a way to adapt to their new environment. Thus the many different terms listed here, and there are oth-ers as well that are more local. There are even more names that predate European contact. Month Northern Southern Eastern Other January Kchemkogizes Kchemkogizes Kchemkogizes Bbongizes Big Bear Moon Big Bear Moon Big Bear Moon Snow Moon February Mkogizos Nmebnegizes Mkogizos Kchenodengizes Little Bear Moon Trout Moon Little Bear Moon Big Wind Moon March Nmebnegizes Jejaukgizes Nmebnegizes Zisbaktoke’gizes Trout Moon Crane Moon Trout Moon Maple Sugar Moon March/ Zisbaktoke’gizes Bkongizes Zisbaktoke’gizes Gtegangizes April Maple Sugar Moon Bark Peel Moon Maple Sugar Moon Planting Moon May Bgongizes De’mengizes Gtegangizes Waskone’dogizes No Snow Moon Strawberry Moon Planting Moon Flower Moon June De’mengizes Mskomnegizes Ete’mengizes De’mengizes Strawberry Moon Rasberry Moon Strawberry Moon Strawberry Moon July Abtenibnegizes Abtenibnegizes Abtenibnegizes Nodnokigizes Mid Summer Moon Mid Summer Moon Mid Summer Moon Gentle Breeze Moon August Minke’gizes Nibnegizes Minke’gizes Kcheshate’gizes Blueberry Moon Ripening Moon Blueberry Moon Hot Weather Moon September Zawbogyagizes Mshewe’gizes Zawbogyagizes Mnomneke’gizes Yellow Leaf Moon Rabbit Moon Yellow Leaf Moon Wild Rice Moon October Bnakwigizes E’shkekwakigizes Watebgyagizes Kishkashkijige’gizes Falling Leaves Forest Moon Colored Leaves Harvest Moon Moon Moon November Tekwakigizes Pokmene’sengizes Bnakwigizes Kwemigizes Forest Moon Cranberry Moon Falling Leaves Moon Frost Moon November Giwse’gizes Bbongizes Bbongizes Ksenyamgizes Hunting Moon Snow Moon Snow Moon Cold Weather Moon December Bbongizes Mkogizos Atebbongizes Agmosekgizes Snow Moon Little Bear Moon Mid Winter Moon Snow Shoe Moon

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Bodwewadmi Zheshmowen Mine Kedwenen Potawatomi Language and Words / Phrases

Ge’teshemagneshiwjek ~ Veterans of War Shemagneshiwjek ~ Veterans Naganshemagnenim’ediwge’ ~ Head Veteran Dancer Shemagneshiwgemwen ~ Veteran’s Song Kewe’wen ~ Flag Gwabsan ne I Kewe’wen ~ Do you see the Flag? Ehe’ nwabdan I Kewe’wen ~ Yes, I see the Flag. Nibwen gishpen gwabdan I Kewe’wen ~ Stand if you see the Flag. Wedase ~ Brave Wedase’wen ~ Bravery Gichita ~ Warrior Migwen ~ Feather Migwenen ~ Feathers Migwenek ~ Feathers (Animate—when used In Cere-mony.) Kno Kewe’wen ~ Eagle Staff Giwse’ ~ Hunt Nwi Giwse’ ~ I will hunt. Nwi giwse’ wabek ~ I will hunt tomorrow. Nwi giwse’ wabek be’gishek ~ I will hunt all day tomorrow. Cho nwi giwse’si wabek ~ I will not hunt tomorrow. Mtegwakik nwi zhya e’wi giwse’yan ~ I will go to the woods to go Hunting. Nwi giwse’men ~ We (but not you) will go Hunting. Gwi giwse’men ~ We all will go hunting. Mshenkiwnene ~ Policeman (literally means He has the power to seize you.)

Mshenkiwkwe’ ~ Female Officer Ngi wabma o mshenkiwnene ibe ~ I saw a Policeman over there. Nwi kigdo’a o mshenkiwnene wabek ~ I will talk to that officer tomorrow. Bye’na o mshenkiwnene ~ Bring a Policeman. Ni pi je gi mshenkiwnenwik? ~ Where are the Policemen? Ni pi je gi mshenkwikwe’k? ~ Where are the Female officers?

A N A L A N G UA G E

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From the Enrollment Office Open Monday—Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

269-729-5151 or 866-499-5151

Anderson, Shannon L Anewishki, Audrey J Anewishki (Pittman), Tesa R Anewishki, Stacey S Ballinger, Donnis A * Beebe, Hariet M Benson, Amanda L * Bigfire, Laura A * Boylan, Robert L Brown, Tore’au L Bush, Crystal R Bush, Dawn E Bush, Richard L Jr Butcher, Lonnie D Butcher, Patricia L Capitano, Joseph R Jr Chivis, Amanda K Collyer, Bryan S Collyer, Gary D Jr Day, Brandon T Day, Denise N Day, John E Dennis, Sarah J Desmet, Phoebe L Dickel, David C * Dougherty, Michael D Dougherty, Shawn E Edwards, Erin J Feaster, Brenda M Foerster, Erick K Foerster, Melissa D Foerster, Phillip E Frost, McKenzie P Frost, Michael S Frost, Roger K Frost, Tashina R Fuller, Daniel L * Goodrich, Doris E Goodrich, Jerrica A Harris, Daniel J * Hall, Steven T Hull, Wayne A Inman, Aleece N Inman, Christopher L Inman, Kalvin J Johnson, Michael J II Johnson, Michelle J Kendall, Tabitha K Kequom, Timothy G Kequom, Timothy G II Kern, Karol K Landreth, Jacob A Landreth, Samuel A Mackey, Quida L Mandoka, Arnold D Mandoka (Hammons), Chelsea

The Following Members Should Please Call the Enrollment Office @ 269-729-5151 or 866-499-5151

Dear Tribal Members, The review of all current Tribal Members’ files for the BIA Audit for the standardization of required documen-tation was completed in November 2007. There are still members with missing information for the completion of their files. Those members are on the following list. Please contact the Enrollment Office; Monday through Friday; 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST; to in-quire about the information needed to complete your file. Reminder: Please call the Enrollment Office with any address or phone number changes. Respectfully, Sandy Blair NHBP Enrollment Clerk

Cont’. on pg. 11

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Mandoka, Gary J * Mandoka, Michael G Mandoka, Nicole E Mandoka, Paul Mandoka, Renee E Mandoka, Steven R Jr Mark, Edward G Mark, Frances R Matson, Levi K McCann, Melissa G * McDonald, Shannon M * McDonald, Tommy C * McKenzie, Shawn A McKenzie, Willie F III Medawis, Mu’son A Medawis, Stephen A Medawis, Toni A Morseau, Shane A Moulds, Jeffrey S II Moulds, Jennifer L Mrad, Eunice E Nickels, Nancy M Ortega, Penaya M Phillips (Ramon), Amy L Postell, Lashanna M Pratt, Christopher W Ross, Andrew J Ross, Leanna L * Schrubbe, Andrew W * Schrubbe, Otetwin H * Schultz, Matthew G Smith, John A Snyder, Julie A Speer, Corissa J Sprague, Carl M Jr Sprague, Paul P Jr Steffens, Destiny M Stevens, Craig A Stevens, Joseph L Sulainis, Alexandria L Sulainis, Mark A Taylor, Jesse L TenBrink, Jeffrey W * Trosper, John Vorce, Annette M Vorce, Mandy L Watson, Mark L Webb (Mericle), Julie R Webb, Jeffrey M Weller, Dennis L Weller, Roger A White Pigeon, Alan G White Pigeon, Andrew W White Pigeon, Justin E White Pigeon, Marian J Williams, Margaret E Williams, Tamara Wilson, Andrew R Wolfinger, Ashley M Young, Dana A Young, Dominique Zimonick, Tambra L Revised 10/13/08 *Missing Address

We would like to welcome Denise Johnson, Nurse Practitioner, to the Northern Office. Denise will be available for appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.— 5 p.m.) Please call Denise to make an appointment for all your health needs (yes, including physicals)! Welcome Denise.

From the Enrollment Office Open Monday—Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

269-729-5151 or 866-499-5151

The Following Members Should Please Call the Enrollment Office @ 269-729-5151 or 866-499-5151

New Staff Member in Northern Office.

12


From the Health Department

• Support System. • Safe place for discussions. • Review and discussion on

video. • Make winter “Pink Ribbon”

fleece scarves. • Tea, Coffee, Water, and

Snacks. • Gifts for attending. • Door Prize Drawing

Why should you attend? Because we are offering the following...

Kwewog miinwa Mno Bimadzewen

Women and Good Life

November 19, 2008 @ 1:30 p.m. @ Health Center Kitchen on the Rez’.

Contact Nancy Smit Northern Office (888) 662‐2808

or Southern Office (888) 729‐4422

13


Elders’ Committee Meeting

Tribal Community Center

Pine Creek

Tuesday November 11th , 2008

at 11 a.m.You are important!

Your people need your wisdom!

Do you … …have agenda Items …need a ride to Pine

Creek …have questions about

zhoonya ($) for gas …want to tour the “Rez”Do you… …want the next meeting

in Grand Rapids?

Keep our FIRE going!

Call us.Committee Chair/ “Tiq” Bush

(269) 729-4010 homeor at the Administration Office

(269) 729-5151

Northern Office/Pam Maillet (888) 662-2808

You may call (269) 729-5151 for a “Rez” tour with

Virginia Anewishki, Trial Historian

Please bring a dish to share with others.We’ll be happy to see you all again!

Tuesday November 11, 2008

at 11 a.m.You are important!

Your people need yourwisdom!

Do you … …have agenda Items …need a ride to Pine

Creek …have questions about

zhoonya ($) for gas …want to tour the “Rez”Do you… …want the next meeting

in Grand Rapids?

Call us.Committee Chair/ “Tiq” Bush

(269) 729-4010 (Home)or at the Administration Office

(269) 729-5151Pam Maillet

(888) 662-2808/Northern OfficeYou may call (269) 729-5151/ Administration Building for a

“Rez” tour withVirginia Anewishki, Tribal Historian

Please bring a dish to share with others.We’ll be happy to see you all again!

Elders Committee Meeting @ the

Community Center @ Pine Creek Reservation.

14


Fit physical activity into your life—your way. The more you do, the more benefits you gain. Many people know that regular physical activity over months and years can produce long-term health benefits. Now, for the first time, the Federal Government has issued some comprehensive, science-based guidelines to inform policymakers and health providers about the amounts, types, and intensity of physi-cal activity needed to help Americans ages 6 and older improve their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, on October 7, 2008. The Guidelines set achievable goals for everyone and can be custom-ized according to a person’s interests, lifestyle, and goals. As HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said, “These Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provide achievable steps for youth, adults, and seniors, as well as people with special conditions to live healthier and longer lives.”

Major research findings described in the report include: *Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes. *Some physical activity is better than none. *For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases (higher intensity, greater frequency, longer duration). *Most health benefits occur with at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking). *Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) activities are beneficial. *Health benefits occur for all age groups and in every studied racial and ethnic. group they also occur for people with disabilities. *The benefits of physical activity far outweigh any possible risks. To access the guidelines and to find links to other resources, visit

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines and www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity

-Jonathan Gardner, Health Educator

First Comprehensive Federal Guidelines on Physical Activity Released

LIEAP Application Accepted after January 1, 2009 Each October, NHBP tribal members who need additional help with emergency heating and electric pay-ments are reminded to apply for LIEAP assistance. This program is run through Inter-tribal Council of Michigan. It is with regret that the Emergency Assistance department informs the membership that this program will not open until after January 1, 2009. The information we would like to convey to you is: should you need emergency assistance for utility payment please contact your local county Department of Human Services for an application for emergency utility payments and your local Community Action Agency. Should you require assistance with contacting these agencies please contact Nancy Smit at the Grand Rapids health office: 616-249-0159 or 888-662-2808. I will also be available in person at the south-ern health department on Wednesdays each week.

Nancy Smit, LMSW 4415 Byron Center Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49519 NHBP Clinical Social Worker/Case Manager-Indian Child Welfare Worker [email protected] (616) 249-0159

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines�

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity�


15


The following information was provided by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council: 25% of AI/AN (American Indian/Alaska Native) have diabetes. 40% of these people will develop foot problems. 15% will develop an ulceration on the foot (at a cost of $13,000-$30,000 each). 5-10% of the ulcerations will progress to require an amputation (at a cost of about $50,000 each). 43% of the people with an ulcer and 47% of the people with an amputation die within 5 years. Routine foot care by a podiatrist results in a 75% decrease in amputations.

MOST AMPUTATIONS CAN BE PREVENTED

According to USA Today: overweight kids are more likely to suffer from frequent and disabling headaches. When overweight children lost weight, the number of headaches that they experienced decreased. This same article suggested that the headaches could be related to dehydration. “Overweight kids don’t like to drink water and they are very often dehydrated, which leads to headaches.” Stress may also play a role, and overweight kids tend to experience more stress due to being bullied. There isn’t a separate brain and a separate body. “What you’re thinking about has an effect on your physical well-being. General good health means good mental health.” BPA (Bisphenol-a) is a hormone-like chemical that is used in food packaging, baby bottles, infant formula cans and other products. According to USA Today, “BPA has been detected in the bodies of virtually all Americans tested. Also, adults with the highest levels of BPA in their urine, were more than twice as likely to have heart dis-ease and diabetes than those with the lowest levels! Whenever possible, choose fresh food. For infants, breast milk is best.

(the page that typically follows Health Notes is located on page 18)

Cont’. on pg. 18

16


Happy 42nd Birth-day to Thomas Foerster, “The

Comedian”! 11/29/08

Love, your family.

Happy 6th Birthday to

Dylan Goalsby. Great Grandson of Frank Watson.

We love you. Love your family.


Holly Christy! 11/26/08

We love you! Love, your family.

~BI RT H DAY S~


Alan Mackety! (old man ha, ha, ha)

11-07-08 Your getting closer

to the top of that “HILL”!

We still love you, so very much!

Love, your family.


Josev “Jo-Jo” Keith!

11/25/08 Love, your

family.


Haley Mandoka! 11-15-08 Love your

family.


Austin Dean

Mandoka! 11-19-08 Love your

family.

17


B L A C K A S H B A S K E T R Y

Reclaiming a Tradition on the Pine Creek Reservation

It began as a walkover of the Pine Creek lowlands in search of plants one crisp morning this past September. It ended with the harvesting of three straight and nearly knot-free Black Ash (Wisgak) logs. With the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer having reached the doorstep of the Pine Creek Reservation, the only plans for the Black Ash was to collect their seeds and monitor their health. As has been reported earlier, the Emerald Ash Borer has proven to be

devastating to ash trees and has already killed millions in Michigan. Other than collecting seed and treating each individual tree with pesticide, there is currently little hope of saving the ill-fated ash. Locating Black Ash is always somewhat of a project since they are relatively scarce and only grow in lowland areas where their roots are in nearly constant contact with groundwater. They seem to occur in scattered pockets as opposed to large stands and are typically found along with Silver Maple and Elm. Although there were no plans to harvest any standing Black Ash from the Reservation, the logs were harvested from a pair of trees had fallen just a day or two before they were spotted by the Environmental Department Staff. It is not exactly clear why they fell other than the fact that nearly 12 inches of rain had fallen within the past 30 days. Although the Pine Creek

had receded by the time the fallen trees were discovered, it apparently had overflowed its banks and softened the soil surrounding the ash. Knowing that splint has to be pounded from fresh Black Ash, the trees were harvested within 24 hours and submerged in Indian Creek Drain to keep them moist. Meanwhile a task force was assembled and plans are being made to assemble the community to pound the ash to secure enough splint to make one or more community baskets. As word of the Black Ash harvest spread, a number of community members brought in baskets made by Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Members on the Pine Creek Reservation. Other than a basket making session held during the 2005 Gathering, the last baskets made on the Reservation were probably in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. Prior to that time, Black Ash basketry was a popular and financially important activity on the Reservation. Dozens (if not hundreds) of baskets were made

annually and sold to passersby in the Village of Athens and at the Calhoun County Fair in Marshall. If the current plan works out, the splint will be ready for weaving into a ommunity basket sometime this November. Stay tuned for more news on this historic event. - John Rodwan

A Black Ash log from Pine Creek Reservation being trans-ported to Indian Creek Drain by Robert Williams, Doreece Gains, and John Rodwan.

A fine example of a Kche-Mani hand basket from the Ruth Ann Chivis collection. This is thought to be one of the oldest baskets now on the Reservation.

PINE CREEK MEANDERINGS News From the Environment and More

A beautiful example of Gladys Pigeon’s handiwork from the Irene Wesley collection.

18


What percent of American Indians/Alaska Natives have diabetes? A. 10% B. 25% C. 35% What percent of diabetic foot ulcers progress to require an amputation? A. 5-10% B. 10-15% C. 40% What are three things that may help to reduce disabling headaches in overweight children? A. Exercise, lose weight, drink more milk? B. Sleep 10 hours per day, reduce stress, lose weight? C. Lose weight, drink more water, and reduce stress mental health affects physical health?

BPA is: A. A type of fat in the bloodstream. B. A hormone which is necessary for life. C. A hormone-like chemical found in some food packaging. True or False: Foot amputation is one of the complications associated with diabetes, and there is nothing you can do to prevent it. **If you correctly answer all the questions above and send this quiz back to the Health Department, you will be placed in a drawing for a $20.00 Wal*Mart gift card!!! Congratulations to last months contest winner Kim Christy! Please send quizzes to: Jonathan Gardner; Health Educator 1474 Mno-Bmadzewen Way Fulton, MI 49052

19


Wa we’ Kig do wat “They are talking in a circular form”

Come join us! Tuesday

November 25th, 2008 @ 6 p.m.

This meeting will include: • Gather to talk • Smudge • Eagle feather • Sobriety • Safe place • Support system We will be serving Turkey Noodle Soup at this event.

“Red Road” to Recovery

Tribal Health Center “Kitchen” @ the Pine Creek Reservation

You

Questions? Call: Nancy Smit, MSW NHBP Health Department

1 (888) 720‐4422

20



By Jamie Stuck; Tribal Council Treasurer can reach him on his cell phone at 320-333-5209 or at toll-

[email protected]. It doesn’t hurt to get in contact with Tom or myself after the process has been initiated. There was also a consensus of all the Business Agents who attended the meeting to have Tribal Members and spouses contact them if anyone has interest in any par-ticular trade or in participating in an apprenticeship pro-gram (please refer to contact information below and on following page). This is a wonderful opportunity for our Tribal Members and spouses. If anyone has any ques-tions, please feel free to contact me at 269-729-5151 (office), at 269-986-3441 (cell), or at [email protected].

Jamie Stuck Tribal Council Treasurer

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION LABOR CONTACTS

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN BUILDING AND CON-STRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL 510 E. Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49015 Hugh Coward, President/Business Agent Ironworkers LU 340 Tel: 269-962-8511 Cell: 269-209-3716 [email protected] MICHIGAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL 1075 W. Forest Muskegon, MI 49441 Walter D. Christophersen, Business Rep. Cell: 231-638-1970

[email protected] BRICKLAYERS LU 9 3321 Remy Drive Lansing, MI 48906 James Brylowski, Business Representative Tel: 269-372-6179 Cell: 616-291-6730 [email protected] CARPENTERS LU 525 3617 Gembrit Circle Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Chad Miller, Business Representative Tel: 800-655-3907 Cell: 269-317-4262 [email protected] CONSTRUCTION LABORERS LU 355 105 E. Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49014 Dave Rudnick, Business Agent Tel: 269-962-8010 Cell: 269-317-3547 [email protected] HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS & ASBESTOS WORKERS Larry F. Tolbert, Marketing Representative Tel (Office): 269-381-0880 Tel (Home): 269-345-8944 INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LU 445

Cont’. from pg. 7.











21



By Jamie Stuck; Tribal Council Treasurer

1375 W. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49015 Steve Claywell Tel: 269-964-4545 INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LU 324 2935 Buchanan Ave., S.W. Suite 2 Grand Rapids, MI 49548-1043 Steven J. Smalla, Region III Director Tel: 616-246-5820 [email protected] MILLWRIGHTS LU 1102 3617 Gembrit Circle Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Marty Hall, Business Representative Tel: 269-383-6163 Cell: 269-908-0151 [email protected] PLASTERS AND CEMENT MASONS LU 16 3815 W. St. Joseph, Suite B 200 Lansing, MI 48917 Cyril Wilson Tel: 517-999-3410 (Lansing) Tel: 269-381-4888 (Kalamazoo) Cell: 269-207-0149 PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LU 333 5906 E. Morgan Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49017

Joseph Michilizzi, Business Agent Tel: 269-968-0993 [email protected] SHEET METAL LU 7 5600 Portage, Suite 110 Kalamazoo, MI 49002 Dennis Crane, Business Agent TEL: 269-342-8842 CELL: 269-569-9200 [email protected] SPRINKLER FITTERS LU 669 P.O. Box 1030 Battle Creek, MI 49016 Robert D. Johnson, Business Agent, District 6 Tel: 269-660-1774

Job Opening @ NHBP The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians is searching for an Elders Care Coordinator who will be responsible for the development, initia-tion and coordination of Elders related presentations, events and discussions. These functions will be for all Elders (seniors over 50) of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. The coordinator must work collaboratively and cooperatively with all Elders, agencies, and NHBP Staff and department goals. Applicants should possess a High School Di-ploma or GED; have the ability to take direction and be flexible; have excellent communication skills; be able to maintain strict confidentiality; have knowl-edge of Native American Culture, Community and Elders’ needs, especially Potawatomi Traditions and Language; have a working knowledge of Native Crafts and have the ability to make referrals to ap-propriate Health Care Staff or Social Service Agen-cies. Interested applicants should apply to NHBP Human Resources, 2221 1 ½ Mile Road, Fulton, MI 49052 or email [email protected].





26


Election Day and reminds people to vote. You should concentrate on low voter turnout areas.

Phone calls: The most common, and most effective, forms of get-ting people to the polls is through phone banking. GOTNV should encourage targeted voters to vote, provide basic voting information on such things as poll locations and hours, offer rides, and ask supporters to bring others to vote.

Get-Out-The-Native-Vote!

The emphasis is on participa-tion, not partisanship. In non-partisan GOTNV efforts we invite organizations and individuals to come out on behalf of democracy itself. We ask people to vote “for themselves” at the same time they cast their ballot for a candidate.

Nonpartisan GOTNV is celebra-tory, fun, engaging and inspir-ing. Organizers should pay atten-tion to culture and use it to feel good about voting and helping others to vote. Invite local drum-mers, dancers, and artists to share their talents. Always serve a meal!

Nonpartisan GOTNV builds community spirit. It is young and old working together, joining together to make our communities stronger.

Nonpartisan GOTV is focused on protecting the right to vote. It is uncompromising in its com-mitment to ensuring that every person who is eligible to vote is able to vote.

GOTNV Activities!

A. Direct Voter Contact Having direct contact with voters is the most important use of your re-sources. You should develop a plan to contact voters in your contacted areas using any of the following tac-tics that are best suited for your community. Remember to keep good lists of folks.

Door knocks: Door-to door can-vassing is the most effective way of reminding people to vote, especially on Election Day. While it is not as efficient as phoning, it allows the campaign to make one last person-alized contact before Election Day and reminds people to vote. You should concentrate on low voter turnout areas.

Phone calls: The most common, and most effective, forms of getting people to the polls is through phone banking. GOTNV should encourage targeted voters to vote, provide ba-sic voting information on such things as poll locations and hours, offer rides, and ask supporters to bring others to vote.

Targeted Mail: Targeted mail plays an important role in the overall GOTNV effort. It reinforces the im-portance of voting and reminds peo-ple to vote. Targeted mail should also have the polling location on it and the hours the polls are open; it should publicize your campaign’s phone number for people to call if they need help. Make sure you are careful to send the mail so it all hits no later that the day before the election.

Cont’. on pg. 27

27


Literature Drops: Simply dropping literature without a conversation is not as effective as a door knock. If you are simply going to do a lit drop, schedule it for the weekend before the election and reserve Election Day for door knocking.

Visibilities/Rallies: One fun way to energize volunteers and voters is to do visibility, starting as early as the Thursday before the election. Visibil-ity (human billboards) should be done in the morning and evening rush hours in high traffic areas. Large stationary signs also work well in reservation communities where tribal members gather (i.e. commu-nity centers, tribal headquarters, clinics, etc.) Another good visibility strategy is a GOTNV rally.

B. Early Voting Some states allow people to vote at the county courthouse or other sites as many as 30 days before Election Day. You need to know the laws and plan accordingly.

C. Voting By Absentee Ballot If you or someone you know will be unable to make it to the polls for ei-ther the primary election or general election, you can still make your voice heard. Absentee ballots are not an Election Day project. An ef-fective absentee ballot program must target potential voters and get them absentee ballots well before Election Day. This is particularly important when working with elders who may have limited mobility and community members that live a large distance from their polling place. Some states have lax rules on absentee voting that should be taken advan-tage of. Research the law in your

state to see if and absentee bal-lot program is feasible and what options there are for voting by mail.

D. Giving Rides to the Polls on Election Day

Bringing someone directly to the polls is the best way to ensure that they vote. You should have someone who is specifically in charge of transportation to the polls. It is important to remem-ber that you cannot hand out campaign materials.

Election Protection: Protect-ing the Right to Vote

Education of Individuals or Groups: Knowing who can vote, how to vote, where to vote, when to vote and why voting is important is critical information, especially for those who are not participat-ing in the political process. Na-tive Vote in your community can play an important role in getting this information to our people.

Pay particular attention to com-munity members who have spe-cial barriers to voting: people with disabilities, second language speakers, people experiencing homelessness, victims of abuse, ex-felons and those who are very transient. Some of the best work in recent years has been done to address the needs of these con-stituencies. For example, great work has been done to preserve the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence when they reg-ister to vote, to help homeless individuals find ways to establish

Cont’. on pg. 28

28


residency, to help those with dis-abilities know they rights and to help individuals who served time and are off paper to re-establish their right to vote. Public educa-tion, combined with organizing with our community members can really make a difference in protecting the voters in Indian Country.

Voting Rights Hotline: Native Vote is part of the Election Protection Coalition that was estab-lished to protect the rights of citi-zens across the country. They have established at hotline to respond to voter questions and concerns 1-866-OUR-VOTE. This hotline is used to help identify problems be-fore they arise, answer voters’ questions and serve to be a “crisis line” in the event of Election Day problems.

Training of Citizen Advocates and Legal Experts: Widespread training of citizen advo-cates will help to keep our elections fair and clean. With training, ordi-nary citizens become the “eyes and ears” of democracy, watching for problems at the polls, assisting other voters and reporting irregu-larities if they arise. Election law is not complicated, but it is essential that advocates know the rules and hold election officials accountable. A simple training program can give people the knowledge they need to advocates at the polls. Training is absolutely essential if people are to do poll monitoring or poll watching. The rules for such activity vary by locality and must be understood. Native Vote has developed election protection training and curriculum for Indian Country.

In addition to training citizen advo-cates, it is also important to create well-training legal team and law-yers, law students and para-professional who have particular knowledge of Indian Country and election law. Native Vote has es-tablished such a legal team to staff the voting rights hotline, to be de-ployed as necessary to problem pre-cincts, to communicate with local election officials and to document any irregularities. Please contact Native Vote if you would like to as-sist with our election protection ef-forts.

Data Collection: If irregularities to occur, it is essen-tial that problems be well docu-mented. This includes names and full contact information on those whose rights may have been vio-lated, thorough descriptions of the incidents, and names and contact information of the witnesses. This information should then be for-warded to whichever governmental bodies are responsible for guaran-teeing the election. If in the case of some states, the problem resides in the bodies themselves, then it is es-sential to report the incident to in-dependent legal entities whose role is to guarantee civil rights of citi-zens.

For more information on Native Vote’s election protection efforts, please contact Director or Govern-mental Affairs, Heather Dawn Thompson at (202) 466-7727 or [email protected].

Voter Engagement: At a Glance

Voter Registration:

Cont’. on pg. 29

29


To exercise their right to vote, citizens must register with local election officials. In most states, people must register in advance, in some states there is the oppor-tunity for “same day voter regis-tration”. Nonpartisan voter regis-tration is simply registering eligi-ble citizens without connecting it to any candidate or political party. American Indians and Alaska Natives often don’t register to vote because they don’t know how, they don’t think they can, or simply forget. We can organize large-scale voter registration drives in our tribal communities, dramatically increasing the num-ber of people eligible to vote on Election Day.

Voter Education: Elected Officials make decisions every day that affect the lives of Native people. However, many of our tribal members our discon-nected from politics and don’t un-derstand how the problems in our every day lives – threats to tribal sovereignty, lack of quality health-care, poor education, and more - are related to the issues at stake in an election. We can conduct voter education campaigns to get the word out in Indian Country about the issues and empower Native people to carry that infor-mation with them to the voting booth.

Candidate Education: Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and the agencies that serve Na-tive people, are experts in the is-sues that we work on every day. We see first hand how policies and issues affect our people. We can educate candidates and elected officials about the issues that mat-

ter to us as American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Election Protection: Unfortunately, it is often neces-sary to defend the right to vote. To protect their own political agendas, some people and organi-zations seek to prevent Native people from voting and participat-ing in the political process. We can work to make sure that legal and civic resources are available so that every vote is counted in Indian Country.

Get-Out-The-Native-Vote: As Native people, we do an amaz-ing job of registering our people to vote. We need to ensure that all of the voters that we worked so hard to register end up going to the polls on Election Day. It is im-portant not only to remind our people to vote, but also to provide them with the voting information and transportation to the polls if necessary. We want remove as many barriers to political partici-pation as possible. We can create plans in each tribal community to fulfill these roles to ensure that the voices of Native people are heard on Election Day!

Source: http://nativevote.org/informationfortribes.html. Pages 26-29 are materials that are Non-Partisan. The materials are only to educate individuals on “Election Day”. For more information go to http://.nativevote.org or NCAI (National Congress of American Indians).

30


A F A L L T O R E C A L L Activity Filled Autumn Capped with a Great Color Display!

It is not only turning out to be a busy Autumn this year at Pine Creek Reservation but it is also one of the most beautiful in recent memory. Highlights include: hosting of a Cross Country Track Meet; a record setting ten inches of rain that overflowed nearly everyone’s rain gauges; arrival of the first Tribal Shuttle Bus and The Tribes first owned snowplow rigged Truck; receipt of the contested first place award from the Michigan Indian Family Olympics; and finally, harvesting a black ash log, among other momentous occasions.

Laura Spurr and Jonathon Gardner review photos taken at the Cross Country Track Meet held on Pine Creek Reservation on October 7.

The Grandfather Maple in full blaze orange.

The 2008 Indian Olympic First Place Trophy finally came to its rightful owner and is being put on dis-play by Barry Phillips (on left) and Jonathon Gardner in the Health Department’s new display case.

A herd of Whitetail Doe Deer are on full alert at the “Q” Drive property.

Doreece Gains inspecting a flooded bench on the Pine Creek Dock following a record rainfall.

All photos by John Rodwan

The Pride of Pine Creek 10 person Tribal bus arrived at the Reservation on October 23!

31

Vo

*C.C. is Community Center abbreviated*

SUN Ne-

mewgis

Ngotgishek

TUE Nishgishek

WED Aptogishek

THU Nyewgishek

FRI Nyano-gishek

SAT Odanke-gishek

1

2 3 10:30 a.m. Exer-cise Class @ C.C.

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Class online From 7-9:30 p.m.

@ www.neaseno.org

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C.C.

5 10:30 a.m. Exercise Class

@ C.C. Adv. Language Class

online from 7-9:30 p.m. @

www.neaseno.org Lunch & Learn

12 p.m. @ Health Bldg.

6 Tribal Council Business

Mtg. @ 11am

7

8




@ www.neaseno.org

11 Veterans Obser-

vance @ 9am Elders Committee Mtg. @ 11am @

Rez’. Drum Social 6-

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13

14 15




@ www.neaseno.org

18 Reg. Language

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20 Tribal Council Mtg. @

11am Employee Mtg. @ 3pm

@ Casino Site.

21 22




@ www.neaseno.org

25 Reg. Language

Class 6:30—9 p.m. @

C.C.





27

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

28 29

30

November—2008! ~Te Kwak Ki Gises~

Mon

32


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2008

@ 1

1 a.

m.

@ th

e Tr

ibal

Com

mun

ity

Cen

ter

@ P

ine

Cre

ek.

Plea

se jo

in u

s!

Your

peo

ple

need

yo

ur w

isdo

m!

See

pg. 1

3 fo

r

deta

ils.

Documents

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