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Loonsfoot Jr. running for KBIC tribal council

Gary Loonsfoot, Jr.

Gary Loonsfoot Jr. was born and raised in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, where he hopes to serve on the Tribal Council.

If his name sounds familiar, he’s the son of current councilman Gary Loonsfoot Sr. who is not seeking re-election.

As the director of KBIC’s Cultural Resources department, Gary volunteers for the Youth Committee, for which he has chaperoned several youth trips the past few years.

“With my experiences and knowledge, I feel I could make a difference in the community,” Gary said. “I want to ensure that our economic progress continues and that our community members are taken care of.

“The continual attacks on our sovereignty by the state of Michigan has, and will more than likely, continue to be our number one issue. Our sovereignty is challenged at every turn. Everything from tribe to tribe trade to reducing the speed limit through our community is a fight. As a tribal council representative, I will continue to fight for our inherent rights and sovereign status.”

Loonsfoot has deep roots in the community. He’s married to Peggy (Minton) Loonsfoot. Together, they have four children ranging in age from 12 to 28 years and five grandchildren, with one on the way.

Born and raised in Baraga, he’s lived in L’Anse the past four years.

“I am the son of Gary Loonsfoot Sr. and Gail Swartz, and the grandson of Philomena (Loonsfoot) Ekdahl, and great-grandson of Marcella (Shalifoe) Loonsfoot, as well as the grandson of Wayne Swartz Sr. and the great-grandson of Mickey and Clara (Knapp) Swartz,” he said.

Gary is a graduate of Baraga High School and attended Gogebic Community College, Ojibwa Community College and Bay Mills Community College.

In the past, he’s worked as a certified welder, asbestos abatement supervisor and bowling machine mechanic, in addition to being a Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife officer, card dealer and security guard.

The KBIC’s general election is Dec. 17. Gary is running with incumbent Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. and Lyndon Ekdahl in the reservation’s L’Anse District. The top two vote-getters win seats on the 12-member tribal council.

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