Meet The Council


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Luke Sprague serves as the Tribal Chief and a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in his third two-year term. Before assuming the role of Tribal Chief, he served the Council as Tribal Sub-Chief.

His professional service with the Tribe spans 15 years across community programming, housing, and youth development. His background includes roles as a Summer Youth Worker, Summer Youth Coordinator, Housing Maintenance Seasonal Worker, Recreation Assistant, Recreation Sports Coordinator, and Recreation Manager.

Luke holds an extensive academic background, having earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, followed by a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management with a minor in Communications and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.


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Craig Graveratte serves as the Tribal Sub-Chief and a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, where he is currently in his second two-year term. In addition to his current role as Sub-Chief, he previously served as Tribal Treasurer.

His work for the Tribe spans over 30 years across a wide array of operational, administrative, and environmental programs. Craig has also contributed his time to the Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School Committee, the Powwow Committee, and the Human Resources Fair Treatment Team.

He earned an Associate's Degree in Business from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and continued his studies at Central Michigan University, focusing on Environmental Studies and Biology/Natural Resource Conservation.


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Currently serving her fourth two-year term on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council as a District 1 Representative, Alice is the current Tribal Treasurer. She has 30 years of service to the Tribe, including three prior administrations as Tribal Chaplain and long-standing involvement with the Powwow and Caucus Committee. Beyond the Tribal Council, she is the Vice Chair of the Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School (MIIBS) Committee and a member of the Migizi Economic Development Board of Directors.

Alice holds an Associate's Degree in Federal Program Management from Bay Mills Community College. Her professional career includes valuable service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an Enrollment Clerk, where she handled complex responsibilities such as calculating blood quantum for the State of Michigan.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, Alice has successfully founded and operated three prior businesses: Blossom Boutique, Serenity Treasures, and Cup of Joy.


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Jennifer Wassegijig serves as a District 1 Representative and Tribal Chaplain on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in her sixth two-year term. Her experience on Council includes previous service as Tribal Sub-Chief and Secretary.

Her public service with the Tribe spans 17 years, including roles as a Behavioral Health Intake Specialist, Tribal Court Deputy Clerk, and Probation Officer. Over her career, she has contributed to numerous committees and advocacy groups, including the Youth Council Advisory Board, the Indian Child Welfare Committee, Tribal Court Healing to Wellness, the Isabella County Drug Court, and the Anishinaabe Language Revitalization Committee. She currently serves on the Compensation Committee and represents tribal gaming interests with the Indian Gaming Association.

A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Jennifer holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and continues her studies toward a Bachelor's Degree at Central Michigan University, focusing on Sociology and Criminal Justice with a Minor in Substance Abuse.


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Frank Cloutier serves as the At-Large District 2 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in his fifth two-year term. He currently serves as Sergeant-at-Arms and was previously Tribal Chief and Council Secretary.

Frank Cloutier serves as the At-Large District 2 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in his fifth two-year term. He currently serves as Sergeant-at-Arms and was previously Tribal Chief and Council Secretary.

Frank graduated from Pinconning High School and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Over his career, he has extended his leadership to broader regional and national boards, having previously served on the McLaren Hospital Board, Michigan Works Region 7B, the Great Lakes Bay Alliance, and the Michigan Moose Association. He currently serves on the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C.


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Christina Otto serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, where she is currently in her second two-year term and holds the office of Council Secretary, having previously served as Sergeant-at-Arms. She serves as an alternate for the National Congress of American Indians and has contributed to community leadership on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College Board of Regents and the Anishinaabe Language Revitalization Committee.

Christina's career with the Tribe extends nine years, including work with Summer Youth, Pow-Wow support, and service as an Administrative Assistant in Human Resources, a Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Clinical Therapist. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Central Michigan University, followed by a Master of Social Work with an Addiction Studies Certificate from Michigan State University.


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Brad Bennett serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in his third two-year term. Demonstrating a broad commitment to tribal governance and enterprise, he sits on the Migizi Board of Directors and previously served on both the Cannabis and Ziibiwing Committees.

He has five years of service to the Tribe in the Maintenance Department, the Wastewater Plant, and Andahwod Maintenance. Before his current council tenure, Brad developed a strong foundation in business, earning an Associate's Degree in Business from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and managing his own ventures as the former owner of Rackem Billiards and the Cabob Stop Food Truck.

Culturally grounded and deeply involved in community traditions, Brad is a traditional singer and drummer with the Blue House Singers.


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Tim Davis serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, currently in his fifteenth term. Having served across numerous administrations since the late 1980s, his executive leadership on the Council includes two full terms as Tribal Chief, four full terms as Tribal Sub-Chief, and one term as Sergeant-at-Arms. Over the course of his tenure, he has also contributed to governance through service on the Planning and Finance Committees.

His dedicated career with the Tribe spans more than 46 years, encompassing both his legislative work and a long career in law enforcement. Serving in the Tribal Police Department, Tim worked his way up through the ranks before retiring as Tribal Police Sergeant.

A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Tim received specialized professional training through the United States Indian Police Academy (USIPA) in Utah and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia.


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Ronald F. Ekdahl, Wagosh (Fox), serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, where he is currently in his fourth two-year term. His leadership on the Council includes a previous term as Tribal Chief.

His commitment to serving the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is built on 17 years of employment across community and youth operations, having held positions such as Summer Youth Worker, Leadership Intern in Parks and Recreation, Youth Facility Coordinator, and Recreation Director. In addition to his Council duties, he actively contributes to tribal leadership as a member of the Migizi Board, the Anishinaabe Language Revitalization Committee, and the Investment Committee.

Ronald graduated from Bullock Creek High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University. During his time at CMU from 2004 to 2008, he was a student-athlete on the Central Michigan Chippewas Football Team, helping lead the team to become two-time Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions.


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Mary Quigno serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, currently in her second term. She also serves the community on a broader level as a Tribal delegate for the Indian Gaming Association.

Her dedicated career with the Tribe spans over 20 years in workforce development and human resources. She has held key positions including Senior Human Resource Manager, Assistant Human Resource Manager, Anishinaabe Workforce Developer, Job Placement Specialist, Employment Coordinator, and Human Resource Administrative Assistant.

Mary earned an Associate of Arts in Business from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College and continues to pursue her bachelor's degree at Central Michigan University.


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Gayle Ruhl, Wabanougquew (Eastern or Morning Star Woman), serves as a District 1 Representative on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, where she is currently in her fourth two-year term. Her leadership on the Council includes two prior terms serving as Tribal Treasurer.

Her commitment to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is reflected in over 25 years of professional service across tribal health, education, and social services. Her roles have included Andahwod Director, Aftercare Counselor, and Residential Treatment Center First Coordinator. In higher education, she has shared her expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, teaching Psychology, Social Sciences, and Student Development.

Gayle holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Lansing Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Physiology and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. Beyond her Council responsibilities, she represents community interests on the Tribal Compensation Committee, the Isabella Airport Joint Commission, and the National Congress of American Indians Delegation.


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Shirley Houle serves as the Saganing Representative for District 2 on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, currently in her first two-year term.

Her public service with the Tribe includes 8 years as the Saganing Outreach Representative. Deeply committed to preserving cultural heritage, she serves on the Anishinaabe Language Revitalization Committee.

Shirley graduated from Pinconning High School and expanded her knowledge of native ecology through plant and medicine courses at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College. Grounded in traditional knowledge, she completed a three-year apprenticeship in cultural workshop classes and actively participates in the Gathering Society of Women.