Good morning, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire Tribal Council to thank you for attending the 2013 State of the Tribe Address. I have served as your chief for three years and we have met some serious challenges and celebrated some large and significant accomplishments. One thing I have found to be true is that when we work together, we can accomplish some incredible things.
So let me begin with our accomplishments. May 21st we opened the Soaring Eagle Water Park and Hotel. This property provides the family destination stay that was much needed for Mid- Michigan.
On June 12th Tribal Council cut the ribbon on the much needed Saganing Water and Waste Water Treatment Plant. This project was over 15 years in concept and a key component on what is to become future growth and development for the future of Saganing.
The Hide-Away RV Park opened on June 29th just in time for our annual powwow. This property has the potential to grow in popularity and reoccurring use by many of you, the members, as well as our loyal patrons. The Hide-Away RV Park is on track to become one of the most popular attractions to the Mt Pleasant area.
October 2nd marked a new direction for the Mt. Pleasant Sagamok with the opening of the Tubby's Sandwich Shop. This change in direction allows the Sagamok to offer healthier choices in the competitive market of fast food while providing a sustainable and attractive food venue for the ease and convenience of our patrons, associates and members to enjoy.
One of the major responsibilities of the Tribal leadership is to stay engaged with our legislators on a local, state and federal level. There are many laws, policies and agreements being created, changed, or altered that have an effect on our Tribe. One of the ways we stay connected is through our representatives in Lansing and Washington D.C. We also host a legislative breakfast on the reservation twice year.
I have had the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama on a couple of occasions during my time on Tribal Council. Some of what was discussed was Native Health Care, Indian Health Services and the need to get Native people involved in these initiatives. Tribal Council continues attending Tribal & State Summits between the 12 federally recognized Tribes and Governor Snyder. These meetings have been very helpful and allows us the opportunity to discuss issues and challenges within the state of Michigan.
Saganing was visited during election season by congressional candidate, Dan Kildee who incidentally became our Congressman from Flint to win the 2012 election. The Kildee family has been strong supporters of Indian rights and our Tribal community for many years and we hope to have a successful relationship with Dan and have enjoyed his uncle Dale Kildee.
This gives us the opportunity to invite our local representative and state senator to meet with other elected officials and business partners. These networking opportunities will ensure we remain shoulder to shoulder with our peers.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe along with several other partners revived the Protect My Vote campaign from 2004 to challenge the effort behind Citizens for More Michigan Jobs. That group was the one attempting to write into the State Constitution, 8 new casino projects that surely would have crippled our efforts.
This was a long hard fought battle and applying the talent and knowledge of trusted partners, we were able take a stand which courts ruled the ballot proposal unconstitutional.
The Racino bill passed got enough support to go to the governor's desk for signing. Tribal Council and our partners we were able to educate and support the position of the States Attorney General and the Governor's office to see this bill for what is really is - a clear violation of Proposal #1
Currently Ordinance 11, On-Reservation Hunting, Fishing and Gathering, has been developed to ensure we protect our way of life and that our hunting and gathering rights are protected. Soon we will be able to regulate such things as fishing and hunting not only within our reservation boundaries but within our aboriginal lands as well. Ordinance 11 does have a booth set here today and they are running a Power Point if you would like to stop over and view it.
We remain dedicated to the welfare and education of our youth. Council has set aside land that will be used to host our Tribal College. Carla Sineway, President, is scheduled to give an update on it.
We are currently working on a plan with Isabella County to begin our own Tribal community transportation program. This would give us connections from here to Saganing. It would also provide medical transportation to doctors' visits and other health related services.
Tribal Council minutes and ordinances will now be offered to you on line and IT is here with a brief demonstration. They will all be password protected and will keep us up to date with other Tribes who are currently doing this as well. This will save the Tribe thousands of dollars in mailings and unnecessary paper floating around. Don't worry if you don't use email or the computer, you can still request them from the Clerk's office.
On January 15th Council voted to expand our operations in Saganing. This will give us the opportunity to provide table games, food venues, additional slot machines and a modest hotel. These will ensure we have a solid mix of visitors, travelers and those who want to stay and play patrons. The reality of additional jobs will recharge that areas local economy and create more patrons for everyone.
In closing, I would like to again thank you for coming. The State of the Tribe is well and we will continue to do all we can to ensure we have a bright and prosperous future for all to enjoy. Miigwetch.