Council amends per capita plan to require Tribal students to obtain high school diploma
9/11/2015 2:00:00 PM - Council

By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

Many Tribal Council administrations have talked about the importance of Tribal students graduating from high school or completing their general GED. 

The Pego Administration heard the resounding message through a recent survey of the Tribal Membership and moved to pass Resolution 15-131.

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council now amends the per capita plan to require Tribal students who will turn 18 years of age after Dec. 31, 2015 to a high school diploma or equivalent to receive their adult per capita revenue sharing.

Tribal Chief Steven Pego announced the adoption of the “Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan Revenue Allocation Plan” at the July 23 community meeting and mentioned the voice of the membership drove the need for approval.

“It is time to roll out the results of the community survey and what information had been collected during those efforts,” Pego said. “I am pleased to inform you that the voice of the Tribal Membership was heard and on July 22, Tribal Council approved a Resolution requiring a diploma or equivalent to recent adult per capita payments. Tribal Council is very much aware of what implications changes to the per capita plan will have on our Membership. These are not easy decisions and much consideration will be given to this task. I assure you one thing we will do is give you time to adjust your realities to better prepare you for any changes that will be made.”

The “Plan” was approved by the Secretary of Interior in accordance with applicable federal law.

Tribal Council At-Large Representative Michele Stanley has served on Council since 2003 and has heard many administrations’ discussions where they have long sought how to encourage Tribal youth to continue their education.

“Getting a basic high school education has always been a milestone in one's life,” Stanley said. “This amendment to the per capita plan makes this new requirement a very important step. As I mentioned at the community meeting, this requirement is a boost to encourage Tribal students on the importance of education. Adding this requirement has been considered for a few years and hearing that the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Youth Council supported the idea really helped to push the decision.”

Former Chief Kevin Chamberlain and his 1997 administration were the first to bring the question into a Council discussion.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that the future of our youth is strong and simply handing money over to them at such an early age gives them absolutely no incentive to do anything in life,” Chamberlain said. “From a leadership standpoint, where would that leave the Tribe in 20 years?  I commend Council on moving forward with the recommendation of the Tribal Members on this important Resolution.”

Tribal Education Director Melissa Montoya said the Education Department supports Tribal Council’s decision.

The Tribal Education Advisory Board commends the Youth Council for their strong voice in their hope for a secure Tribal Membership future, Montoya said.

“Historically, our ancestors fought to secure the educational rights of our people,” she said. “They had the foresight to take care of the next seven generations. We encourage all Tribal Members to strive for academic excellence through high school diploma or GED programs. Moreover, we do not want you to stop there. Our goal is to not only assist you in whatever degree of higher education you pursue but to also assist you in seeking out trades or vocational programs. Honor yourself, your family, your community, and your ancestors by striving for academic excellence.”

Colleen Green, Native American Programs director for Central Michigan University, serves on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College Board of Regents.  Green affirms although this might have come as a shock to those affected by the decision, she offers her opinion that Tribal Council is putting education first, as they have the best interest of their constituents at heart.

“Per capita payments may be considered a gift and it may not be available in the next 15 to 20 years, but an education is for a lifetime,” Green said. “A high school diploma or GED would also open avenues for students to pursue their associate degrees at the Tribal College. We, as a community, want to grow our young people into well-educated Tribal leaders.”

Tribal Elder Charmaine Shawana received her master’s degree in writing from Michigan State University and has served on several Council administrations.   As an editor of the SCIT Tribal history book “Diba Jimooyung – Telling Our Story”, she is aware of the value of continuing education.

“Making a high school diploma a requirement for per capita is a step in the right direction,” Shawana said. “For many years, Tribal youth have talked about turning 18 and mentioned how they would receive per cap and not have to continue school or go to work. Those days are gone and that thinking never helped our Tribe. We need these Tribal students working in all aspects of our Tribal operations and business interests. We need educated Anishinabe to lead our nation into the technological future and it will surely benefit all involved.”

The Council amendment to the per capita plan goes into effect on Dec. 31, 2015 and as any other amendment to per capita, it is subject to a U.S. Department of the Interior approval.