Introducing The Tribal Observer and Public Relations Staff
The Tribal Observer - Observer@sagchip.org
Frank Cloutier, Public Relations Manager FCloutier@sagchip.org
Public Relations Manager, Frank Cloutier, has a varied educational background, attending bothDelta College and Wayne State University studying Business Administration. Frank has been with the Public Relations Department for many years and has had several years of experience with the Tribethrough other positions including serving as the Tribal Gaming Commission Chairperson in the past.Frank is a certified Culinary Scratch Baker with several years of small business experience. He is an avid boater and loves to snowmobile and fish. Originally from Pinconning, Michigan, he has taken residence there and has every intention of staying. In addition, Frank has sixteen living siblings. “My parents had 18 children total and we enjoy a very large extended family.” Recently, Frank received the honor of being appointed to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth in Michigan. Frank hopes to represent the Tribal Community to the best of his ability while nurturing the native voice in Lansing. “We all have a responsibility to become involved within our Community. I have every intention of staying involved and making a positive difference during what looks to be very trying times in the near future".
Vanyork Shawboose Tribal Observer Photo Journalist/Web Developer VShawboose@sagchip.org
The New Year brings many changes and with that, a new addition to the staff of the Tribal Observer.
Vanyork Shawboose recently joined the Tribal Observer Staff in November when he was hired on
as a temporary photo journalist. On December 17th Vanyork was offered a full time position with the
newspaper.Vanyork is an aspiring local artist who enjoys painting, drawing and photography. Van has lived in the Mt. Pleasant area for the last fourteen years. He and his wife Amy and their four children, Scott,Nick, Angelia and Allyssa, enjoy the friendliness of the community.Van is currently attending Mid Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal College pursuing an Associates Degree. In the future Van would like to open his own photo and art studio, ideally in the Mt. Pleasant area. “It has been wonderful experience to work for our community and to help the Tribal Observer in its time of need.”
Jacob Vanhorn Tribal Observer Graphic Artist/Layout Designer JVanHorn@sagchip.org
Jacob Vanhorn serves as the Tribal Observer’s Graphic Artist and Layout Designer. Jacob is currently a Senior at Central Michigan University pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a minor
in Media Design focusing on Graphic Design. Originally from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Jacob began
his career with the Observer in June of 2008, when he transferred to the Department after working for several years at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Inventory Control. Jacob has one sister who is an avid artist, a loving mother and a father who works as a supervisor in the IT Support Services department at the Tribe. Jacob enjoys artistic design, helping friends and offering support. He takes pleasure in shooting all
forms of photography and one day hopes to have a family and a successful career in the field of technology and media design. Jacob’s goal for the New Year is to make every day brighter than the last. “Working with the Tribe has been a great experience and I appreciate having the job of putting the Tribal Observer together everyday,” states Vanhorn.
Marion Williams Tribal Observer Administrative Assistant mwilliams@sagchip.org
Marion Williams is a lifelong resident of the Isabella Reservation, with a long history of working
for the tribe, elders, family and loving her culture. She has been on staff of the Observer since July 2008,
and transferred in from the Table Games department where she worked as a Pit boss. Marion’s goal for the New Year is to continue walking the red road, and to continue correcting herself when negativity arises, and turn it all to a positive. She also hopes to learn 1,000 new words in Anishinaabe Mowin.
Rest assured Marion’s life is full of family, friends and complete joy at most times. “I feel truly blessed
to have all of these wonderful people in my life. A quote that holds very true to my heart is: ‘Life is very
short, so live today like it is your last!’ Honoring your loved ones present and past, will give you a great
sense of spiritual well being, and when you acknowledge the Creator, you will surely live a blessed and
honorable life! God bless you all throughout the New Year. Nahow!”
Jill Schumacher Public Relations Executive Assistant
Jill Schumacher joined the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Public Relations team in early July. Her background includes working with Special Olympics Michigan as the Director of Development and Events, acting as Corporate Events Director for the American Heart Association, and experience as the Team MS/Corporate Partnership Manager for theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society. A native of Mt. Pleasant, Jill grew up learning about the Native American culture that is so important to the Mount Pleasant community. “I had the opportunity to meet Chief Sowmick and his lovely wife Margaret while I was in high school. Little did I know then that I would have the privilege of working for an organization that the Sowmick’s helped tobuild and loved so dearly,” Schumacher said. After many years working outside the Mount Pleasant area, Schumacher is happy to once again call Mt. Pleasant home. She and her fiancé, Matthew Irving, currently reside in Mt. Pleasant and are planning an April 2009 wedding. “I am very privileged and honored to be working for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and look forward to working with the Public Relations Department and Director, Joseph Sowmick, to continue the vision that his parents wereso deeply committed to.”
Jenny Meyer, CMU Intern
Jenny Meyer is the new public relations and Tribal Observer intern. She is finishing her Bachelor’s
Degree in integrative public relations this semester at Central Michigan University.
In Jenny’s spare time she enjoys baking desserts and working out, which in her opinion are two completelycontradictory hobbies. This summer she is planning on running her first 5K, so she asks if you
see her jogging along, give her an encouraging holler. Jenny used to be a ballerina, but according to her
two left feet, she stopped dancing a few years ago. After class and work, Jenny likes to come home and
curl up on her sofa with a good book. Jenny welcomes visitors to come down into Tribal Observer office at any time and visit her. She loves to meet new people listen to their stories.
Interested in placing an ad in the Tribal Observer
Ed Zebrowski/V.P. & General manager Media Image Inc.
mediaimage@winntel.net
989-953-4000 ( office)
888-613-3109 (fax)
989-560-2488 (cell)
