Cantu named chief of Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Scott Csernyik

1/11/2006 12:00:00 AM

Federico "Fred" Cantu Jr. was named by acclamation as the new chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.

Cantu, a 36-year-old District 1 representative, said he was surprised at the Dec. 29 decision and equally humbled.

"It is a big honor to have the Tribal Council invest all of their faith in me," he stated.

District 1 Tribal Council Representative Diana Quigno-Grundahl nominated Cantu to the position, which was supported by District 3 (At-Large) Representative Michele Stanley. District 1 Representative Timothy "Tim" Davis then motioned to close nominations, which was seconded by District 1 Representative Lorna Call.

Before Cantu's naming, outgoing Chief Audrey Falcon told the group of about three dozen who attended the meeting that holding the position was an experience she'd never forget. Obviously choken with emotion, Falcon thanked everyone for her "support, love and letters."

In other action:

-Davis edged out District 1 Representative Bernard "Bernie" Sprague for sub-chief, 6-5. Stanley nominated Sprague, which was supported by District 1 Representative Ruth Moses. Quigno-Grundahl nominated Davis, which was seconded by Call. Moses then motioned to close nominations, with Falcon supporting.

-Falcon earned the position of treasurer after defeating Call, 7-4. Quigno-Grundahl nominated Call and Davis seconded. Stanley then nominated Falcon, which was supported by Moses.

-The office of secretary saw a three-way race won by Stanley, 6-2-3. Moses first nominated Stanley with Falcon supporting; Call then nominated Quigno-Grundahl which was seconded by Davis; District 1 Representative Adelaide Davis then nominated Call, which was supported by District 1 Representative Delmar Jackson Sr.

-District 1 Representative Brent Jackson retained his title of sergeant-at-arms, 8-3. Jackson was nominated to the position by Moses, with support from Sprague. Tim Davis then nominated District 2 (Saganing) Representative Ronald "Ron" Nelson, with a second by Call.

-Call is chaplain for the Tribal Council, 7-3-1 (spoiled, ballot for Moses). Quigno-Grundahl first nominated Moses, who declined the nomination. Moses then nominated Call, which was supported by Davis. Quigno-Grundahl is nominated by Falcon, with support coming from Stanley.

Of the 12 seats on Tribal Council, 10 belong to District 1, with the remaining two to Districts 2 and 3. The Tribe's chief only votes in case of a tie.

In an election profile featured in the Tribal Observer on Nov. 1 before the general election, Cantu pledged he could make a difference on Tribal Council because he would represent the Tribe as a whole.

"I will represent our Tribe-not just any particular group or myself, but our Tribe as a whole-with honesty and integrity," he stated. "I will ensure that our Tribe's future is stable by carefully monitoring our current assets and by supporting sound business opportunities, beyond the gaming industry.

Cantu has been employed by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for about 16 years, including both the gaming side of the business as a finance director and on the government end as fire chief. He was appointed to Tribal Council by a Dec. 6, 2004 motion after finishing second in a special election on Nov. 5, 2004.