D. C. trip proves to be enlightening

Scott Csernyik

6/27/2002 12:00:00 AM

To help foster a better understanding of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's presence on Capitol Hill, several members recently accompanied Tribal Council representatives for a one-day trip to Washington, D.C.

The group, which included youth and Elders, visited with Congressman Dave Camp, R-Midland, toured the Capitol Building and attended the President's Dinner on June 19 at the Washington Convention Center.

The black-tie affair served as a fund-raiser for the National Republican Committee and was attended by President George W. Bush.

"He talked about the war on terrorism," stated Joelle Peters, 16. "He also discussed issues related to the Republican Party, as well as topics like education."

Tribal Council representation on the trip included Sub-Chief David Otto, District 1 representatives Tim Davis and Executive Counil Secretary Robert Pego Sr., plus Legislative Assistant Kim Sawmick. They were joined by Jackie Pego, Myron Cloutier, David Perez, Ryan Chippewa, Chase Stevens, Ellie Mitchell, Norman Fowler, Lorna Call, Ron Douglas, Dan Flynn Jr., Robert Pego Jr., Joelle Peters, Sara DeGase, Cecilia Jackson and Donulus Otto.

"We wanted to get the youth and Elders to understand the Tribe's role as a political entity and to be a Tribe that is a leader fulfilling its own destiny," stated Sub-Chief David Otto. "Our presence in Washington, D.C. needs to be maintained. There's also many benefits in having Congressman Camp maintain a proactive relationship with the Tribe. The whole idea of the trip was to let the members see the big picture, and more importantly, be a part of the big picture."

Perez said the trip enlightened him on the political process.

"It was an opportunity to see how politics work," he explained. "It's something you can only wonder about until you're actually there. I think it's important that the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe is more than just a name."

Chippewa, who served as sub-chief of the SCHOLAR UNITY group at Oasis High School, also said he thought it was very important "that the Tribe has and is continuing to have a standing part in the political community."

"Our Tribe is making a strong stand by being involved," he explained. "It is in my hopes that our Tribe will be a leader and set an example for other Tribes to follow. The more involvement from various Tribes will pay off and not only make a statement, but be a big difference in the way Native nations are handled."

Stevens said he believed it's important to get Native American voices heard. The 18-year-old graduate of Shepherd High School served as president of the Shepherd UNITY group.

"Our Tribal Council represents us as a Tribe when they go to Washington, D.C.," he explained. "It's important to let the politicians know what's going on."