Tribal leaders advance program goals on Capitol Hill

Observer Staff

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Tribal Council leaders recently met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to explain the Tribe's new social and transportation infrastructure goals for increased traffic safety and tourism in mid-Michigan.

Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr., Sub-Chief Robert Pego Sr., District 1 Tribal Council Representatives Steve Pego and Milton Pelcher advocated for new program proposals that will enhance the quality of life for Tribal members. Tribal Legislative Affairs Director Dr. Chris Petras was also in attendance.

Chief Kahgegab met with Congressmen Jim Saxton and Chris John, Sens. George Allen, Jim Inhofe, Tom Harkin, Gordon Smith, Harry Reid and Patty Murray to discuss rural road issues with an emphasis on completing a final segment of U.S.-127.

Sub-Chief Pego and Councilman Pego met with U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and discussed Tribal workforce programs and issues impacting Tribal employment.

Pelcher discussed language and culture preservation, creating housing opportunities for Tribal members and safe, accessible roadways. He met with Congressman Chip Pickering, as well as staffs from the Transportation Committee U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council, along with the team efforts of Tribal Legislative Affairs and the Washington, D.C. consulting firm of Greenberg Traurig, have created a new and positive government to government relationship for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan with the federal government.