Family unity accented at cultural gathering

Chief Maynard Kahgegab

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Aanii fellow Tribal members and interested readers:

I am proud to extend an invitation to attend the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's annual powwow from Aug. 1-3. "All My Relations" is the theme for the 19th Annual Little Elk's Retreat Powwow at the Saginaw Chippewa Campgrounds. We are pleased to have the finest Native American dancers and drummers from across Indian Country come here.

The powwow is a time for celebrating and having families reunite on the Isabella Reservation. Over the past several years I have noticed more Tribal members coming home during the powwow, which is very encouraging to see. The success of any community lies within the strength of its families. It has been an on-going philosophy of this administration to support members as we relate to the many Tribal business endeavors.

There are about three dozen summer youth corps workers currently placed in various departments at the Tribal Center and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. We hope they continue to make a difference on a daily basis by choosing to stay connected to the Tribe through future employment as adults.

Tribal Council has been very busy implementing new Tribal program initiatives. I was recently accompanied by Sub-Chief Robert Pego, Sr., as well as Councilmen Milton "Beaver" Pelcher and Steve Pego, in Washington, D.C. to advocate new program improvements on behalf of Tribal Council. These include Tribal water and sewer enhancements, road improvements, plus advanced health care for Tribal members. Building a strong and effective community infrastructure for our members is a top priority for Tribal Council. We are also reviewing and evaluating potential new enterprise development opportunities that will boost our economic base, create more jobs for the mid-Michigan economy, and increase the standard of living and quality of life for the Tribal community.

While Tribal Council has proactively advocated new proposals for our community in the nation's capitol, council has also hosted several visits by members of Congress to the Isabella Reservation. Congressman Chris John of Louisiana recently visited the Isabella Reservation to learn more about our successes and discuss social and economic issues affecting Native Americans. By proactively advocating our program initiatives and educating in Washington, D.C. and here on the reservation, Tribal Council has established a new and positive government-to-government relationship with federal officials.

Each year, members of the U.S. Congress and Senate introduce legislation that attempt to shape our governing and operational outcomes. Legislation follows a very complicated and difficult path. It is important that the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe is at the forefront of building positive relations on Capitol Hill in order to secure a higher standard of living for Tribal members. Our legislative team is constantly tracking legislation and advocating for the Tribe to achieve positive outcomes for our people.

Tribal member support for the new program initiatives has been tremendous. Working together we have charted a new and positive direction. To learn more about our Tribal government activities, please visit our government Web site at www.sagchip.org.

Miigwetch,

Chief Maynard Kahgegab, Jr.