Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council sworn into office

Scott Csernyik

12/12/1999 12:00:00 AM

Saginaw Chippewa officials are ready to lead their Nation into the next millennium after they were sworn into office on Dec. 7 at Tribal Operations.

"This has been a long time coming," stated Chief Judge Patrick Shannon at the onset of administering the oath of office to the 12 members of Tribal Council.

Shannon then opened the floor for nominations for Tribal chief, which included Phil Peters Sr. and David Otto. William Federico declined being nominated for the position. After a short time deliberating, Phil Peters Sr. was chosen to lead the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for the next two years.

"We are ready to lead the people of this Tribe into the new millennium and work with the other leaders of this community into the future."

Peters then solicited nominations for sub-chief, which included John Hart and Otto. By a 7-4 margin, Council members chose Hart. The chief only votes in case of a tie.

District 1 representative Jeanette Leaureaux was chosen as Executive Council Secretary over Maynard Kahgegab Jr. by a 7-4 margin.

"You'll have to bear with us, this hasn't happened in awhile," Peters explained to the packed room as the Tribal leaders journeyed through the selection process for the specified duties.

The swearing-in ceremony was the result of the first validated constitutional election in three years. The Dec. 7 ceremony was the end result of the Saginaw Chippewa Nation conducting a primary election on Oct. 13 and a Nov. 2 general election.

The Tribal treasurer slot was garnered by District 3 representative Ronald Jackson. Also nominated for the position were Otto and Maynard Kahgegab Jr. Jackson received seven votes, while Otto and Kahgegab each received two.

Council members chose Ronald J. Jackson over Delmar Jackson Sr. for sergeant-at-arms by a 7-4 vote. Maynard Kahgegab Jr. declined the nomination for the position. They also unanimously elected Sue Durfee as chaplain.

The remaining members of Tribal Council for District 1 include Federico, Otto, Kahgegab, Delmar Jackson Sr. and Ruth Moses. Arlene Molina represents District 3 (Saganing).