Tribal Observer Issue: February 15, 2005

Breast Cancer Program receives funding for fifth year

For the fifth consecutive year, a $50,000 one-year grant has been awarded to the Michigan Inter-Tribal Council by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund. The program’s goal is to increase awareness on the lifesaving benefits of breast cancer early detection.

Tribal Ops employees honored during banquet

While being employed by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for about 21 years, Gail George said she’s put the best interests of the people first.

She was one of about 150 employees honored for varying degrees of service of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years during the Seventh Annual Tribal Operations Employee Appreciation Banquet on Feb. 12 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.

Business diversification key for future success of Tribe

I appreciate all the support from the Tribal membership as we worked together and faced many challenges since our Council administration took office on Dec. 2, 2003.

To address these challenges, our administration stood by our mission “to provide the Tribal membership a government where open communication is valued and our cultural traditions of honor for one another is demonstrated through the Seven Teachings of our Grandfathers—Honesty, Truth, Wisdom, Bravery, Love, Respect and Humility.

For this year’s State of the Tribe address, I humbly ask for your attention as we review these teachings and explain how our Tribal administration has strived to honor the teachings of our Grandfathers.

National ordination strengthens spiritual intentions

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member Donulus A. Otto recently became an ordained minister of the Native American Church of the Morning Star.

Otto, who is also Weekaun of the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veteran & Warriors Society has been learning, practicing and sharing traditional teachings for several decades. Through his many travels, the Pipe Carrier has collected stories and adopted beliefs that have spiritually impacted him.