Tribal Observer Issue: June 1, 2004

Van Alstine named as CMU's director of Native American Programs

Matthew Van Alstine, an adjunct professor at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, has been named director of Native American programs at Central Michigan University.

His appointment is effective July 1. He replaces Lisa Tiger, who resigned in January.

Tribe to distribute $3.7 million during latest 2 percent allocation

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan disbursed $3.7 million to local governments, area schools and area municipalities during the semiannual 2 percent distribution.

Court to hear motion regarding recall lawsuit

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Court is expected to hear a motion on June 4 to dismiss a lawsuit concerning the recall of four Tribal Council members.

The motion, filed on May 13, alleged the court “lacks subject matter jurisdiction over the cause of action, that they are immune from this suit on the basis of sovereign immunity, that the plaintiff has not stated a cause of action that can support her requested relief and that in any event the Tribal defendants have acted reasonably and within the law.”