Tribal Observer Issue: May 15, 2005
(Editor’s note: The following information was wrote by Chief Little Elk, also known as Eli Thomas, on July 3, 1975 as a “how-to get by in Indian Country” pamphlet prepared for visitors, guests and friends. It was brought to the attention of the Tribal Observer by his granddaughter, Brenda (Chamberlain) Champlin. Chief Little Elk carried with him a vast knowledge of traditional, spiritual and medicinal practices. He died at the age of 92, shortly after attending the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe’s sixth annual powwow in 1990. Chief Little Elk was selected as Michigan’s “Senior Citizen of the Year for Service” in 1975 and was presented the award during the Michigan State Fair in Detroit.)
After several years of careful deliberation and contract negotiations, the Tribal Council recently approved a change in the way trash is to be collected and handled in the Tribal community.
Saginaw Chippewa employee Jeanette Leaureaux couldn’t contain her excitement during the final few hours of her employment before retiring at noon on May 11.
“Chowin’. The countdown has begun, ” the longtime Tribal Operations receptionist/mail clerk said in anticipation of a potluck luncheon in her honor.
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Elder notched 28 years of service on the Isabella Reservation. Jeanette also served as a District 1 representative on Tribal Council for several administrations.