Tribal Observer Issue: January 15, 2006

Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways

Coming back to Ziibiwing has been interesting, to say the least. Some would say, it’s a dream come true, because when I left, the Ziibiwing offices were in the old Ervin farmhouse located behind the Tribal Police Department.

Bush re-election campaign giving $2,000 Saginaw Chippewa contribution to charity

WASHINGTON (AP) —Republican officials said President Bush’s re-election campaign was donating to charity a $2,000 campaign contribution by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan following a plea agreement by lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Abramoff, who represented the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, agreed to tell investigators about alleged bribes to lawmakers and their aides in a wide-ranging probe.

Tribal chief replies to court proceedings

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Chief Fred Cantu Jr. recently responded to the guilty plea of lobbyist Jack Abramoff to federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty recently to federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud, agreeing to cooperate in an influence-peddling investigation that threatens powerful members of Congress.

Abramoff’s excesses expose underside of Washington dealmaking

WASHINGTON (AP)—A luxury skybox for sports fans in Congress. A dinner party that raises thousands of dollars for a political candidate. Helpful suggestions on how the guest of honor might phrase a letter to the president or a Cabinet secretary.

Taxability on income derived within Indian Country

Any individual who is a Michigan resident and has income from state resources is required to file a Michigan income tax return in accordance with MCL 206.315 (1).

This provision requires every person who is required to file a return under the Internal Revenue Code to file a return under the Michigan Income Tax Act if his or her adjusted gross income is in excess of the personal exemptions allowed under the act.

On behalf of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your support of our administration over the last two years.

Job placement specialist helps Native Americans find employment with Tribe

My name is Tonia Leaureaux and I recently began my new position as the Native American job placement specialist for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.

This is a new position that was created to assist Native Americans in finding a job at either Tribal Operations or the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The Tribe does provide preference in hiring, but it still can be difficult to find a job within the organization, so I am here to assist and answer any questions.

Tribe’s annual State of the Tribe address set for Jan. 29

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Chief Fred Cantu Jr. is expected to deliver the State of the Tribe address during the Jan. 29 community meeting at the Soaring Eagle Entertainment Hall.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for Tribal Clerk verification and to receive a door prize ticket. Information booths to include: Tribal Clerk, Per Capita Office, Gaming Commission, At-Large, Elders Program, Human Resources and Public Relations. These booths will be staffed by Saginaw Chippewa Tribal members only.

Cantu named chief of Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Federico “Fred” Cantu Jr. was named by acclamation as the new chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.

Cantu, a 36-year-old District 1 representative, said he was surprised at the Dec. 29 decision and equally humbled.

“It is a big honor to have the Tribal Council invest all of their faith in me,” he stated.