For Immediate Release - June 2, 2007

6650 E. Broadway • Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: 989-775-4750 • Fax: 989-775-4770
Hours Of Operation

Contact:
Stefanie Dombrowski sdombrowski@sagchip.org
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways
Phone 989.775.4744 • Fax 989.775.4770
6650 E. Broadway • Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

For Immediate Release

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways held its third annual Bike Blessing & Rez Ride on Saturday, June 2. The Ziibiwing Center is a non-profit cultural center and museum belonging to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, who also own Michigan's only four diamond establishment, the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. One of the goals for the Bike Blessing & Rez Ride was to raise awareness and support for disabled veterans. This year's Exclusive Sponsor was Charles Schwab, a leading provider of financial services for individual investors.

A traditional American Indian blessing and smudging was offered to over 95 participants before the Rez Ride commenced. In 1855 the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe negotiated a treaty with the United States government; the Rez Ride followed the original treaty boundary through six townships of Isabella County.

Conformed Chaos, a motorcycle stunt-riding team from Texas, dazzled and thrilled a captivated audience. Hundreds enjoyed the vendor market and live music. The two bands who provided the rhythms were Tequila Roze from Edmore and the TNT Blues Band from Saginaw. For the first time this year, a Blanket Dog Eating Contest was a part of the festivities. William Wilson from Mount Pleasant, MI was crowned the winner by eating nine blanket dogs in fifteen minutes.

The event concluded with the drawing for a shimmering pewter pearl 2007 Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy motorcycle. Hundreds waited in anticipation for the winning ticket to be read. The proud owner of the ticket and
Harley-Davidson was Joleen Wemigwans from Mount Pleasant, MI.

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