Press Release: SCIT Executive Tribal Council
12/2/2025 4:03:00 PM - Public Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 2, 2025 

CONTACT:  Erik Rodriguez, Interim Public Relations Director

                       Call 989-775-4059 with any questions.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council Elect was sworn into office today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the December Regular Session Council Meeting. The meeting was held in the entertainment hall inside The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. Tribal Court Chief Judge, Michelle Horn administered the Oath of Office to the Council Elect and then opened the floor for nominations for Tribal Chief. Luke Sprague was voted in and will serve as the newly elected Chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for the 2025-2027 term.

Tribal Chief, Luke Sprague shares, “As we enter this term, we understand the impacts that our previous councils have made in the growth of our community. They have provided the foundations that allow us to remain successful throughout Michigan. We will look at continuing their vison and want to thank them for all they have contributed. We also look forward to the continued collaboration with our teams internally and will continue to prioritize the efforts of our community partners.”

Nominations then opened up with secret ballots being cast with the following Council Members selected for the remaining Executive Council positions: Sub-Chief, Craig Graveratte, Secretary, Christina Otto and Treasurer, Alice Jo Ricketts. Please see the attached results sheet for a breakdown of the executive positions.

Frank Cloutier (District III Representative) was elected to serve as the Sergeant-At-Arms and Jennifer Wassegijig will serve as Tribal Chaplain. Brad Bennett, Tim J. Davis, Ronald F. Ekdahl, Shirley Houle (District II Representative), Mary Quigno and Gayle Ruhl are the other elected Tribal Council members that will serve alongside the newly seated Executive Council.  

Please contact Erik Rodriguez, Interim Public Relations Director at (989) 775-4059 or at erodriguez@sagchip.org for further information on the announcement.   

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