Homecoming community meeting 2026 agenda: Annual gathering held July 23

Natalie Shattuck, Editor

As Saginaw Chippewa Powwow week was in full force, the annual homecoming community meeting was held Thursday, July 23 in the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Entertainment Hall at 10 a.m. 

Grand entry began with introductions by Public Relations Director Erik Rodriguez, and Blue House Singers on the drum as Anishinabe Ogitchedaw Veterans and Warriors Society carried in the flags.  

Tribal Chaplain Jennifer Wassegijig provided the invocation and requested a moment of silence. 

After breakfast, welcoming remarks were provided by Chief Luke Sprague, Sub-Chief Craig Graveratte and Sgt.-at-Arms Frank Cloutier.

Next, Tribal Elder Joseph Sowmick provided a cultural teaching entitled “Wiiji-daandiwag: We Live Together.” 
Youth Council representatives then shared their experience as they reflected on their Unity conference trip and provided updates.

SCIT departmental updates were provided by: Tribal Clerk Shawn Kimewan discussing demographics and Tribal IDs, Soaring Eagle CEO Joe Nayquonabe Jr., Migizi CEO Matt Felan, Bakinaw Project Management Assistant Joseph Fisher II, and Tribal Council Treasurer Alice Jo Ricketts.

The meeting concluded with 50/50 and raffle drawings, and a travel song provided by Blue House Singers.

The video of the meeting is available in its entirety in the Tribal Members-only section of sagchip.org.