Anonymous email

I received this email from someone who prefers to remain Anonymous...

MB citizens are proud of their heritage but would prefer to stay low key. The aging Elders who were duped into joining the Sault Tribe, thirty years ago, always knew that they had treaty rights and that they were recognized by the federal government as a separate band, the Mackinac Band of Ottawa and Chippewa.

Believing that they would share in the government services, wealth and opportunities of the Sault Tribe, they allowed their numbers to be added, neglecting to safeguard their own identity and their own future. They never really organized. What was the sense? The Sault Tribe would provide the necessary services.

" After all, the Mac Band added thousands of natives to the rolls, demonstrating great need and qualified the Sault Tribe for grants and government services. There was only one problem. Most of the Mac Band lived beyond the Sault Tribe service area".

In more recent years, their participation in the Sault Tribe government was questioned by an elected Board member, who no doubt received votes from those very people he wanted to purge from the tribal rolls. Removing their voice from government all but eliminated their token identity. It became very clear that they could no longer depend on a future with the Sault Tribe. Now, they would have to make a decision about the Band's future. Who would lead? What laws would apply? How would we begin?

Several local chief wannabees struggled to establish an organized government. The Board of Directors became a revolving door. Power grabs and dirty tricks have kept the Band from achieving anything of substance. Volunteers have emerged and offered a glimpse of the future if only the Band could organize, unite and work for a common cause. Their efforts have been ignored by the ignorant and selfish. They have treaty rights. They could develop their own services and provide for their citizens. There are corporate interests that are ready to help them develop enterprises and create a job base. The opportunities are there.

There is no better way to honor those from the past as well as those in the future than by becoming self sufficient. Sharing their culture and building a legacy for their children's children is within their grasp. Maybe it will take some non-native help. Are they so proud not to want it, too proud for their own good, is it too much effort or just plain fear of change? Whatever the case, maybe it's time to move over and make room for those who are ready to cut through the B.S. and do the right thing for all members of the MB.