SAULT TRIBE…REACHING THE FINAL COUNTDOWN?

By Lynne Weaver

Have you ever had the feeling that eminent doom is just around the corner? Just out of the blue, a thought crosses your mind that you should be on guard for something bad to happen but there isn’t a shred of evidence to verify those feelings. Occasionally those feelings are likely the result of certain circumstances such as your child leaving for college or a parent suddenly not feeling well. Certainly the state of the economy has a lot of people clinging to their sanity, jobs and bank accounts. But there seems to be something more going on with the Sault Tribe then what the members are aware of.

Curiously, some long time employees at the top of the heap seem to heading out of Dodge. They aren’t exactly being public about it but gossip in northern Michigan’s small towns travels fast. Not wanting to jeopardize anyone’s job by supplying the public with detailed information takes precedence over being the first to relay the rumors so subtle hints are the best I can do. Some of the top guns are seeking employment far from the sinking Sault Tribe including at least one higher up on the tribal gaming commission. Those who have never had to worry about their position with the tribe are talking about early retirement while others are planning to put their homes on the market.

As the Sault Tribe leaders were faced with the truth that they were headed for financial disaster, threats of disenrollment, loss of benefits and voting privileges for descendents of the Mackinac Bands made by at least one Sault Tribe board director and several members of the Sault Tribe, began to circulate.

The biggest indicator of all is the sudden interest in the Mackinac Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Not only are Sault Tribe members inquiring about the status of the MB’s affirmation of federal acknowledgement but past and present leaders and business associates of the Sault Tribe seem to be leaning toward the MB. One group of Mackinac Band members (myself included) who are working towards the development of a plan for economic stability for our expanding community, understand that wind energy and other renewable resources are quickly becoming the fastest growing global industry with the promise of good paying, long-term job opportunities. Our active interest in this field is attracting investors, grant writers and attorneys who are treading lightly in the direction of the Mackinac Bands.

Now, with what appears to be a flight for safety from the jaws of the Sault Tribe’s financial problems, it may be the Mackinac Bands that eventually provides safe haven for those who have long awaited independence from the Sault Tribe. In any case, we can get this done a lot faster with a little more help and the doors are open wide for those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.
Call or email me: lynne.mackbands@yahoo.com 906-440-7099