Attention all tribal member voters. The Election Commission is receiving some reports that ballots are not being timely delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). There are many factors that may result in a delayed ballot and the Election Commission understands the frustration of those who are reporting not receiving a ballot and takes this issue seriously. On May 15, 2024, the commission requested that an analysis be done to compare our voter registration list with the confirmed mailed ballots to see if there are any easily identifiable errors. The commission is also retrieving data from the USPS database called the “undeliverable” list. Any members appearing on this list have been flagged in the USPS system as an undeliverable address. As the data is analyzed, the commission will determine what adjustments can be made, both in the short term and for long-term solutions to remedy delayed ballots.

Thank you for your understanding and for your engagement with the Sault Tribe election process. You may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or concerns regarding the election process.

The Sault Tribe Board of Directors will be reviewing and discussing the attached draft Code of Ethics at its workshop on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in the Sault with a tentative start time of 3 p.m. Please note: all times on the agenda are estimates based on known information at the time the item is scheduled. The official agenda for the May 28 Board Workshop will be posted on Thursday, May 23, 2024. All workshops and meetings of the board held in Sault Ste. Marie are in the Whitefish Point Room at the Sault Casino. Tribal members are invited and encouraged to attend, in person or via Zoom, open session discussions; please note those items marked CLOSED as these are open only to the board of directors and applicable staff and other presenters.

Draft Code of Ethics

The Sault Tribe Board of Directors special meeting held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, has been recessed until Monday, May 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. The board of directors approved Resolution No. 2024-138, titled Authorizing Hearing Under Section 6.7 (b) of Sault Tribe Inc. Charter, said hearing will commence at 9 a.m. Monday. This meeting will be held in the Whitefish Point Room at the Sault Kewadin Casinos and will be open to the membership (noting that there may be moments that the board of directors will go into a closed session).

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting beginning 5 p.m. on May 21 at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, in person or via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/83640619761.

“Membership Participation” will be held at 5 p.m. in person or by virtual attendance. The link is available Sault Tribe website under membership assistance for the meeting link and Membership Form that must be completed. The deadline to submit a form is 1 p.m. on meeting day. The link is https://zoom.us/j/83640619761. Those who have already registered for Zoom meetings need not register again unless they have a matter for the board.

To attend the scheduled workshop, except for closed session or items, go to https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84149623333. Those who have already registered to Zoom Board of Directors meetings need not register for workshops.

On the agenda under Resolutions is: Buildings – Marquette Community Center Establish FY24 and FY25 Budgets, Buildings – Home Manistique Establish FY24 and FY25 Budgets, Cultural – Administration FY24 Budget Modification, Natural Resources – GLRI Coastal Wetland Management St. Mary’s Establish FY25 Budget, Health – Sault Optical/3rd Party FY24 Budget Modifications, Health – Sault Housekeeping/ Maintenance/3rd Party FY24 Budget Modifications, Health – Family Spirit/3rd Party FY24 Budget Modifications and Healthy Start Grant FY25 Budget Modification, Health – Sault Administration/3rd Party FY24 Budget Modifications, Legal-Tribal Attorney FY24 Budget Modification, Trust Land Ainsworth Addition Lots 4-8 Block 6, Trust Land Sugar Island Parcel A and B, Trust Land Sugar Island Wilwalk Cemetery, OHTE Award Contract McGahey Trailer Replacement #24-058, ARPA Funded Unit 1 OHTE Lease to Purchase Homes, Authorize Housing to Apply for US Department of Energy, SCEP Program, Authorizing Contracting Policy, Authorizing Resolution Information Sheet (RIS) Policy, Authorizing Signature Authority Approval Policy, Approve Application for USDA RUS Rural EConnectivity Program Grant, Approve Funding Request for Reconnect 5 Grant, Approve Contract Award for Grant Writing/Development for, USDA Reconnect 5, Award Contract/Establish Budget – Sault Tribe Compensation Study, Clarify Intent of Res. 2021-167 and Amend Res. 2021-195, Approval of Addendum Contract Blue Stone Strategy Group, Ninth Amendment to List of Key Employees, and Sale and Purchase of Building for Wellbriety.

Under New Business, the board will consider Member Preference in Employment, Unit 2 Trailer Information, and Board Concerns.

May 21 Meeting Resolutions

Written Decision of the Election Commission RE Elections Complaints from the May 15, 2024, Election Commission Meeting:
The attached written decision is being published per Tribal Code Ch. 10 pursuant to Section 10.121(2)(c) of the Election Ordinance.

CausleySmith.Election Complaint.Decision 5.16.24

Volunteers needed

The Sault Tribe Election Commission will be conducting the Primary Election on Thursday, May 23, 2024, beginning 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Kewadin Casinos in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. There will be no Zoom option for attendance; however, Sault Tribe Video Producer Joseph Street will be on site to livestream the event to Facebook. As always, tribal members are welcome to attend to watch the process in person and get live updates that way.

Tribal members and tribal employees who would like to volunteer to assist the Commission on Primary Election night with the opening of the ballots should contact Lona Stewart or Ashlee Mielke via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phone at 906‑635‑6050. Questions can be referred to Lona Stewart or Ashlee Mielke as well. Dinner will be provided for volunteers.