With state regulators approving a key set of permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5, the past few days have been difficult for Tribal communities and all those who value our Great Lakes. The amount of outreach and support opposing the industrialization of the Straits of Mackinac has been tremendous to see. People across the region are making their voices heard that they do not want to see this project continue or the permitting process expedited.

Following the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Department of Natural Resources’ approvals, the decision to continue permitting the project now falls on the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). While we are deeply disheartened by our state partners approving permits that put such a sacred area at risk, we ask our federal partners to please consult with Tribal nations before making further decisions.

Yesterday, the USACE Detroit District transitioned to new leadership. Lt. Col. Donald K. Lew is now the decision-maker for the USACE in the Upper Great Lakes. While we know that the USACE permit that Enbridge needs to proceed will be a department-wide decision, Lt. Col. Lew is now at the helm and will have a voice in that process. We understand that he may receive briefings on the issues, but those briefings do not replace direct consultation with Tribal nations.

We believe Lt. Col. Lew and the USACE will recognize the value of Tribal partnerships and Tribal treaty rights. The Straits of Mackinac have been a sacred area to Anishinaabe people since time immemorial. Industrializing this area will unearth and desecrate the bodies of our grandfathers, grandmothers, Ogemmag (leaders), and honored Ogichidaag (warriors), who have rested in peace since before colonization. It would be comparable to industrializing Arlington National Cemetery and placing an oil pipeline through it.

We urge Lt. Col. Lew to take the necessary time to meet with Tribes and fully grasp the issues affecting us rather than fast-track a decision. We understand that there are political ramifications at play, but constructing a tunnel underneath the Straits of Mackinac is not a political issue. It is an issue of doing what is right for the Great Lakes. It is about human rights. It is about Tribal treaty rights. Allowing a Canadian corporation to continue operating an oil pipeline that benefits Canadian citizens does not solve an American National Energy Emergency that experts agree may not exist.

We want Lt. Col. Lew and the USACE to understand the incredible level of concern surrounding this project and our fears of the irreparable damage that could permanently alter the Straits of Mackinac.

We welcome the new lieutenant colonel to the area. We trust that he proves to be a partner to the environment, Tribal nations, and all those that value the Great Lakes. The decision to issue permits to Enbridge should involve an open conversation with all those affected by this project. We encourage Lt. Col. Lew to step into his new role with an open mind and keep an open door to discussions with Tribal nations before making a decision on Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians stands in solidarity with fellow Tribal Nations following Michigan's approval of a key set of permits for Enbridge's proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

The Sault Tribe will continue supporting the Bay Mills Indian Community, alongside Earthjustice, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), and Tribal Nations across Michigan as they oppose the tunnel project before the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other authorities.

“Today’s decision by the State of Michigan is incredibly disheartening and fails Tribal communities and all those that value our Great Lakes. Since time immemorial, the Straits of Mackinac have been sacred to Tribal Nations across the region. The Sault Tribe, along with our partners, is deeply disappointed by EGLE and the DNR’s decisions to approve permits for Enbridge,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “The Straits, and all the Great Lakes, deserve the highest level of protection from the State of Michigan. The decision to allow Enbridge to industrialize this sacred place demonstrates a disregard for our environment, our treaty rights, and Tribal sovereignty.”

Enbridge’s plan would transform the Straits of Mackinac into an industrial construction zone for at least six years, destroying views, displacing endangered wildlife, and interrupting tourism dollars. Experts warn that running a hazardous liquids pipeline through a confined underground tunnel is dangerous and untested.

In June, Enbridge released drilling fluid into a prized Wisconsin wetland while constructing a separate section of Line 5 that’s being challenged by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental groups. The company is responsible for spilling more than one million gallons into the Kalamazoo River in 2010.

“The Straits of Mackinac are not a piece of Enbridge oil infrastructure; they are the heart of creation for Anishinaabe people and a vital source of life for all who depend on the Great Lakes,” said NARF Managing Attorney David Gover. “We will pursue every legal avenue to defend treaty rights, protect drinking water, and preserve tribal lifeways from another Enbridge disaster.”

In the coming weeks, Michigan’s Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to overturn a separate state permit for the tunnel in a challenge brought by four Tribal Nations, including Bay Mills, and two environmental groups. Enbridge cannot begin construction until it has secured further needed permits from state agencies and from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

“Our environmental laws, the looming climate crisis, and simple common sense tells us that an oil pipeline doesn’t belong in the Great Lakes,” said Earthjustice Managing Attorney Debbie Chizewer. “Today’s decision is a setback, but we’re not giving up. A future without oil in the Great Lakes is still possible.”

“While today’s decision from state regulators represents a setback in our opposition to Enbridge’s Line 5, we are not giving up hope that we can overcome this decision and continue to protect the Great Lakes,” added Sault Tribe Chairman Lowes. “Throughout this process, we have been proud of our allies from across the region. Bay Mills Indian Community has shown tremendous leadership in opposing Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel, and we are proud to stand alongside them. The Sault Tribe will continue to stand alongside our neighbors and Tribal Nations across the region to protect the Straits for future generations.” 

Big Bear Arena will be closed for the rest of today, July 16 and tomorrow, July 17, due to poor air quality. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will update you with more information as information becomes available.

The Sault Tribe Enterprise Authority meeting agenda for July 21 2026, is the following:
06.16.26 Minutes
R-Odenaang, Riverside and Cap Ex. Establishment of FY26 Budget and Budget Mods

The meeting is being held at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel at 111 North Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933, beginning at 11:45 a.m. (or upon conclusion of EA Workshop).

Tribal members may attend the workshop except for closed sessions or items, or attend by Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84149623333. Those who have already registered to Zoom Board of Directors meetings need not register for workshops.

Agenda

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting at 4 p.m. on July 21 at DoubleTree Hilton Hotel at 111 North Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933, in person or via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/83640619761.

“Membership Participation” will be held at 4 p.m. in person or by virtual attendance. The link is available at the Sault Tribe website saulttribe.com 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:
ACFS CCDF 2805 FY26 Budget Modification
NRD Nunn's Creek Fisheries FY26 Budget Mod
NRD Aquaculture Pond Improvement FY26 Budget
Language and Culture GLITEC FY26 Budget
Telecommunications Cap Ex FY26 Budget Mod
Audit Committee Appointments
Tax Commission Appointments
Health PHEP 2026 Acceptance
Residential Land Lease Modification Germain
Residential Land Lease Fox
Residential Land Lease Willis
Authorizing Litigation to Protect Tribal Interests
Authorizing Cooperative Litigation Agreement
Unleashing Tribal Energy Development Grant
33 Year Promise to Establish JKL High School
Authorizing Health Division Eligibility Change
Negotiate and Accept Donation Lone Susan Island

Under New Business, the board will consider Committee Appointments/Resignation and Board Concerns.

Resolutions 

The Unit III Board of Directors Unit meeting is cancelled for July 20 as they will be in Lansing.