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Draft Constitutional Amendments

Pursuant to Tribal Resolution 2026-01 the Tribal Board of Directors and the Legal Department are posting the draft constitutional amendments (both in redline and a clean version) along with an executive summary and an initial fiscal impact statement. The tribe welcomes feedback from its citizens. Feedback from tribal citizens will be collected throughout the remainder of the process and can be sent to constitution@saulttribe.net. Please include your full name and your enrollment number so we can verify your citizenship and ensure that your feedback is properly logged to be sent to the board under the timelines in Tribal Resolution 2026-01.

CLEAN 3 Branch Separation Amendments for Public Release

REDLINE 3 Branch Separation Amendments for Public Release

Constitution Amendments Executive Summary

Initial Fiscal Impact Statement 3 Branch Government


 

The Board of Directors voted at its meeting on April 7, 2026, to terminate the employment agreement with Tribal Court Chief Judge Charles Palmer, effective immediately.

This decision was the result of unacceptable conduct from the bench and a series of court decisions that were contrary to the tribe’s sovereignty and could have diminished the tribe’s ability to properly defend its sovereign status going forward. The board determined that this conduct was in violation of the employment agreement entered between the tribe and Judge Palmer.

The board authorized the tribal chairman to execute necessary contracts, subject to board review, to find judges to handle the Tribal Court cases while they initiate a search for a new chief judge. The Board of Directors staff will work with Tribal Court staff to ensure there is as limited disruption to court services as possible.

Board Statement April 8, 2026

Feeding America West Michigan drive-thru mobile pantry, Thursday, April 9, at the Big Bear Arena, 2 Ice Circle Drive in Sault Ste. Marie. Distribution will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. or until all food has been given out.

Mobile Pantries are like farmers markets on wheels that provide groceries – including produce, protein, dairy, grains, and more – to anyone in need at no charge.

When coming to the distribution, turn onto Bahweting Drive (off of Shunk Road). Do not block driveways.

In order to pick up food for a household other than your own, you must have written permission with signature that includes: household name and address, how many people live in the household, how many are children, how many are senior citizens/elders and how many are veterans. Limit of two proxy pickups per vehicle for distribution.

To volunteer, email Elaine Clement at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Volunteers should start arriving at the Big Bear entrance at 2:30 p.m.

To find food resources near you visit https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/.

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In recognition of sexual assault awareness month, everyone is invited to attend this free live crafting event. Gather with ARC for hands on crafts, educational exhibits, resource information and more Thursday, April 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 11 Ice Circle-Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building in Sault Ste. Marie. Light snacks provided!

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Community Canoe Build with Ron Paquin, Adam Avery and Josh Homminga April 16, 1-4 p.m. and April 17‑18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Enji Maawanji' Iding, 399 McCann Street in St. Ignace, Mich.

This canoe will be a central part of the new Heart of the Great Turtle Island exhibit in Straits State Park.

For questions, contact Caden Colegrove at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 906‑379‑8820.

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Returning of the Thunders PowwowSault Tribe Youth Education and Activities invites you to Returning of the Thunders Rudyard area Schools second annual Traditional Jingtamook Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1-3 p.m., Rudyard Harris Kahl Gymnasium, 11185 W. 2nd St., Rudyard, Mich.

Head Staff
Head Veteran: Nick VanAlstine
Arena Director: Brock Lewis
Spiritual Advisor: Cecil Pavlat
Emcee: Joe Medicine
Host Drum: TBA
Head Male Dancer: TBA
Head Female Dancer: Melissa Causley
Head Junior Boys Dancer: Kayden Gentry
Head Female Dancer: Poppy Solomon

All visitors must register at the high school office.

For more information, please contact: Jackie Minton at 906‑440‑1870, or Miriam Clark or Julie Perry at 906‑379‑7341.

Sponsored by Unit 1 & 2 Board of Directors and Sault Tribe Youth Education and Activities Program.

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© 2026 - Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Ken Bosma / CC BY