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Secretarial Election on the Horizon

The decision to adopt a three-branch government will soon be in the hands of Sault Tribe members by voting “yes” or “no” in a federally administered secretarial election.

Previously, the goal for the election was for it to take place by late September. However, due to the magnitude of constitutional changes providing the framework for what will essentially be a new Sault Tribe Constitution, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under federal regulations, has up to 180 days to complete the election. This may result in the election taking place later this year.

As such, the Secretarial Election Board will be meeting to adjust the election timeline and will soon be issuing a notice on when Sault Tribe members may expect to cast their votes.

In the meantime, to ensure ballots and election information are received, tribal citizens are encouraged to verify their mailing address is up to date with Tribal Enrollment.

For more information on the upcoming secretarial election visit here.

Proposed 3-Branch Amended Sault Tribe Constitution

Proposed 3-Branch Amended Sault Tribe Constitution Redline

Details: Category: Child Placement; Published: 05 July 2011

ACFS provides monitoring of child welfare cases throughout the United States involving children either enrolled in or eligible for membership in the tribe to ensure that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is followed.

The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law passed in 1978 that provides special protections for Indian children and families. ICWA applies to any state proceeding in which a child cannot be returned to the custody of the parent upon request. It applies to all proceedings in which a child has been removed from their parents’ care and placed in foster care, termination and adoption proceedings. ICWA gives the tribe the legal right to intervene in all state proceedings involving an Indian child other than parental custody situations. The Sault Tribe Child Welfare Committee (CWC) per Chapter 30 of the Tribal Code is the body that speaks on behalf of the tribe in these matters. ICWA does not apply to Tribal Court proceedings as the premises of ICWA are incorporated into our Tribal Code.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians monitors all child welfare cases under the jurisdiction of state courts. Through this action, the tribe becomes a legal party to the case and has access to all records regarding the cases. Anishnaabek Community and Family Services has been designated by the tribe to provide monitoring services and the Sault Tribe Child Welfare Committee has been designated by the tribe to make recommendations to the state courts on all cases relative to P.L. 95-608 (Indian Child Welfare Act). All cases are therefore reviewed to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (P.L. 95-608).

The Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) was enacted by the state of Michigan on Jan. 3, 2013. MIFPA strengthens, clarifies and enhances the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) implementation in Michigan courts and state child welfare services. MIFPA codifies the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) into state law and clarifies the court proceedings subject to the Act. MIFPA amended the Juvenile Code by adding section MCL 712B.1 – 712B.41.

For more information about-MIFPA: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(132gmr5iqweyk1zejxov3rsq))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-288-1939-XIIB

For more information about ICWA:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-92/pdf/STATUTE-92-Pg3069.pdf