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Sault Tribe Secretarial Election ballots mailed out

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ secretarial election enters its final month, with ballots scheduled to be mailed to registered voters by Oct. 26 and election results expected Nov. 19.

Tribal citizens will vote “yes” or “no” on proposed constitutional amendments that would establish three separate, co-equal branches of tribal government: legislative, executive and judicial.

The federally administered election is overseen by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and a Secretarial Election Board. Voter registration closed Oct. 19, and only eligible tribal citizens who registered for this election will receive ballots.

Important upcoming election dates include:

• Oct. 23: Final registered voters List to be posted
• Oct. 26: Ballot packets mailed to registered voters
• Nov. 19: Deadline for ballots to be received 3 p.m. EST. Ballot counting begins at 4 p.m.
• Nov. 24: Deadline to submit written challenges to election results by 4:30 p.m. EST.

Registered voters may return completed ballots through the U.S. Postal Service or hand deliver them on Nov. 19 only, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST, at DreamMakers Theater at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie.

Ballot packets will include instructions for completing and returning ballots. Ballots will be opened and counted beginning at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at DreamMakers Theater, with results expected to be posted that evening.

If approved and certified by the Secretary of the Interior, the amended constitution would take effect.

To prepare for a potential transition, the Sault Tribe Board of Directors approved a Constitution Implementation Plan on Sept. 22. The plan establishes an 18-month timeline for updating tribal laws and codes while maintaining government operations, programs and services.

Tribal citizens can find additional information about the secretarial election, voting procedures, important deadlines and the proposed changes to tribal government on the secretarial election landing page.

Read the Proposed Amended Sault Tribe Constitution here.

Details: Category: Direct Services; Published: 08 May 2024

Program Objective

The purpose of Bgwasendam Gamigong, The Lodge of Hope Shelter Program, is to provide trauma informed and culturally relevant/honoring sheltering services to Sault Tribe Households who are homeless or unsafely housed and under 80% Area Median Income. Shelter guests will work with staff to develop individualized case plans which may address Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Emotional Health, the ability to increase income (either through benefits and/or employment) and access to permanent housing.
The goal of the Shelter Program is to provide a lifesaving safety net for Sault Tribe Members who are in need shelter and who often don’t have other shelter or housing options in the community.

Eligibility criteria includes:
1. The application shall be completed in the name of the individual or individuals who will be residing in the shelter
2. The applicant must be a Sault Tribe Household
3. Applicant must be at 80% Areas Median Income or below
4. Applicants must be unhoused on unsafely housed
5. At least one member of the household must be 18 years or older

For more information about the Lodge of Hope (LOH) shelter program or for a services screening, please contact Shelter Staff directly at 906‑632‑5000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..