Newsroom

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Oct. 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. via Zoom only at: https://zoom.us/j/83640619761. Those who have already registered to Zoom Board of Directors meetings need not register again.

On the agenda under Resolutions is:
Prohibit Unauthorized Meetings with Entities in Ongoing Legal Disputes,
Approve Independent Financial Review – Indian Energy

Meeting Packet

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors passed two resolutions on Oct. 13 to amend Tribal Code Chapter 70: Criminal Procedure providing more protections for defendants and Law Enforcement. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding these changes. Here is what Tribal Code Chapter 70 pertains to and what these changes will accomplish:

Tribal Code Chapter 70: Criminal Procedure
Chapter 70 establishes the procedures for criminal cases in Tribal Court. These procedures apply to all criminal proceedings unless different procedures are established elsewhere in Tribal Code.

The chapter outlines the criminal justice process from start to finish, including when an arrest can be made, trial procedures, and how individuals may be sentenced following a conviction. It also establishes the rights and protections of individuals accused of violating criminal law, as well as the rules law enforcement officers, attorneys, and judges must follow.

The two sections that the board voted to amend are Section 70.104(2)(d) and Section 70.106.

Section 70.104 Arrest
§70.104 has been updated to remove an obsolete subsection that could have caused confusion when making an arrest. The amendment clarifies and modernizes arrest provisions, removes outdated statutory references, and establishes consistent probable cause terminology without weakening protections for victims or compromising community safety.

The board voted to remove §70.104(2)(d), which stated: “The officer has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of §71.114 or §71.115, being assault or threats of endangerment respectively, has taken place or is taking place and that the person who committed or is committing the violation is a spouse, a former spouse, or a person residing or having resided in the same household as the victim, may arrest the violator without a warrant for that violation, irrespective of whether the violation was committed in the presence of the officer.”

Generally, Law Enforcement cannot make an arrest for a misdemeanor unless the offense occurred in the officer’s presence. This subsection allowed officers to make an arrest if there was reasonable cause to believe §71.114 or §71.115 had been violated, even if the offense occurred outside their presence. However, these provisions referenced sections of criminal code that no longer exist. The amendment removes those outdated references.

Domestic violence is defined in part by the relationship between two individuals. The previous language in §70.104(2)(d) permitted an arrest involving “a person residing or having resided in the same household as the victim.” This included individuals, such as roommates, who do not meet the current relationship standards under Chapter 71 or federal domestic violence law.

Tribal citizens are no less safe following the repeal of §70.104(2)(d). Law enforcement retains full authority under §70.104(2)(c) to make lawful warrantless arrests in domestic violence cases, even if they do not occur in the officer’s presence.

Section 70.106: Notification of Miranda Rights
§70.106 now includes a provision requiring law enforcement to advise individuals of their Miranda Rights. Prior to the amendment, nowhere in Chapter 70 were individuals granted their Miranda Rights protections, nor did law enforcement have to advise individuals of such rights. Instead, law enforcement had to advise individuals when they were being arrested you can stay silent, your statements can be used against you, and you can hire your own attorney.

The board has made it clear in the amended code revision that individuals are not only afforded their Miranda Rights, but law enforcement must advise individuals of their rights upon a custodial interrogation and that legal representation will be provided if an individual cannot afford representation. The amendment to the code brings Tribal Code into compliance with applicable state and federal law.

Why are we updating Tribal Code?
Updating Tribal Code is a serious undertaking by Sault Tribe Legal to protect the rights of tribal citizens. Maintaining an up-to-date and concise Tribal Code allows for the legal procedure to operate fairly and equally for all tribal citizens.

“The board of directors amendments to the Tribal Code provide more clarity for Sault Tribe Law Enforcement to better serve and protect the tribal community,” said Sault Tribe Law Enforcement Police Chief Robert Marchand. “It’s important that our laws are clear, consistent and reflect the needs of our community. These updates help us do our jobs effectively and maintain public safety.”

The Sault Tribe reminds citizens to be wary of information on social media and the spread of misinformation.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors recently passed a resolution supporting additional safety measures along US-2, particularly near St. Ignace, and is urging motorists to use extra caution when traveling the highway.

US-2 is heavily traveled and presents year-round safety concerns, including increased summer tourism traffic and hazardous driving conditions caused by unpredictable winter weather. Two fatal crashes occurred along US-2 this past summer, including one that claimed the life of a Sault Tribe elder.

Sault Tribe joins local and state leaders in calling for improvements to make US-2 safer for all motorists. Potential measures could include reduced speed limits, additional traffic signals and other roadway safety improvements.

Stretching more than 300 miles across the Upper Peninsula, US-2 is a vital route for local, commercial and tourism traffic, connecting tribal communities throughout the region.

The tribe has previously partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation on highway improvements, including a recent project to improve access to Kewadin Casinos Manistique. The tribe remains committed to working with local and state partners to advocate for safer roadways throughout the region.

Sault Tribe Health Division presents “Rock Your Mocs!” A kickoff event for “Rock Your Mocs Week” in honor and in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Moccasin workshop with Jackie Minton, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., McCann Bldg., 399 McCann St., St. Ignace. To register, contact Terri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 906‑643‑8689, ext. 34532. See flyer for more details. 

Flyer

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Escanaba Tribal Center in Escanaba, Mich., 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 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:
Elections FY26 Budget Mod
John Hopkins Spirit Est. FY27 Budget
Rural Health Tribal Initiative Est. FY27 Budget
PRC and 3rd Party Revenue FY26 Budget
Marquette Admin/Nursing/3rd Party Revenue FY26
Budget Modifications
Sault Medical Nursing/Pharmacy/3rd Party FY26
Budget Modifications
St. Ignace Admin/Nursing/3rd Party Revenue FY26
Budget Modifications
Sault Housekeeping Maintenance/3rd Party Revenue
FY26 Budget Modifications
Sault Medical Nursing Est. FY27 Budget
Govt. HR FY26 Budget Modification
Language and Culture IMLS Est. FY27 Budget
Health Tribal Opioid Settlement Fund FY27
Health PHEP 2027 Acceptance
Health Stand Strong Youth Initiative
Health Data Modernization Subaward
Rescinding Suggestion Policy
Rescinding Pay Advance Policy
Amending Appeal Policy
Amending Resolution 2024-410
Residential Land Lease Phillip Paul Nertoli
Amending Chapter 70: Miranda Rights
Amending Chapter 70: Arrest
Affirming Taxation Authority over STI
Amending Resolution 2025-13
Supporting State of Michigan Legislation
Suspension of Patient Discharge - MAT Services
Prioritization of Local Provider Recruit/Retain
Under New Business, the board will consider Committee Requests, Relinquishment, and Board Concerns.

Meeting Packet

The Sault Tribe Election Commission is holding its next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. This meeting is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. for Zoom only. The meetings of the Sault Tribe Election Commission are open to tribal members, via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83451696095 as view-only attendees.

Agenda

Kratom and Emerging Drug Trends, features a virtual presentation from Tall Cop Says Stop with Jermaine Galloway, nationally recognized drug-trends educator Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at the LSSU Library.

Free and open to everyone. Refreshments provided. No prior knowledge is needed. Come curious. Adults only.

What to expect:
7 p.m. Tall Cop Says Stop
A one-hour virtual presentation exploring current drug trends, products, terminology, and what adults should know.
Followed by:
Local Community Panel and Q&A
Connect what you’ve learned to what we’re seeing locally and bring questions.

Hosted by Chippewa County FAN Chapter with generous support by Bay Mills Health Center and Sault Tribe Community Health.

Flyer

Detroit Mercy Law Project Access: Free Expungement Clinic Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Bayliss Library. University of Detroit Mercy School of Law students, along with volunteer attorneys, will be conducting a free expungement clinic.

Registration is required. Clinic limited to 25 people. Any questions, please call Detroit Mercy Law Clinical Programs 313‑596‑0262.

See flyer for more information.

Flyer

The Kewadin Casino Gaming Authority will meet Oct. 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., by Zoom only, https://zoom.us/j/83640619761. Those who have already registered for Zoom meetings need not register again.

On the agenda is: R-Kewadin HR FY26 Budget Modification, and R-Kewadin IT FY26 Budget Modification.

Agenda

Feeding America West Michigan drive-thru mobile pantry, Thursday, Oct. 8, at 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/.

Flyer