State of the Tribe Address 1-23-16
Joseph V. Sowmick - January 27, 2016
In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer joined over 50 other Tribal departments, organizations and businesses on January 23in the Soaring Eagle Entertainment Hall for the State of the Tribe Address. Tribal Chief Frank Cloutier delivered his inaugural address with full Tribal Council in attendance. Doors opened at 9am where the Tribal membership had an opportunity to gather information on Tribal programs and services.
The Mino Ode Singers offered a Grand Entry and Flag Song as the Anishinabe Ogitchedaw Veteran’s Warrior Society brought in the Tribal Eagle staff and the flags. Tribal Council Chaplain Diana Quigno Grundahl encouraged the community by inviting the assemblage to say The Lord’s Prayer in unison. The SECR Food & Beverage Department prepared an excellent breakfast buffet that was supplemented with a video from SCIT Media that included images of from past Tribal events on the big screen. After Tribal Council opening remarks, Tribal Chief Frank J. Cloutier then gave a stirring State of the Tribe Address.
Tribal Council Treasurer Gayle Ruhl then gave her report followed by legislative updates and a variety of business and departmental presentations. The State of the Tribe Address can be viewed on the Tribal Members page of the Tribal website at www.sagchip.org. Chief Cloutier’s speech along with a report from SECR Interim CEO Bob Van Wert and a story highlighting the plans for the Saganing expansion will be featured in the February edition of the Tribal Observer.