Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council takes office

Scott Csernyik

12/11/2001 12:00:00 AM

Maynard Kahgegab Jr. pledged a new beginning for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan during a stern community address delivered after being sworn in as chief on Dec. 4.

"We are a community that will stand strong in the face of challenge and will work together to build a Tribal community that serves as a proud example to others around the country," he explained.

Chief Kahgegab also issued a warning to those who challenged the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's moral strength.

"Those who have fought against our community's honor and integrity or wish to bring ill will to our community will be met with fierce opposition," stated Kahgegab. "Our pride as a Tribal nation will not be broken by a handful of self-interested individuals or groups wishing to use our community and its resources for their own unethical and self-interested ends. Let those individuals and groups know that we will not give away our community."

Besides Kahgegab, others officially taking office before a packed Old Senior's Room at Tribal Operations included Sub-Chief David Otto, Treasurer Ronald Jackson and Secretary Robert Pego Sr. Other members include Sergeant-At-Arms Gerald Slater, Chaplain Connie Freiburger, Timothy Davis, Sue Durfee, Diana Quigno-Grundahl, Lindy Hunt, Delmar Jackson Sr. and Ruth Moses.

Ronald Jackson represents District 3 (At-Large) and Freiburger represents District 2 (Saganing), while the remaining 10 members are from District 1. Together, they compose the 12-member Tribal Council for the next two years.

Executive Council positions were conducted after members made nominations with their votes being read aloud.

Chief: Pego nominated Kahgegab, seconded from Otto; Slater also nominated by Durfee, seconded from Ronald Jackson; Delmar Jackson Sr. represented the third nominee from Durfee, seconded from Moses. Kahgegab received nine votes, Slater, two and Jackson, one.

Sub-Chief: Delmar Jackson Sr. nominated by Durfee, Moses seconded. Pego nominated Otto, seconded from Davis. Gerald Slater nominated by Ronald Jackson, supported by Durfee. Jackson and Otto each received five votes, with one for Slater. Kahgegab, who as chief only votes on matters when there is a tie, selected Otto.

Treasurer: Ronald Jackson nominated by Durfee, seconded from Moses. Timothy Davis nominated by Otto, seconded from Freiburger. After five ballots were read, Kahgegab announced there were two spoiled ballots because members voted for individuals not nominated.

"When you guys vote, you have to vote for those who are nominated," he told the group.

On the second vote, Ronald Jackson received six votes to Davis' five.

Secretary: Pego nominated by Davis, seconded from Freiburger. Quigno-Grundahl chosen by Durfee, seconded from Otto. Slater nominated by Moses, Otto seconded. Pego garnered five votes, Quigno-Grundahl, four and Slater one.

Before the new Tribal Council was sworn in, several outgoing council members of the former administration made remarks about their time in office.

"It's been a great honor and pleasure to serve the people of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan," stated Phillip Peters Sr., former chief.

His sentiments were echoed by John Hart Sr., who also said he hopes the new council "does well." Bernard Sprague said he did his best in serving the Tribal community.

Incoming representatives, including Davis, thanked those who supported him.

"I'm available to anyone, anytime," he said.

Otto, who has served during recent past administrations, said the Tribe has been "facing turmoil for the past several years" and is optimistic a conclusion could be forged.

"We're confronted with the same old issues," as the sub-chief illuded to enrollment and membership concerns. "We all know what the main issue is. We've got a good team here."