SCIT’s Nami Migizi Nangwiihgan residential substance abuse center and domestic violence shelter opens

Observer Staff

8/16/2005 12:00:00 AM

By Penny Huyck

Behavioral Health Administrator

The rain stopped just long enough for the open house and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's Residential Substance Abuse Center and Domestic Violence Shelter to take place outdoors on Aug. 4.

Just before the ceremony started, an eagle flew over the Shepherd Road building-a true blessing and fitting for the opening of the domestic violence center, which is called Nami Migizi Nangwiihgan or "Under the Eagle's Wing."

The Ogitchedaw Veteran and Warriors Society posted the colors and Seventh Generation Cultural Representative Kent Jackson conducted a pipe ceremony. The High Spirit Singers also honored the ceremony with Flag and Honor songs.

Saginaw Chippewa Chief Audrey Falcon provided the gracious welcome and introduced Tribal Council represenatives.

Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce dignitaries helped conduct the ribbon cutting ceremony with Chief Falcon, Sub-Chief Bernie Sprague and myself.

After the ceremony, the Behavioral Health staff fed over 200 participants and led them on tours of the 33,000- square foot Residential Substance Abuse Center and Domestic Violence Shelter that houses the following services: outpatient mental health counseling/psychiatric services and prevention (school based consulting clinician), substance abuse counseling and prevention and helping healer.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's facility is one of only two Tribal residential facilities in Michigan.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the historic event.