And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 15:47:56 EDT Subject: Chippewa Saginaw Indian Tribe: Angry Indians Demonstrate... Chippewa Saginaw Indian Tribe: Angry Indians Demonstrate To Restore Democracy to Their Tribe MT. PLEASANT, Mich., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was released by the Chippewa Saginaw Indian Tribe: The Chippewa Indians of the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan area took their anger and frustration to the streets, when they demonstrated against the individuals who refuse to step down from the now defunct Tribal Council. The demonstration to vent their feelings was staged at Island Park in downtown Mt. Pleasant. The march began at 10 a.m., with nearly every member of the Tribe participating, some wearing full tribal regalia. The cause that aroused this out-pouring of tribal frustration was precipitated by recent tribal elections. Not one member of the old council was returned to office, yet those who were turned out of office refused to allow the new, legitimately elected representatives of the Tribe to be seated. "They have abused our tribal constitution and have disregarded the will of the vast majority of the Tribe. This is nothing short of a revolution," said Philip Peters, Sr., newly elected Chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Chief Peters continued, "Those who have abused their trust, will now have to reckon with an angry people. We will not allow our tribal family to suffer from an illegitimate conspiracy to destroy the democratic governance of our Tribe." Peters was referring to the rebellion of the majority of tribal members who elected him and the new tribal council to replace the old one. The reason for the "revolution" is to pressure the defunct council to step down. Since the election of the new tribal representatives, the old body has refused to hand over the reigns of authority. Along with that authority is the responsibility of managing the Soaring Eagle Casino at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The tribal casino is the largest and most prosperous in the state. The Tribe has put their grievance before the Bureau of Indian Affairs and before Congressman Dale Kildee who is the Chair of the Native American Caucus in Congress. Peters says that no one in the Federal government seems to care. Though he speaks for the majority of the Tribe, Chief Peters says that he is frustrated with the Bureau, Kildee and the Federal government generally. "They behave as though the will of our people is not important," said Peters. He pledges to continue to demonstrate throughout the state, and even in Washington, D.C., until the will of his Tribe has been satisfied. SOURCE Chippewa Saginaw Indian Tribe CO: Chippewa Saginaw Indian Tribe ST: Michigan 05/24/99 15:46 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com Reprinted under the fair use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
