Michigan’s Native American tribal leaders met with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and cabinet members to discuss issues facing Michigan’s Native American community.
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said, “Michigan’s diversity is what makes our state so great, and today’s conversation with tribal leaders highlighted the important contributions that the Native American community adds to our state. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to empowering our tribal leaders and ensuring that Michigan is a state where everyone can succeed.”
Whitmer’s office requires training on tribal-state relations for all state department employees who work on matters that have direct implications for tribes, and also requires each department and agency to adopt and implement a tribal consultation policy.
Chairman Aaron Payment of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians said, “Tribal Nations support a substantive relationship addressing real issues to continue to improve relations. We appreciate the Executive Order calling for Consultation among all State agencies and the Tribal Nations but we have issues to continue to work through underscoring our work is a journey rather than a destination.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
