fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Michigan’s largest federally recognized Tribe is opening its membership to adults.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians approved a resolution at its Aug. 1 meeting to open the Tribe’s membership rolls beginning Feb. 1, 2024. Enrollment will remain open until the board passes a subsequent resolution to close them.

The Tribe reports a membership of around 40,000 members around the world, with the tribe headquarters located in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The Tribe’s membership has been to all adults since 1998 but was opened briefly in 2005. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

“There are many people who are proud of their Native heritage and ancestry who have been unable to enroll as Sault Tribe members,” Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming them into our community and growing our membership.”

According to a statement issued on the Tribe’s website, individuals haven’t been able to enroll in membership for many reasons, such as adoption or unrecognized paternity. As well, the Tribe receives frequent requests from descendants of eligible individuals who never enrolled.

In 2011, the Tribe amended its membership ordinance to include those unable to trace ancestry due to sealed child custody records, unrecognized paternity, or out-of-home placements. In 2014, it was again amended to allow tribal members’ biological children under the age of 21 to apply for membership.

An application for membership will be available in the coming weeks on the Tribe’s website. 

Applicants will be required to submit copies of documents of their direct lineal descendants until they reach the descendant who is listed on one of the base rolls used to determine membership.

An enrolled relative can sign a release form to allow the applicant access to the documentation in the relative’s file to complete the applicant’s application. 

An application fee of $25 applies. Processing applications are expected to take 6-8 weeks or longer, pending the number of applications received. 

More Stories Like This

50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal Relations
There are More Than 20 Tribal Names for Mount Rainer
LAND BACK: US Government Returns 680 Acres to Spirit Lake Nation in Historic Land Reclamation
Navajo Citizens Facing Identity Challenges During ICE Deportation Raids
Cherokee Nation Reaches $80M Federal Settlement in Trust Case

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting. 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].