Lawsuit could expand tribal boundaries; half of Mount Pleasant at stake

An ongoing lawsuit against the state could shake up the boundaries of Mount Pleasant and surrounding areas in the coming months.

Originally filed by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe against the state in 2005, the suit considers historic reservation boundaries and the tribe’s ability to exercise its power within. It is scheduled to be heard Aug. 10 in U.S. District Court in Bay City.

According to the tribe, the lawsuit stems from concerns it has with governing its people. But all local leaders agree the logistics will take a long time to sort through.

“It was brought about to protect out tribal boundaries and exercise our sovereignty while protecting tribal members,” said Frank Cloutier, the tribe’s interim public relations director.

If the tribe succeeds, the reservation’s boundaries would include half of Union and Chippewa townships, and all of Deerfield, Isabella, Nottawa, Denver and Wise townships. It would include half of Mount Pleasant, with everything north of High Street becoming tribal land.

A change in the reservation boundaries would not result in new taxes for non-tribal members, Cloutier said, as the tribe would lack the jurisdiction to do so.

What does it mean?

It is still unknown what the ramifications would mean for the city of Mount Pleasant and area townships.

“When I say nobody’s really sure what that means, I’m not hedging — that’s just truth,” City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said. “No one really knows if that means that local ordinances would still be the implementing ordinance or if the tribe’s zoning or planning or ordinance would supercede those.”

The tribe and federal government are in mediation with the state to settle the issue before the trial. Mediation will continue until the trial at the court’s recommendation.

Cloutier said the tribe is trying to resolve taxation and child welfare issues on tribal members through the lawsuit.

“We’re not looking to increase our square footage,” he said. “It’s not an issue of making the reservation bigger.”

The lawsuit also would affect Union Township, which could be split with everything north of Remus Road becoming tribal land.

Supervisor John Barker said he is not too worried.

“There is potential that half of Union Township could be affected by the decision. What the ultimate effect is remains to be seen,” he said. “I can’t say it’s one of the highest items on my agenda.”