Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe awarded $856,000 grant from U.S. Department of Justice

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The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe received a federal grant of $856,000 which will be used toward the battered women’s shelter on the reservation.

The tribe was one of several to receive a federal grant announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Sept. 14.

Public Relations Director for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Frank Cloutier said the grant is for enhancing and supporting justice and safety.

This is the second time the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has been funded in the cycle for this specific federal grant, Cloutier said.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful the federal government realizes the challenges, not only in mainstream society’s communities, but in the tribal communities,” he said

Cloutier said the grant is specifically designated to help fund technology for battered women.

“We want to make sure these battered women and battered families still have connectivity to their social media,” he said.

Cloutier said the funding, the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation grant, is also being used for training, travel, supplies, furnishings and daily needs for the women.

“Every society has its challenges,” he said. “No one is any different than the other.”

Hunter Genia, behavior health administrator for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, said the grant provides services that are needed in the community.

“The reported incidents of domestic violence in the country are generally vastly unreported,” he said. “This grant will help raise awareness and education for services, that without the grant, would not be available as a resource.”

Several tribes have received the grant across the country, including six in Michigan.

“It’s a testament to what the federal government is doing with their money when they are putting them in the appropriate place,” Cloutier said. “It is alleviating some of the pain of the social challenges.”