CMU, Tribe to update resolution
Members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Central Michigan University are making changes to the resolution outlining the terms of their working relationship.
The resolution, signed in 2002 by Tribal Chief Steve Pego and then-President Michael Rao, acknowledged both groups support and educate the community and established an understanding that they would continue future collaboration.
Kathleen Wilbur, vice president of development and external relations, said meetings to renew the resolution began January 2014.
“We had a discussion about how we wanted to see this updated,” Wilbur said. “Should it include more? Should it say less? It’s just really looking at the mechanics of what it should be.”
Updating the resolution will focus on small changes to wording, Wilbur said, and will not alter any of the document’s main points of cooperation and collaboration with the Tribe.
The resolution also establishes that CMU is allowed to use the “Chippewa” nickname, with the understanding that it be used to respect and honor the Tribe’s long history in the community.
“When there is (a problem) that occurs, we then have such a great relationship that we’re able to call and we immediately sit down and try to address it,” Wilbur said.
Marcella Hadden, public relations manager for the Tribe, said the resolution is good for maintaining standards of respect between the Tribe and university.
“When the Chippewa name comes up again, that’s when people start looking at the resolution again,” she said. “That’s when CMU reassures us that no one is going to go out on the field and paint their face and things like that.”
Wilbur said there is no set date for the resolution to be updated, but President George Ross and Chief Pego will sign it at completion.
