SCIT swears in new council, elects Lucas Sprague as Chief
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council elected Lucas Sprague as Chief until 2027 during the Tribe’s December regular session council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council elected Lucas Sprague, the former sub-chief, as chief in a secret ballot process during their December regular council meeting on Tuesday.
"We don't do this for ourselves,” Sprauge said. "We do it for our families. We do it for our people. We do it for our community.”
In his first order of business as chief, Sprague swore in the other members of the Executive Tribal Council in the same ballot process.
- Sub-Chief: Craig Graveratte
- Secretary: Christina Otto
- Sergeant-at-arms: Frank Cloutier
- Treasurer: Alice Jo Ricketts
- Chaplin: Jennifer Wassegijig
During his speech, Sprague spoke about family support, advice from former Chief Tim Davis and the Tribe's resilience.
“We wouldn't be here today if our ancestors didn't survive the genocide, leading up to the boarding schools. Our history is all survival,” he said. “I grew up in the '90s, our foundation was already set. I grew up receiving tribal resources. I never had to go without food, never had to go without clothes. I always had a roof over my head. I really appreciate my family for all they've done throughout my life."
Sprague has served as a council member, a member of the executive council and worked with the Tribe’s Parks and Recreation department. Public Relations Director for the Tribe Erik Rodriguez said that having Sprague as chief will be great for the Tribe.
“He was born and raised here in the Isabella Reservation and has worked for his tribe his entire life. … (Sprague) really has values and the foundation of community through and through,” he said.
Rodriguez said the newly elected council is among the most experienced in recent years. The only first-time council member is Second District Representative Shirley Houle, and seven out of the 12 council members have served in the executive council at some point in their careers.
“We'll be able to dig right in and pick up on some of the great things that they're looking at to accomplish,” Rodriguez said.
In a press release after the meeting, Sprague stated that the council will continue the goals set by the previous council.
“As we enter this term, we understand the impacts that our previous councils have made in the growth of our community,” he said. “They have provided the foundations that allow us to remain successful throughout Michigan. We will look at continuing their vision and want to thank them for all they have contributed. We also look forward to the continued collaboration with our teams internally and will continue to prioritize the efforts of our community partners.”
The council will serve until 2027.
