News article (and video) here, via Pechanga:
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey looks back at 2010 with appreciation.
For him, it’s a year that broke down barriers and allowed him to pursue his goals as a tribal leader.
“When I campaigned to the tribal members I said that one of the commitments I bring forth, if elected chair, would be to increase our presence locally, state wide and nationally. Now I’m not taking away from what past tribal leaders have accomplished, but I wanted to build upon that,” Bailey said.
In the spring, the Grand Traverse Band received national recognition when President Obama announced he would be appointing Bailey to the National Advisory Council on Indian education.
“I know with my appointment to the National Advisory Council of Indian education, early education is a huge emphasis for me…significant brain development occurs between 0-5 years old. The least amount of funding goes in at that time.”
Aside from education, the tribe joined state and national leaders in an effort to save the Great Lakes from the invasive species Asian Carp.
It’s an environmental issue that can affect everybody who lives in the Great Lakes region.
“We have a place, we have a voice and we have a strong message that can compliment the efforts of other state organizations,” Bailey said.
Moving forward into 2011, bailey said he will focus on the issues that affect his tribal members and the communities they live in.
In January, the Grand Traverse Band will surpass $26-million in funds distributed to local aid organizations like Father Fred. That money comes from 2% of the tribe’s video gaming revenue.
Turtle Talk 