Grand Traverse Band Press Release on Dakota Access Pipeline Protests & Enbridge Line 5

PRESS RELEASE: STANDING ROCK SIOUX OPPOSITION TO DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE AND GTB’S OPPOSITION TO ENBRIDGE LINE 5.

Peshawbestown, Michigan, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016.  The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), by Tribal Resolution 16-34.2792, and a letter to President Obama, joins in the Standing Rock Sioux opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota requesting that President Obama override the Army Corps Engineers permit authorization for DAPL pipeline construction based on lack of compliance with federal environmental law. GTB’s central and independent rationale in supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is GTB’s opposition to Enbridge Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac.

“Both of these pipelines are scars across land and water that could injure not only treaty protected rights of Native Americans but also the land and water inheritance of all Americans. If we are to take these risks with our common resources, then at a minimum, both the federal government and the pipeline companies need to be held to the highest environmental and legal standard of review to ensure the safety of land and water for all Americans,” Tribal Chairman Sam McClellan said.

Court Clerk Vacancy with Grand Traverse Band

Link to job announcement (PDF) here.

Closing date is Wednesday, June 22, 2016.  Please submit complete application to one of the following:

Address:
GTB Human Resources Department
2605 N West Bay Shore Drive
Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Email:
krystina.alveshire@gtbindians.com

Fax:
(231) 534-7904

GTB Testimony before Mich. House Natural Resources Committee on Commercial Net Pen Aquaculture

Here:

GTB HB 5255 testimony

Federal Felony Information re: Former GTB Employee

Here is the pleading in United States v. Buchanan (W.D. Mich.):

US v Buchanan

From the GTB press release:

November 24, 2015, Peshawbestown, Michigan. On November 23, 2015, the United States filed a “Felony Information” against the former Information Technology Director of GTB, Michael Buchanan, alleging embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization, 18 U.S.C. 1163. The Felony Information is the result of extensive investigatory work by GTB’s Police Department in cooperation with the FBI. GTB anticipates that Mr. Buchanan will be arraigned on Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the Federal District Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The alleged scope of GTB’s loss is extensive, $233,176.12, which is the value of computer equipment purchased by Mr. Buchanan and resold to third parties over the time period 2008-2012. GTB anticipates that Mr. Buchanan will not contest the charges. Further information will be provided after the arraignment and further criminal court proceedings.

“Native American culture feels effects of boarding schools decades after system closed”

Here, from the Grand Traverse Record-Eagle.

IBIA Opinion Rejecting Grand Traverse County’s Challenge to GTB Trust Land Acquisition

Here is the opinion in Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners v. Acting Midwest Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs (61ibia273).

Grand Traverse County Loses IBIA Appeal Challenging GTB Trust Acquisition

Here is “County Loses Trust Appeal.“

First GTB Chair Walks On

Here is “Ardith ‘Dodie’ Harris Died Aug. 1, 2015.”

Dodie lived an incredible life, leading the charge to federal recognition, leading the tribe as chair and as councilor, testifying before Congress and in federal court. Sad time.

She’s in the upper right — The First Council after Recognition:

First Council

Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Taskforce Report Recommends Shrinking Impact of Enbridge Pipeline under Mackinac Straits

Here is the report:

M_Petroleum_Pipeline_Report_2015-10_reducedsize_494297_7

And GTB materials submitted:

Res. No. 15-33.2602

2-04-15 NRD memo

Michigan Supreme Court Denies Review in ICWA Transfer Case

Order here.

Original decision from court of appeals transferring the case to tribal court is here.