New chief, sub-chief take helm at Saginaw Chippewa Tribe

Theresa Peters-jackson wins runoff against Sheila Leaureaux

A new chief and sub-chief will lead the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for the next two years.

Theresa Peters-jackson, who tied for re-election in the November voting but won a runoff against Sheila Leaureaux, is the chief for the 2021-23 term.

She was selected by secret ballot among fellow members of the tribal council after they were sworn in by Judge Patrick Shannon at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort on Tuesday.

“Today I am truly honored to be selected as SCIT chief,” Peters-jackson said. “Our tribal members and community will always be a top priority. Thank you, love and blessings.”

Council members elected for the remaining

executive council positions are:

Sub-chief Jennifer Vasquez-wassegijig, secretary Martha Wemigwans, treasurer Gayle Ruhl, sergeant-at-arms Dave Merrill Jr. and chaplain Alice Jo Ricketts.

Rounding out the council are Samantha Chippeway, Frank Cloutier (District III), Ron Nelson (District II), Mary Quigno, Diana Quignogrundahl and Luke Sprague.