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In May, members of the Bay Mills Executive Council met with the representatives of Michigan tribes and Governor Jennifer Granholm to discuss and sign an economic development accord.
Hosted by the Hannahville Indian Community, the event began with much fanfare as a local drum group sang while veterans and respected community members entered proudly with flags in hand. Shortly afterward, each tribe took the opportunity to present Granholm with a small gift and reciprocal words of thanks and gratitude.
As dinner concluded, all retired to the gymnasium where a more formal question and answer session took place. Each tribal representative was given an opportunity to make suggestions, express concerns, and offer words of encouragement to the governor. While most tribes thanked Granholm for her commitment to working with tribal governments, some also questioned her on the practical application of the accord as it pertained to tribal economic efforts.
Granholm graciously responded to each question and further elaborated on the continued economic needs of Indian tribes throughout Michigan and of Michigan communities in general. The economic summit with tribal leaders was an effort to support and empower tribes to move forward with economic development initiatives, uplifting the standing of local communities, and thus, the state as a whole.
As stated in the accord, it is a joint commitment between tribal leaders and the governor to "expand our joint economic base through the development of diverse economic opportunities, enterprises, and jobs, and to improve coordination of their respective economic development programs and resources among state, local, and tribal government officials."
Although there were no specific agreements made at the summit, it was an encouraging effort on the part of the governor to continue her commitment to working with tribes throughout the state.
With several state governments and the Federal government pushing to limit the expansion of Indian gaming, the importance of the accord may have an increasing role in Bay Mills. An environment of cooperation with the State of Michigan could be advantageous as Bay Mills Composites pursues growth and opportunity, outside of the gaming industry.
Primarily an opportunity to exchange pleasantries and to "glad hand" a state official, the tribal summit in Hannahville was a step in the right direction and perhaps a foundation for economic diversity efforts in Bay Mills.
LeBlanc is Bay Mills Indian Community Executive Council Secretary.
