By SooToday.com Staff
SooToday.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT TRIBE OF
CHIPPEWA INDIANS

*************************
Representative Gary McDowell meets with Sault Tribe staff and elected leaders

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - State Representative Gary McDowell met with staff and elected leaders from the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians on Tuesday, November 17 to discuss issues important to the entire Upper Peninsula, including health care, housing, the environment and jobs.

During his visit, the tribe’s board of directors presented the Rudyard Democrat with a traditional black ash basket as a token of appreciation for his support of the tribe throughout his years in the state legislature and before.

Tribal directors from the housing, health, education and casino areas met individually with McDowell to update him on various projects, partnerships and concerns that involve state agencies.

"Representative McDowell has been an advocate of the tribe for many years, even before he became a representative for the state,” said Tribal Chairman Darwin “Joe” McCoy. “He understands our tribe more than so many others because he grew up here with us. He has seen the many challenges we have been through and improvements we have made over the past 20 years. We greatly appreciate him making time to be with us and to hear our issues and concerns.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Representative Gary McDowell visited the Sault Tribe Head Start to have breakfast with the children. He also spoke with Education Director Angeline Matson and Early Childhood Program Manager Anne Suggitt, who expressed concerns about the state Medicaid program’s failure to offer specialized dental services and more health providers not accepting Medicaid for children.

*************************