GRAND TRAVERSE BAND OF OTTAWA & CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

TRIBAL

GOVERNMENT

PROGRAM SERVICE

MANUAL 2025-26

GRAND TRAVERSE I CHARLEVOIX I LEELANAU I BENZIE I MANISTEE I ANTRIM

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS

Wisdom - Nbwaakaawin: To Cherish Knowledge is

to know wisdom.

Love - Zaagidwin: To know love is to know peace.

Love is based upon affection, respect and kindness

Love cannot be demanded..It must be earned

and given freely from the goodness of your heart.

Bravery - Aakgehwin: To face life with

courage is to know bravery. It is the personal

strength to face difficulties, obstacles and

challenges. It is the Courage to make positive

choices. Never give in.

Humility - Dbaasendiziwin: To accept yourself as

a sacred part of creation. Recognize the human

need for balance in life. Know that you are equal

to everyone else. Take pride in what you do & share

your accomplishments with others.

Truth - Debwewin: To know the teachings of the

7 Grandfathers is to know the truth. Faithfully

apply these teachings and trust in the Creator.

Be true to yourself and true to your fellow man.

Understand it. Speak it. Live by it.

Honesty - Gwekwaadiziwin: To walk through

life with integrity is to know honesty.

Do not be deceitful or use self-deception.

Respect - Mnaadendimowin: Respect is to honor

all of creation. Honor our traditional roles and

teachings. Honor our families, others and ourselves.

Don’t hurt anything or anyone, on the outside or

the inside.

CONTENTS

Department 1: Elders - Page 4

Department 8: Health Services - Page 22-25

Department 2: Public Safety - Page 5-6

Department 9: Tribal Court - Page 26-28

Department 3: Tribal Management - Page 7-12

Department 10: Natural Resources - Page 29-35

Department 4: Facilities Management - Page 13

Department 11: Regulatory - Page 36

Department 5: Conservation - Page 14-15

Department 12: Education - Page 37-40

Department 6: Membership - Page 16

Department 13: Legal - Page 41-42

Department 7: Human Services - Page 20-21

Notes - Page 44-47

GTB TRIBAL COUNCIL 2025

TRIBAL COUNCIL MISSION STATEMENT

Sandra L. Witherspoon

Chairwoman

“We, the Tribal Council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa

Indians, a Sovereign Nation, honor our ancestors and the rights preserved

for our Tribal Nation. We shall promote and protect the well being of our

present and future members through culture, sovereignty, treaty rights,

natural resources, health, public safety, education, financial management,

housing and agriculture, and shall be responsive to the needs and

statements of Tribal Members. ”

Jane A. Rohl

Vice-Chair

Donna M. Swallows

Treasurer

Anna Miller

Secretary

Brian S. Napont

Councilor

Tina A. Frankenberger

Councilor

Angelina M. Raphael

Councilor

Department 1: Ge-ti-zid (Elders)

“Manidoo Giizis” (Spirit Moon)

Department Manager: Delores “Dee” Niigaanakwad

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7748 | Main Line: (231) 631-3980

Email: Delores.Niigaanakwad@gtb-nsn.gov

The Elder’s Program offers meal services and site

activities for all Elders in the six-county service

area. For more information, please contact your

local Elder Coordinator.

Don’t forget to check out our monthly event

calendars! You can find these in the latest edition of

GTB News as well as online.

This is a friendly reminder that participation in daily

activities is not required to use our transportation

services for trips to the grocery store, thrift shopping,

or off-site gatherings. However, you must sign up

with your site coordinator to reserve a seat on the

bus. The bus departs at 1:00 PM and returns by 4:00 PM.

ELDER’S SITE COORDINATORS:

Antrim/Grand Traverse

Tanya Tanner (A-L):

(231) 534-7710 Cell: (231) 463-7858

Delora Wilson (M-Z):

(231) 534-7769 Cell: (231) 492-9932

Benzie/Manistee

Agnes Gliniski: (Front Desk)

(231) 534-7821

Charlevoix

Barbara Kenwabikise:

(231) 534-7066 Cell: (231) 631-0281

Leelanau

Lisa Shawandase (A-L):

(231) 534-7740 Cell: (231) 590-7264

Melissa Martinez (M-Z):

(231) 534-7743 Cell: (231) 631-6095

ELDERS OFFICE HOURS:

Monday-Thursday: 8am – 5pm

If your Elder Coordinator is unavailable due to

scheduled activities, they will promptly respond

to your message and address your concerns.

GTB TRANSPORTATION

1. Transportation (231)534-7222 leave message

transportation. If they are not available for the

time you need, transportation will contact the

CHR & Elders program.

2. Area CHR will contact you if they are providing

transportation; if they cannot.

3. The elder’s program will make contact

and

plan

provide

transportation.

PLEASE CALL AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU

NEED TRANSPORTATION. We, the Three

(Transportation,

Community

Departments

Health Representative, and Elders Program),

WILL DO OUR BEST TO HELP YOU GET TO YOUR

APPOINTMENT TO AVOID CANCELLATION.

4. Everyone must sign up for all activities to

ensure we have enough materials, food, and/or

transportation if that is provided in your area. It

is very important for all-site activities to sign up.

ELDERS SERVICES:

1. Elders Title VI: Part A Elders Nutrition Part A

Elders Nutrition Program provides lunch at

four locations: Antrim/GT (3-Mile) & Charlevoix

(East Jordan); Leelanau (Elders Complex):

Tuesday,

Wednesday,

Thursday.

Benzie/

Manistee: Wednesday only. This program

serves GTB Elders aged 55 and older within

the six-county service area. Please note that

the schedule is subject to change at any time.

2. Care Giver Program: Are you a care giver for older

adults over 55 years of age or eligible grandchildren?

Contact your Coordinator for more information.

3. USDA Senior Farm Market: Provides lowincome seniors with coupons they can

exchange for eligible foods at farmers markets

4. Information/Referral:

Provides

speciﬁc

information to a client about available GTB,

public and voluntary services and resources.

Department 2: Public Safety

“Makwa Giizis” (Bear Moon)

Department Manager: Jolanda Murphy

Telephone: (231) 534-7111

Email: Jolanda.Murphy@gtb-nsn.gov

Tribal Victim Services Coordinator - Leona Burfield

Desk phone: (231) 534-7641

Cell phone: (231) 631-6166

Provides direct victim assistance services to Native

American victims of crime in the six-county service

area. This program ensures that health and safety

needs of the victims are met, responds to victim

needs throughout the prosecution phase of crime,

and provides support and assistance to victims of

all types of crime.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa

Indians Department 2 Public Safety provides

for the safety and well being of the tribal

community, its visitors and business enterprises.

TRIBAL POLICE

Main Line Telephone: (231) 534-7777

Tribal Police Captain: David Crockett

Desk Line: (231) 534-7182

2300 N. Stallman Road,

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Protection of the public and enforcement of

Tribal, State and Federal laws collaboration with

federal government (US Attorney and FBI) for

investigation and enforcement of federal crimes.

◊ Criminal Investigation

◊ Emergency Response Team

◊ Committee members: 911 Advisory Board

and LEPC/LPT

◊ Search & Rescue

◊ Sex Offender Registry and Notification Program

◊ Safe Exchange Program

◊ Community Police activities

◊ Bicycle Registry

TRIBAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Tribal Victim Assistance Director - Jackie Barnowski

Desk phone: (231) 534-7525

Cell phone: (231) 866-0544

Types of services provided by the GTB Tribal Victim

Assistance Program include: informing victims

of their rights, transportation assistance to court,

emotional support, referrals for counseling or

other assistance, victim notification, advocacy and

support in Tribal/State/Federal Courts, assistance

with relocation to a safe place, assistance in filing

Personal Protection Orders (PPO’s), assistance in

filing for restitution, and assistance in filing Victim’s

Compensation Claims.

Sub-departments within Department 2

PUBLIC SAFETY

Tribal Police Department, Victim Assistance

Services, SORNA, Fire and Rescue Department, and

GTB Emergency Management.

Tribal Police, Victim Services, and SORNA assist

victims of crime with fairness, dignity and

respect, and effectively ensure offenders are held

accountable through the judicial services, while

ensuring the rights of the accused are protected.

Tribal Fire/Rescue Department provides first

response services to critical emergencies occurring

in designated areas on Tribal land and Mutual Aid

throughout the county.

Tribal Emergency Management Office provides

for the coordination and utilization of resources

in the Tribe in an emergency or disaster situation

in preparation for the mitigation, preparedness,

response and recovery from natural and

human-made disasters within the Reservation.

Department 2: Public Safety

“Makwa Giizis” (Bear Moon)

SORNA PROGRAM - GRANT

(Sex Offender Registry and Notification Act)

SORNA Coordinator - Christy Martin

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

Telephone: (231) 534-7632

2300 N. Stallman Road, Peshawbestown, MI 49682

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification

Act is Title 1 of the Adam Walsh Child Protection

and Safety Act of 2006. SORNA outlines mandatory

minimum standards for sex offender registration

and notification for all US jurisdictions, including

states, federally recognized Tribes, and US territories.

The purpose of this act is to help protect the public

from sex offenders.

◊ Emergency Medical Technician Level EMS

Response.

◊ 7 days a week fire and EMS response.

◊ CPR , First Aid and AED Training.

◊ Tribal Facility Inspections (buildings,

playground, tornado shelters, homes).

◊ Drills (fire, tornado, evacuation, etc.).

◊ Wild-land Fire Management Program.

◊ Maintain GTB Sex Offender Registry; update

verification information as required.

◊ Committees: Leelanau Fire Chiefs, Leelanau

Fire Training, Local Medical Control, GTB and

Leelanau County Emergency Planning,

Leelanau County 911.

◊ Provide education to the community and staff

regarding the Sex Offender Registry and GTB

Sex Offender Registry Code.

◊ Manages Mutual Aid Response for 6 county

services area Tribal lands.

◊ Work in conjunction with Tribal Police,

Prosecutor, Tribal Court and GTB Legal

Department to review and propose changes

to the GTB SOR Code.

◊ Provide Community Notification

offenders registered with GTB.

sex

GTB FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7666

Fire Chief: Garrett Fairchild

Main Line: (231) 534-7161

3501 Putnam Road,

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Tribal Fire/Rescue Department provides first response

services to critical emergencies occurring on Tribal

land and Mutual Aid throughout Leelanau County.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Telephone: (231) 534-7111

2300 N. Stallman Road,

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Provides coordination and utilization of resources in

the GTB Tribe in an emergency or disaster situation.

◊ Committee membership: Representation on

Homeland Security Planning Board, Local

Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

and Local Planning Team (LPT) Committees,

Leelanau County Emergency Management

Office Tribal Liaison, Region 7 Emergency

Preparedness Coordinators Committee and

GTB Local Planning Team.

◊ Maintain National Incident Management

System (NIMS) compliance requirements and

mandates.

◊ Provide annual emergency preparedness

staff training and exercises.

◊ Maintain Tribal Emergency Operations

Plan (EOP) in collaboration with assigned

departments.

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

Tribal Manager: Kimberly McClellan

Telephone: (231) 534-7136

Email: Kimberly.McClellan@gtb-nsn.gov

COMMUNITY SATELLITE OFFICES

Tribal Government Administration

Peshawbestown

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7750

Fax: (231) 534-7565

BURIAL FUND

Benzie / Manistee Community Satellite

(231) 534-7820

Fax: (231) 534-7152

(231) 882-4116

Fax: (231) 882-4194

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7622

The Burial Fund benefits are available for all duly

enrolled Tribal Members. To obtain the benefit, a

certified (original) death certificate and a copy of

the funeral home contract. There are no beneficiary

forms. Death Certificate and funeral home contract

should be mailed to:

Charlevoix Community Satellite

(231) 534-7060

Fax: (231) 534-7148

(231) 536-0024

Fax: (231) 536-0074

Grand Traverse Band

Traverse City Community Satellite

(231) 534-7760

Attn: Accounting

Fax: (231) 534-7773

2605 N. West Bay Shore Dr.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETS

(Accounting Department)

Chief Financial Officer: Bob Schulte

Desk Line: (231) 534-7240

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7622

Fax Line: (231) 534-7861

To provide the following direct services to the

membership:

◊ Process applications & maintain database

of Resident Tribal Members (RTM) for tax

exemption. Issue (sales & use) tax exemption

certificates for RTM’s

◊ Issue General Welfare Exclusion payments

◊ Provide copies of tax forms, upon request

◊ Provide verification

authorized request

income,

upon

◊ Calculate and process the annual payments to

GTB elders from the Elders Trust Fund

◊ Manage and Administer Minors Allocation

Trust Fund

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Once processed a two party check is mailed to the

funeral home and made payable to the funeral home

and the person who signed the funeral bill (contract).

Burial Assistance Food Applications requests can be

handled through the Human Services Department

please contact them at (231) 534-7910. The maximum

amount that can be requested is $500, the amount

requested will be deducted from the burial fund benefit

Bereavement Announcement Line: (231) 534- 7464

OFFICE OF PROGRAM

DEVELOPMENT & EVALUATION

The Office of Program Development and Evaluation

works closely with tribal leaders and department

managers to secure funding for new and existing

programs and recommend program improvements

to better meet the needs of Tribal Membership.

Many of the grants that GTB applies for are highly

competitive where GTB has been chosen out of pools

of hundreds of applicants from all over the country.

Grant funds are used for a variety of programs

Head Start, Eyaawing Museum, Cultural Center

building, and family violence prevention programs.

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

Department Manager: Aaron Chivis

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7764

Email: Aaron.Chivis@gtb-nsn.gov

EYAAWING MUSEUM & CULTURAL

CENTER

Telephone: (231) 534-7764

Eyaawing Museum was created by the Grand

Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

to establish, gather, interpret, and maintain a

record of the history of the Grand Traverse Band

of Anishinaabek with respect for the circle of

life, honor for our families, and the telling of our

true heritage. This role promotes the GTB’s belief

that the culture, language and spirit of the Grand

Traverse Band shall be recognized, perpetuated,

communicated, supported, and shared with the

people of all nations. Eyaawing translates as:

“Who we are” in Anishinaabemowin, the traditional

language of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and

Chippewa Indians.

Ɉ Eyaawing museum is closed until further notice.

Ɉ Eyaawing is developing a new website for virtual

exhibits, programming & online store.

Ɉ Eyaawing

developing

repatriation programs.

preservation

and

Ɉ Eyaawing developing plans for historic archives

& GTB member archives for researching purposes.

ANISHINAABEMOWIN

Telephone: (231) 534-7758

Anishinaabemowin (our original language) and

the Anishnaabek culture are a vital part of who

we are as Anishinaabek. This is our identity

and the two cannot be separated. Anishnaabek

culture and language have been passed down

from generation to generation by oral teachings.

The language and culture is of utmost importance

today. Those Anishnaabek who are still

knowledgeable and those who are presently

learning Anishnaabemowin and culture, must

continue to pass the teachings on to the next

generation, through all oral, written, visual aids,

necessary so these teachings will continue.

Email: Melissa.Petoskey@gtb-nsn.gov

HUMAN RESOURCES

Telephone: (231) 534-7100

https://bit.ly/GTBGovt_Jobs

The Human Resources Department would like to

welcome all Tribal Members seeking employment,

as well as current employees, to visit our operations

located in the Government Annex building. Located

in our department you will find our Employment

Center, which serves as the main location for you to

access all of the current job openings and apply for

them on the spot. The Human Resources Department

also serves as a base for current employees who

may need assistance with any employment related

issues, including benefits. We have a dedicated

staff that would be more than happy to assist with

any questions and/or concerns you may have.

477 PROGRAM

Main Line: (231) 534-7767

The 477 Program is a federally funded program

that helps Tribal Members reduce joblessness

and encourage self-sufficiency among federally

recognized tribal (FRT) members within the Grand

Traverse Band service area.

The 477 Program offers:

WEX - Adult Work Experience Client Support

Ɉ Assistance securing work tools, supplies, attire,

childcare, temporary transportation costs. High

School & GED Completion

Ɉ Dependent upon funding availability, an incentive

stipend is awarded upon completion. Workforce

Development Training

Ɉ Work Ethic, Interview Skills, Resume/Cover Letter

Ɉ Scheduled and delivered upon need and demand.

TRAVERSE

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7689

HOUSING DEPARTMENT

Department Manager: Melissa Petoskey

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

Depar

Interim Housing Development Manager: Jodi

Lewis

Assistant Housing Manager Line: (231) 534-7805

Tenant Emergency Maintenance: (231) 866-1290

Emergency Home Repair Line: (231) 866-1107

Main Housing Email: Gov-gtb.housing@

gtb-nsn.gov

Main Housing Line: (231) 534-7800

The mission of the Grand Traverse Band Housing

Department is to provide and promote safe, adequate

and affordable housing opportunities for GTB Tribal

Members. As the facilitator of housing for the tribal

communities, the Housing Department is responsible

for creating a healthy living environment for families

through responsive initiatives that address social and

economic concerns via a solution oriented education

based housing program.

The Grand Traverse Band places a priority on home

ownership as a means to stabilize communities by

promoting self-sufficiency. While housing families

is the primary mission of the Housing Department,

the focus is on creating housing opportunities by

assisting families to obtain the required knowledge

necessary to make informed life decisions. In the

absence of eligible GTB Tribal Members, the GTB

Housing Department will provide these opportunities

to other Federally Recognized Indian Families that

live within the Grand Traverse Band six-county

service area.

What Housing offers to Tribal Members:

◊ Housing applications & assistance for lowincome, Market Rental.

◊ Rental Security Deposit / First Month Rent

Program

◊ Emergency Home Repair Applications

◊ Emergency Home Inspection

◊ Down Payment Applications

◊ Rental Subsidy Program

◊ Home Buyer Classes

◊ Budget Counseling / Financial Education

◊ Septic Pumping (Income qualified Homeowners)

◊ Handicap Accessible program

Resources for Other Programs:

◊ Information for House Insurance

◊ Well—Septic Applications

◊ Lot Assignment Applications

◊ Tax Exempt Application (see OMB page 7)

◊ Human Services Application

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

PUBLIC WORKS

Desk Line: (231) 534-7491

Peshawbestown: (231) 534-7376

The Mission of the Grand Traverse Band Automotive

Repair Program is to provide quality automotive

repair services for the Grand Traverse Band

Tribal Government and Economic Development

Corporation vehicles. The Grand Traverse Band

Automotive Repair Program also offers automotive

repair services to registered Grand Traverse Band

Tribal Members living in the 6-county service area

at rate of $30 per hour with no mark on the cost of

parts. All the automotive repair technicians are State

of Michigan Certified with a combined experience

of over 60 years.

Please call main line to set up a diagnostic

appointment.

Turtle Creek: (231) 534-7496

TRA RSE

Main Line: (231) 534-7705

Department Manager: Joe Huhn

Department Manager: Duane Burfield

GRAN

AUTOMOTIVE

IC WOR

The Grand Traverse Band Department of Public

works is dedicated to supplying safe drinking

water for the Peshawbestown community, Acme

Twp. and Whitewater Twp. In addition, we provide

superior wastewater treatment for discharge into

West Grand Traverse Bay and ground water at the

Turtle Creek wastewater facility. In doing so this

department is contributing to the good health and

well being of the community and the environment.

The GTB DPW oversees the following systems:

Requirements:

◊ Peshawbestown wastewater treatment plant

and collection system

• Tribal Identification Card

◊ Peshawbestown water system and

distribution system

• Vehicle Proof of Insurance

◊ Turtle Creek wastewater treatment plant

• Vehicle Registration - must be current and

registered to the Tribal Member requesting repairs.

◊ Turtle Creek water system and distribution

system

Our Services Include:

◊ Engine Repair

◊ Transmission and Drive-train Repairs

◊ Electrical Systems Repair

◊ Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs

◊ Wheel Alignment Services

◊ Exhaust and Brake Repairs

◊ Engine Performance and Tune-ups

◊ New Tire and Tire Repair Services

*We are unable to do ANY type of body work due to

licensing requirements.

◊ Grand Traverse Resort water system

◊ Wells & septic program for the six county

service area

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

COMMUNICATIONS

Department Manager: Victoria Alfonseca

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7366 | Email: Victoria.Alfonseca@gtb-nsn.gov

Main Line: (231) 534-7008 | Email: GTBGovt.News@gtb-nsn.gov

GTB Tribal website: www.GTBindians.org

The mission of the Communications Program is to

provide members with information about their tribal

government operations, services, historical archives,

and all news concerning Native American life.

Graphic Design Request Form:

https://bit.ly/GTB_Graphic_Design

◊ Activities include creating and distributing a

monthly news publication, managing the tribal

government website, and providing audio/video

recording and quick-print services.

◊ The Communications Department manages the

official recording system for all Tribal Council,

Committee, and Board meetings. Recordings

are archived and available for playback

in the “Members Only” section at:

https://bit.ly/GTB_Member

◊ The GTB News is a monthly publication that

provides information about programs, scheduled

community activities, and updates on events

and services from the tribal government.

You can find the GTB News here:

https://bit.ly/GTB_NEWS

◊ Our audio/video recording services document

events and achievements of the tribal

government

through

recordings

and

photography

services.

https://bit.ly/GTB_Photos

◊ The Communications Program offers quick-print

and design services to all government offices,

Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

departments, Tribal Membership, and outside

organizations.

◊ Regroup Mass Notification offers the best ways to

send and receive messages quickly and reliably for

Tribal Members and the surrounding community.

This includes emergency notifications as well as

daily operational updates.

◊ Sign Up Here:

https://bit.ly/GTB_TM_Regroup

Department 3: Tribal Management

“Nmebin Giizis” (Snow Crest Moon)

TRIBAL PROSECUTOR

Tribal Prosecutor: Sylvia Esparza-Casciano

Main Line: (231) 534-7630

Email: Prosecutor@gtb-nsn.gov

2300 N. Stallman Road

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

The duties of the Tribal Prosecutor are primarily spelled

out in the Tribal Code at 3 GTBC § 104, which states:

◊ The Tribal Prosecutor shall:

(1) be the chief law enforcement officer of the Tribe and shall be responsible for all criminal investigations

and prosecutions in Tribal Court, including arraignments, motions, trials and appeals.

(2) have the discretion to prosecute violations of the Tribe’s constitution, criminal code, ordinances and

resolutions in Tribal Court.

(3) work closely with the Tribal Court Administrator and Tribal Judge to improve the delivery of services

within the Tribal Court and to assist the Court in case management and docket preparation.

(4) serve as presenting officer in the Tribe’s Children’s Court and represent the Tribe in Indian Child Welfare

cases in state jurisdictions upon the authorization of the ICW Committee or the Tribal Court.

(5) prosecute violations of the Tribe’s fishing and conservation regulations as well as the regulations of the

Chippewa-Ottawa Treaty Fishing Management Authority, in the Tribe’s Conservation Court.

(6) establish a working relationship with local, state and federal jurisdictions and establish a protocol for

coordinating criminal investigations and prosecutions with such local, state and federal jurisdictions.

(7) review all charges and complaints of violations of Tribal codes and ordinances and determine what

charges to bring and whom to charge.

(8) review all requests for arrest warrants and search warrants to determine if all constitutional requirements

are satisfied prior to approval or authorization.

(9) serve, in his/her civil capacity, as in-house counsel for the various departments of Tribal government and

shall render legal opinions when requested to do so.

The Tribal Prosecutor may also give advice to Tribal members and employees and shall provide pro-bono

services to Tribal elders or Tribal members who are having legal problems which may be related to their

status as Native Americans. These services may only be provided as time permits and may not take priority

over normal prosecutor duties.

The Tribal Prosecutor also provides up to 30 hours of time on an annual basis to perform duties for the

Compensation Committee as needed in conjunction with their responsibilities as defined in 1 GTBC Chapter 4.

Department 4: Facilities Management

“Ziizabaakwat Giizis” (Sugar Moon)

Department Manager: Ron Anderson

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7034

Email: Ron.Anderson@gtb-nsn.gov

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

The Facilities Department mission is to provide

the highest quality services to insure the health,

safety and well being of Tribal Members, employees,

community members and Tribal Property while

preserving the integrity of our natural resources.

Maintenance Oversees:

◊

Over 110,000 square feet of office space to be

cleaned daily.

◊

Over 100,000 square feet of common area such as

bathrooms, hallways, conference rooms, closets,

furnace rooms that need to be cleaned.

◊

There are 62 bathrooms that need to be cleaned

daily.

◊

Approximately 60 acres of lawn to care for on a

weekly basis.

◊

A Summer Camp near Alden (The Ne-zhon-zhawuk Park).

◊

Elders Park, Peshawbestown park and Antrim

Beach Park

◊

The Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown.

◊

Snow Removal services for GTB Gov. offices

Department 5: Conservation

“Naabidin Giizis” (Sturgeon Moon)

Interim Department Manager: La’Kota Raphael

Telephone: (231) 534-7500

Email: Lakota.Raphael@gtb-nsn.gov

Exercise of 1836 Treaty of Washington on waters

and lands within the Ceded Territory.

COMMERCIAL FISHERIES

ENFORCEMENT

Commercial Vessel Inspections.

Identification and documentation for Special

Use Permits.

Wildlife Survey Counts.

Environmental Law Enforcement, storm runoff

sites, building sites and permits.

Great Lakes water safety instructor commercial

vessels.

Hunter Safety Course Certification.

Inland

Hunting,

Fishing

and

Gathering

Enforcement. Illegal dump sites enforcement.

Committee memberships: Joint Law Enforcement

Committee and Native American Fish & Wildlife

Society.

Natural Resource Protection.

Water Quality, related invasive species location

documentation.

Department 6: Membership

“Waabagonii Giizis” (Blossom Moon)

Department Manager: Monique Clifford

Telephone: (231) 534-7670

Email: Monique.Clifford@gtb-nsn.gov

The Membership office offers services to applicants

seeking to become members of the Grand Traverse

Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. These

applications are evaluated and processed based on

the criteria outlined in the Tribal Constitution, Article

II, and the Enrollment Ordinance approved by Tribal

Council, effective October 2, 2006. We also assist the

Election Board. Additionally, we provide necessary

data to all Tribal programs needing statistical data

for applications and mailings. On a daily basis the

staff makes updates to a database that manages data

on member identification and vital statistics such as

addresses and phone numbers.

This database is also used to generate mailing

lists and labels as well as reports for other Tribal

programs including the Tribal Newsletter. The

database also stores the photographs and signatures

of Tribal Members to provide Tribal IDs and it stores

genealogical information. We also have improved

our Tribal ID cards. The new cards have a holographic

overlay and are more secure than the previous

edition.

Other services offered through the Membership

office include voter registration for Tribal elections

and certifications for Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

Applications and Native American Employment

Certifications. We also verify membership for Indian

Child Welfare and Tribal Members who need CDIB’s

for other reasons.

Department 7: Human Services

“Miinan Giizis” (Berry Moon)

Department Manager: Joanie Blamer-Eisner

Telephone: (231) 534-7255

Email: Joanie.Blamer@gtb-nsn.gov

ANISHNAABEK FAMILY SERVICES

AFS Supervisor: Denise Johnson

Main Phone Line: 231-534-7124

Email: AFS@gtb-nsn.gov

Anishnaabek Family Services (AFS) Mission is to build

a healthy community and strengthen our families

by providing comprehensive strength-based and

culturally appropriate services that promote healthy

lifestyles and self-sufficiency in prevention and

intervention services. Develop family programing

for the community that creates awareness about the

services available to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Prevention Services: Provided on a voluntary basis

where there is an identified potential for child abuse

or neglect.

Intervention Services:

Provided when a

substantiated report of abuse and neglect occurs

within the six-county service area resulting in Tribal

or State court involvement.

Licensing: Licenses foster care homes on the

reservation.

Adult Services:

Provides support, advocacy,

referrals, and resources to vulnerable adults and

Elders; assists with Adult Protective Services matters.

Family Violence Prevention Services: Providing

advocacy, referrals, and assistance to victims

of family violence, dating violence, and

domestic violence; and community awareness.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7090

Email: GOVBehavioralHealth@gtb-nsn.gov

GTB Behavioral Health Services (BHS) strives to

provide the highest quality, professional care

while utilizing a variety of services and treatment

modalities to address the issues of substance usage

and mental health while adhering to Tribal, Federal

and State professional ethical codes and standards of

conduct within a safe and confidential environment.

Additionally, BHS incorporates cultural teachings

and ceremonies within the treatment modalities to

foster optimum balance in the mental, emotional,

physical and spiritual aspects of the whole person

and their family. BHS is a CARF Accredited Outpatient

Substance Abuse Program providing Culturally

integrated client-centered care by licensed and

Certified Therapists.

BHS assists with making referrals to outpatient and

inpatient residential treatment programs as clinically

necessary. Discharge planning is also offered to support

individuals returning to their community following

an inpatient stay. A contractual psychiatric provider

is available to provide medication management

and psychiatric evaluations for adult clientele.

Department 7: Human Services

“Miinan Giizis” (Berry Moon)

BHS PROVIDES AND/OR REFERRAL FOR:

Biopsychosocial Assessments

Individual Counseling

Adult Psychiatric Evaluations

Adult Psychiatric Medication Review

Tribal Opiate Treatment

Traditional Healer Services Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Auricular Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, &

Other Alternative Therapies

Direct services can be provided at each of the four

State Licensed locations:

Peshawbestown – Medicine Lodge

GTB 3-Mile Office – Traverse City

Benzie Office

Charlevoix Office

HUMAN SERVICES ASSISTANCE

Telephone: (231) 534-7910

Social Security Card for each household member

Proof of all household income

Acceptable proof of income: Most recent 4

check stubs or Award letter for SSR or SSDI

Bank statement showing direct deposit of SSDI,

SSR or other Retirement/Pension

Email: HumanServices@gtb-nsn.gov

Human Service’s mission is to promote community

self-sufficiency, physical & mental well-being for Tribal

citizens within the six-county service area through

direct service provision, education, & community

involvement within the spirit of self-governance

Types of Emergency Assistance Available:

Food assistance and/or GTB Food pantry

Emergency Heating/Cooling Assistance

Weatherization

Various Emergency Assistance based on Grants

received. (i.e.: LIHEAP, CSBG)

Elders Emergency Service

Documents required with application to be

considered complete:

Tribal ID for each household member with

current updated information

Driver’s License or State ID for each adult member

Income Guidelines:

Income guidelines are based on income from

employment, fisheries income, odd jobs, and the

like. Also, unearned income such as: unemployment,

Social Security (disability and retirement),

retirement pensions, child support and the like.

Automatic qualifying incomes and Programs, TANF,

SSI VA Pension/Retirement or Food stamps. One

must be actively participating in these programs

and provide official documentation. Households

will be deemed eligible based on the income, based

on household size. Household- all persons residing

at one physical address, regardless of relationship.

Households not participating in an automatic

qualifying program, will be deemed eligible based

on the household income, based on household size.

Department 8: Health Services

“Minoomin Giizis” (Rice Moon)

Department Manager: Sonya Zotigh

Telephone: (231) 534-7241

Email: Sonya.Zotigh2@gtb-nsn.gov

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND FAMILY

HEALTH CLINIC

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7200

Emergency Closure Line: (231) 534-7669

For more information visit www.gtbindians.org

Select ‘Health Services’

The GTB Family Health Clinic is a family practice

clinic providing comprehensive medical cure for

the whole family, offering preventative exams,

well-health physical referrals, immunizations, and

chronic disease management and other urgent and

non-urgent services. Appointments can be scheduled

by calling (231) 534-7200. Clinic hours are currently

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. The

Receptionist will ask for your current address,

telephone number and insurance information.

This assists in the billing process and check in.

Please bring your Tribal ID/State ID at each visit.

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS

Prescriptions can be called in to the prescription

refill line by dialing the clinic direct at (231) 534-7200

and choosing option 2. This line is checked daily,

and prescriptions are filled within 48-72 hours. For

any urgent prescription needs, please call the front

desk at (231) 534-7200.

GTB PHARMACY OPEN 231-534-7350

The Grand Traverse Band Pharmacy is thrilled to

announce that it opened March 2025. We offer

prescription services, including medication

therapy management, as well as delivery and

mailing of prescriptions to those who qualify.

To be eligible for prescription services at

GTB Pharmacy, you must have an established

relationship with the GTB Family Health Center.

Our pharmacy is staffed by two pharmacists

and

two

licensed

pharmacy

technicians.

HEALTH TRANSPORTATION

Telephone: (231) 534-7222

Transportation is provided to GTB Members who are

disabled and Elderly who have no other means of

transportation, and are a priority for services. Requests

can be made by calling Transportation Hot-line at (231)

534-7222 and made 72 hours in advance. Please leave

your name, phone number, appointment date-timelocation with a detailed message. Our Transporter will

contact you regarding your transportation request.

*Please remember that transportation is dependent

upon the availability of the Transporter. Client should

have no other means of transportation available to

them, and other resources including, but not limited

to VA, FIA, Bata, family members and friends should

be utilized before contacting the Transporter. All

patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by

a parent or guardian.

The Health Transporter cannot assist in any medical

decision making or medical guidance on your behalf.

In the event GTB Tribal offices are closed due to

inclement weather, there will be no transportation

provided. Unless previously arranged, transportation

requests outside the six-county service area must be

made well in advance, and in a timely fashion in order

to complete the request and necessary paperwork.

Department 8: Health Services

“Minoomin Giizis” (Rice Moon)

COMMUNITY HEALTH

REPRESENTATIVES (CHR’S)

*CHR Specialist Supervisor: Tamra Newton

(231) 534-7205

*Leelanau / Benzie: Amanda McSauby (231) 534-7202

CHR Specialist: Ranee Campo

(231) 534-7772

Charlevoix: Virginia Fields

(231) 534-7062

Our CHR’s mission statement is to provide

quality outreach health care services within our

communities. Office hours are typically from

8a.m. – 5p.m daily, Monday through Friday. Our

Representatives are available to assist in weekly

vitals, medication refills, assist with filling out

paperwork, locating resources for services that are

available in their counties, organizing workshops,

and assist in transportation if needed to health

appointments, prescription pickup and delivery, and

assist in the coordination of referrals. The CHR’s work

in conjunction with the Medical & Dental Clinic’s for

coordination of care, and provide for home visiting.

* For more information, please contact your local

Community Health Representative.

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND DENTAL CLINIC

Telephone: (231) 534-7211

The Grand Traverse Band Dental Clinic is located

in the Medicine Lodge and provides dental exams,

cleanings, x-rays, crowns, selective implant services,

as well as a variety of other services and procedures.

*Emergency dental services are provided daily.

We currently have 4 dental operatories and are staffed

with a full-time Chief Dentist, Dental Assistants, and

Receptionist, and part-time Dentist and Hygienist.

Current operational hours are 8AM-5PM M-F. New

patient paperwork is available from our receptionist.

Be sure to have your current address, telephone

number, tribal ID, and insurance information. This

assists in record keeping, billing, and check-in.

Department 8: Health Services

“Minoomin Giizis” (Rice Moon)

PURCHASED/REFERRED CARE (PRC)

PRC Representatives: Monica Anderson &

Andrea Emery

PRC Hotline: (231) 534-7223

We would like to provide information to you as the

PRC Client of the program regulations for the PRC

program. PRC is not an entitlement program, an

insurance plan, or guarantee of payment. PRC is

considered the payer of last resort and the direct

healthcare services funded 100% by Tribal dollars. The

priority levels of the program are directly from IHS.

We currently use Forest County Potawatomi (FCP)

as our PRC Third-Party Administrator. You may have

received the brown and white card that states it is

the GTB Purchase/Referred Care Program. FCP PRC

is secondary to all primary insurances: Medicare,

Medicaid, Employer Insurance, Marketplace

Sponsorship, etc.

The PRC program staff are the gatekeepers for the

GTBPRC program, ensuring that every request

for service is verified with a complete PRC Client

application and documentation-annually verified.

GTB PRC is not an insurance, and PRC Clients may be

directed back to their providers/primary insurance/

or FCP PRC for assistance.

A current bill received on a monthly basis

Most recent year form W2

Most recent year Federal Income tax return

Michigan Voter’s registration card

Current monthly bank statement

Option 2

A copy of your GTB photo Tribal ID, and two of the

following in your name:

A current utility bill

A current bill received on a monthly basis

Most recent year form W2

The GTB PRC program is for eligible GTB members

as written below:

Most recent year Federal Income tax return

Michigan Voter’s registration card

1. Must be a member of the Grand Traverse Band of

Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

A current monthly bank statement

2. Must reside within the GTB PRC Delivery

Area (PRCDA): Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand

Traverse,Leelanau, and Manistee counties and

furnish documentation to substantiate residency

eligibility for a minimum of 90 days prior to

eligibility being established:

A copy of your GTB Photo Tribal ID or valid Driver’s

License or Michigan ID, and:

Option 1

A copy of your GTB Photo Tribal ID, & valid driver’s

license or State of Michigan photo ID with the

physical address listed on the application and one

of the following in your name:

A current utility bill

Option 3

Fill out an Affidavit for Certification of Residency

for Co-habitants Resident Tribal Member

(affidavits can be requested by contacting the

Membership department).

Please note if a GTB member is living in the sixcounty area and homeless, we will work with

you to offer case management services to assist

with your healthcare needs.

3. PRC needs to have a referral from a primary care

provider on file to obtain a Pre-Authorization for

specialized healthcare or dental-care treatment plan.

Department 8: Health Services

“Minoomin Giizis” (Rice Moon)

BENEFITS COORDINATOR

Benefits Coordinator: David Wonegeshik

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7354

Our Benefits Coordinator assists Purchased Referred Care in determining alternate health resources, a

requirement for P.R.C. Health coverage. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Grand Traverse Band Family Health Clinic has a community partnership with the Department of Health

and Human Services. This allows the Benefits Coordinator to assist with Medicaid. This is the website if you

choose to apply on your own: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov

The Benefits Coordinator is trained through the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and is a certified

MMAP councilor. You may reach out for additional information or assistance with Medicare part B

(reimbursement) and Medicare part D, Extra Help, and Dual Coverage. These are government websites that

have useful information: www.ssa.gov and www.medicare.gov

The Benefits Coordinator trained with the Social Security Administration to support applying for disability

and provide direction through the process.

Our Benefits Coordinator is a Tribal Veterans Representative and can offer information to Veterans

requesting resources or assistance. If unable to assist she will refer you to the local Veterans Service Officer.

YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION CANNOT BE DISCUSSED WITH ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR WRITTEN CONSENT.

Department 9: Tribal Court

“Aandaandenoo Giizis” (Changing Leaves Moon)

Department Manager: Chief Judge

Telephone: (231) 534-7050

Email: TribalCourt@gtb-nsn.gov

CONTACT LIST:

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Main Line

231-534-7050 N/A

Court Administrator

231-534-7041 231-866-1238

Program Director/Court Clerk

231-534-7030

231-463-4133

Assostant Probation Officer / Court Clerk

231-534-7027

TBD

Probation Officer

231-534-7546 231-631-4329

Bailiff/Civil Court Clerk

231-534-7079 231-866-6014

Court Clerk

231-534-7080 231-463-6178

Article V of the Grand Traverse Band Constitution

established the Tribal Judiciary as a separate branch

of government with authority to hear matters

arising under the Tribal Constitution, ordinances,

regulations and/or judicial decisions consistent

with self-determination and the Tribe’s sovereign

powers. The Tribal Judiciary consists of the Tribal

Court (with one (1) full time Chief Judge and

one (1) part time Associate Judge) and the Tribal

Appellate Court (with three (3) Appellate Judges).

The Tribal Court (trial level court) is a court of general

jurisdiction and hears all civil, criminal, juvenile,

traffic, child protection, minor trust, fishing/

hunting, etc. The Tribal Appellate Court hears all

appeals from the Tribal Court. The Tribal Judiciary

meets every quarter and makes policy decisions

concerning the adoption of court rules, policies, etc.

The Tribal Court is open Monday through

Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Open all day).

Cases may be heard after normal business hours to

accommodate Tribal Member schedules upon request.

Mailing Address: 2605 N. West Bay Shore Drive,

Peshawbestown, MI 49682.

Physical Address: 2809 N. West Bay Shore Drive,

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Data Entry Clerk / Clerical Support Assistant

231-534-7020 231-463-6178

SDVCJ Project Coordinator

231-534-7377

TBD

CTAS PA-3 Court Clerk / Peacemaker/Program Director

231-534-7028

231-492-3047

VAWA Tribal Court Survivor Liaison/Program Director

231-534-7381

231-492-7380

VAWA Intensive Probation Officer

231-534-7024

231-492-6771

CTAS PA-3 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT

PROJECT - GRANT

The CTAS PA-3 Domestic Violence Court Project grant

was awarded in Fiscal Year 2021. The goal of the grant

is to strengthen the GTB Tribal Justice System by

providing training, and to plan, create, implement

and operate a specialty court for Domestic Violence

crimes. The program focuses on a victim-centered

approach to court cases, taking into consideration the

needs and interests of victims of domestic violence

during the court process. The program also focuses

on reducing offender recidivism by using evidencebased practices for sentencing and probation.

Department 9: Tribal Court

“Aandaandenoo Giizis” (Changing Leaves Moon)

COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS

The Tribal Court contracts with attorneys to

represent Tribal Members and/or Tribal Member

interests in the Tribal Court. All the court appointed

attorneys are Michigan Bar Licensed attorneys and

available at no cost for:

◊ Criminal cases (represents Tribal Member &

SDVCJ defendants);

◊ Guardian Ad Litems (represents interests of

Tribal Member minors and incompetents);

◊ Probating Wills/Estates (represents decedent

Tribal Members);

◊ Child Protection (represents Tribal Member

parents in ICW cases); and,

◊ Domestic Violence (represents victims in select

civil matters).

FEE SCHEDULE

The following is the Tribal Judiciary Fee Schedule

at the time of printing. Some fees can be waived

contingent upon approval of a fee waiver petition.

◊ Civil (including divorce and adoption): $100

◊ Probate (including guardianship): $100

◊ Consent Judgments: $100

◊ Foreign Judgments: $100

◊ Minor Trust: $100

◊ Child Support: $100

◊ Small Claims: $60

◊ Appeals: $150

◊ Civil Jury Demand: $100

◊ Garnishment: $50

◊ Motions: $20

◊ Certified Mail: $5

◊ Personal Service: Actual Cost

◊ Marriage: $50

◊ Copies of Court Documents: $0.25/page

◊ Certified Copies: $10

◊ Transcripts (actual costs): $250 Deposit

TRIBAL COURT MISCELLANEOUS

SERVICES

◊ Sign Language Interpreter. Available upon

request to any party in a Tribal Court case.

◊ Spanish Language Interpreter. Available upon

request to any party in a Tribal Court case.

◊ Notary Public Services. Available free of

charge to all during regular court hours.

◊ Probation Services.

In-Home

and Alcohol Monitoring (costs

Tether

apply).

◊ Drug Testing, PBT Testing available to

court clients and community (costs apply).

◊ MENS & AWARE program fees paid up

front by Court but reimbursed by client.

Available to Tribal Court case clients only.

Department 9: Tribal Court

“Aandaandenoo Giizis” (Changing Leaves Moon)

Department Manager: Chief Judge

Telephone: (231) 534-7050

Email: TribalCourt@gtb-nsn.gov

PEACEMAKING - MNAWEEJEENDIWIN

Mnaweejeendiwin serves the physical, mental

health,

spiritual,

emotional

and

educational

wellbeing of Anishnaabek through development

of traditional processes to resolve conflicts and

promote a healthier lifestyle. Mnaweejeendiwin

was

established

alternative

the

“present” Tribal/State court system and applies

traditional methods of conflict resolution and

problem solving through consensus to build a

stronger and healthier family and community.

Mnaweejeendiwin clients are Tribal Members,

members of other federally recognized tribes and

non- Natives in our surrounding communities.

Clients may seek the services of Mnaweejeendiwin

on their own or may be referred by the Tribal

Logo By: Paul Raphael

SPECIAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION (SDVCJ)

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa

Indians (GTB) is an implementing tribe of SDVCJ. The

SDVCJ program seeks to implement and exercise

returned jurisdiction and sentencing authority

as enumerated in the 2013 reauthorization of the

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The 2013 VAWA

provisions recognize and reaffirm the inherent

right of Tribal justice systems to prosecute crimes

of domestic violence, dating violence, and certain

violations of protection orders committed by all

persons, including non-Native, against Native

individuals on Tribal land. The SDVCJ Program funds

an SDVCJ Public Defender to represent indigent

defendants charged under SDVCJ laws in Tribal

Court.

Program objectives include strengthening

the GTB criminal justice system, ensuring victim

rights,

and

holding

perpetrators

accountable.

Court. Mnaweejeendiwin services are primarily

available in the six-county service area with limited

services available outside the six-county service

area contingent on Mnaweejeendiwin availability.

GRANTS TO INDIAN TRIBAL

GOVERNMENTS PROGRAMS

The Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Programs

(GITGP) was awarded to GTB in Fiscal Year 2023.

This is a three-year grant. VAWA crimes include

domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,

sex trafficking and stalking.

The program will provide a VAWA Intensive Probation

Officer who is able to cover VAWA specific crimes.

The program will also provide a Tribal Court Survivor

Liaison-Program Manager. This position is a systemsbased Victim Advocate for survivors of VAWA specific

crimes stemming from GTB Tribal Court cases.

The program can provide civil legal representation

for survivors of VAWA specific crimes.

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

Interim Department Manager: Erik Olsen

Telephone: (231) 534-7500

Email: Erik.Olsen@gtb-nsn.gov

NRD Office Address: 3505 Putnam Rd.

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

The Natural Resources Department provides the

Tribal Membership with advocacy for hunting,

fishing, gathering, and trapping rights in the ceded

treaty territories. The mission of NRD is to protect

and enhance the natural resources gifted to the

Anishinabek by the Creator for past, present, and

future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Program Manager: Courtney Hessell

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7378

Email: Courtney.Hessell@gtb-nsn.gov

◊ Environmental Emergency Response (ex. Oil

Spills)

◊ Household Hazardous Waste Assistance

◊ Environmental Site Assessments on

properties when acquiring properties.

◊ Illegal Dumping and Contamination of

properties surveillance

◊ Surface Water Quality Sampling

◊ Monitor and provide guidance on Water

Quality Standards

◊ Soil Erosion and Stormwater Runoff

Permitting on Trust lands

GREAT LAKES

Program Manager: Erik Olsen

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7364

Email: Erik.Olsen@gtb-nsn.gov

◊ Issue Commercial Fishing licenses: Captain,

Helper and Subsistence

◊ Issue Commercial Vessel Observer Permits

CORA Boat Registration

◊ Operation and maintenance of the Tribe’s

two commercial marina (Arthur Duhamel

Marina, Peshawbestown, MI, Beaver’s Landing

Marina, St. James, MI)

◊ Collect fisheries data from the Tribal

commercial fishery and open-water assessments

in support of generating sustainable annual

harvest guidelines.

◊ Wetland Delineation, Watershed

Assessments, Stream Assessments, Road Stream

Crossing Surveys

◊ Solid Waste and Recycling Management and

planning for improvements

◊ Support GTB’s Green Committee

◊ Although we do not currently have an Air

Quality program, we spread awareness on

Radon, Wildfire Smoke, and more with the

intent to bring a new Air Quality program to

GTB.

◊ Climate Resiliency Planning for GTB’s future

implementation

◊ Overall, our goal is to advocate for

clean water, clean air, “greener” initiatives,

renewable/efficient energy, brownfields

identification and share Indigenous

Knowledge regarding environment through

communication and increased awareness of

government- to- government relationships.

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

INLAND

Program Manager: Dan Mays

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7291

Email: Dan.Mays@gtb-nsn.gov

◊ Produce, review and implement policies and

Regulation booklets with Inland Hunting,

Gathering and Fishing Rights as recommended

by the Natural Resources and Environment

Committee.

◊ Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering licenses

and special use permits.

◊ Online Licensing App management: http://hunt.

gtbindians.org/

◊ Turkey and Deer tags issued for appropriate

seasons; organize permit distribution and

harvest reporting.

◊ Elk and Black Bear tags issued for appropriate

seasons; organize and conduct lotteries for

permit distribution and harvest reporting .

◊ Special use permits; disabled Tribal hunter

permits, special needs subsistence/ceremonial

permit and road kill special use permit.

◊ Issue and manage the distribution of spearing

and netting permits for fish species including

sturgeon, walleye, steelhead and salmon.

◊ Inland Boat/Snowmobile/ORV registration.

◊ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake-shore access

passes.

◊ Huron-Manistee National Forest access passes.

◊ Issue camping permits, firewood permits

among other permits authorizing Tribal Member

resource use on USFS and State lands.

◊ Develop and foster working relationships

with Federal and State Agencies to improve

management efficiency, develop resource

use agreements and improve productive

communication

with

other

resource

management agencies.

◊ Wildlife Harvest monitoring including Deer

Check Station, furbearer registration and other

special inspections of harvested fish and game.

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

Program Manager: William Derouin

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7023

Email: William.Derouin@gtb-nsn.gov

◊ Develop relationships with granting agencies

related to agriculture programming at GTB.

◊ Establish relationships with local producers,

tribal entities, and government agencies to

leverage GTB agricultural resources for GTB

member benefit

◊ Demonstrate sustainable farming practices, soil

management and food production techniques

◊ Offer agricultural advice to GTB members home

gardens and agricultural businesses.

◊ Identify organic waste streams at GTB to begin

composting organic waste for use as compost/

fertilizer

◊ Maintain over 10-acres of agricultural

production; annual crop vegetable, fruit, corn,

hay and straw

◊ Conduct Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat Surveys,

Inventories and Assessments.

◊ Provide education programming related to

agriculture for GTB members

◊ Native Species Restoration - Operation of GTB’s

Lake Sturgeon and Arctic Grayling streamside

rearing facility.

◊ Advise Tribal Council on agricultural land

acquisitions

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

Formed in 2019 after years of effort and coordination

by tribal members, the Agriculture & Food Sovereignty

Department is the vehicle by which The Grand Traverse

Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians pursues the

ambitious goal of establishing food sovereignty

in the future. What does “Food Sovereignty” look

like? In a bright future envisioned by the GTB

councilors and members who worked to establish

this new department, the Tribe is able to produce

food and food products for the tribal community.

UTILIZING EXISTING

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES:

Over the 6 - County Service Area; Charlevoix, Antrim,

Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee,

GTB has over 1,000+ acres of agricultural lands.

These lands range from former apple orchard in

Peshawbestown and near Turtle Creek Casino, to a

former dairy farm adjacent to the GTB Charlevoix

Satellite Office. These lands are valuable assets that

can be put to use growing food and medicine for

current members and future generations. Currently,

the Agriculture and food Sovereignty Department is

determining the “low hanging fruit”, or most readily

accessible lands, that can be worked into production.

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

ANNUAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

OFFERED TO GTB COMMUNITY

◊

FOOD PREPARATION FOR GTB EVENTS: GTB

Agriculture Staff have been tasked with cooking

for many large GTB Events. This has included the

MMIP Event, National Night Out, End of Summer

Bash, and Fair and Feast. GTB Agriculture Staff have

ServSafe Certification for Kitchen Management

and Food Handling. This food preparation has

included recipe cards and cooking instructions

for meals to help incentivize healthy eating.

FOOD

PANTRY

FOOD

PURCHASING:

2023-2025 GTB Agriculture has been the main

supplier of food for the GTB Food Pantries

after receiving over $1.2 million in a USDA –

Local Food Purchasing Grant. This grant has

allowed GTB Food Pantries to receive all locally

produced food. GTB has also provided food

distribution contracts to a network of food

pantries throughout the Grand Traverse Region,

becoming a leader in providing for people in

need. We partnered with several non-profits

that specialize in purchasing and distributing

food. This has greatly increased the access to

quality locally produced food in our region.

GTB AGRICULTURAL WORKSHOPS: We host a

range of workshops throughout the year based on

seasonal activities. This includes crop planting and

harvest, sugar bush workshops, deer processing

workshops, canning workshops and more. These

activities are posted in the GTB Newsletter.

GTB-MADE FARM PRODUCTS: Every year GTB

Agriculture & Food Sovereignty Department

distributes

over

$12,000

produce,

fertilizer, meals, plant starts and seed. This

is done at our workshops, GTB Health Fair,

GTB Pow-Wow, and NRD Fair and Feast

GTB

◊

DISC GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE: With

the proper equipment to help maintain

the Strongheart Disc Golf Course, GTB

Agriculture has helped to mow and maintain

the current disc golf course since 2020.

◊

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE: Over the

past year we have built 4 new pavilions for

the GTB community. 1 at the Peshawbestown

Farm, 1 at the Strongheart Center, 1 at the GTB

Sugar Bush, and 1 at the Benzie Satellite Office.

These structures are open for community

use and will be used to host programing.

◊

AGRICULTURAL

PLANNING

AND

GRANT

WRITING: Much of the growth in the Agriculture

Department is spurred by grant funding. This has

meant that the Department grows in the direction

of successfully received grants. We continue

to gather input from the tribal community via

survey data and from GTB Tribal Council via

Work Sessions to help shape the direction of the

program. Potential future areas of growth include:

bison herd management, orchard management,

sugar bush expansion, and building a commercial

kitchen for community food processing.

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

Program Manager: Brett Fessell

Desk Phone: (231) 534-7857

Email: Brett.Fessell@gtb-nsn.gov

RIVER RESTORATION

◊

Build and apply collaborative relationships,

technical capacity, and community connections

to restore, document and showcase the

vital importance of healing watersheds

and associated natural features for future

generations-Noojimon’ Ziibi-Healing Rivers

◊

Technical assistance and guidance on NRCS

Conservation Practices, stream and riparian

corridor restoration projects and monitoring and

evaluation efforts to document improvements

of ecological functions related to the projects.

◊

Grant writing and program administration

for projects related to resource protection,

restoration and enhancement projects with

particular emphasis on collaborative projects.

◊

River restoration through barrier (dam,

undersized or failing culverts) removal and

watershed re-connection for Aquatic Organism

Passage (AOP)

◊

Consultation

and

project

development

watershed

restoration

initiatives,

projects

and

programs.

◊

Forest community establishment

◊

Invasive species management

◊

NRCS program conservation practice guidance

◊

Technical Assistance and Guidance

Building effective restoration and conservation

partnerships

Grant writing and program administration

Stream mapping, monitoring and functional

assessments

◊

Consultation

protection

land

conservation

and

◊

Traditional

Ecological

application guidance

Knowledge

(TEK)

◊

Restoration career guidance, mentoring and

education connections

◊

Education, outreach, advocacy and community

relations

◊

Land Back – Acquisition of land for Indigenous

stewardship and habitat restoration, building

Indigenous climate resilience through land base

expansion, and supporting Tribal Sovereignty

through preservation of and unobstructed

access

treaty

protected

resources

Department 10: Natural Resources

“Niibiishan Binaakwenoon Giizis”

(Falling Leaves Moon)

OTHER

◊ Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering licenses

and special use permits.

◊ Issue Turkey and Deer tags issued for

appropriate seasons.

◊ Issue Elk, Black Bear and Lake Sturgeon tags

issued for appropriate seasons; organize and

conduct lotteries for permit distribution.

◊ Issue Disabled Tribal Hunter Permits, Special

Needs Subsistence/Ceremonial Permits and

Road-Kill Special Use Permits.

◊ Issue and manage the distribution of spearing

and netting permits for fish species including

walleye, steelhead and salmon.

◊ Inland Boat/Snowmobile/ORV registration.

◊ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

access passes.

Member resource use on USFS and State lands.

◊ Maintain Tribal Repository/Exercise

American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

◊ GPS Mapping and Technical Assistance.

◊ Plant, Insect and Fish Identification.

◊ Operation and Maintenance of the Tribe’s

Arthur Duhamel (Peshawbestown) and Beaver’s

Landing (St. James) Marinas.

◊ Glass, Plastic, Cardboard Recycling Bins located

adjacent to Eagletown Market.

◊ Coordinate battery drop-off/recycling at each

Tribal Office.

◊ Public Outreach and Education including

Natural Resources Fair and Feast, kids free

fishing days, fishery survey results reports to

lake associations and watershed committees.

◊ Huron-Manistee National Forest access passes.

◊ Issue camping permits, firewood permits

among other permits authorizing Tribal

◊ Scuba Diving (Advanced Open

underwater search and recovery.

Water)

Department 11: Regulatory/

Gaming Commission

“Baashkaakadin Giizis” (Freezing Moon)

Interim Department Manager: Joyce Petoskey

Telephone: (231) 534-7538

Email: Joyce.Petoskey@gtb-nsn.gov

Archaic Bone Dice

GAMING COMMISSION

The mission of the Grand Traverse Band Gaming Commission is to promote and safeguard integrity, honesty,

and fairness in all gaming activities on GTB Trust Land through effective regulation. To accomplish this, the

Gaming Commission diligently monitors gaming to ensure compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory

Act (IGRA), Class III Compact, GTB Gaming Code (Title 18), internal controls, and regulations promulgated by

the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).

Regulatory/Gaming Commission

◊ Internal Audit

◊ Compliance

◊ Background & Licensing

◊ Surveillance

For additional information please visit: www.gtbindians.org

Department 12: Education

“Minidoonhs Giizis” (Little Spirit Moon)

Department Manager: Dawn Shenoskey

Telephone: (231) 534-7753

Email: Dawn.Shenoskey@gtb-nsn.gov

Indian Education provides educational opportunities

and guidance to be successful Life Long learners

through parental, staff, and community involvement

by preparing Tribal Members of all ages to be

successful through our support and promotion of

the use our traditional culture and language.

KITCHI MINOGINING TRIBAL SCHOOL

Tribal School Teacher: Vacant

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7759

A state recognized, non-public school, operating

classrooms in Benzonia, Charlevoix, Traverse City,

and Peshawbestown as well as online courses using

a State-approved curriculum and instruction for high

school students. Staffed by one State of Michigan

Certified Teacher. KMTS credits and diplomas are

accepted by both public schools and State college

and universities.

KMTS OFFERS

PRE-K – 12TH EDUCATION

Indian Education Program Director: Melissa

Alberts

Indian Education Assistant/PD: Dana McClellan

Main Phone Lines: (231) 534-7765 OR (231) 534-7356

Fax Line: (231) 534-7773

For students enrolled in school & residing within

Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Leelanau,

and Manistee counties. Academic support and

monitoring services are rendered by Student Support

Advisor and a State of Michigan Certified Teacher.

The Education Program hosts and/or collaborates

to provide educational events, activities, and

services throughout the school year; which include:

◊ Summer Education Program (SEP)

◊ Back-to-School Extravaganzas

◊ In-school and After-school support and tutoring

services

◊ College Visits

◊ School Clothing

◊ Extra-curricular support

◊ Drivers Education

◊ Alternative Education Program for high school

students

◊ Senior Expenses

◊ High school completion for adult students

◊ GED preparation for adult students

◊ Tutoring services for high school and College

students

◊ Credit recovery for public high school students

◊ Tutoring services for summer school students,

including SEP, GRASP, etc

◊ Computers with Internet access

◊ Letter and Resume creation, including editing

and proofreading

◊ Community Education

Department 12: Education

“Minidoonhs Giizis” (Little Spirit Moon)

TITLE VI – DOE GRANT

GTB administers the Title VI Formula Grant serving

American Indian/Alaska Native students at two

schools within the 6-county area, Benzie Central and

Elk Rapids. Eligible Students must be members or a

descendant of a parent or grandparent of a Federally

Recognized Tribe.

Title VI Indian Education is designed to assist in

sharpening the unique educational and culturally

related needs of Indian students so they may achieve

to the same high standards expected of all students.

The Title VI Program hosts and/or collaborates to

provide educational events, activities, and services

throughout the school year; which include:

◊

Summer Education Program (SEP) support

◊ In-school and after-school tutoring services

◊ In-school and after-school support and

monitoring

◊ Academic and cultural enrichment support

NAADIMAADI-DAA

Truancy Intervention Specialist: Kaylie Hutcheon

Office Phone: (231) 534-7755

Cell Phone: 231-631-1672

Email: Kaylie.Hutcheon@gtb-nsn.gov

The Naadimaadi-daa Truancy Prevention Program

is located in the Heritage Library. This program

offers assistance for K-12, enrolled GTB members

in the six-county services area struggling to attend

school on a regular basis. Grant funded, this program

strives to collaborate with families to improve home

and school issues so education can be a priority.

HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Email: HigherEducation@gtb-nsn.gov

Scholarships

for

GTB

members

attending

Michigan Public College or Universities seeking

their post-secondary Degrees; also, for Adult

Vocational Training (AVT) students seeking

licensure and certifications for students attending

Michigan based, accredited training facilities.

Scholarships are awarded based on numbers of

credits and/or hours per semester or program.

HERITAGE LIBRARY

Heritage Librarian: Francis Carew

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7751

The main branch is located at the Lifelong Learning

Building in Peshawbestown with “Little Libraries”

located at each of the GTB Satellite Offices in

Benzonia, Charlevoix, and Traverse City and are

open to the public. Grant funded, the library’s

main collection consists of a unique assortment

of Native American themed books and movies. The

library also hosts regularly scheduled programing

and activities including a Community Education

Series and has a Computer Lab with Internet access.

YOUTH SERVICES

Education Assistant/PD: Dana McClellan

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7356

Youth Intervention Specialist (Leelanau): Tori

Chippewa

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7230

To provide youth and family oriented activities

that promote a healthier and nutrition lifestyle,

preventative against alcohol and drugs, improve

self-esteem and family involvement. Teaching

and strengthening Anishnaabe culture to educate

youth on the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

The Tribal Youth Enrichment Program (TYEP) is

to give GTB youth 0-18 years of age living within

the six-county service area, the opportunity to

participate in activities that will enhance and

support self-development.

Funding can be

used for a variety of purposes that may include

but are not limited to cultural, education,

sport and summer camp fees, music and dance

lessons, class trips, or other appropriate need.

0-4 years old = $125,

5-12 years old = $175,

13-17 years old= $200,

18 years old (in K - 12th school) = $200.

Community Event will be hosted throughout the

year to promote intervention and prevention for

GTB communities and GTB families.

Summer Programs will be held in collaboration with

other programs to hold a summer youth program

between June and August.

Department 12: Education

“Minidoonhs Giizis” (Little Spirit Moon)

BENODJENH CENTER

Benodjenh Center Supervisor: Vacant

Main Phone Line: (231) 534-7650

Mission Statement: “In order for a child to achieve a positive self-concept, it is essential that he/she will be

allowed success in his/her development. Together with parents, staff, and community members the resources

and experiences will be provided whereby the child will attain this success.”

Philosophy of Education: We believe that children learn best when their basic needs are met. Children need

a safe, secure, and inviting environment in order to feel comfortable and confident. Quality relationships and

interactions between staff and peers paired with a balance of child initiated and teacher directed activities

is how children will gain the tools necessary for school readiness and ultimately life long success.

The Benodjenh Center is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Childcare is available

for children between the ages of 3-12 years old. The Benodjenh Center Head Start/GSRP and Early Head Start

serve GTB children and families and other eligible families on or near the reservation.