Timeline of Electoral Misconduct in Sault Tribe Elections by Aaron and the “New Crew”

1. 2022 Election Turbulence: Nancy Hatch (of Sault Tribe Truth), Aaron Payment and associates are implicated in corrupt activities, distributing an anonymous flyer and illegal billboard against Hoffman. Investigations reveal Nancy and Aaron's involvement.
2. Payment's Resignation: After a significant evidence pile-up, Payment resigns amid scandal, leaving behind a debt of $130,000 incurred through violations. The "new crew" (Tyler LaPlaunt, Isaac Mckechnie, Kimberly Hampton, Kimberly Lee, Robert McRorie, Austin Lowes and Betty Freiheit) has never held Aaron accountable to pay this amount back.
3. Hoffman's Appointment: Following legal advice, the old board appoints Hoffman amidst 2022 electoral controversies.
4. Aaron's Influence on Elections: Aaron is found to have assisted the "new crew" gain election, with Allied Printing documents implicating him and Hampton in fraud. Sault Tribe prosecutor recommends an outside special prosecutor be assigned to pursue charges. Charges are avoided due to the political dominance by the new crew.
5. Questioning Hoffman's Position: New crew is certified, even though our tribal code states they cannot be until all disputes are resolved. At the time of their certification, those disputes were not resolve. The new crew should have never been certified. Upon their election, the “new crew “contests Hoffman's appointment by the previous board, leveraging accusations of clandestine meetings that conflict with known facts (both Austin and Betty were on a fishing trip in Alaska, THEY MISSED on their own accord the important meeting).
6. Misuse of Resources: Austin, leveraging tribal resources, undermines Hoffman's credibility during chair elections, which leads to a costly but fruitless investigation against Hoffman. Nothing is ever found, no investigation was ever released. And Hoffman was never issued a credit card by our tribe.
7. Austin's Dubious Victory: Austin claims the tribal chair position via a questionable process involving a non-existent election committee. Election commite chair who was appointed at the same meeting Austin was appointed, resigns only days later.
8. Continued Discrediting Efforts: The new crew, including Austin, continues efforts to discredit Hoffman, neglecting Payment's resignation agreement violations.
9. Election Controversies and Denials: A 2023 election attempt to replace Austin's board seat is marred by the denial of Collins' candidacy and the disqualification of Joanne Carr's win due to procedural concerns. These same concerns are occuring now during the 2024 elections. Austin's brother is working for the printing company who is printing an mailing our ballots.
10. Vacant Board Seat: The board seat remains unoccupied as the new crew persists in illegal non-compliance, aiming to consolidate power.
11. Controversial Settlements: New legal lead attorney quickly settle with Lansing Developers, sparking rumors of the Developers would of serve for half the amount had we negotiated more.
12. Fiscal Maneuvers: The new crew shifts financial operations from Sault Tribe Inc. to undermine the old board while seemingly enhancing their record of achievement, misattributing the old board's revenue generation efforts.
13. Sexual Harassment Accusations: Austin faces accusations, leading to administrative upheaval and questionable personnel management, with the prosecutor's inaction noted.
14. Election Commission Overhaul: Under the influence of Austin's supporters, the attorneys revises tribal code, raising campaign spending limits and permitting felon candidacy, aiming to oust the old board.
15. Corporate Instability: The attempt to dismantle Sault Tribe Inc., a major revenue entity, prompts the CEO's resignation, citing a toxic leadership environment.
16. Election Commission Controversies: Austin campaigns at an elder meeting without repercussion, highlighting the commission's partiality and flawed oversight.
17. Election Integrity Doubts: Austin's brother's involvement in ballot printing and premature mailing raises questions about the election's fairness, despite precautions claimed for 2024 elections. This is the exact same situation that happened in the 2023 elections resulting in the new crew canceling the elections and voiding Joanne Carr's win.
18. Commission Membership Dispute: A current attempt to remove a commission member over a historic social media post signifies ongoing internal conflicts and scrutiny over personal histories. if the election commission does this. It will put our current elections under great scrutiny. Possibly reflecting the need to dismantle the current election commission. Put the election on hold. And find another method that does not have so much biased as the current election commission does.

Conclusion, we need you to vote more than ever in this election. We must address the egregious breaches of Tribal Laws, violations of Constitutional rights, and acts against basic human decency. It's imperative to remove Austin and his aunt Betty from their positions. Cast your vote against Payment—the root of the chaos—and hold him accountable by demanding the return of his unjustly acquired severance. Elect board members committed to progress without undermining others, such as Morrow, Causley, Sorenson, and McKerchie. Support Hoffman for Chairperson, a candidate with a vision for propelling our Tribe forward. Together, we shall advance.

Call to Action: Urging support for the old board, credited with establishing Sault Tribe Inc., a significant revenue source. Their continued leadership is seen as pivotal for the tribe's financial health and fulfilling promises to the community.

Navigating the Crossroads: The Political Dichotomy within Our Tribe

In the heart of our community lies a division, not of heart or purpose, but of methodology and vision for the future. The Sault Tribe stands at a crossroads, reflecting a microcosm of a broader national and even global debate on governance, funding, and cultural preservation. Our members, leaders, and citizens find themselves aligned with one of two predominant groups, each carrying a vision for the tribe, yet diverging on the path to achieve it.

The Path of Tradition and Sovereignty

One faction within our tribe holds tightly to the essence of our traditional teachings, advocating for sovereignty and independence. This group sees the future of the Sault Tribe through the lens of our past, striving to weave the rich tapestry of our traditions into the fabric of modernity. They seek less dependency on the federal government, aiming instead to bolster our community through self-reliance and a renaissance of our cultural heritage.

Supporters of this vision gravitate towards the principles of the seven grandfather teachings, championing virtues such as wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth. These are not mere abstract ideals but practical pillars upon which they believe our tribal governance should stand.

This group is often mislabeled, caught in the whirlwind of federal political terminology, referred to by some as the "old board." However, their goal is not to revert to old ways for the sake of nostalgia but to secure a future where our traditions guide our community development and policy-making. Their bipartisan approach at the federal level underscores a commitment to place the tribe's welfare above political gamesmanship.

They seek economical development and self sufficiency. Less political talk and more action.

The Pursuit of Federal Funds and Politics

Conversely, another segment within our tribe leans heavily towards leveraging federal funds and incorporating federal politics into our internal governance. While the acquisition of federal funding is a recognized necessity for supporting various tribal programs and initiatives, contention arises concerning the methods and transparency associated with these pursuits.

Critics of this approach argue that the leadership representatives of this faction, like Aaron Payment, have sometimes strayed from the tribe's best interests, favoring political alliances and strategies that may compromise the tribe’s autonomy and the core values of cultural purity and independence.

However this method goes astray when you have political leaders like Payment who lie about other leaders in order to win favor from his supporters. Often targeting a group known as the outer lying area due to them not knowing any better. Too far removed from our tribe to get a good insight on who is telling the truth and who is not.

Supporters of this strategy assert that navigating the complexities of federal funding and political engagement is essential for the survival and prosperity of the tribe in the modern world. They believe that harnessing these resources can significantly enhance educational, healthcare, and economic development programs within the tribe. This perspective champions a pragmatic approach to governance, where federal partnerships and political maneuvering are viewed as necessary tools to achieve a greater good for the community.

This group is guided by a pragmatic approach, believing that collaboration with federal entities does not necessarily equate to the erosion of our sovereignty or traditions. Instead, they argue it's a means to adapt and thrive in a changing world, using the resources available to fortify the tribe's future while still honoring our past.

While both sides may agree with both approaches, Aaron Payment has caused great divide in our tribe by targeting intelligent leaders and attempting to dismantle their great work for the tribe. Much of the division is coming from himself and his core supporters.

The Debate continues

The debate between these two perspectives is ongoing, reflective of the complexities inherent in navigating the preservation of cultural identity within the framework of contemporary governance.

The crux of this dichotomy lies not in the validity of one path over the other but in the harmony that could potentially be forged between these two perspectives. If there is a lesson to be drawn from our ancestors, it is that unity and mutual respect within diversity have always been our tribe's pillars. The challenge, then, is for both factions to find a common ground that honors our heritage while pragmatically addressing the needs of the present and the aspirations for the future.

By fostering a dialogue that respects the integrity of traditional values while acknowledging the pragmatic requirements of modern governance, the Sault Tribe can model a way forward. This would not only strengthen the tribe internally but could also serve as a beacon for other indigenous communities grappling with similar issues. Balancing traditional sovereignty with the strategic use of federal resources could pave a path that neither compromises our cultural integrity nor our capacity to thrive in a modern context.

Finding this common ground necessitates open dialogue and a willingness from both sides to engage without preconditions. It requires a shared acknowledgement that while our strategies may differ, our ultimate objective of fostering a thriving, resilient community remains the same. Community forums and workshops that focus on bridging understanding and collaboration could serve as platforms for this engagement, allowing each group to articulate their vision and listen to the others.

Furthermore, involving the youth in these discussions is pivotal. They stand to inherit the outcomes of these debates and therefore should have a voice in shaping the future direction of the tribe. Embedding the values of both tradition and innovation into educational programs can ensure a well-rounded perspective in the next generation of leaders.

In essence, the path forward for the Sault Tribe lies not in choosing between tradition and federal engagement but in crafting a new narrative that weaves together the strengths of both. In doing so, we honor our ancestors while laying a solid foundation for future generations.

Navigating Turbulence in Tribal Health Leadership: A Look at Internal Dynamics

Why are we announcing a senior vacancy in our health division when we are still awaiting the final report from Blue Stone Strategy Partners? We've invested a significant amount in consulting fees with the expectation of implementing their recommendations. If there's no intention to follow through, this expenditure appears wasteful. It's noteworthy to mention that a similar exercise was conducted a few years back. More pressing, however, is the issue surrounding the behavior of the current board towards the Health Division Director. Instances have been reported where Sault Tribe Vice Chair, Tyler Migizii Migwan LaPlaunt, has been exceptionally harsh in dealings with Sault Tribe Health Director, Leo Chugunov, who was reportedly excluded from discussions with Blue Stone. Director Chugunov is widely recognized for his commendable efforts in saving lives during the Covid pandemic, making the situation even more disconcerting.
Some are speculating this job is intended for someone close to our Tribal Chairperson Austin Lowes, to be assigned after our tribal elections.
Govt. Health - Chief Executive Officer Open Until Filled

•  - Governmental - Health Division
•  Sault Ste. Marie, MI, USA
•  Salary Negotiable Based Upon Experience: $207,600 - $220,057 annually
•  Salary
•  Year Round - Full Time
  
  

The Health Division CEO is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and administration of the Health Division, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the community while upholding cultural sensitivity and respect. This position leads and supports culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement among staff, promoting teamwork and professional development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)
• Provides visionary leadership to the Health Division ensuring alignment with Sault Tribe's mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees all aspects of operations including, but not limited to, clinical services, administrative functions, finance, human resources, strategy, and quality improvement.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to enhance each clinic's services, improves patient outcomes, and expands access to healthcare within the community.
• Conduct ongoing feasibility studies in exploration of enhanced or new clinical service considerations.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates staff members to maintain a competent and motivated workforce.
• Serves as a liaison between the Health Division's leadership team, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to advocate for the healthcare needs of the community.
• Fosters positive relationships with the Tribe's leaders, Community Members, and stakeholders to understand healthcare needs and preferences.
• Develops initiatives to enhance community engagement and participation in clinic programs and services.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements including those specific to Tribal healthcare organizations.
• Ensures all applicable licenses and certifications are current for the staff and facility.
• Oversees the credentialing process for healthcare providers.
• Evaluates billing, invoicing, and collections to ensure optimum revenue in balance to provision of quality care.
• Engages with the patient, their family, and the community to advocate for optimal care external to the Sault Tribe Health Division.
• Manages financial resources effectively including budgeting, revenue generation, and cost control measures.
• Builds partnerships with external organizations including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to support the Health Division's goals and initiatives.
• Represents the Tribe at local, State, and national levels advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit Tribal health and wellness.
• Collaborates with contractors to implement approved recommendations from the Board of Directors.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends and best practices in healthcare management, incorporating innovative strategies into each clinic's operations as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)
• All other job-related duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
CONTACTS:
Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, and outside vendor/service providers.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, typing; occasional carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, manual handling, travel to other work sites, and bending. Potential hazards include constant computer use and frequent client contact.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health or a related field required. Doctoral degree (MD, JD, PhD) Preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare administration, preferably in a Tribal or community health setting in addition to above stated education requirement. Five years serving as CEO, COO, CAO or other top-level executive position in Tribal healthcare preferred.
Certification/License: Complete and pass an adjudicated background check. Must maintain good moral character standing. Will be required to successfully pass pre-employment drug screening.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management, revenue cycle management, and financial analysis. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team toward achieving common goals. Knowledge of Tribal healthcare systems, Federal Indian Health Service (IHS) regulations, and Tribal sovereignty issues. Commitment to cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare delivery. Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to meet the needs of the Health Division and community. Native American Preferred.

A Tangled Web of Political Intrigue within the Sault Tribe: The Controversy Unraveled

McGahey Construction, owned by a Sault Tribe Citizen, has been significantly supported by individuals named Austin, Aaron, and Betty. However, its owner, Randy McGahey, initiated a referendum against Binesi Construction, partially owned by our tribe (51%) and another tribal member. This move was detrimental to Binesi Construction, a venture that promised considerable economic benefits to our tribe.Consequently, U.P. Engineering, a non-tribal entity, secured projects initially intended for Binesi Construction, earning over $4 million. This shift led to a loss of approximately $2 million in potential revenue for our tribe.

Discontent with the former board members, notably DJ Hoffman who was instrumental in developing profitable ventures like Binesi Construction for tribal citizens, prompted a change in leadership. This new faction, unofficially led by Aaron Payment and referred to as the "new crew," proposed the dissolution of Sault Tribe Inc., a move counterproductive to their claims of fiscal irresponsibility, given the entity’s contribution of over $4.5 million to the tribe. Their actions seemingly rooted in personal vendettas rather than tribal welfare.

In consultations with McGahey Construction, the new leadership effectively ceased the operations of Binesi Construction, a decision viewed as paving the way for McGahey to secure more contracts. This became apparent with McGahey's increased presence in Sault Tribe reserves after Binesi’s dismissal.

The controversy deepened with McGahey's association with Jetta Corporation, a collaborator with Enbridge, a company opposed by many within the tribe including previously by Randy McGahey himself. This association brought to light a potential conflict of interest and contradicted their professed stance.

The conduct of the new leadership group and their strategic decisions have sparked concerns over their integrity and the potential impact of their continued governance on our tribe. Their actions, marred by hypocrisy, cast doubt on their dedication to advancing the tribe’s best interests.

Aaron Payment has circulated misleading information (again)

The meeting he mentioned below was known to both Austin and Betty well in advance. Instead of attending, they opted to remain in Alaska on a fishing trip. This decision was made amidst crucial discussions regarding the election or appointment of our next chairperson by the board. It raises questions about their commitment to responsibility.

Consider this evidence of their priorities when voting. I urge you to vote against Austin and Betty.

Unveiling the Conflicting Interests in Tribal Elections

In the latest development that has stirred our tribal community, the candidacy of John Rickly for Unit Three has unveiled a web of surprising alliances. Rickly, who is currently an employee at Seventh Legacy Consulting Group, finds his campaign under scrutiny. This firm is notably bankrolled by Enbridge, a company that our tribe, in solidarity with other Michigan tribes, has firmly opposed due to its pipeline projects that threaten our lands and way of life. What is even more alarming is the unexpected support Rickly is receiving from prominent figures like Aaron Payment and Austin Lowes. These individuals have previously declared their opposition to Enbridge, yet their support for Rickly suggests a puzzling contradiction.

This situation compels us to question the integrity and genuine commitments of our supposed advocates. How can they oppose Enbridge publicly while supporting a candidate deeply connected with a company undermining our stand? It forces us to scrutinize not just the individuals we entrust with our votes but also the intricate network of interests that might be at play behind the scenes. This revelation is a wake-up call for our community to seek transparency, demand accountability, and ensure that our leaders' actions align with their words and our collective values.

We have moved to our facebook page.  More than 1300 Sault Tribe members strong.  The largest independent Sault Tribe group on Facebook.  TO request membership on STG, e-mail us at join@saulttribeguide.com.  You will b contacted with a link within 48 hrs.