The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Has Voted to Open Their Rolls

On August 1st, the Tribal Board of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians voted to open the membership rolls for the first time in decades. This is a huge moment for me, because although I am a direct descendant of somebody listed on the Durant Roll, I am not officially a member of the tribe.

Why I'm Not A Member (Yet)

In order for a parent to enroll their minor child, the tribe requires that the parent be enrolled with the tribe as a member. For reasons unbeknownst to me, my grandmother did not enroll my mother when she was a child, and therefore my mother herself is still not a member. So although I should've been a member of the tribe for whole life, I have been unable to enroll, until now.

Once the rolls open in February 2024, I will have to submit official documents that demonstrate that I am eligible for membership. This will be simple, as my grandmother (who is a member) will fill out a release of information form, and they will be able to use her information on file to see that I am a descendant of the Jewetts, who are listed on the Durant Roll.

Ernest Jewett of Cheboygan, MI (where I was born and still reside) was my great, great grandfather. Ernest's son Robert (my great grandfather) died in 2003 when I was 11 years old, and was a big part of my life. He was a skilled woodworker, making children's toys, furniture, and all sorts of trinkets. He loved gardening with my great grandma, and did a convincing magic trick that made it seem that he could remove his finger from his hand.

I look forward to soon being a member of the tribe.