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Ray C. 1Sault Tribe recently welcomed its new Chief Information Officer, Raymonde Czerwinski. Wanting to get away from long drive times, congested traffic and California in general, Czerwinski had been looking for another position when he saw the tribe’s job offering posted on Indeed.

“It intrigues me, working for a tribe and the potential use of technology to have a positive impact on the people,” Czerwinski said.

Czerwinski interviewed for the position and visited the Sault in May and June and said he fell in love with the area. “I’ve touched snow about twice in my life,” he said. “So it’s a totally different environment—both work wise, culturally and geographically. I like the challenges and new experiences.”

Czerwinski began his career over 30 years ago as a customer service staffer, spending 22 years in information technology and over 12 years in senior and executive leadership roles (VP of IT and chief technology officer-CTO). “I have a unique expertise in leading transformative digital initiatives across various industries. My methodology merges technology insight with leadership—centered on innovation, user-centric strategies, and operational excellence. I have developed and executed comprehensive IT strategic roadmaps highlighting enhanced user experiences, scalability, and team development while focusing on business objectives,” he said.

Under the direction of the tribe’s board of directors, Czerwinski is responsible for providing leadership, designing and leading the tribe’s information technology strategy, and supporting business operations, including ensuring the secure use of information technology across the tribal organization.

More recently, he worked as a chief executive consultant for a company based in Corona, Calif., from April 2023, and as a CTO at a large Irvine-based financial services firm until he began his current position in August. In that position, he optimized tech spending to maximize return on investments, collaborated to expand service ranges, enhanced IT solutions, cybersecurity, and sustainable tech practices while promoting digital transformation and operational improvement, among other initiatives.

Czerwinski holds a Bachelor of Science in business management, graduating in 2014 from California Baptist University. He is also a Microsoft Certified Professional, CompTIA A+.

Czerwinski has been married to his high school sweetheart, Anna, for 29 years and they have two sons, Noah, 17, and Anthony, 25, who recently became engaged to his girlfriend of eight years – Nayelli “Nelly” Terran. Czerwinski’s wife will be making the move to the Sault after their younger son graduates from high school this spring.

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Transportation Department BIA Tribal Transportation Program – Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

Notice is hereby given of availability for public review and comment of the following document: Draft FY2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Plan.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Transportation Department invites membership and the public to review and comment on the Draft 2025-2028 TIP. The 30-day review period will begin on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2024. This notice is in accordance with 25 CFR 17:170.413, 170.422, 170.423. The TIP is the short-term strategic transportation plan detailing the departments planning, maintenance, safety, construction, transit, and administrative projects over the next five years. The Draft 2025-2028 TIP will be available for review at the following location:

Tribal Administrative Offices
523 Ashmun St.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

The TIP is a federally mandated document that provides a brief description of each project that will use federal transportation funds. Projects must be listed on the TIP to use federal funding. In addition, this Public Notice satisfies the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians public participation process for the development of its Program of Projects.

The department will accept comments from the public on TIP until the close of business day on Dec. 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. In addition, comments can be sent to Wendy Hoffman, Transportation Department, 523 Ashmun St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For questions or concerns about the TIP, contact Wendy Hoffman at 906‑635‑6050.

Special accommodations: The location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for any accommodations can be made by calling Wendy Hoffman at 906‑635‑6050 at least 48 hours in advance.

As resolved by the Sault Tribe Board of Directors at its meeting on Sept. 17 and supported by Kewadin Casinos executive management team, Kewadin Casinos will become non-smoking within all five of its locations Nov. 11.

Kewadin Casinos CEO Allen Kerridge said, “This policy change aligns with our mission to create the very best experience possible for all our guests. We’ve heard from many customers and team members who feel a smoke-free environment is the right step forward. We’re excited to meet their needs and provide an even more welcoming atmosphere at all our properties.”

All Kewadin Casinos locations will provide a designated outdoor area with seating for smokers as well as easy access to step outside as needed. Renovations and sanitation will begin soon to complete the transition to non-smoking and will include carpet and tile replacement, painting, HVAC and duct cleaning.

Native American Heritage MonthSee attached calendar for Native American Heritage Month. For more information, please call Language & Culture Dept. at 906‑635‑6510.

Native American Heritage Month Flyer

Esky drum canceledThe Escanaba Drum Making Workshop for today, Nov. 6 is cancelled. For questions, please call 906‑203‑4768.

Veterans Powwow Nov. 9 UPDATE! The Grand Entry will now be starting at 2 p.m. due to a community Elder passing.

Veterans Powwow Nov. 9 at DreamMakers Theater in Kewadin Casino, 2186 Shunk Rd. in Sault Ste. Marie. Grand Entries 2 and 7 p.m. Thanksgiving dinner at 5 p.m. Men’s and Women’s Woodland Special prize money: 1st - $300, 2nd - $ 200, 3rd - $ 100.

Host Drum: Bahweting Singers
Arena Director: Bud Biron
Co-host Drum: Frog Hills
Emcee: Josh Homminga
Head Female Dancer: Alexia Hall-Pine
Head Male Dancer: Quinten Schwander
Head Veteran: Nick VanAlstine
Vendors contact Tyler at 906‑203‑6382 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Questions? Contract Sault Tribe Language and Culture at 906‑635‑6510 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
No politics, no dogs, no drugs or alcohol.

© 2024 - Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Ken Bosma / CC BY