Wage increases will ensure tribal jobs are competitive with the job market, help with recruitment and retention

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Sault Tribe Board of Directors announced today that it has unanimously approved the results of compensation studies for Tribal Government, Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and Kewadin Casino employees that will result in improved wages for all employees. This milestone reflects the Tribe’s commitment to recognizing the hard work, dedication and positive impact of its workforce.

“Tribe employees are our community, our family, and it’s important that we take care of each other,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “We are proud that the board’s unanimous decision will result in a base salary increase for hundreds of Sault Tribe employees to ensure that we are offering competitive wages based on the market rate for every position.”

Recommendations that will be implemented from the compensation studies include:
    • Pay Adjustments: All non-tipped employees will receive either an increase to the minimum of their updated compensation range or a 3% pay adjustment, whichever is greater.
    • Retroactive Pay: Employees will also receive retroactive pay for the period of October 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. These payments are expected to be distributed in January 2025.

One key wage adjustment will be increasing the minimum wage for tribal employees to $14.50 for government employees and to $15 per hour for EDC and Kewadin employees, which leaders expressed as vital to competing in today’s job market.

“From elder services to cultural program and natural resources and everything in between, our employees are integral to the work we do to serve and support the community,” said Sault Tribe Executive Director Christine McPherson. “Implementing the recommendations from the compensation studies demonstrates that we value our team and their contributions to our collective success.”

“This is positive step for the Tribe to be able to bring all team member wages to compete with what other employers in the market are offering. We really appreciate the guidance and work of our leadership who ensured that this initiative was successful,” said Dan Doyle, executive director of the Sault Tribe Economic Development Corporation

Kewadin Casino CEO Allen Kerridge said the board’s action to improve the tribe’s investment in talent attraction and retention will be a boost for the casino operations.

“The wage increases will change the game for our Tribe to provide a competitive wage in our market and ensures that we can recruit additional staff necessary to continue growing our businesses. Thank you to Sault Tribe leadership for making this happen,” said Kerridge.

All pay adjustments will take effect in January 2025. Tribal employees will be contacted by Human Resources to inform them of their specific pay adjustment.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Kewadin Casinos Gaming Authority will hold a meeting beginning 6 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Sault Kewadin Casino, in person or via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/83640619761, the same link used for Sault Tribe Board of Directors meetings. The link is available at the Sault Tribe website saulttribe.com under membership assistance for the meeting link. Those who have already registered for Zoom meetings need not register again.

On the agenda under Business is:
i. 12.03.24 Minutes
ii. R-FY 2025 Kewadin Casinos Budget Document
iii. R-FY 2025 Kewadin Casinos Capital Expenditures
iv. R-Affirming Board of Directors Approval of 2024 Kewadin Compensation Study and Recommendations

Gaming Authority Meeting Agenda

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting beginning 5 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Sault Kewadin Casino, in person or via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/83640619761.

“Membership Participation” will be held at 5 p.m. in person or by virtual attendance. The link is available at the Sault Tribe website saulttribe.com under membership assistance for the meeting link and Membership Form that must be completed. The deadline to submit a form is 1 p.m. on meeting day. The link is https://zoom.us/j/83640619761. Those who have already registered for Zoom meetings need not register again unless they have a matter for the board.

To attend the scheduled workshop, except for closed session or items, go to https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84149623333. Those who have already registered to Zoom Board of Directors meetings need not register for workshops.

On the agenda under Resolutions is: MOA Consolidated Community Schools, 2024 Hatchery Fish Health Inspections, Amend Interagency Agreement Natural Resources Facility, Approve Interagency Agreement Homeless Shelter, Authorize Contract – Door Project JKL Bahweting School, Trust Land Lease – Roush, Authorization to Purchase 2049 Ashmun and 2008 Tweed, LATCF Appropriation – Solar Development, Sault Lume Lease Revenue Transfer, Sault Tribe Government Compensation Study, Sault Tribe EDC Compensation Study, Kewadin Casinos Compensation Study, Approve Interagency Agreement – Compensation Study, Amend Res. 2024-158 for EDC Portion, Amend Res. 2024-158 for Casino Portion, and Establish Key Employee Review.

Under New Business is Board Concerns.

December 17 Meeting Agenda

Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians welcomes everyone to the New Year’s Sobriety Powwow Dec. 31, 2024, Big Bear Arena, 2 Ice Circle in Sault Ste. Marie

Vendors: Set up 2 p.m., doors open 3 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m., sobriety recognition at 6 p.m., grand entry at 7 p.m.

Head Veteran – Nick VanAlstine
Arena Director – Les Ailing
Emcee – Joe Medicine
Host Drum – Mission Hill
Co Host Drum – Gumshoe Singers
Invited Drum – Sturgeon Bay
Head Dancers – TBA

Vendors free. Must be tribal: To reserve space, contact Becki Miller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For powwow or vender Info: 906‑635‑6510.

2024 New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow

Sault Tribe Traditional Medicine Program is holding January clinic hours for the following dates and locations. Any questions, or to book an appointment, please call the Traditional Medicine Program at 906‑632‑0236 or 906‑632‑5268.

Gerard Sagassige
Sault Ste. Marie Health Center—Jan. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
906‑632‑0236

Manistique Health Center—Jan. 15
906‑341‑8469 or 866‑401‑0043

Munising Health Center—Jan, 22
906‑387‑4721 or 800‑236‑4705

Hessel Community Center—Jan. 29
906‑484‑2727

2025 January Clinic Hours

Open to Sault Tribe members 55 years and older every Friday starting Jan. 10 through Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Big Bear Volleyball Court (downstairs) at 2 Ice Circle in Sault Ste. Marie. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and athletic style shoes. Class size is limited to 10 participants. Please call Sault Tribe Community Health at 906‑632‑5210 to register. Deadline to sign up is Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

Balance and Fall Prevention Class Flyer