MARQUETTE, MICH. —With the 2025-26 academic year winding down in early June, schools across the Upper Peninsula have put a bow on the school year. In the Central UP, a hands-on alternative school partnered with two tribal nations to make it a year to remember.

At Marquette Alternative High School, the future is brighter than ever, in part thanks to the installation of a new rooftop solar array that helps power the building and teach pupils about the power of sustainable energy.

In September 2025, four years of working and planning concluded with the installation of an 18.1-kilowatt solar panel system that aims to power roughly one-third of the school’s energy needs. The goal of the project was creating a clean power source, and just as importantly, teaching youth about the benefits of sustainable energy.

Leading the charge to bring a solar panel array to the alternative high school was teacher Brian Prill.

“We want to make our school and community a better place,” said Prill, noting the idea was sparked by students in an economics class he taught that focused on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. “The students decided as a group to see if solar energy was feasible.”

The 18.1KW system cost just over $69,000 and was installed over a four-year period. Due to a substantial investment, “the Alt” turned to community partners with carbon neutral ambitions to make the dream a reality.

A collaboration between the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was able to assist in funding that allowed the school to apply for a state grant, which fully funded the project. Over several years of applying for funds, approximately $35,000 came from the two tribes’ 2% funds that are designed to invest in communities they serve. These funds were essential in securing a state-matching grant to cover the cost of the project.

“It was a big project, and we were asking what they can support,” added Prill, citing the importance of the relationships between tribal governments and local education. “It’s about friendship amongst all government and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Prill said students are still assessing how much energy has been saved during the school year and have dashboards in the classroom to assess energy savings and consumptions. Students will review the data after a year with goals of using money saved to apply for more grants to grow the solar panel array.

“Energy sovereignty is highly valued within the Sault Tribe, making this project especially impactful to tribal membership in the Marquette area and the Central UP as a whole,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “Teaching the values of sustainability to students will have long term impacts across the UP.”

In Marquette, there are over 1,200 Sault Tribe members. Marquette Alternative High School has a sizeable tribal representation amongst its student body. The success of the Marquette Alternative High School’s solar panel array shines a bright light on collaboration between tribal nations and local education systems.

An elder assistant for the Youth Education & Activities Program (YEA) in Marquette is needed for 14 hours per week at $14.50 per hour. Sault Tribe members 60 and older who live in the seven-county service area may apply.

The elder assistant will assist YEA staff with preparations for activities and workshops, provide direct services to youth along side YEA staff, and assist with YEA program operations as needed.

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Experience working with youth is preferred. The successful candidate will be required to undergo and pass a background check. See the attached job description for more information. 

If interested, contact Brenda Cadreau, WIOA / Senior Employment Program, (906)635-4767 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Job Description

Enrollment offers new elder check portal

The Sault Tribe Enrollment Department is introducing a new, streamlined process for elders to claim their elder dividend check. From Aug. 1 through Oct. 1, 2026, an online application portal will be available. Elders will login and complete the process quickly and securely. Elder checks will be mailed in January 2027.

This new system is designed to reduce processing time, lower administrative costs, and make the application process more efficient. It will also help eliminate issues such as lost or delayed forms.

As the rollout approaches, updates and additional details will be shared in the tribal newspaper and online at www.saulttribe.com.

For those who are unable to access the online portal, a paper application will continue to be mailed to the address we have on file.

If your address changes after submitting your application, whether online or by mail, you must contact the Enrollment Office to ensure your information is updated. Call 906‑632‑8552 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Kewadin Casino St. Ignace is excited to welcome Hunter Hayes with special guest Kari Lynch to the Event Center on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Hunter Hayes, a GRAMMY®-nominated, PLATINUM-selling artist, will bring his electrifying on-stage performance to St. Ignace with hits like "Wanted," "I Want Crazy," "Invisible" and "Somebody's Heartbreak."

Pre-sale is Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m. until Thursday, June 25, at 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Kewadin Casino St. Ignace, tickets.kewadin.com or at the Box Office.

Sign up for pre-sale here: https://kewadin.com/entertainment/pre-sale-sign-up/

Tickets are $81 | $76 USD*
Doors: 7 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m.
*Includes convenience and handling fees.

The Housing Authority Commission will meet at 10 a.m., June 29, 2026, at the Housing Authority Office, 154 Parkside Drive, Kincheloe, Mich.

The Sault Tribe Board of Directors’ Workshop Agenda for June 23, 2026, is the following: 10 a.m. Kewadin Gaming Authority Workshop (CLOSED), 11 a.m. (or upon completion of KGA WS) Kewadin Gaming Authority Meeting, 11:15 a.m. Health CEO Executive Report (CLOSED), 1:15 p.m. Tribal Building Reviews and 3 p.m. Proposed Chapter 90 Amendments.

The workshop is being held at the Sault Kewadin Casino Whitefish Point Room. Tribal members may attend the workshop except for closed sessions or items, or attend by Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84149623333. Those who have already registered to Zoom Board of Directors meetings need not register for workshops.

Agenda