SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. —Dr. Thilak Chander MD has joined the medical team at Sault Tribe Health Center in Sault Ste. Marie. Chander will begin offering primary care services at this location in the very near future.

Before joining the Sault Tribe Health Center, Chander was an internist affiliated with MyMichigan Medical Center, also located in Sault Ste. Marie. He received his medical education from Madras Medical College and the University of Illinois and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Chander is highly recommended by his patients and “we are lucky to have him,” Health Division Acting CEO Joel Lumsden said.

Dr. Kevin Connolly MD, who has already been practicing at the Sault Tribe Health Center as a locum, recently accepted the role of Medical Director. Connolly previously served as Chief of Staff for multiple Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems in Mississippi, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Connolly is also a retired U.S. Air Force (USAF) Colonel with decades of experience in military and medical leadership. Clinically, he is trained in Family Medicine, Aerospace Medicine, and Occupational Medicine, serving as a chief flight surgeon, and flying in numerous USAF aircraft. His education includes a Doctor of Medicine degree, a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, and two additional master's degrees.

“Providing quality, accessible health care for our tribal citizens remains one of the Tribe’s highest priorities. Dr. Chander has been a trusted physician in our community for decades, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Sault Tribe Health Center. His addition helps ensure his experience and commitment to patient care remains right here in Sault Ste. Marie,” Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes said. “We’re also grateful to have Dr. Connolly step into the role of Medical Director and thank Dr. Styer for his time as director and continued service to our tribal citizens.”

Dr. Lowell Styer MD will continue to work as Medical Director during the transition, and then increase his hours as a primary care physician at the Sault Health Center. Styer is a board-certified family medicine physician with over 45 years of experience in the medical field and continues a long favorable tenure at the Sault Tribe Health Center.

The health center also welcomes Kim Cushman and Cary Espinoza as new physician assistants, Suzanne Caldwell as a Certified Medical Assistant II, Scarlett Krichbaum as a new Optician I, Kendra Baskowski as a new Dental Assistant II and the Health Divisions’ new health recruiter, Connie Manning.

Effective Nov. 9 through Dec. 31, 2026, the Sault Tribe fuel discount will be temporarily suspended at participating non-tribal gas stations. Discounts will resume at participating partner stations Jan. 1, 2027.

Gasoline consumption is currently on pace to exceed the Tribe's annual untaxed fuel quota. Three driving factors appear to be contributing to increased demand: a higher per-gallon discount for nonresident tribal members following Michigan's recent fuel tax changes, increased tribal enrollment expanding the number of eligible drivers, and higher fuel costs encouraging greater use of the discount.

White Pine Lodge’s convenience store will re-open beginning Nov. 13, operating Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., throughout November and December.

The Sault Tribe unleaded fuel discount will be available at White Pine Lodge convenience store and all Midjim locations throughout the suspension.

The Sault Tribe Board of Directors’ Workshop Agenda for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, is the following:

Agenda: 9 a.m. JKL Fiduciary Committee Meeting; 10 a.m. Health CEO Interview (CLOSED); 11 a.m. Health CEO Interview (CLOSED); 1:15 p.m. Budgets (CLOSED/OPEN); and 1:30 p.m. Indian Energy (CLOSED)

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

There will be a JKL Fiduciary Committee Meeting Nov. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Kewadin Casinos Whitefish Point Room.

On the agenda under School Reports:

Sault Tribe Education Malcolm Funding Amendment
JKL Bahweting Anishnabe School Food Truck Lunch
Malcolm High School

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

The Secretary of State Mobile Office will be visiting the Elder Services Division in St. Ignace to provide service to members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Nov. 12, 2026,10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. Ignace Senior Complex at 3017 Mackinac Trail in St. Ignace.

Book a visit to complete your Secretary of State transactions, including:
First-time Michigan ID
Renew driver’s license or ID
Vehicle services (Note: Instant title services not available)
Apply for/renew disability placard

For more information, contact Katie Peabody at 906‑635‑4971 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Flyer

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Transportation Department has prepared the Draft 2027 Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) in compliance with federal requirements and planning regulations. On Nov. 3, 2026, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors approved the release of the Draft 2027 TIP for a 30 – day public review and comment period, which concludes on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026.

The TIP is comprised of transportation projects for the seven-county service area, which includes: Chippewa, Mackinac, Luce, Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft and Marquette. The Draft 2027 TIP consists of three (3) sections: (I) Executive Summary, (II) Project Listing, and (III) Project Detail Sheets.

Notice is hereby given that the public comment period will begin on Nov. 3, 2026, for the 2026 TIP. This public notice as well as the time established for public review and comments will satisfy the public involvement requirements for the program. The Draft 2026 TIP can be accessed online at the Sault Tribe website at http://saulttribe.com/, in the “About Us” tab beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026.

The purpose of public involvement is to receive input and comments regarding the Draft 2027 TIP, which may be used to facilitate changes where appropriate. Comments, questions or suggestions can be sent to Wendy Hoffman, Transportation Department, 523 Ashmun St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 906‑635‑6050.

Special accommodations: Reasonable accommodations can be made for people with disabilities upon request. If making a request for accommodation, please include a description of the accommodation you will need and tell us how to contact you if we need more information. Make your request as early as possible by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling Wendy Hoffman at 906‑635‑6050. Last-minute requests will be accepted but may be impossible to fill.