The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, comprises mainly the Saginaw, Black River, and Swan Creek Ojibwe bands.
There are 2,767 enrolled members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, many who live on the reservation - which was established through a Aug. 2, 1855 treaty - while others live throughout Michigan and the United States.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Central Michigan University have a strong historic and cooperative relationship that complements each entity's goals and encourages collaborative efforts to improve and enhance the quality of life of citizens of the region.
This has fostered educational initiatives, cultural events and speakers, and extensive Native American educational resources for the campus and tribal communities.
For example, leaders from CMU and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College signed an articulation agreement that provides easy transfer for tribal college students who wish to complete their studies toward a baccalaureate degree at CMU.
In April 2002, leaders from CMU and the Tribal Council signed a proclamation pledging their support for joint educational efforts and advancing an appreciation of global indigenous peoples. This led to CMU and the tribe jointly hosting a United Nations-funded international conference on indigenous issues in higher education in fall 2003.
This mutual relationship also is evident in the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council's continued support of Central Michigan University's "Chippewas" nickname, which the university uses as a sign of pride, honor and respect for the tribe's rich heritage.
For more information, visit the
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe website.