Native Vote 2012

Tribal Leaders Host Campaign Fundraiser for Grand Traverse Band Chairman Derek Bailey

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

US Congress

LANSING - Several tribal leaders from various Michigan American Indian tribes are hosting a campaign fundraiser for Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Derek Bailey, who is running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's 1st Congressional District.

The fundraiser will take place at the home of historian James McClurken, 1348 Cambridge, Lansing, Michigan on Thursday, February 23 beginning at 5:30 pm. The general reception begins at 6:00 pm.

Congressional Candidate Derek Bailey

The hosting tribal leaders are Homer Mandoka, chairman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Potawatomi, Athens, Michigan; Larry Romanelli, chairman of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians based in Manistee, Michigan; Matt Wesaw, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians; former Tribal Chairman Frank Ettawageshik, Little Bay Bands of Odawa Indians based in Harbor Springs, Michigan; Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Also serving as host is Deb DeLeon, county commissioner of Ingham County. Ms. DeLeon is a tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

"I am incredibly honored by the support being shown within the state of Michigan for our congressional efforts in District One. It is the strong showing of support which will make our campaign successful and offer the ability to share our message and vision for the citizenship in the District."

The newly reconfigured District One Congressional seat that includes all of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and several counties in the Lower Peninsular. The newly drawn Congressional district contains eight of the twelve federally recognized American Indian tribes, based in Michigan.

The price of admission is $50.

posted February 21, 2012 4:20 pm est