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The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is a Michigan based tribe of Native Americans that are nationally recognized. Although the tribe carries the name of the city of Saginaw in their name today, they have long been a resident of the state of Michigan. In fact, because they can trace their origins to the state to before the English explored the area, it can be argued that they are the true inhabitants of the state. Although the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe were found living on the land by the European and later American settlers of the state, they were the ones who constantly found themselves on the short end of the stick with respects to owning land. The national government of the United States began the land siphoning friendly, by attempting to negotiate with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Unfortunately for the tribe, the country kept asking for more and more as years passed, failing to honor any sort of agreement that may have been made. In fact, the government was so intent on taking all of the land that the tribe had, that they completely disregarded treaty after treaty to do so. Finally, in one fell swoop, the government had everything and forced the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to move to a different area. A small reservation area in a nearby area was allotted to the tribe, given as a possible apology for the way the Indians were treated. But the tribe as a whole was not allowed to own this land. Instead the government took their land and handed it to individuals, on a case-by-case basis. Those who chose to take this option found themselves responsible for maintaining the culture of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Although the act was not easy at first, those who remained performed admirably. Instead of becoming despondent and angry towards the way they were treated unfairly, the remaining members chose to create an energetic and useful society. One that, to this day, remains a vital part of its society. And while some tribes choose to stay secluded and out of the American society, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe chose instead to work with their local areas and to make the land they live on a better place. There is no doubt that the early years of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe history are marked by unfair treatment and despair. The government took advantage of the tribe and took land from them that they should not have. But by making the best of the situation they had, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe have become a vital part of their city and state and are an epitome tribe. Their history is one that will always be a part of Michigan’s own history.
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