SAULT STE. MARIE, MI— The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ health division will not be directly impacted by DOGE office closures. That’s according to Tribal Chair Austin Lowes.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service Sanitation offices in the Soo are currently listed on DOGE website as offices with upcoming lease terminations.
Lowes says it’s unclear if the offices will be permanently closed, relocated, or if the leases will be renegotiated, as the federal government has not spoken to the tribe about the situation.
Lowes states no matter what, the Sault Tribe Health Division will not be impacted by the closures.
“Our health centers will remain open to provide the services our tribal community depends on. If you are concerned with the pending BIA and HIS closures, along with the other cuts, I encourage you to reach out to your representatives in Congress.”
Lowes says he’s working with tribal leaders across the state to get more information from Washington.
