SAULT STE. MARIE– Organizations in the Upper Peninsula will receive a share of $856,473 in contributions this fall from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, including several in Superiorland.

The support to local government and community organizations is part of the twice-annual payments the Sault Tribe has distributed since 1993 to U.P. communities based on 2% of its video gaming revenues from Kewadin Casino properties. Counties benefitting from the 2-percent contributions include Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Schoolcraft, Alger, Delta and Marquette.

Examples of communities and local programs benefitting from the fall 2025 2-percent contributions include:

• Lake Superior State University received $9,999.96 for mobile robotics;

• Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department received $5,000 for a CAD Unit;

• Rudyard Schools received $5,416.25 to support its cardio lab;

• Garfield Township received $5,000 for Wildland fire fighting boots;

• City of St. Ignace received $5,344.81 for fire department lighting and $12,000 for a police department ballistic shield;

• Schoolcraft Hospital received $8,242.81 for a LUCAS Unit (a portable, mechanical device that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions for patients in sudden cardiac arrest);

• Schoolcraft Medical Facility received $1,000 for insomnia carts;

• Munising Township Fire Department received $11,352.36 to update its 800 MHz radio;

• Alger County Sheriff’s Department received $3,274.06 for emergency backpacks.

“Our Kewadin Casino properties are not only economic drivers that support local tourism and entertainment, they are also one of the key ways we are able to give back and help improve our region,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “This funding will support a wide range of local programs serving everything from seniors and veterans to parks and recreation and public safety, improved healthcare and more.”

Between this year’s spring and fall allocations, the Sault tribe has made over $1,550,000 in 2-percent contributions across the Upper Peninsula in 2025.

“The insomnia carts, what they are, are carts that we can use throughout the facility at bedtime where we would have certain items on the carts, and residents can pick out an item to help them sleep better,” said Office Manager/Controller Kendra Lander at Schoolcraft MCF. “Lavender things, calming things, teddy bears and that kind of thing.”

Lander believes this outreach to the community is extremely beneficial to the Upper Peninsula.

“I think so, I think it is very impactful. It really helps us provide the extra things that can help them (residents) get a good night’s sleep,” Lander said. “It is very much appreciated.”

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of Alzheimer’s and sleep disturbances can worsen cognitive function.

“We have already been impacted by this program last year, we continue to seek support from this program. For life stations for Alzheimer’s patients,” said Lander. “We are so grateful for them truly. We are really grateful because this goes right to the patients and the betterment of their care.”

The Sault tribe began distributing 2% of its video gaming revenue in 1993 and has since contributed millions of dollars to communities in the U.P. Those interested in reviewing current and past grant recipients are encouraged to visit https://kewadin.com/2-percent-donating.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.