SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians have provided nearly $165,000 to Upper Peninsula communities to support senior and youth services, and broader recreational and cultural opportunities for area residents, according to a press release.

The funding is provided through the tribe’s 2 percent gaming revenues at its Kewadin Casino properties in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Hessel, Manistique and Christmas.

Some programs in Alger and Marquette counties receiving funding include: Northern Michigan University powwow, $5,141; Alger Community Food Pantry, $5,000; Marquette County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, $5,000; Alger County adult day care program, $4,141; Grand Marais amateur radio repairs, $4,000; Beacon House fresh food fund, $3,000; Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, $3,000; and Marquette County Meals on Wheels program, $3,000.

“Whether it’s money to help bring meals to seniors, provide a top-notch children’s museum for area youngsters or make fresh food available for patients and families that travel across the U.P. to receive specialty medical care at UP Health System who stay at Beacon House, the Sault Tribe’s financial support makes a huge difference,” Marquette City Manager Mike Angeli said in a press release.

The 2 percent funding disbursements have occurred twice annually since 1993, the release states, with the tribe contributing nearly $42.5 million over the past 24 years to area organizations and municipalities.

Other awards include: $52,275 to Lake Superior State University’s campaign to improve its facilities; $13,281 to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace; $10,000 to DeTour Village Community Pavilion bathrooms; $10,000 to support Little Bear East Recreation Park; $10,000 for the Michilimackinac Historical Society; $10,000 to Bay de Noc Community College for the Northern Lights YMCA; $6,000 for Kinross Charter Township after-school activities; $5,981 to support the Trout Lake Township Historic Community Park Building; $5,000 for the Hessel School House renovations in Clark Township; $5,000 to support the McMillan Township Recreation Center; $5,000 for accessibility at the Superior District Library; $4,500 to support a roof replacement project at Bishop Baraga Park in Schoolcraft County; $3,002 to support a toy drive in Mackinac County; $3,000 to provide open skate for community members in the city of Manistique; and $2,750 for the Schoolcraft County Community Christmas Program.

For more information on the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, visit www.saulttribe.com.