The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council recently approved biannual distributions of more than 0,000, representing 2 percent of slot machine profits at the tribe’s two Ojibwa Casinos, to governments and organizations in Baraga and Marquette counties in Michigan. The distributions are required in the tribe’s compact with the state.
The KBIC tribe approved more than $124,000 in distributions from the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga. The Baraga Area Schools received nearly $24,000, the largest single distribution. Superintendent Jennifer Lynn said, “It really is significant, especially as we’re facing declining enrollment and some significant budget decisions. We’d be in much worse straights if we didn’t have the support from the tribe.”
The council approved the more than $158,000 in Marquette County allocations from the Ojibwa Casino in Chocolay Township. The largest distribution was $47,000 to Chocolay Township, earmarked for police, fire and community services. The city of Marquette received $25,000 with the funds earmarked for the Superior Watershed Partnership’s KBIC youth program.
