UP Gazette

Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) introduced a resolution on May 13 that reaffirms the sovereignty of tribal nations in the state of Michigan and encouraged the state’s attorney general not to infringe on the constitutional rights of the indigenous community.

The Hannahville Indian Community is a federally recognized Potawatomi tribe residing in the Upper Peninsula, and it is one of several Michigan tribes that is a planning to reopen its reservation economy, according to the Michigan House Republicans.

“Tribal leaders have expressed they have a well-planned safety and protection plan ready to go when they reopen businesses to keep guests and employees safe and secure,” LaFave said on the website.

Last week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent the Hannahville Indian community a letter threatening legal action against those who visit the tribe’s Island Resort and Casino. It stated that those who visit while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order is in effect would be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

LaFave stated that the attorney general’s letter contradicts the sovereignty of tribal nations.

“While an argument can be made to prohibit certain business operations that cannot be executed safely in light of COVID-19, the state of Michigan does not have the authority to dictate the actions of tribal nations -- pandemic or not,” said LaFave, according to Michigan House Republicans.

“Tribal nations have the right to self-governance, and these rights cannot be infringed upon. The attorney general’s threatening remarks are not how diplomatic relations with Michigan’s tribal nations should be conducted,” LaFave told Michigan House Republicans.

Tribal nations are recognized across the United States as sovereign governments under the U.S. Constitution, and their right to self-governance has been reaffirmed by treaties, the U.S. Supreme Court, executive orders and laws enacted by Congress.

Even after the attorney general’s threatening letter, Menominee County Sheriff Kenny Marks told LaFave that he will not prevent travel into or out of the reservation, nor will he issue citations to anyone who enters or exits.

“We should be extending a helpful hand to our native neighbors in these challenging times, and it’s unfortunate to see certain government officials do the exact opposite,” said LaFave, according to Michigan House Republicans. “On behalf of the state of Michigan, I apologize to the Hannahville Indian Community for the disrespectful behavior that has been aimed against their sovereignty.”