With the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) 2024 general election results officially wrapped up and certified, the tribe welcomed its new chairwoman, Sandra Witherspoon, at its swearing-in ceremony on Friday at the Leelanau Sands Showroom in Peshawbestown. Tribal council members Angelina Raphael, Anna Miller, and incumbent Donna Swallows also took the oath of office, and will serve alongside fellow council members Brian Napont, Tina Frakenberger, and Jane Rohl.
Witherspoon is the second woman to serve in the council’s chairperson position in the tribe’s history since federal recognition in May of 1980 under the leadership of Dodie Harris Chambers. She also has experience serving in local government as the Charlevoix Township clerk, and has previously served on the GTB tribal council in different capacities and as vice-chair. David Arroyo did not run for reelection this year after completing his first four-year term as GTB chairman and serving on the tribal council for nearly 20 years.
“As I reflect on the past, I think about all the hardships and injustice that our ancestors faced and I give thanks everyday for their strength and their resilience, and for all the sacrifices they made so that we could still be here today…” Witherspoon said at Friday’s ceremony. “All tribal citizens want a prosperous future for our people, and the decisions and actions of elected officials should include input from the people and reflect the best interests of all tribal citizens. As public servants, we have the sacred duty to be good stewards of the future and I look forward to serving with our new council and will work hard to promote positive change on behalf of our people and I will do my best to represent the Grand Traverse Band with honor, integrity, dignity, and respect. Chi-miigwetch for the honor to serve.”
