Joseph “Buddy” Raphael, 84, the first elected tribal chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), passed away on September 5, and leaves behind a legacy of service within the community.
While Raphael’s legacy and accomplishments reaches far beyond his service with the GTB, he served as the tribal chairman from 1980 to 1996 and was later one of seven elected councilors for an additional 16 years. According to his obituary, he was one of the original advocates for Indian gaming for Michigan Tribes, establishing the Leelanau Sands Casino in 1983 and introducing slot machines in the 1980s despite threats of individual prosecution from the U.S. Attorney.
“His commitment to the Tribe was evident in the numerous personal legal risks he took to advance it. His commitment to family, community, and tribe required nothing less, and it was grounded in deep compassion for all; he genuinely cared for and loved people,” part of Raphael’s obituary stated.
