September 20, 2025. During the September 16th Sault Tribe Board of Directors Meeting Austin Lowes the tribe's chairperson reminded the board members that the tribe is projected to have a $14 million dollar deficit in 2026. No explanation was provided about how that happened, leaving tribal members speculating how that happened. For example did this happen because instead of paying all tribal members an equal COVID Assistance Payment they spent ARPA Funds on projects that they now can't afford to maintain? That is Pure Rumor but it fits the Narrative.
You can count on the budget shortages being used against the current board members by the tribal members that want to take their place. To keep their jobs some board members may finally demand that Indian Energy pay us the money they owe us.
The Rumor Mill is stating "If you are a tribal employee you may want to update your resume, because the board has been hinting around about lay-offs for months". Unfortunately these statements from the board and chairperson puts the tribe at risk for loosing valuable employees. Many may lean into seeking other jobs because they don't want to live with the anxiety of not knowing if they are one of those targeted to be laid off. This is especially stressful because those announcements are probably scheduled to happen at the end 2025 when most folks are attempting to celebrate the holidays combined with "accusations of nepotism" makes those tribal members not related to the so-called chosen ones or talented non-tribal member employees looking for a new job as a preemptive action to support themselves financially.
As of this date the final 2026 Budget has not been approved.