Soo Tribe and Kewadin Casino to restructure

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS

*********************** Sault Tribe and Kewadin Casino announce restructuring

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - (July 30) - The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Kewadin Casinos announced plans to streamline operations by reducing its total workforce by approximately two percent in early August.

This will affect all Tribal and casino facilities in the Upper Peninsula.

The announcement was made to team members earlier this week by Joe McCoy, Sault Ste. Marie tribal chairman; the tribal board of directors; Kristi Little, Sault Tribe co-executive director; Victor Matson, Jr., Sault Tribe CFO/ co-executive director internal services; and Tony Goetz, casino chief operating officer.

"This is an extremely tough decision to make, it has not been easy," said McCoy. "However, due to our financial position and to ensure the longevity of our tribe and the profitability of our tribal businesses, changes must be made. We have to look to our future and make decisions that will sustain our tribe and benefit our membership."

"Unfortunately, over the years, millions in tribal reserves has been dwindled down to nothing. According to financial analysts, if changes are not made, the tribe will not recover," McCoy said.

"Although it appears to be a very dim situation right now, it is one that we will fix," said McCoy. "We are making adjustments, as hard as they are, so that we can maintain what we have and move the tribe forward."

"Administration plans to continue to look at various membership services, organizational restructuring, and technology updates that could help their financial position going forward. We will do our best to preserve tribal services for our membership," said McCoy.

"However, we are taking a look at how we provide those services, where we provide them, and developing more efficient plans to ensure continuity of the top three membership priorities our tribe has: health, education and our elders."

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