This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer attended the Tribal Summit in Sault Ste. Marie, meeting with Tribal leaders to address shared priorities and continue an open dialogue. “It was an honor to attend the Tribal Summit in the Sault,” said Governor Whitmer.“The State of Michigan and sovereign tribal nations must continue working together on our shared priorities and maintain an open, productive dialogue to get things done on the kitchen-table issues. I am committed to working alongside Tribal leaders to make a real difference in people’s lives and continue growing our economies. Our fortunes are linked, and we must collaborate to move our nations forward.”

Additionally, Governor Whitmer announced her appointment of Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge Maldonado will be the first Tribal citizen ever appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, District 4. She currently serves as the Chief Judge of the Little Traverse Bay Bands (LTBB) of Odawa Indians Trial Court. Prior to that, she served as assistant general counsel for the LTBB tribe. Following her graduation from law school, Judge Maldonado was selected as only the 15th tribal citizen to enter the prestigious honors program at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). There she became a litigator in the Indian Resources Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. She later worked as a staff attorney in private practice. Judge Maldonado earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the City University of New York. The appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Amy Ronayne Krause. Judge Maldonado’s term will commence on January 9, 2023 and expire on January 1, 2025. The appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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