The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is headquartered in historic Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Bands were not extended the opportunity to collectively seek federal tribal status under the terms of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, for a number of reasons. They included, lack of federal funds to fully implement the intentions of the legislation, didn’t have a specific federal land base, except at Bay Mills, and the lingering theory that federal government BIA officials held that they has been successful in their assimilation and acculturation efforts, at least East of the Mississippi River. They began a long laborious trek commencing in the late 1930’s which finally brought them their rightful federal status in 1974, by Proclamation of the Secretary of Interior and adopted their constitution, by-laws and corporate charter on November 13. 1975. Their service area includes Chippewa Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft, Alger, Marquette and Delta Counties, all located in the Upper Peninsula. They later joined the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan Inc. being the 5th member tribe.