Peshawbestown, Michigan (AP)

Tribal leaders say American Indians in Michigan are becoming more involved in the political scene.

“I see a lot more interest,” said Robert Kewaygoshkum, chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. “There’s more of our people running for tribal offices, more people getting registered (to vote) and getting involved in local issues, too.”

Angela McGrath, who spends most of her time raising eight children in the growing American Indian community of Leelanau County’s Peshawbestown, said she is paying closer attention to both national and state candidates and issues this election year.

McGrath said a turning point for her was the terror attacks of Sept. 11.

“I think that 9/11 changed things for me,” McGrath, a member of the Bay Mills Chippewa Community, told the Traverse City Record-Eagle for a story October 3. “It made me think about how things are being run in this country... I think it opened up everybody’s eyes a little bit more.”

Even with the growing economic and political clout of tribes like the Grand Traverse Band, tribal officials say it still is an uphill fight to protect their sovereignty from state and federal intervention.

Leaders say both political parties make overtures during the campaign season about improving relations and advancing tribal issues. But interest typically fades after election day, they say.

“I don’t think they’re focused on our issues... only at election time when they need the votes,” said George Bennett, a tribal councilor and former chairman who is known in political circles in Lansing and Washington. He gives most lawmakers poor marks on dealing with American Indian concerns.

The Grand Traverse Band gave $25,000 this year to the Democratic National Committee. But its political money flows to both sides of the aisle. It also donated up to $2,000 to U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland and fellow GOP Rep. J.D. Hayworth of Arizona.

Prominent Democrats receiving financial support from the band include Reps. Charles Rangel of New York and Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island.

“As Indian tribes we look far more to the individual and their positions than we look to their party affiliation,” said Frank Ettawageshik, chairman of the Petoskey-based Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. “A good deal of the issues for tribes are really nonpartisan issues.”

Ettawageshik said there’s also growing enthusiasm in his tribe for this year’s elections. He said more members are taking part in tribal elections, and their interest is expanding beyond local politics.