George Weeks writes in today’s Record-Eagle.

Over the centuries, Native Americans have been the most underrepresented group in Congress compared to the European American, African American, Latino, and Asian Pacific communities. Only eight American Indians have served in Congress. Now comes Michigan’s Derek Bailey, chairman of the Leelanau County-headquartered Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who is considering a congressional bid when his four-year term as chairman expires in May of 2012. Record-Eagle excerpt

The complete article is in print at Traverse City Record-Eagle, September 4, 2011, p. B1.

Representing a five-county region of Northwest Michigan, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey will participate in the 2011 World Forum on Early Care and Education. The event will be held May 3 through May 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  UpNorthLive

Friday night, The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) held their 23^rd Annual Environmentalist of the Year Awards and Celebration at the Park Place Dome in Traverse City t. Highlights included the availability of local organic foods as well as a keynote address given by Derek Bailey, Chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Here are local winners:

1. Friends of the Dam Beach – Grass Roots Group
2. Leslie Lee – John Nelson Water Steward Award

In addition, local nominees in other categories were Royce Ragland and Jake Keske. (Source: Email from NMEAC)

Chairman Bailey and Tonia groovin’ with The Platters. Could this be a doo wop rendition of “Harbor Lights?”

Now that he’s undoubtedly headed for music fame and fortune, soon we can all fondly recall when he was “only” the Chairman of the local Indian nation.   8~)

On Facebook

What: Join business leaders for a panel and discussion on how our amazing natural resources help drive our region’s prosperity.
When: Wed, Feb 23, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Oleson Center (NMC main campus)

Pre-registration is encouraged – email Denise at dbaker@gtbay.org   Opening remarks by Derek Bailey, Chairman, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians      More info…

Derek Bailey, Chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was sworn in today as one of 15 members of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. The swearing in took place in Washington, D.C.

In May, Bailey was appointed to this Advisory Council by President Obama. (Source: Facebook – Derek Bailey)

Also see: UpNorthLive