The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan cut down nearly two dozen trees to make an electronic sign at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort more visible.
Elder Gerald Slater offered tobacco and prayed for the trees before a local trimming company removed them.
The tree parts will be used for the 7th Generation Programs at the tribe's Elijah Elk Cultural Center.
The casino requested the trees be removed to create a higher visibility for the sign.
Get the Story:Tribal elder blesses removed trees, they will be reused (The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun 5/13)