SAULT STE. MARIE — The Department of Government Efficiency is ending leases of two federal buildings in Sault Ste. Marie as part of its overhaul of federal spending.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs office at 2845 Ashmun St. is one of those offices.
According to the Bureau’s website, its mission is to enhance the quality of life and promote economic opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Cancelling the lease for the 1,100 square foot building will save $34,375 yearly and $85,937 total.
Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes is concerned about the lack of communication from Department of Government Efficiency officials.
“We are not being communicated with at all,” Chairman of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Austin Lowes said. “Tribes were not consulted prior to the announcement that this office was going to close. We weren’t consulted at all. We weren’t told, ‘ok...this is the plan and this is what is going to happen next.’ We just haven’t been communicated with whatsoever.”
Lowes said he learned just today the lease to a second office, the Indian Health Services Sanitation, is also scheduled to be terminated.