Gail Lorraine George (born Gail Lorraine Kahgegab; May 18, 1946 – December 11, 2020) was a healthcare professional and leader within the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation. She served as the tribe's first female Tribal Chief from 1993 to 1995.
Gail Lorraine George | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Gail Lorraine Kahgegab May 28, 1946 |
| Died | December 11, 2020 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Native American leader |
| Known for | First female Chief of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation |
| Spouse(s) | Henry George, Sr. (married 1968) |
| Children | 4 |
Personal life
editGeorge was born as Gail Lorraine Kahgegab in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on May 28, 1946, to her parents, Ernest and Florence (Jackson) Kahgegab.[1] On May 25, 1968, she married her husband, Henry George, Sr.[1]
She had four children – Amanda, Henry, Michelle, and Nathaniel – with her husband.[1]
Her husband, Henry, died on July 30, 1990.[1] His death was followed soon after by the death of her son, Henry George Jr. on November 11, 1990.[1]
George died on December 11, 2020, at her home in Mt. Pleasant at the age of 74.[1][2]
Professional work
editGeorge retired as the Health Director at the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center in Mt. Pleasant.[1][2] She held various other positions during her thirty-year career with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation,[1][2] including chaplain.[3]
Tribal leadership
editGeorge served on the Tribal Council of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation.[1][2] She played an active role in the development and building of the tribe's Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.[1][2] George and her husband, Henry, started the concessions operations at the tribe's bingo hall.[1][2]
She served from 1993 to 1995 as the first female Tribal Chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation.[1][2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Gail George Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information". www.clarkfuneralchapel.com. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "In memory of SCIT's first female chief, Gail George 1946–2020" (PDF). Tribal Observer. Vol. 32, no. 1. January 2021. p. 1. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ Payne, Amy L. (March 16, 2008). "For Saganing people, casino brings long-sought prosperity". MLive. Retrieved July 28, 2023.