Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribes Mourns Passing of Sub-Chief Julius Simon Peters

Julius Simon Peters

Published June 13, 2019

ISABELLA INDIAN RESERVATION — The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe would like to extend their deepest sympathy for the loss of Sub-Chief Council member Julius Simon Peters who was nicknamed “The Governor.”  Peters passed on June 10, 2019, with his family at his side.  He was known to Council members for his quick wit and sensible approach.  He once was quoted as saying “Remember, when you are on Tribal Council, everyone is family and we are all equal.”

Peters created the Tribal logo in the early 70’s as part of a contest.  The first published story of his design was in January of 1994.  What follows is the meaning of the Tribal logo published by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Observer on August 16, 2005:

“At the age of seven, I lost my mother. I then went on to live with my Grandfather and my Grandmother.  The middle of the logo symbolizes the headdress worn by my Grandfather, Simon Peters. Simon Peters was a traditional man with old Indian values. My grandfather’s headdress was made of eagle and pheasant feathers. The eagle is a sacred bird of the Indians. He chose the pheasant feathers for the reason that it was a beautiful bird to him. The top of the logo symbolizes the Yolk my grandmother, Annie Peters, wore upon her chest. She had once told me the floral design meant beauty and love. The acorns upon the logo were worn by both my Grandfather and Grandmother. They considered the acorns to be a symbol of Indian people. My grandparents had once stated to me, “The acorns are like the Indian people. Once small and new to the world, but with time, love and care, they will stand tall, beautiful, and mighty.”

The logo has been a part of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe for approximately 45 years and will continue its journey in the community. The highly visible logo has been reproduced for official purposes such as letterhead and business cards to a myriad of promotional items. The Tribe currently holds the copyrights to the logo.

Peters served on many different Tribal Council Administrations starting in the early 70’s.  He worked in Mt. Pleasant for the Coca-Cola Plant in the early 60’s along with Gibson Factory and Ferro Manufacturing until he retired in 1972.  He is the father of 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-granddaughters.  

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council would like to offer their condolences to the family, friends and community for the loss of Julius Peters and know that his spirit will live on through the Tribal logo.