Council Seat Elections September 2025
Council Seat Candidates
Benjamin Small
Aanii!
My name is Benjamin Small, but most folks just call me Benny. I’m the grandson of Ken Brush,
and my family includes the Cadotte, Chevalier, and Aslin lines. I’m honored to share a little
about myself as I ask for your vote in running for a seat on Council.
I’ve spent my career working with Tribal governments and Councils across Washington, Idaho,
and Alaska. Today, I serve as a coordinator with the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council,
where I help with cleanup of contaminated lands, draft ordinances, write grants, and work to
protect the Yukon River, which stretches through Alaska and Canada.
I studied Geology and am currently working on my Master’s in fisheries biology. My wife
Rebecca and I live in Chickaloon Village on Dena’ina land, along the banks of the Matanuska
River. We live enjoy gardening, fishing for salmon, and gathering food from the land. I was
raised on the Tulalip Reservation in Western Washington and carry with me a deep respect for
the teachings of our ancestors and the strength of our communities.
Recently, I helped organize the Yukon Watershed Biannual Summit in Carcross, Yukon, where
more than 50 Tribes and First Nations gathered in unity to protect our shared lands and waters
— including an effort to recognize personhood for the Yukon River. I’ve participated in many
government-to-government negotiations on behalf of Tribes and tribal consortia and believe
deeply in the power of Indigenous voices working together.
I’m running for Council because I want to serve. I want to help our community move closer to
federal recognition, expand access to grant funding, and ensure we have a strong, active voice
in the decisions that shape our future. I believe in showing up — and I commit to traveling
regularly to St. Ignace, to be present, accountable, and to work hard on behalf of our people.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who believes in taking the skills and knowledge I’ve
gained and bringing them home — to help my community. That’s what I was raised to do, and
that’s what I hope to do through Council service.
Miigwetch for considering me. I look forward to serving you and walking this path together,
Benny
Matthew Mitchell
Matthew Mitchell is an enrolled member of the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa
Indians, a proud Anishinaabe, Ogitchedaa of the Gun Lake Tribe, and Eagle Staff Carrier. For
over two decades, he has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and now to his
people. A retired Chief Petty Officer and Independent Duty Corpsman in the United States
Navy, Matthew served 21 years in some of the most elite and demanding roles, including
submarine-based deployments, emergency medical response, and global health operations.
His leadership helped modernize military health systems, ensure the medical readiness of
thousands of servicemembers, and save lives under extraordinary conditions.
His professional experience spans project management, health policy, clinic operations, and
veteran advocacy. He has led multi-million dollar federal initiatives, trained hundreds of
medical personnel, and written policies that have directly impacted military and tribal
communities. Now, Matthew is ready to bring these skills home to strengthen the sovereignty
and wellbeing of the Mackinac Bands. His vision centers on four core principles: protecting
our inherent rights as a sovereign people, expanding healthcare and veteran services,
creating leadership pathways for youth, and building strong governance rooted in
transparency and cultural values. He believes that by combining traditional knowledge with
strategic planning, the Band can move forward in strength, unity, and self-determination.
Matthew is married to Melodi, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Oneida
Nation of Wisconsin. Together, they are raising four children in a home guided by ceremony,
language, kinship, and love of community. As a father, husband, veteran, and cultural carrier,
Matthew brings a holistic perspective to leadership. He is running for Tribal Council not as a
politician, but as a protector—of the people, the land, and the generations to come. He
humbly asks for your support and your trust to help move the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa
and Ottawa Indians forward with strength, unity, and vision.
Michael Archambeault
Aaniin!
My common name is Michael Archambeault. The last time I was on a council, I was elected without consent. I said no. They said they voted. I went to meetings. This time, a question was asked, and I said yes.
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I am Worse than Waynaboozhoo. How is that even possible, one might ask? Simple, I exist. And I am running from tribal council.
Chi Mii Gwetch.
