Golfers lined up to represent their local Michigan companies and raise money for a great cause at the Chief Moguago Golf Against Domestic Violence outing this past Friday, May 30. The yearly outing intends to raise awareness for the disproportionate amount of American Indian and Alaska Native women who face abuse or violence in their lifetimes. Studies show that 85% of Indigenous women have experienced abuse or violence, a staggeringly large number.

The sun shone brightly as NHBP Tribal Elder and Communications Coordinator Brad Simmons kicked off the event, which was livestreamed on Facebook and can be viewed by following the link here. The Opening Ceremony proceeded with an invocation from Mon-ee Zapata, Drum by Owyn Zapata and Dance by Katrina Norman and her daughter, Javier Chich playing The National Anthem, and a speech given by NHBP Chief Judge, Hon. Melissa L. Pope.

After a reading of the game rules the golfers all drove off in different directions to one of three nine-hole tracks: Preserve, Marsh, or Natural. In the typical style of a golf scramble, the teams moved through each hole quickly, enjoying the summer sun, sipping refreshing beverages, and having their team photo taken. What’s more, FireKeepers Casino Hotel set up three tents with different snacks for the golfers to enjoy throughout the afternoon, one serving Philly cheesesteaks, one serving chicken tacos, and one serving elote street corn nachos, all sponsored by Waséyabek Development Company!

An additional $20 could buy golfers one of two game advantages: the opportunity to use a golf ball cannon to launch their drive, provided by NHBP Tribal Police, or turn their clubs over to professional LPGA player and Grand Rapids native Sarah White for that first shot.
White was present for last year’s Golf Against Domestic Violence event as well. “This is my second year. I was on the same hole last year and I guess I was a smash hit, they invited me back! I play out on the LPGA and the Epson Tour, and I’ve played in the Battle Creek FireKeepers event for the last few years. I love supporting FireKeepers and The Tribe, they’ve been so welcoming to me.”

Teams assembled back at the clubhouse when the play was over for a late afternoon meal, again provided by FireKeepers. Thanks to the new live scoring system introduced this year, the day’s MVPs were determined quickly and the awards and 50/50 raffle were soon underway. Individual and team efforts were acknowledged and awarded with golf balls and glass trophies, while the raffle saw prizes such as concert tickets and an exclusive dinner at FireKeepers’ Nibi given away to those with lucky tickets.

Matt Goldner, the Tournament Director and Store Manager of Bkedé O Mshiké on The Reservation, confirmed that this year’s funds raised have surpassed that of all previous years in which the Chief Moguago Golf Against Domestic Violence event was held. Proceeds this year went to two incredibly deserving entities: the NHBP Tribal Court Victims Service Program and Uniting Three Fires Against Violence. The NHBP Tribal Court Victims Service Program works to provide Tribal Members traditional and culturally-honoring care, practices, and programs to promote the long-term healing of victims of violence and assault. Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) supports all Michigan Tribes in raising awareness of the social change necessary to address the disproportionate rates of violence impacting Native communities.

Learn more about UTFAV here: Uniting Three Fires Against Violence

To view the photo gallery, including the team photos, click the following link: 2025 Chief Moguago Golf Outing