Colleagues remember Grand Portage Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe

WTIP is sad to share the news that Norman Deschampe, chair of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, passed away on Saturday, February 9.
 
Norman served in the tribal chairman position for about 28 years. He also served on the executive committee of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, whose members are of the Grand Portage, Bois Forte, Fond Du Lac, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs and White Earth bands.
 
He served on the current Tribal Council with Vice-chair Marie Spry, Secretary/Treasurer April McCormick, and Council Members John Morrin and William “Bill” Meyers.
 
WTIP’s Rhonda Silence reached out to some people who worked with Norman. First we hear from Gary Frazier, executive director of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

And then WTIP spoke with Grand Portage Tribal Council Vice-Chair Marie Spry, who is serving as interim chair.

Services will be held Wednesday, February 13 - visitation at 9:30 a.m., services at 11 a.m. at the Grand Portage Community Center. Luncheon to follow. ​

Photo: All of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa council members were on hand for the grand reopening of the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino in July 2018. (L-R) Chairman Norman Deschampe, John Morrin, Vice-Chair Marie Spry, Secretary/Treasurer April McCormick, and Bill Meyers. Photo by Rhonda Silence