Margaret Bailey Chandler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Margaret Bailey Chandler
Margaret Bailey Chandler, from a family portrait
Born	Margaret Mary Bailey May 23, 1929 Muskegon, Michigan
Died	January 2, 1997 Brethren, Michigan
Occupation	Community leader

Margaret Mary Bailey Chandler (born May 23, 1929 – died January 2, 1997) was an important American community leader. She was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, a Native American tribe based in Michigan. After her death, she was honored by being added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2009.

Growing Up in Michigan

Margaret Mary Bailey was born in Muskegon, Michigan. Her parents were Peter and Elizabeth T. Bailey. Her father worked for the U.S. Forest Service, which helps manage national forests.

When Margaret was a girl, her family took part in an annual "Indian Village" exhibition. This event was held at the Manistee Forest Festival. It was a way to share and celebrate Native American culture.

Working for Her Community

In 1950, when Margaret was 21, she became a secretary for Unit 7 of the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association. Her job was much more than just taking notes at meetings. She worked hard to gather important information and family histories. This information was used to prove that the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians had a right to govern themselves. She also worked to get fair payment for lands that had been taken from them in the past.

Margaret was also a member of the tribe's council, which is like a governing body. She led a program focused on education for her community. Her hard work paid off in 1994. The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians officially received federal recognition. This meant the United States government recognized them as a self-governing nation. Also, lands were returned to the tribe, as promised in old treaties.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Margaret was the treasurer for the Spirit of the Woods Music Association. This group supports music and arts in the community. In 2009, she was honored for her amazing work by being added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

Her Family Life

Margaret Bailey married Dale Gordon Chandler in 1950. He worked at a company that made asphalt. Together, Margaret and Dale had nine children. Margaret Bailey Chandler passed away in Brethren, Michigan, in 1997. She was 67 years old.