The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and its Kewadin Casinos are grappling with the aftermath of a ransomware cyber attack. The attack, which occurred Sunday morning, February 9th, 2025, compromised numerous computer and phone systems across tribal administration, impacting casinos, health centers, and various businesses. The Sault Tribe cyber attack resulted in the temporary closure of many tribal departments and Kewadin Casinos.
“On Sunday morning, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians suffered a ransomware attack,” stated Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes.
“This attack impacted multiple computer and phone systems across tribal administration, including the casinos, health centers and various businesses. In response, the tribe has had to temporarily close many departments and businesses.”
The tribe anticipates the issue will be resolved within a week, but preparations are in place for a longer disruption. Updates will be disseminated via the tribe’s Facebook pages. Chairman Lowes expressed understanding for the disruption caused, assuring members and employees that the tribe is working diligently to resolve the situation. He also acknowledged the many questions arising from the incident, but due to the ongoing investigation, limited details could be shared at the time of the announcement.
While many services are temporarily unavailable, some remain operational, albeit with potential limitations:
- Kewadin Casinos: All gaming operations were halted on Monday, February 10th, 2025, at 7 a.m. until further notice. This Kewadin Casinos cyber attack significantly impacts the tribe’s revenue.
- Big Bear Arena: Remains open, but only accepts cash payments (ATM available on-site). The concessions menu may be limited. Contact: bookthebear@saulttribe.net or (906) 440-6536 (available later on February 11th, 2025).
- Several other tribal services remain operational, including many essential departments like Anishinaabek Community & Family Services (ACFS), Education Services, Elder Services, and more. Contact information for these departments is available in the original announcement.
The Sault Tribe is committed to transparency and will provide further updates as the situation develops. The impact of this Sault Tribe cyber attack is significant, affecting not only the tribe’s operations but also the livelihood of its members and employees. This is another Casino that fell to ransomware. Just recently Rivers Casino also fell to a ransomware attack.
