SAULT STE. MARIE — A ransomware attack that shut down gaming at all five Kewadin Casino locations also impacted other offices at an eastern Upper Peninsula tribe. The tribe made the announcement Monday and said it could be a week or more before regular operations can resume.

“On Sunday morning, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians suffered a ransomware attack. This attack impacted multiple computer and phone systems across the tribe, including the casinos, health centers and various businesses. In response, the tribe has had to temporarily close many departments and businesses,” Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes said in a press release.

“Our hope is that this issue gets resolved within a week, but we are prepared for it to last longer.”

Gaming operations had been halted by Sunday afternoon at the Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel locations. Early Monday, gaming was suspended at the Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace locations.

“We understand that this is inconvenient and unexpected news. Please know our experts are working around-the-clock to restore gaming operations. We apologize for this inconvenience,” the casinos said in identical posts made late Sunday by each of the casino locations on their respective Facebook pages.

The incident prevented hotel guests from checking in at Kewadin hotel Sunday afternoon, though guests who were already checked in were permitted to stay.

The Kewadin website was also down Monday morning. By early afternoon, the website had been restored.

“We understand the disruption this is causing to many members’ and employees’ lives and are working diligently to resolve this issue as quickly as possible,” Lowes said. “We also understand there are many questions. The Board of Directors is being updated as new information is available but, due to the sensitive nature of what is occurring and the importance of not saying anything that could interfere with the ongoing investigation, there is little more we can share at this time and ask for your patience and understanding.”

Lowes noted that updates would be made using the tribe’s various Facebook pages.

Despite the attack, tribal government services are open in a limited capacity. A free teen dating violence awareness and Valentine’s Day dance event set for Friday was postponed until further notice, and tribal members were advised to use direct lines to contact tribal departments and services.