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Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) (/nät uh wä sĕp ē/ /h(yōō) rôn/ /bānd/ /ov/ /thē/ /pät uh wät ō mē/) is a federally recognized tribe in the United States. The tribe achieved federal recognition Dec. 19, 1995, and currently has over 1,500 enrolled tribal members. The tribe’s main offices are located at the Pine Creek Indian Reservation near Athens, Michigan, with additional offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to better serve tribal members. The Pine Creek Indian Reservation is located in Athens Township of southwestern Calhoun County, Michigan. The reservation has a land area of 129.4 acres (524,000 m2), as well as an additional 230 acres of land purchased by the tribe for its use.

NHBP has owned and operated FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, since 2009. In the mission to diversify the economic portfolio of NHBP, Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, (WDC) was formed in 2011.

The culture of NHBP is expressed through traditional dancing, drumming, singing, medicines and teachings. Historically, Native families passed down teachings and ways of life orally, from generation to generation. NHBP still teaches in the ways of oral tradition, as well as utilizing modern technology to preserve their culture.

Etymology

Despite the tribe’s name, this band of Potawatomi has no direct connection with the Huron people. Rather, both "Nottawaseppi" and "Huron" refer to the band's historical location along the Clinton River in southeastern Michigan. This river was formerly known as the Nottawasippee River or the Huron River of St. Clair.

Geography

Pine Creek Indian Reservation

The Pine Creek Indian Reservation is located at 42°06′18″N 85°15′40″W in Athens Township of southwestern Calhoun County, Michigan. It has a land area of 129.4 acres (524,000 m2). The Tribe currently owns over 1,000 acres around southwest Michigan, including 300 acres adjacent to the Pine Creek Indian Reservation. They also own lands on Pine Creek and Nottawa Creek.

History

Early History

There are hundreds of tribes throughout the United States and within each tribe, there are numerous bands. In the United States, there are nine bands of Bodewéwadmik (Potawatomi) people. Each individual tribe has their own language, traditions and beliefs that comprise their culture.

The traditional lands of the Potawatomi nation encompassed lands along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, across to Detroit and from the Huron and Grand Rivers southward into northern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Tribal members were later forced to cede the remainder of their “reserved lands” contained within the “Notawasepe Reserve” and were relocated to lands west of the Mississippi River. During this removal, called the Potawatomi Trail of Death, a group of tribal members escaped and returned to their traditional lands in Michigan. This group later formed the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) and established the Pine Creek Indian Reservation in Fulton, Michigan.

Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) Meaning

The Potawatomi name is a derivation of Bodéwadmi, meaning a people of the fire or a people who maintain fire, both of which refer to the role of the Potawatomi as the keepers of the council fire in an earlier alliance with other tribes in the area.

Three Fires Alliance

NHBP is a Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) tribe. The Three Fires Confederacy, or Alliance, promoted mutual interests between the Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi), Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Odawa (Ottawa) tribes.

The Potawatomi tribes were given the responsibility of being the keepers of the fire, the Chippewa were the keepers of the faith and the Ottawa were the keepers of the trade. These responsibilities were given to the people by the creator to ensure that no tribe would be left to fend for themselves. The three tribes have always been able to rely on one another to make ends meet and join together when necessary.

Pine Creek Indian Reservation

The Pine Creek Indian Reservation was established by Chief Moguago on a 120-acre parcel of land along the Pine Creek near Athens, Michigan, purchased in 1845 with treaty annuity money. This is the central location for NHBP. The Pine Creek Indian Reservation holds many different buildings and opportunities to promote the prosperity of tribal members. Currently, the buildings on the reservation include the government center, community center, health facility, environmental center, department of public works, Tribal Court, Tribal Police station, Athens Indian Church, Bkedé O Mshiké convenience store, recreation fields, greenhouse, community garden and Pow Wow grounds.

Federal Recognition

NHBP began seeking federal recognition before 1935, but the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs decided not to further extend services in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula until the 1940s. It wasn’t until the United States federal government re-established a federal recognition process in the 1970s that NHBP could apply to be federally recognized. After years of research and documentation, NHBP was federally recognized Dec. 19, 1995. This long and emotional process gave NHBP the ability to move forward, take care of their people and continue to work toward becoming a prosperous nation.

Logo History

It is in the spirit of Native communities that every part of the tribe’s logo relates back to Native culture. Every aspect of NHBP’s logo was created with purpose and represents an aspect of NHBP’s history or culture. The turtle artwork was created by Native artists Gary Mandoka and Candi Wesaw. Mandoka is a Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi tribal member, and Wesaw is a tribal member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

The NHBP mshiké (turtle) was created to represent the different clans and where they originate from. Within the turtle:

• The head of the turtle is shaped like Michigan, which is where the NHBP people originated.
• The seven circles represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings that tribal members strive to live by.
• The turtle also includes teal lines through its back which represent the “H” in Huron.
• The circular back represents the medicine wheel and was made with many lines to signify the many different teachings of the medicine wheel.
• The other rings represent parts of the environment, including the sun and flowers.
• The triangles are a form of applique, which is a part of Potawatomi culture.

NHBP Historical Timeline

• 1838 – The Potawatomi Trail of Death forces tribal members to move west of the Mississippi River. A few tribal members escape and return to the area that would become the Pine Creek Indian Reservation.
• 1970 – The tribe is incorporated in the state of Michigan. Government by a written constitution and an elected tribal council is established.
• 1995 – The United States federal government grants federal recognition to the tribe Dec. 19.
• 1998 – The tribe purchases a 155-acre (630,000 m2) property on Q-Drive near Fulton, Michigan.
• 2000 – An administration building is constructed.
• 2005 – The tribe constructs its first group of single family, energy-efficient homes on the reservation.
• 2006 – A tribal court is established.
• 2007 – A community center and health facility are constructed. A 79-acre (320,000 m2) parcel of property in Emmett Township is placed into federal trust on behalf of the tribe. The tribe places 75 acres (300,000 m2) of the Q-Drive property into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wetland reserve program.
• 2008 – Construction begins on FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan.
• 2009 – FireKeepers Casino opens Aug. 5, 2009.[7]
• 2011 – In a mission to diversify the economic portfolio of NHBP, Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, (WDC) is formed.
• 2013 – A new tribal government center and department of public works building is constructed on the reservation.

Culture

The Bodewéwadmik (Potawatomi) people were generally inhabitants of the Great Lakes area who chose to live near waterways. Being near water, the communities were able to use the water for fishing, harvesting and spiritual purposes. It has been our tradition to respect the Earth and strive to cultivate its resources carefully, while also providing a harvest for our families. It is in the spirit of Native tradition to listen to elders and respect their knowledge, while also celebrating the precious lives of the youth who will become future leaders. The responsibility of motherhood and fatherhood is sacred and given by the creator. NHBP culture continues to be shaped by these values.

NHBP culture includes traditional dances, drumming, songs, medicines and teachings. Historically, Native Americans passed down teachings and ways of life orally, from generation to generation. NHBP still teaches in the ways of oral tradition, but also utilizes modern technology to preserve our culture.

Seven Grandfather Teachings

The Seven Grandfather Teachings have always been a part of Native American culture. Their roots date back to the beginning of time. These teachings impact our surroundings, along with providing guidance toward our actions toward one another.

According to the story, long ago, a messenger was sent to see how the Neshnabék (indigenous people of the Great Lakes area) were living. The Neshnabék were living their life in a negative way which impacted their thoughts, decisions and actions. Some had hate for others, displayed disrespectful actions, were afraid, told lies and cheated. Others revealed pride while others were full of shame. During his journey, the messenger came across a child. This child was chosen to be taught by the Seven Grandfathers to live a good way of life. He was taught the lessons of Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom. Before departing from the Seven Grandfathers, they told the child, “Each of these teachings must be used with the rest. You cannot have Wisdom without Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth. You cannot be Honest if you are only using one of the other teachings. To leave out one teaching would be embracing the opposite of what the teaching means.” The Seven Grandfathers each instructed the child with a principle. It was then up to the child to forget the teachings or to put them to use.

Each one of us represents the child. We must faithfully apply the teachings of our Seven Grandfathers to our own lives. We must place our trust in the creator. We must also never forget to be sincere in our actions, character and words.

• LOVE (Debanawen) Knowing love is to know peace. Our love must be unconditional. When people are weak, that is when they need love the most. Love is a strong affection for another. This can form between friends and family. Love is an attachment based upon devotion, admiration, tenderness, and kindness for all things around you. For one to love and accept themself is to live at peace with the creator and in harmony with all of creation. Love knows no bounds. We must accept it sincerely and give it freely.
• RESPECT (Wdetanmowen) A way to honor creation is by showing respect. There should be no part of creation that should be excluded from the honor that we are to give. We demonstrate respect by realizing the value of all people or things and by showing courteous consideration and appreciation. We must give respect if we wish to be respected. We honor the traditional roles that we fill and the teachings we have been given. We honor our families and others, as well as ourselves. We are not to bring harm to anyone or anything. Respect is not just an action, but a heart-grown feeling.
• BRAVERY (Wédaséwen) Facing a problem with integrity is a true demonstration of bravery. We do what is right even when the consequences may be unpleasant. We face life with the courage to use our personal strengths to face difficulties, stand tall through adversity and make positive choices. We must stand up for our convictions, and have courage in our thinking and speaking. All of these actions together will lead to ceaseless bravery.
• TRUTH (Débwéwen) Truth is having the knowledge of our cultural teachings. It gives us the ability to act without regret. We must understand, speak and feel the truth while also honoring its power. Truth should not lead us to deceptions. We know who we are in our heart. By knowing that, we also know the truth. Our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual gifts will guide each one of us in our journey.
• HONESTY (Gwékwadsewen) Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it is honesty. We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others. We must give full value to both the efforts of our own and others. When we walk through life with integrity, it is then that we know honesty. Be truthful and trustworthy. We must also remember to accept and act on truths through straightforward and appropriate communication.
• HUMILITY (Édbeséndowen) Humility is to know that we are a part of creation. We must always consider ourselves equal to one another. We should never think of ourselves as being better or worse than anyone else. Humility comes in many forms such as compassion, calmness, meekness, gentleness and patience. We must reflect on how we want to present ourselves to those around us. We must be aware of the balance and equality with all of life, including humans, plants and animals.
• WISDOM (Bwakawen) The mixture of these teachings, combined with the experiences of life is what we refer to as wisdom. It is given to us by the creator to be used for good. Wisdom carries other meanings, which also includes intelligence or knowledge. When we cherish our knowledge or intelligence, we are also cherishing our wisdom. We must use sound judgment, along with the ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. We must use a good sense and course of action to form a positive attitude. We must remember to listen and use the wisdom that has been provided by our elders, tribal leadership and our spiritual leaders. We must also always remember that wisdom comes in all shapes, sizes, forms and ages.

Medicine Wheel

The Medicine Wheel is a round wheel broken up into four sections. Each section of the Wheel contains one of the four Sacred Medicines. These Sacred Medicines include séma (tobacco), skhop (cedar), wabshkebyak (sage), and wishpemishkos (sweet grass). Each direction has a main animal or bird. The east has the eagle with its helper, the mouse. The south has the deer with its helper, the turtle. The west has the bison with its helper, the black bear. The north has the polar bear with its helper, the snow owl. The east section of the Medicine Wheel represents the spring months. During this time, we must show appreciation for tobacco, earth and infants. The south section represents the summer months. We must give honor to cedar, wind and teenagers. The west section represents the fall months. During this time, we must show appreciation for sage, water and the middle-aged adults. The north section of the Medicine Wheel represents the winter months. We must give honor to sweet grass, fire and elders.

Smudging

Smudging is the burning of one or more of the four Sacred Medicines: séma (tobacco), skhop (cedar), wabshkebyak (sage), and wishpemishkos (sweet grass). Tobacco is used with prayer and in ceremonies. It is said that when one prays while using tobacco, their prayers are sent directly to mamogosnan (creator, god, the greatest father of us all). When used while praying, a pinch of tobacco is placed in your left hand, as your left hand is the closest to your heart. Cedar is known to the Neshnabék (indigenous people of the Great Lakes area) as one of the four Sacred Medicines. It can be used while Smudging, healing, praying and when one is in need of protection. Cedar is also used in sweat lodges and is known to the Neshnabék as a woman’s medicine. Sage can also be used for Smudging. Traditionally, the Neshnabék would use Smudging to prepare and purify people, places or things for a time of openness and truth in the presence of mamogosnan. We see it as a way of cleansing one’s self of the negative energy you may not realize you hold. After harvesting sweet grass, it can be soaked in water, braided, dried and burned. After it is braided, some say that it is known to represent our grandmothers’ hair. The Neshnabék use sweet grass for Smudging or purifying ceremonies and with prayer.

Religion

Christianity, traditional tribal religion.

Tribal Government

NHBP is governed by a written constitution and a democratically elected, five-member Tribal Council.

The NHBP Tribal Government provides benefits, programs and services to their tribal members through 15 tribal government departments, including: Administration, Bkedé O Mshiké General Store, Communications, Culture, Environmental, Finance, Government Records, Health And Human Services, Housing, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Membership Services, Planning, Public Works and Social Services. Additional benefits, programs and services are provided to tribal members by a Tribal Court, Tribal Prosecutor, Tribal Police Department and a Gaming Commission.

Tribal Council

Native American tribes are unique in their governing body. Since NHBP is a sovereign nation, there are tribal members who are responsible for governing the NHBP nation. The NHBP Tribal Council is responsible for showing leadership, direction and courage for all tribal members. This group always shows and embodies the Seven Grandfather Teachings, while always looking out for their fellow constituents.

Tribal Council is composed of five positions: chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer and sergeant-at-arms. To view the current Tribal Council, visit nhbpi.com Each Tribal Council position is a four-year term and is voted on by NHBP tribal members. The elected tribal members are sworn in during a monthly Tribal Council meeting, which is open to all NHBP tribal members. This is a democratic election, as anybody in the NHBP nation has an open opportunity to run for a position on the Tribal Council and all tribal members are encouraged to vote.

The NHBP Tribal Council also provides oversight for the tribal government, FireKeepers Casino Hotel and Waséyabek Development Company, LLC. With the collaboration from leadership at these companies and organizations, Tribal Council is responsible for making key strategic decisions and plans to continue the growth of and economic security for the NHBP nation.

Culture Department

The NHBP Culture Department holds the responsibility of protecting, preserving and revitalizing the Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) culture, history and language of NHBP. The Culture Department focuses on the education of the Bodéwadmi culture and language, and the protection and preservation of significant cultural properties and objects. The Culture Department coordinates spring and fall ceremonies, Bodéwadmi language classes, dancing and drumming classes, as well as other cultural craft practices and workshops. The department also conducts cultural presentations and teachings for groups and organizations within the surrounding community.

Environmental Department

The NHBP Environmental Department holds the responsibility of sustainably preserving and protecting the land, water, air and wildlife for the next seven generations for the NHBP community. The Environmental Department relies on both traditional methods, as well as scientists, technical support and administrative personnel to focus on the environmental needs of future generations of tribal members.

The Environmental Department supervises natural resource-based programs such as maple syrup production, wild rice harvesting and natural resource access. The Environmental Department also receives questions and requests that involve natural resource management, water and air quality, garden produce distribution, and hunting and gathering.

Health and Human Services Department

The NHBP Health and Human Services Department (HHSD) holds the responsibility of diagnosing, healing and administering medicine to any federally recognized tribal member.

The HHSD utilizes the traditional four medicines in the Medicine Wheel, as well as doctors, dentists and many other health care professionals, to manage the distribution of health care and medicines. The HHSD manages community health initiatives, three health facility locations and health care services for eligible tribal members of federally recognized tribes. They also oversee hundreds of health-related events, programs and activities throughout each year. With a focus on improving the health of tribal members, the HHSD frequently works with outside vendors, partners, as well as other NHBP tribal government departments.

NHBP’s primary Indian Health and Bureau of Indian Affairs Service Area covers Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ottawa counties.

Membership Services Department

The NHBP Membership Services Department holds the responsibility of providing programs and services to enrich the lives of tribal members and community members of all ages. The Membership Services Department provides support for tribal members through the programs and services of three sub-departments: elders, youth and education. Several education programs geared to students enrolled in prekindergarten through higher and vocational education are managed by the Memberships Services Department. The department provides numerous incentives to help tribal youth be able to attend school, no matter the cost. The Membership Services Department also oversees programs for youth, such as the Tribal Youth Program (TYP) that seeks to help younger generations explore their culture, and for elders, such as the Elders Program that strives to improve the physical well-being and social engagement of elders. All NHBP events, programs and services are also coordinated by the Membership Services Department.

Tribal Court

The NHBP Tribal Court holds the responsibility of implementing the judicial authority as it is expressed in the NHBP Constitution. The Tribal Court, established in 2006, is modeled after the modern American judicial system, however the application of traditional customs and values in court proceedings is a hallmark of modern Tribal Courts. The NHBP Tribal Court system, as established by the NHBP Constitution, includes both the Tribal Court, which serves as a court of general jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court, which serves as an appellate court of last resort. The Tribal Court has currently established two divisions: the Domestic Violence Division and the Juvenile Division. The Tribal Court also includes the Tribal Court Victim Services Department and the Probation Department. With a focus on preserving the self-determination and sovereign powers of the NHBP nation, the Tribal Court relies on partnerships with other NHBP departments, the NHBP community and other judicial and governmental bodies.

Tribal Prosecutor

The NHBP Tribal Prosecutor holds the responsibility of seeking justice on behalf of the people of NHBP and represents the NHBP nation in Tribal Court. This occurs when violations of the Criminal Code of NHBP and the Civil Infraction Code of NHBP occur on tribal trust land. When a criminal violation has been committed on tribal trust land, the Tribal Police Department steps in to investigate. Once the Tribal Police completes the investigation, the matter is referred to the Tribal Prosecutor to be reviewed to determine whether criminal charges will be filed in Tribal Court. Due to the complexity of concurring tribal, state and federal law, the Tribal Prosecutor works with the Tribal Police Department and Tribal Courts. The Tribal Prosecutor also collaborates with other state and federal police departments to ensure that all tribal members, or those eligible to be tribal members, are represented officially and to a high standard.

Tribal Police

The NHBP Tribal Police Department holds the responsibility of serving, protecting and providing professional law enforcement for the NHBP community, as well as the Village of Athens. The Tribal Police Department utilizes modern law enforcement equipment and tactics, as well as a team of law enforcement professionals, to carry out its duty of serving and protecting the community. The department strives to maintain peace and order on all NHBP tribal lands and to defend the sovereignty of NHBP, while respecting the rights and dignity of all people in its jurisdiction.

Gaming Commission

The Gaming Commission’s role is defined by the NHBP’s Gaming Regulatory Act of 2010, which made gaming lawful within the tribe’s jurisdiction and delegated the primary regulatory role to the Commission. The Commission ensures that all gaming within the tribe’s jurisdiction is conducted in compliance with tribal and federal law and the agreement between the tribe and the state of Michigan. In exercising its regulatory authority the Commission does not interfere with the managerial discretion of gaming operations. The Commission’s primary mission is to work within the framework created by the tribe’s Gaming Regulatory Act of 2010, the federal government’s Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and the compact between the tribe and the state of Michigan. The confluence of the tribe’s gaming law, the federal government’s gaming law and the tribe-state compact is to: promote tribal economic development self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments; maintain the integrity of Indian gaming; and ensure that the tribe is the primary beneficiary of its gaming activities.

Economic Development

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

NHBP has strived to develop and achieve economic self-sufficiency for current tribal members and future generations through the acquisition of a gaming license, which, after more than 10 years of planning, strategy and vision, allowed NHBP to open FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH) in 2009. Located in Battle Creek, Michigan, FKCH is a Vegas-style casino which features an 111,700-square foot gaming floor, resort-style hotel, six upscale dining options and a multipurpose event center. The property also features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, a live poker room and bingo room.

FKCH has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned nine first-place awards in the Casino Player Magazine Best of Gaming 2017 Native Midwest category, including Best Overall Gaming Resort. FKCH was also selected as one of the Best Casinos to Work For by Casino Player Magazine. FKCH’s signature restaurant, Nibi, is a multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

FKCH offers a AAA-rated, Four Diamond resort-style hotel, is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400, a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, and is host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship, a Symetra Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event. For more information, visit firekeeperscasino.com.

Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, (WDC) located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a 100 percent, tribally-owned entity organized to pursue nongaming, economic diversification opportunities on behalf of NHBP. WDC receives oversight and direction from a five-member corporate board of directors. Execution of the strategies established by the board is the responsibility of the chief executive officer.

Currently, WDC is a parent company to seven+ other companies. Each year, WDC evaluates companies to purchase, making sure to review, approve or deny acquisitions based on how the next seven generations of NHBP will be provided for. For more information, visit waseyabek.com.

Bkedé O Mshiké

Bkedé O Mshiké, NHBP’s general store, provides a variety of goods for tribal members on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation and community members in the surrounding areas.

Bkedé O Mshiké, translated from Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) means, “The Hungry Turtle.” Bkedé O Mshiké strives to provide an exceptional customer service experience for tribal members, NHBP employees and the public, while offering an environment that encourages growth through personalized service, outstanding facilities and a sustained commitment to quality.

The staff at Bkedé O Mshiké remain dedicated to offering convenience items such as home and health goods, foods and drinks, as well as providing an ever-changing selection of Native-crafted goods, brand name apparel and one-of-a-kind Native-inspired gifts.

Community Outreach

The Fire Hub

FKCH’s unique community investment, The Fire Hub, is a restaurant and food pantry located in Battle Creek, Michigan. A first-of-its-kind nonprofit, hands-on investment by a casino operator, The Fire Hub serves as a restaurant, bakery and food pantry to help the less fortunate.

The rear section of the building is home to The Kendall Street Pantry, a food pantry that serves as an agency of the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, distributing food from The Fire Hub’s shelves to the less fortunate. The Fire Hub has also created a fund to support local charities, with 80 percent of all restaurant profits, and an allocation of 50 cents from every restaurant check, going toward this fund. The remaining 20 percent of profits are reinvested into maintaining the property.

For more information, visit firehubbc.com.

Native American Heritage Fund

A second amendment to the Local Revenue Sharing Board was made in 2016 to the tribal-state gaming compact between NHBP and the state of Michigan that allows for the creation of a Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF).

The amendment allows for a portion of each year’s state revenue sharing payment to be deposited into the NAHF. Beginning with the 2016 fiscal period, $500,000 was deposited into the NAHF. For each fiscal period moving forward, funds will be deposited into the NAHF to replace the amount used during the previous fiscal period and thus restore the balance of $500,000.

The fund’s goal is to promote positive relationships between public and private kindergarten through 12th grade schools, colleges, universities, local units of government and Michigan’s federally recognized Native American tribes. The purpose of the NAHF is to provide resources to improve curricula and educational resources related to Michigan Indian history, as well as to fund initiatives that promote mutual respect and cooperation between local communities and Michigan’s federally recognized tribes. The funds may also be used to replace or revise mascots and imagery that may be deemed offensive to Native Americans or may convey inaccurate representations of Native American culture and values. Distribution of funds will be determined by the NAHF Board which will consist of two members appointed by the governor of Michigan, two members appointed by the NHBP Tribal Council and the Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, or his or her designee.

To view the current NAHF board, please visit https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/government/native_american_heritage_fund_board/

Local Revenue Sharing Board

Under the tribal-state gaming compact between NHBP and the state of Michigan, NHBP distributes 2 percent of the annual slot machine revenue from FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH) to the Local Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB). The LRSB serves to reimburse local units of government, including local municipal governments and school districts, for lost tax revenue because FKCH and the NHBP Pine Creek Indian Reservation are located on sovereign tribal land, and are therefore tax-exempt.

Guidelines and bylaws establishing the criteria and formulas for distributing funds, as well as the actual disbursement of funds, from the LRSB require a unanimous vote of all LRSB members.

To view the current LRSB board, please visit https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/government/native_american_heritage_fund_board/

To date, NHBP has contributed over $90 million to the state of Michigan and $32.2 million to the LRSB, creating a combined contribution exceeding $122 million since FKCH opened in 2009.

Media

Website

The official NHBP website is nhbpi.com. Visit the NHBP website for important information about tribal history, culture and events.

Social Media

Facebook: facebook.com/NHBPI

Twitter: twitter.com/nhbpi

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nottawaseppi-huron-band-of-the-potawatomi/

Instagram: instagram.com/nhbpi

Turtle Press

NHBP’s monthly publication, the Mini Turtle Press, distributes information regarding future programs, activities and events for tribal members. This publication also includes announcements made by tribal government departments. The Quarterly Turtle Press features articles about past programs, activities and events, and highlights the achievements and accomplishments of tribal members. It also sheds light on various issues related to Indian Country as a whole. Both publications are distributed to all tribal households, with the goal of uniting and notifying tribal members of past and future community activities.

External links

• www.example.com