Turtle press NHBP RECEIVES CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF NHBP - Re-recognition brings
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NHBP RECEIVES CEL EBR ATING 25 SOLIDARIT Y
PRES TIGIOUS AWARD Y E ARS OF NHBP T HROUGH AR T
NIGA honors NHBP Re-recognition brings Tribal Members paint
for outreach efforts back memories murals honoring BLM
ON PAGE 0 4 ON PAGE 08 ON PAGE 16
WINT ER 202 1
i TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
cont ent s
TRIBAL T U RT L E PR E S S CON TAC T S TR IBA L COUNCIL MEMBER S
COUNCIL CU LT U R E JUDI HENCKEL | EDITOR IN CHIEF JAMIE STUCK | CHAIRPERSON JEFF CHIVIS, PH.D. | TREASURER
269.704.8361 | JUDITH.HENCKEL@NHBP-NSN.GOV DESK PHONE: 269.704.8384 DESK PHONE: 269.704.4166
02 NAHF GRANT RECIPIENTS 08 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF NHBP CELL: 269.986.3441 CELL: 269.832.1073
04 NHBP RECEIVES 16 SOLIDARITY THROUGH ART LEIA FULLER | MANAGING EDITOR EMAIL: JAMIE.STUCK@NHBP-NSN.GOV EMAIL: JEFF.CHIVIS@NHBP-NSN.GOV
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: CHAIR APPOINTMENTS:
14 2018 - 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN JAKY REPLOGLE | LEAD DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND TRIBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY
JOURNEY TO WELLNESS COMMITTEE COMMITTEE, OGITCHEDAW SOCIETY, AND
EMILEE GUZAK | DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY INDIGENOUS RIGHTS COMMITTEE
DORIE RIOS | VICE CHAIRPERSON
DESK PHONE: 269.704.8382 HOMER A. MANDOKA | SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
CELL: 269.209.3024 DESK PHONE: 269.704.8381
EDUC ATION FIREKEEPERS EMAIL: DORIE.RIOS@NHBP-NSN.GOV CELL: 269.986.1802
CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: EMAIL: HOMERA.MANDOKA@NHBP-NSN.GOV
22 TRIBAL MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: 20 CASINO CONNECTION ENROLLMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIR APPOINTMENTS:
CHLOE FAVALORO HOUSING COMMITTEE, AND PLANNING AND LAND USE
CEMETERY AND PARKS COMMITTEE COMMITTEE AND TRIBAL EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE
NANCY SMIT | SECRETARY
DESK PHONE: 269.704.8431 ROBYN BURLINGHAM | COUNCIL COORDINATOR
CELL: 269.275.2289 DESK PHONE: 269.704.8373
EMAIL: NANCY.SMIT@NHBP-NSN.GOV EMAIL: RBURLINGHAM@NHBP-NSN.GOV
WA S É Y A B E K EN V IRONMEN TA L CHAIR APPOINTMENTS:
CULTURE COMMITTEE AND
26 WDC PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL 30 PROJECT AIRKEEPERS ELDERS COMMITTEE
EMPLOYEE AWARDS
ii 01 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
N ATI VE A MER I CA N HER ITAG E
FUN D A N NO UN CES 2020
G R A NT R ECI PIENTS
N.A. H. F.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE FUND
WRITTEN BY LEIA FULLER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RECIPIENTS
The Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF) board has selected projects in six Michigan communities to
receive funds for work in 2021. This year’s grants totaled more than $482,000, and were shared with the public
at a virtual check distribution event in Nov. 2020. With this third year of grants awarded, the fund has provided
nearly $1.5 million to community partners.
Three applicants were granted 100% of their requests:
• Suttons Bay Public Schools was granted $20,000 to help develop a new land-based education curriculum.
• Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College was granted $30,000 to partner with the Native Justice
Coalition to offer and expand the Annual Anishinaabe Racial Justice Conference.
• Public Schools of Petoskey was granted $58,665 to help remove unacceptable Native American imagery
on infrastructure, uniforms, and equipment across the school district.
Two applicants were granted 80% of their requests: Top Left: Indigenous Suttons Bay students proudly wear their Regalia in their school, which was granted $20,000 to help develop a new
curriculm. Top Right: To promote inclusivity, Paw Paw Schools rebrand their gymnasium floor to the Red Wolves. Bottom Left: A Suttons
Bay Elementary hallway. Bottom Right: Paw Paw Schools rebrand their logo and mascot to the Red Wolves.
• Clinton Community Schools was granted $100,000 to help rebrand and adopt a new mascot, replacing
existing imagery with a new logo. The NAHF was approved in 2016 as part of the revenue sharing agreement between NHBP and the State of
Michigan, which allocates a $500,000 per year to the NAHF from the portion of NHBP’s state revenue sharing
• Paw Paw Public Schools was granted $216,045 to help implement the new Red Wolves nickname and payments to the NAHF.
brand on signage, facilities, and athletic uniforms.
The Fund grants resources to schools, colleges, universities, and local units of government to promote
positive relationships and accurate information about the history and role of Michigan’s Indian Tribes and
A 50% award, $57,500, was made to the City of Marquette to help develop an interpretive Anishinaabe Public Native Americans, including mascot changeovers, curriculum development and community projects
Art Project and companion trail curriculum along the lakefront as part of the City's larger Cultural Trail project.
“The grant award is going to provide great momentum as Paw Paw Public Schools navigates toward the unity
“Clinton Community Schools is very appreciative of this support as we begin the process of rebranding from we need and desire as a school district,” said Rick Reo, Paw Paw Public Schools Superintendent. “Branding our
our current mascot and imagery,” said James Cracraft, Clinton Community Schools Superintendent. “This has district with our new Red Wolves nickname, one that everyone can rally around and celebrate, will allow us to
been a long journey forward and the Clinton Board of Education has been the catalyst for moving forward stay keenly focused on our fundamental responsibility of providing a safe and welcoming environment for all
with the change.” students. Our most sincere thanks goes out to the NAHF board for their generosity and support.”
02 03 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
NHBP RECEIVES
CHAIRMAN’S
LEADERSHIP
AWARD FROM THE
NATIONAL INDIAN
GAMING ASSOCIATION
WRITTEN BY KATIE HOUSTON
PHOTOS BY EMILEE GUZAK
NHBP and FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH) was
honored by the National Indian Gaming Association
(NIGA) with its prestigious Chairman’s Leadership
Award Oct. 21. Top Left: NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens makes a stop at the Greenhouse on The Reservation tour to meet with Greenhouse Manager
Stephen Wherry. Bottom Left: Tribal Elder and Gaming Commission Chair Shirley English is presented an award from Chairman Ernie
Stevens. Above (L-R): NHBP Tribal Council Vice Chairperson Dorie Rios, NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck, NHBP Tribal
Tribal leaders welcomed NIGA Chairman Ernie Council Secretary Nancy Smit, and NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens.
Stevens for a visit that included a tour of FKCH,
“I will always remember what you’ve done with this old fire station,” Stevens said. “On the right, we go to one
the Pine Creek Indian Reservation, and The Fire
of the neatest restaurants I’ve ever been in, and on the left we go to a place where people can get the help
Hub restaurant and Kendall Street Pantry in
they need. These are the things that make the world turn for us, and mean a great deal to me personally.”
Battle Creek.
At a small dinner, NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck shared his excitement at the rare
During his visit, Chairman Stevens noted the acknowledgement of an entire Tribe receiving the Chairman’s Leadership Award.
Tribe’s work feeding local residents in need as
he toured The Fire Hub restaurant, a venture that “To be recognized as a Tribe speaks volumes about us for being a Nation that does things for good
gives 80% of its profits to local charities. After The reasons, focusing on community outreach, not just what we can do economically,” Stuck said.
Fire Hub tour, they moved to the adjacent Kendall “I appreciate that it focuses on the wellness and success of the Tribe as a whole, instead of an individual,
Street Food Pantry, which partners with the South and it shows how keeping true to our community’s mission and vision has put us in a good position in
Michigan Food Bank to give back to those in need. these unprecedented times.”
04 05 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
Stevens’ also gave the award to showcase FKCH
being recently named by Forbes as being among
the top ten best employers in Michigan. He noted
that before the COVID-19 pandemic, casinos
comprised the 11th-largest employer in the U.S.
“We are proud of this recognition of our work as
an employer of choice,” FKCH CEO Kathy George
said. “To have both NIGA and Forbes identify us
as a premier employer is a clear indication of how
we treat our team members and a validation of
their dedication to providing every patron with a
rewarding experience at FireKeepers.”
The NIGA award was also given to NHBP to
highlight the Native American Heritage Fund,
which promotes positive relationships and
accurate information about the history and role of
Michigan’s Indian Tribes and Native Americans in
the state of Michigan.
“This is foundational work you are doing to help
educate America,” Stevens said. “I appreciate what
you have done to educate the world around you
to better understand and appreciate our culture
and traditions.”
Top Left: The Greenhouse on the
Pine Creek Indian Reservation grows
produce for local schools. Bottom
Left (L-R): NHBP Tribal Council Vice
Chairperson Dorie Rios, NHBP Tribal
Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck, FKCH
CEO Kathy George, NHBP Gaming
Commission Chair Shirley English, NHBP
Tribal Council Secretary Nancy Smit,
and NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens. Top
Right: Shirley English shares a touching
moment with Ernie Stevens. Bottom
Right: Honey made on The Pine Creek
Indian Reservation is gifted to the small
group of attendees.
06 07 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
CELEBRATING O F FEDER A L
25 YEARS RECO GNI TION
I T H A S BEEN 25 Y E A RS SINCE NHBP WA S Potawatomi People have been through many hardships, THROUGH THE E YES OF TRIBAL being in poverty for so long, and it’s not even about
however, and are resilient and powerful in the face of the money, it’s about us being recognized by the
G R A N T E D R E C O G NI T ION F R OM T HE U . S . MEMBER ONYLEEN Z APATA
adversity. We know we will prevail and gather again soon, government that we are a group of people that are
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON DECEMBER 19, 1995. Going back and reflecting on federal recognition, I here and are still active on our original land. Thinking
but what is important – the lessons, legacy, and love of
remember hearing stories and even seeing the videos. back and hearing stories from my grandparents, my
Many will remember the 20th anniversary celebration our Ancestors and Tribal family – remain deeply ingrained
Being federally recognized is a big thing, especially in mom illegally went to Pow Wows for the first two
in 2015 when Members gathered for a weekend of in our lives, along with the connection we have even when
the Indian community. There are so many communities years of her life. It wasn’t until 1975 that Natives were
blessings, music, food, gifts, and a gratifying, joyous distance separates us.
that are still having trouble getting recognition all over legally allowed to Dance and Sing on their own land.
time with our extended family. NHBP wished we the U.S. and that’s the sad thing, considering that all
could have gathered again this December to mark The next few pages include written accounts from several
of it is Indian land. It is crazy to me that we had to show the government
this landmark occasion, but the COVID-19 pandemic Tribal Members about how their life has been shaped by
that we still reside on our land, still spoke the language,
has made it unsafe to celebrate in person. their Indigenous roots, and what they hope for the future. Our people didn’t have much and being federally still practiced our culture. Just last summer, my sister
recognized has helped our people progress. From and I went to a Pow Wow for the first time alone and
09
ONYLEEN Z APATA THROUGH THE E YES OF TRIBAL
MEMBER NAT SPURR
we were scared to travel alone. Especially with all the missing
Being a Tribal Member of NHBP means a lot more to me our culture, restoration of our traditions, stewardship of
and murdered Indigenous women, for us to travel alone was
than being a U.S. citizen or resident of the state of Michigan. our environment, and even services for our descendants
a big deal, but when we finally got to the Pow Wow, we had
We have sovereignty and the ability to govern ourselves and members of other federally-recognized Tribes.
our uncles and aunties watching out for us, so that was
as a Nation. Our Tribal family is a family, but has all of the
special to have that family.
power and strength of a sovereign government. A few years after that recognition day, I met other Tribal
Members in Washington D.C. in the same courtroom and
But our language is the only thing that has really distinguished
That day, December 19, 1995, reaffirmed our status as before the same federal judge (Thomas Jackson) that
us as Potawatomi People from everyone else, and it’s what
a federally recognized Tribal government. (Our Tribe had had just recently ordered the breakup of Microsoft in one
has kept us here. Considering that there is only 7-8 fluent
previously been recognized by the federal government, but of the largest antitrust cases in history, we supported
speakers left, practicing our language and culture is so
later not recognized in 1934 during Indian reorganization.) our Tribe in our pursuit to take our Tribal land into federal
important right now. My generation and even the generation
Countless Members of our Tribe had worked very hard trust. We won that case, but several years later, other
younger than me, need to step up and learn the language
for many years so that we would one day be recognized Tribal Members and I returned to D.C. to support our
now more than ever. We need to continue on that good path.
again by the U.S. federal government. Tribe again when an appeal was heard opposing our
land-into-trust process. We won, and months later, our
For me, growing up in a school with largely white majority,
it my whole life, and seeing more and more of our That day was just the beginning of our Tribe's future. Federal home: the Pine Creek Indian Reservation was finally
I felt like I didn’t have a voice. Now, I feel like I do. I’ve come
people be interested in the culture, that’s a huge step re-recognition of our Tribe was just the first step towards taken into federal trust after more than 160 years of
to realize that as a young Indigenous woman, I have a voice
and I’m so proud of our Tribe. That’s what has kept the advancement of our Tribe in so many ways over the next our ownership.
and I can use it however I want, however I feel. And as long
us here so long. Remember that a lot was lost with 25 years: providing quality health care for all of our Tribal
as I have good intentions, that is all that really matters. We
removal, relocation, and in the boarding school era. I Members, providing educational opportunities and jobs, In future years, I think in keeping with our Seven
as Indigenous men and women need to use our voice.
hope the next generation continues to practice their protecting our People from outside threats, preservation of Grandfather Teachings, our Tribe and Members have
sovereignty and learn their language, so that the a responsibility to pass on the importance of protecting
In the next 25 years, I hope to see more people learning the
generations after them have more than what we had. and defending our sovereignty and treaty rights to future
language and practicing our ways of life. I have been doing
generations. It has been seven generations since our
Ancestors settled into the Pine Creek Indian Reservation
TIMELINE: 2009: FireKeepers Casino was opened in Battle Creek, Michigan.
in the early 1840s, but we teach our youth to look seven
generations into the future. In 1995, we had at least
three separate prior generations of Tribal Members
18 4 0: The Potawatomi Trail of Death forced NHBP Tribal 2012 : FireKeepers Casino expanded to open the first hotel tower.
attend the Recognition Ceremony. In 2020, we have our
Members West of the Mississippi River. A handful
of Tribal Members escaped the journey near 2013: The NHBP constitution was re-written and adopted at the current generation, Members of the previous three, and
Chicago and made their way back to Pine Creek. Annual Membership Meeting; the Grand Rapids Health Facility the obligation to pass on the significance of our treaty
was opened to better serve the needs of Tribal Members.
rights and sovereignty to the next three generations of
18 4 5: The Pine Creek Indian Reservation was established Tribal Members.
by Chief John Moguago on a 120-acre parcel of land 2015: NHBP Tribal Members celebrated the 20th anniversary of
along Pine Creek near Athens, Michigan, purchased federal recognition.
with treaty annuity money. I am excited for the future of our Tribe because in terms
2016: NHBP amended the state gaming compact to create the of development, our Tribe and sovereign government is
1900: Approximately 120 Tribal Members lived on the Native American Heritage Fund; NHBP Tribal Members
still relatively young. Our sovereignty has been attacked
Pine Creek Indian Reservation in 1900. The census traveled to Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North
indicated that occupations included farming, Dakota to protest the Dakota access pipeline. many times since December 19, 1995, but we have
trapping, basket making and berry collecting. always defended it and come away stronger than we
201 7 : The Fire Hub and Kendall Street Pantry was opened in were before.
193 4 : NHBP began seeking federal recognition, but in Battle Creek, Michigan. NAT SPURR
1940 the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs decided not
to further extend services in Michigan’s Lower 2018: NHBP continued to build, achieve and thrive through the new
Peninsula, leaving NHBP without federal recognition. 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan; NHBP completed construction
of a greenhouse on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation.
1995: NHBP was federally recognized as a sovereign 10 11 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
nation by the U.S. federal government, Dec. 19. 2019: FireKeepers Casino Hotel breaks ground on a second hotel tower.
is what all other governments should be. (Personally, THROUGH THE E YES OF TRIBAL
I believe the philosophy of seventh generation would
ELDER MIKE MANDOK A
make a great amendment to the U.S. Constitution.)
Things were different when I was a kid. I grew up on The
I would like to thank everyone who is and has been Reservation, and during the late summer we would go
employed by the Tribe and their companies. What pick cherries up in Traverse City. We were kind of migrant
THROUGH THE E YES OF TRIBAL you’re doing is very important. You are creating a workers, and would pick produce that was in season.
bright future for our young people, providing stable Most people rode up to Traverse City in whatever car
ELDER JIM MR AD
housing for families and a secure present for us Elders. that was running on The Reservation at the time, but my
When I was growing up in St Louis, Missouri, during grandma and I had to take the bus since there wasn’t
It’s not just another job you’re doing. Your efforts are
the 1950s and 60s, it wasn’t always a good idea to enough room in the car. The group of 5-6 of us stayed
having a hugely positive impact on so many of us.
admit to being Native American. The atmosphere for two weeks picking cherries. Often times, we would
Go to work every morning with the knowledge that
was loaded with negative and inaccurate stereotypes pick grapes and apples at different times of the year,
you are our heroes.
about Native People. too. Anything to make a little money.
My great aunt and uncle had a farm not more than ½
Federal recognition was a major milestone in There were many times growing up that nobody had a
mile from where Tribal headquarters is today. When
changing that frame of mind. It was a culmination running car on The Reservation, which made it hard for
my mother was very young, her mother passed away.
of a heroic amount of work and struggle. It meant people to get to town for work. Many of us would walk to
For a short while she went to live with her aunt and
that the government of the United States recognized town, or ride our bikes if we had to. There was no running
uncle on that farm. They were wonderful people and
that we are actually people, a sovereign Nation. water, plumbing, or electricity. To get water, we would
cared for her during that unfortunate time in her hand drill shallow wells, about 20-25 feet deep. Then we
Capable of handling our own affairs. Now we have MIKE MANDOK A
young life. Mom always said, “There are no orphans would have to walk down the hill, towards Pine Creek,
our own police, doctors, nurses, lawyers, and yes,
among the Indians.” fill our buckets up, and take them back up the hill to our
even judges. It shows that given an equal chance
houses. We would have to do that several times a day, I was in the Air Force for four years and worked on B52s. It was
we not only survive, we thrive. a good start to my career, and I learned a lot. I was already pretty
however many times our mom or grandma told us to.
mechanical from learning to fix things at Pontoni’s. After getting out
Now when I say I’m Native American, people get of the Air Force, I started job searching.
It wasn’t until 1947 that the power company put power
excited and want to know about the Potawatomi.
through The Reservation, but even then, nobody had
(Most people have never heard of us.) When I tell Back in this time, I felt the sharp knife of being a minority pretty
enough money to pay for them to hook it up inside their
them about NHBP, I see a light in their eyes that quick. This was about 5-6 years before having minorities work for
house, so it took a few years after that to get electricity
never fails to surprise me. My sense is that they companies became more common. I was 23, had served in the
in houses. A relative of mine hooked up electricity to his
are genuinely pleased at the success our Tribe Air Force, was a good mechanic and still was turned down from
house first. He had two outlets, and it cost him $2.50
has achieved. They are aware of the treatment our a month, and that was a really big deal for us out here. several jobs because of being Native American. This was back in
Ancestors received in the past and are happy to the time period when Martin Luther King Jr. was raising hell about
hear of the accomplishments of NHBP. When I was younger, I worked at Pontoni’s in Athens, minorities and encouraging companies to hire more minorities.
Michigan. At 80 cents an hour, I thought it was a pretty Slowly, companies were starting to come around to hiring us. I had
Being a Tribal Member means I am a descendant of good job in 1957. Growing up on The Reservation, we tried to get into a few places, but finally got lucky trying to get into
some incredibly brave and heroic people. A people learned how to work. In 1961, I graduated and joined the Eaton Corporation.
that are respectful custodians of the land, who are Air Force. Coming off The Reservation, nobody knows
resourceful, generous of heart and resilient in spirit. how to make their way in life. All we saw was hard work. It was bad at that time, and being so young, I didn’t really notice
Our Ancestors walk with us. They are not gone and Many of us couldn’t read or write, which made it hard to what was going on. As I got older, I realized what was happening. I
they have a voice. You can hear them from your do anything off The Reservation. I was really one of the looked back at my family, and I can see how they were looked down
heart. Just turn your mind off, sit and listen. They few at that time that could read or write English. upon. I see how they were treated like second rate citizens. It was
have wisdom to share. really something.
Life on The Reservation was different. We were skilled
NHBP Tribal Council is the very model of benevolent DEB AND JIM MR AD and did a lot of seasonal work. We would trap muskrat We are very grateful for the work that my grandparents, aunts, uncles
government. Their farsighted vision is quite rare. It and sell their fur, hunt, and fish, really anything to make and family did to help us have a better life. We hope that we have
a living. done the same for the next generations.
12 13 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
2018 – 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN BPUE RIP LE TDI NGG
U A T IN
BUI L D I N G
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
EXCELLENCE Virtual Culture Nights Continue to
Teach Members During the Pandemic
NHBP Departments Continue to Provide Services for The NHBP Culture Department has been hosting Virtual Culture Nights
Members During COVID-19 Pandemic each week since mid-summer. These nights allow Tribal Members
to learn the Bodéwadmi {Potawatomi} culture in spite of the ongoing
NHBP departments have continued to provide programs, benefits, and COVID-19 pandemic.
services to Tribal Members during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“The goal of our Virtual Culture Nights is to still teach our Tribal Members, even
Though the government operations were closed to the public during though we can’t gather in person,” Culture Specialist Mike Medawis said. “We are
most of 2020, Membership is still able to receive the same benefits as trying to reach the Membership and keep them engaged in learning our ways of life,
always, and will continue to do so through the commitment and hard our language, and also some fun things here and there.”
work of the NHBP operations staff in the future.
Each week, there is a post that goes up on the main page of the
Still unsure of when the organization will be fully staffed in the
Members Only website, sharing a video related to NHBP heritage, culture,
buildings, NHBP CEO Barry Skutt continues to ensure that all
crafting or language. Teachers of these culture nights come from various
government operations are functioning at a level that is safe for Tribal
Tribes in the Midwest, including NHBP, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band
Members and employees.
of Pottawatomi Indians, and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
“Tribal Members can expect the same level of services and programs to continue in
2021,” Skutt said. “We have a mission to carry out in the Strategic Plan and all our “We went through some of the different Dance styles that you would see at a
employees have been doing an excellent job in ensuring that mission is fulfilled.” Pow Wow,” Medawis said. “Of course, me being a Singer, we have to include some
Singing. We plan to get into some tutorials for crafts like sewing and beading.
The Health Department has not only continued to provide exercise Overall, the main goal of these virtual nights is to mimic what we would be doing
classes, healthy start playgroups and cooking classes, but it has if we were able to gather in person.”
also added COVID-19 testing and treatment services for Members,
employees, and patients. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Culture Department would host a
Pow Wow Night once a month to teach Dancing and Singing. Now, they
The Culture Department mobilized to record and offer Virtual are able to share this information with Members virtually.
Culture Nights, allowing Members to still learn their culture during
this pandemic. Membership Services and Housing has reached out “We are doing the best we can during these times and are working to keep bringing
to Elders to ensure their needs are met. On top of this, all support different people in to share with Tribal Members what they have to offer,” Medawis said.
departments have been functioning as normal.
Other videos so far include a Hand Drum tutorial, history lessons,
If you have any questions about a program or service, please contact Pow Wow protocols and Shaker workshops.
the NHBP Government Center front desk at 269.729.5151.
Tune in to the Members Only website every Monday for the Virtual Culture Nights!
We are here for you.
15 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
14 15
T R I B A L M E M B E R S E X P R E S S S O L I D A R I T Y T H R O U G H A R T AT
BLACK LIVES MATTER EVENTS
WRITTEN BY KATIE HOUSTON
Tribal Member Nickole Keith's mural honors the Black Lives Matter movement.
Artist and activist Nickole Keith left her position in 2019 brought color and concept together with portraits,
as NHBP Elder Specialist to devote herself full-time to poetry, patterns and names of Black lives lost
creating art. In 2020, her interests crossed paths with to violence.
the Black Lives Matter movement, taking her art-making
public with a mural painting project in Battle Creek, MI. “What we did came together effortlessly,” Keith
said. “We really wanted to instill that we are both
Together with artist and NHBP Culture Specialist Kevin Black and Native, and to acknowledge our own Top: Tribal Member
Harris II, Keith joined an effort organized by the Color Maliyah Harris helps
struggles with racism. The Black Lives Matter paint the murals.
the Creek Festival to give artists space to express their
movement was a real wake-up to me.” Bottom: Tribal Member
sentiments about social justice amid protests following Nickole Keith puts
the death of George Floyd. The late-June project saw the final touches on
her mural.
10 large-scale wall murals come to life at the corner of
Dickman Road and Riverside Drive. Dozens of artists
16 17Harris has been an artist since grade school, working with pastels, chalk, marker, pencil and acrylic paint. He
says that making art gives him a sense of accomplishment and feeds his spirit. Harris has been standing
up for civil and Indigenous rights since he was in school.
“Through my teachings, I know that all races matter, and I embrace every human being
as one person,” said Harris, adding he accepted Nickole’s challenge to show his talent on
the BLM mural. “This mural represents and blends our Native culture together with BLM
culture to show we can make the world a better place, using our teachings from Native
American history.”
Both artists’ children were on hand to encourage them, along with Elders, family, and other Tribal Members.
Kevin’s daughter Maliyah, 11, even helped with the repainting effort after the murals were vandalized in
August. Volunteers quickly mobilized to clean up and redo the site.
“No matter what we go through, we always look up and always pray,” Harris said.
“The world’s chaos makes us unfocused, but we all need to focus on the fact
that we’re still here, alive and breathing, and not take life for granted. Keep living
through mno bmadzewen – living in a good, healthy way and being stewards
Keith talks about growing up in a predominantly black
of the Earth.”
neighborhood in Battle Creek.
Keith’s artwork also spotlights the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, a subject close
“We had our own battles with hair type and to her family, and it’s bringing her even more public attention. A painting honoring her aunt’s life lost to
skin color; nobody knew exactly what we were,” violence can be seen in an online exhibition at Washington State University, is on view in the Saginaw
Keith said. Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan exhibition “Boontak! (Stop it!): Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island,” (recently
mentioned in Smithsonianmag.com), and will be featured in an upcoming online magazine called “To Our
Future Afro-Indigenous Kin.”
(Pg.18) Top:Tribal Member Nickole Keith carefully
paints a second coat on her white letters. Top Right:
Lawrence Ross Jr. helps paint the murals. Bottom
Right: NHBP Tribal Member Kevin Harris II paints
with Harold Morseau. (Pg.19) Bottom Right: Tribal
Members Mariesha Keith and Laura Marshall
help paint the murals.
18 19 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021COMING SOON
CASINO CONNECTION FIREKEEPERS ONLINE
CASINO & SPORTSBOOK
WRITTEN BY FKCH | PHOTO PROVIDED BY FKCH
Below are some of the full-time and part-time career
opportunities that we have available:
• Human Resources – Employment Manager We’re about to turn up the heat
• Facilities – Drain Technician, Electrician,
Groundskeeper, General Maintenance, and
on winning with our online casino
Warehouse Attendant
and sportsbook. Whether you’re
• Finance – Revenue Auditor, AML Compliance
Analyst, and Drop & Count Team Member at home or on the go, you can get
• Food & Beverage – Line Cook, Dishwasher, Food & in on all the FireKeepers action
Beverage Attendant, Server, Sous Chef, Bus Person,
Prep Cook, Banquet Housemen, and Bakery Line Cook any time anywhere in Michigan.
• Hotel – Heavy Duty EVS Attendant, Hotel Services
Representative, and Red Hot Rewards Representative
Same big casino jackpots. Same
FKCH Tribal Development Coordinator and NHBP Tribal
• IT – IT Technician big game payouts. Soon just a
Member Dane Stauffer.
• Security – Surveillance Operator and Security Officer click away. Stay tuned for all
Bozho nikanek! It’s FireKeepers Casino Hotel
(FKCH) Tribal Development Coordinator Dane
• Marketing – Casino Host
the exciting details.
• Table Games – Floor Supervisor and another Dealer
Stauffer here again and it is my mission is to
School that will be coming up
help recruit Tribal-preference candidates and
ensure a smooth transition into working at • Career Development Specialist and the annual
Summer Internship Program
FKCH, along with anything else they may need.
If you have any questions or would like
If Tribal Members have any questions about
more information about Tribal development
career development, employment opportunities opportunities at FKCH, please feel free to
or anything related to working at FKCH, I would contact me at 269.660.5411 or
love to answer their questions. dlstauffer@firekc.com.
20 Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for promotional details. 21 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021
Management reserves all rights.EDUCATION ARTICLE
TRIBAL MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: CHLOE FAVALORO
T he NHBP Education Office has sent Tribal Members all
over the world to study abroad while in college, but did you
know they also have programs offering similar experiences
for Tribal Members in high school? Chloe Favaloro, a senior
at Florida’s Melbourne High School, attended a 10-day
conference in 2019 with Tribal support to help prepare her for
life after high school.
Nominated to attend by her high school guidance counselor,
Favaloro traveled to Seattle, Washington, for the National
Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care
at the University of Washington in 2019. Her dad flew out with
her to explore the city together before flying home when the
program began.
Designed to help students figure out if the medical field is the
right career path, the conference had participants perform
clinical rounds, learn medical examination and surgical
techniques, and participate in diagnosis and treatment.
They dealt with a multitude of medical issues, treatment
challenges, and explored advanced scientific research in
areas such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
“I learned about the medical field, medical procedures, CPR,
and was even able to dissect an eyeball,” Favaloro said. “I also
learned so much about myself and being independent.”
WRITTEN BY LEIA FULLER
Tribal Member Chloe Favaloro looks out at the beautiful city of Seattle, Washington.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FRANK AND CHLOE FAVALORO
22 23 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021“I WOULD LIKE TO THANK NHBP FOR
The conference also presented training in PROVIDING ME WITH SUCH AN AMAZING
pandemic preparation, which would come in
handy this year.
AND INSPIRING OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN
ABOUT LEADERSHIP, MEDICINE AND
“My current goal is to become a gynecologist MOST IMPORTANTLY, MYSELF. AT
and the conference solidified my interest,” THE NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP
“I DISCOVERED Favaloro said, she will attend the University
of Miami in Florida to study biology. “I had the
CONFERENCE, I WAS ABLE TO MEET GREAT
PEOPLE, STUDY MEDICAL PRACTICES,
SO MUCH opportunity to meet so many goal-driven and
inspiring people that share the same academic AND DISCOVER ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
ABOUT THE goals as me, which was incredible.” OF CAREER CHOICES. THIS CONFERENCE
GRANTED ME KNOWLEDGE THAT ENABLED
MEDICAL FIELD, Favaloro was also able to make a few
memories on the trip, such as exploring the
EXTRAORDINARY INTERNAL GROWTH,
AND I AM SO THANKFUL TO NHBP FOR
MADE AMAZING beautiful city of Seattle with her new friends.
She also made several networking connections PROVIDING ME THAT EXPERIENCE.”
FRIENDS, AND that she plans to use in her future career. – TRIBAL MEMBER CHLOE FAVALORO
BECAME MORE “I absolutely encourage other Tribal Members
to take trips like this, especially students from
CONFIDENT AS 10th to 12th grade,” Favaloro said. “I discovered
so much about the medical field, made
A LEADER.” amazing friends, and became more confident
as a leader.”
The NHBP Education Office assisted with costs
of the program and flights to and from the
conference through the Development Fund.
If you have questions about the Development
Fund or other education related programs,
please contact the Education Office at
269.729.5151 or education@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Left: Chloe Favaloro (second from left) meets
others from the conference. Top right: Favaloro
dissects an eyeball. Botton right: Favaloro (left)
and her friend work together at the conference.
24 25 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021WDC P RESE NTS ITS FIRST
BRANDON BOTT
A NNUAL E MPLOYEE AWARDS
WRITTEN BY PRESIDENT & CEO OF WASÉYABEK
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC DEIDRA MITCHELL
This past November, Waséyabek Development
Company, LLC (WDC), presented its first annual
Employee Awards Ceremony to recognize
outstanding employees at WDC and its companies. Recipients demonstrate an attitude continual support in structuring the accounting
subsidiaries in two categories: Going Above of excellence and teamwork. They have a system when establishing new companies, joint
and Beyond, and Innovation. go "Above and Beyond" the expectations of ventures, and starting new federal contracts,
their job duties mentality, which makes him as well as setting up banking needs, benefits
WDC and subsidiary employees were given the the ideal first recipient. tracking, and financial reporting, is always
opportunity to nominate their fellow coworkers. professional and insightful.
A nominating committee consisting of WDC Bott has provided exceptional Customer Service
personnel scored those admirable submissions. to the WDC, WFS, NETL, Baker, real estate and One never hears Bott complain when he receives
DWH teams. He is always willing to assist a Health and Wellness check phone call or email.
It is important to note that each nominated
WDC Controller Brandon Bott receives the Above and
any time of the day or night, on short notice, His reply is always that he is busy, he shares
employee gives their heart and soul to WDC Beyond Award.
and to fit WDC’s needs in with his concurrent what he is working on, and then he always says
each day, providing 110 percent effort and The Above and Beyond Award was presented to commitment to family and friends. he is “good – really, I’m good.”
settling for nothing but A+ quality work. There Brandon Bott, WDC’s Controller. Bott has been
is nothing these employees would not do for with the company since September 2018. An Bott is a solutions-based employee. He never Bott always puts the company's needs before
WDC or NHBP because they fully believe in individual receives this award in recognition presents an issue or problem without ways his own and is driven to be the best in his field.
our organization's vision, mission and values. of exemplary service to the WDC family of and options to overcome the challenge. His Congratulations, Brandon!
26 27 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021WDC AN N U AL E M P L O YEE AW ARD S CON TIN UED in achieving 8(a) certification. Rather than taking If one were to look up the definition of the word
a hands-off approach and merely letting this “innovation,” one dictionary meaning is, ”Innovation
company handle the process through completion, is the creation, development, and implementation of
Goldner took notes, asked questions, and was a new product, process or service, with the aim of
in the implementation and effective delivery of involved every step of the way. When the time improving efficiency, effectiveness, or competitive
a highly innovative idea. came to apply for 8(a) certification for future WDC advantage.” Given this definition, we cannot think
federal entities, the work was moved in-house of a better person to receive the Innovation Award
Of her many talents, one unique skill earned under Goldner, resulting in significant savings. than Goldner. Congratulations, Jessi!
Goldner peer recognition and the Innovation
Award: taking an idea and turning it into a
process – but not just any process, one that
considers all stakeholders, covers the small
details, scales for growth, and has the ability
to adapt to change.
JESSI GOLDNER
A tremendous example of Goldner’s process
creation is highlighted in the minoritycertification
application process. The successful passage
of the federal entities 8(a) applications were
WDC Compliance and Office Manager Jessi Goldner receives
the Innovation Award. smooth and quick due to her systems and
The Innovation Award was presented to WDC’s involvment. She makes it easier on the end-
Compliance and Office Manager Jessi Goldner, user – making the procedure feel much easier
who is also an NHBP Tribal Member. Goldner than it truly is. It also creates a tremendous
has been with WDC since early 2014 and was cost-savings for WDC.
the company’s first full-time employee. This
award is presented to an individual whose WDC’s original 8(a) application was for
achievements promote excellence through Waséyabek Federal Services, LLC. WDC relied,
extraordinary innovation. Contributions can take along with in-house support, on an external
many forms and may include a significant role company specializing in assisting companies
28 29 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021Air monitors outside the Environmental Office.
The NHBP Environmental Department plans to property or political boundaries, and one area of
BE A CITIZEN SCIENTIST FOR THE NHBP screen neighborhood-scale outdoor air pollution
levels on and around the Pine Creek Indian
pollution or contamination likely impacts the entire
‘shed.’ The specific parameter we will measure
Reservation to determine the air quality for our
ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT’S
is particulate matter (PM), also called particle
residents, with the goal of learning whether there pollution. We want to monitor PM because it can
are issues of concern. impact the health of our community. While the
PROJECT AIRKEEPERS
department does not currently have the technical
The air we share with others is called an airshed, capacity or infrastructure to have a formal ambient
which is a shared area of the atmosphere influenced air program, we recently found an inexpensive and
by shared pollutants, weather and terrain. Like the precise screening tool that we think will engage the
WRITTEN BY AMY BOETCHER more familiar watershed, airsheds do not obey NHBP community.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT STAFF
30 31 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021What is Particle Pollution The NHBP Air Monitor
and Why do we Care?
While official State and Tribal monitors are expensive and
Particulate matter can be made up of solid or fine require full-time technical staff to operate and maintain, a
liquid particles, and is broken into two size classes: company called PurpleAir has developed an inexpensive
PM10 and PM2.5. The numbers refer to a size in monitor for screening particle pollution. While the data
micrometers, which measures one thousandth of a cannot be used to justify legal arguments about air quality,
millimeter. For comparison, an average human hair is it can be used to keep track of potential unhealthy air
70 micrometers across (cross section), and ragweed days. We installed one of these small monitors outside
pollen is roughly 2.5 micrometers across. Particles the NHBP Environment Department offices in 2018.
in air that are smaller than 2.5-micrometers have
proven harmful to human health because they are An analysis of data collected so far indicates average
small enough to travel into the lungs and sometimes local PM levels at the best possible rating, which is great
the bloodstream. Common sources of PM2.5 and news. As you may know, the land surrounding the Pine
PM10 in the United States are road dust, livestock Creek Indian Reservation shows the predominant land
farms, dairy farms, off-road diesel-powered mobile use type as agriculture, which is a source of potential
equipment, heavy duty diesel vehicle exhaust, trains, particulate matter air pollutants. Over time, it will be
combustion from various sources, and agricultural interesting to see how levels may fluctuate during the
soil, but there are many others. Particulate matter can different farming seasons, when manuring, tilling, and
vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, so local harvesting may impact the air quality. Dry or windy weather
measurements are important for air quality measures. can exacerbate these sources of airborne agricultural/
soil particulate pollution.
The Environmental Department has successfully placed
an off-Reservation Purple Air monitor in Montmorency Anyone can visit the NHBP monitor on the global air
County with Tribal Elder Carol North. With Carol's map at purpleair.com/map, to see that NHBP has one
patience and persistence, it made it possible for us to of the only monitors in the region. Of 50 PM monitors
operating in Michigan (25 by the state of Michigan, two by You Can Be an NHBP “Airkeeper”
place the very first NHBP monitor in northern Michigan. A map of where current air monitors
are in Michigan and Wisconsin. Tribal Nations, and 23 by PurpleAir), 70 percent of them
are located in the eastern half of the Lower Peninsula. We are hoping to site another five monitors in strategic
Currently, particle pollution is not being monitored in locations throughout the Tribe's current and historic land
the following counties: Barry, Berrien, Branch, Hillsdale, base to get a better picture of the particle pollution in our
Jackson, St. Joseph or Van Buren. area, and would like to hear from residents interested
in participating. If you are willing to have one of these
monitors by your home, please contact the Environmental
Department. In order to participate, your home must have
access to a wireless network. If you are interested in
being considered for this Tribal Member science project,
or just have questions, please contact Amy Boetcher at
amy.boetcher@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269.704.7047.
32 33 TURTLE PRESS | WINTER 2021WINTER 2021
1 4 8 5 M N O - B M A D Z E W E N W AY, F U LT O N , M I C H I G A N 4 9 0 5 2
NHBPI.COM | 269.729.5151
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI | TURTLE PRESS
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