This week, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) announced the appointment of board members to the Michigan Native American Heritage Fund Board. The fund, which was approved in 2016 as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact between the NHBP and the State of Michigan, allocates a portion of NHBP’s state revenue sharing payments to the Michigan Native American Heritage Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance and/or reimbursement to local governments and educational institutions to defray the costs of projects that promote positive relationships and accurate information on the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans in the state. Projects may also include replacing or revising mascots or imagery that might be considered offensive to Native Americans with more culturally appropriate representations or new mascots/logos.

The Michigan Native American Heritage Fund’s Board Members consist of: two persons appointed by the Tribe, two persons appointed by the Governor, and the Michigan Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or his/her designee. NHBP has appointed Tribal Chairperson Jamie Stuck and Vice Chairperson Dorie Rios. “Congratulations to Chairman Stuck and Vice Chairperson Rios. The NHBP has a long history of being a leader in their community and the state, they will both be huge assets to the board,” said Brendan Ringlever of MLC. To represent the state, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Vice Chair Kimberly Vargo and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Citizen Elizabeth Kinnart. Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights Tribal Liaison/Native American Specialist Melissa Kiesewetter has been named to represent the Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights.

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