Dorie Rios, Chairwoman
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
FireKeepers Casino Hotel – Battle Creek, MI
firekeeperscasino.com/casino / nhbpi.org
BENEFITS OF GAMING: Gaming revenues have significantly benefited our tribe, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), and the surrounding community through various initiatives and programs such as Tribal Member Benefits and Services, the compact-driven State and Local Revenue Sharing Boards, and the Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF). These revenues have allowed us to provide numerous health, education, and other various services to tribal members of all ages, ensuring enhanced quality of life and opportunities for our community.
A portion of our gaming revenues is allocated to the State of Michigan, which supports various public services and infrastructure projects that benefit all residents. The Local Revenue Sharing Board uses its portions of the funds to support community development projects, public safety, and social services in the surrounding areas.
The NAHF is a crucial initiative supported by our gaming revenues via the state gaming compact. It funds projects that preserve and promote Native American culture and history. This includes educational programs, cultural events, and heritage preservation efforts that benefit both our tribe and the wider community.
Through these avenues, gaming revenues have not only empowered our tribe by providing essential services and opportunities, but have also enriched the broader community, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.
GOALS & INITIATIVES: Our goals for NHBP and FireKeepers Casino Hotel are deeply rooted in our cultural values, guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and focused on future growth and expansion. These goals aim to strengthen our community, preserve our heritage, and ensure sustainable development through economic diversification, education and infrastructure.
LEGISLATIVE: NHBP is monitoring several legislative, judicial, and political concerns. One key legislative issue is the implementation and enforcement of Savanna’s Act. This act aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) by improving the federal government’s response through better data collection, law enforcement training, and interagency coordination. Ensuring that Savanna’s Act is fully funded and implemented is critical for the safety and justice of Indigenous communities.
Another significant concern is the protection of gaming rights exclusively on tribal lands. The economic stability and growth provided by gaming operations like FireKeepers are vital to our community’s welfare. We are vigilant about legislative and judicial actions that might undermine these rights or permit non-tribal entities to operate gaming facilities, which could threaten our sovereignty and economic foundation.Both these issues underscore the ongoing need for vigilant advocacy and partnership with federal and state governments to protect and advance the interests and well-being of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.