FULTON, MI – The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) recently issued the oath of office to newly elected Tribal Council Member Ariel Boonstra and re-elected Homer A. Mandoka during the regularly scheduled May Tribal Council Business Meeting. The election was conducted to fill the expired four-year term for two seats on the Tribal Council, held in conjunction with the annual General Membership meeting on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation.
“I am honored to serve my tribe as its newest council member, and I am optimistic about our tribe’s future,” said NHBP Council Treasurer Ariel Boonstra. “As a problem-solver who thrives on open, two-way communication to meet goals by working together, I respect each individual person for who they are. I look forward to serving my tribe with my fellow council members using the Seven Grandfather Teachings as our guide.”
This marks the beginning of Mandoka’s eighth term. He has served the Tribal Council continuously since 2002 and currently chairs the Planning & Land Use and the Emergency Preparedness Committees.
“I have been honored to serve tribal membership as one of five members on the Tribal Council, and I will always cherish the experience, motivation and passion of everyone,” said Sergeant-at-Arms Homer Mandoka.
In addition to swearing in the newly elected tribal council members and completing their oaths of office, the Tribal Council voted for the officer appointments during the Tribal Council meeting. The following officer appointments are:
Chair – Dorie Rios
Vice Chair – Robyn Elkins
Secretary – Nancy Smit
Treasurer – Ariel Boonstra
Sergeant-at-Arms – Homer A. Mandoka
