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THE LIFELONG JOURNEY FAMILY PROM A HEART THAT LEADS OF EDUCATION Health event focuses Kathy George named Tribal Member's research on family health one of the 'Top 30 CEO's is published in new book and prevention in Indian Country' ON PAGE 02 ON PAGE 12 ONON PAGE PAGE 27 10
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i TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 contents TURTLE PRESS CONTACTS TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBERS TRIBAL
COUNCIL CULTURE JUDI HENCKEL | EDITOR IN CHIEF JAMIE STUCK | CHAIRPERSON JEFF CHIVIS, PH.D | TREASURER
269.704.8361 | [email protected] DESK PHONE: 269.704.8384 DESK PHONE: 269.704.4166 02 TREASURER PULISHES RESEARCH 04 FOOD SOVEREIGNTY CELL: 269.986.3441 CELL: 269.832.1073 IN NEW BOOK 06 BLESSING OF THE MAPLES LEIA FULLER | MANAGING EDITOR EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] 08 2018 – 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: ERIC MCCLURE | ASSISTANT EDITOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND TRIBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY JOURNEY TO WELLNESS COMMITTEE COMMITTEE, VETERANS COMMITTEE AND JAKY REPLOGLE | LEAD DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY INDIGENOUS RIGHTS COMMITTEE DORIE RIOS | VICE CHAIRPERSON EMILEE GUZAK | DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY DESK PHONE: 269.704.8382 HOMER A. MANDOKA | SERGEANT-AT-ARMS CELL: 269.209.3024 DESK PHONE: 269.704.8381 HEALTH FIREKEEPERS EMAIL: [email protected] CELL: 269.986.1802 CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: EMAIL: [email protected] 12 FAMILY PROM: PROMISE 10 CEO HONORED AS A 'TOP 30 CEO ENROLLMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: OF PREVENTION IN INDIAN COUNTRY' HOUSING COMMITTEE, AND PLANNING AND LAND USE CEMETERY AND PARKS COMMITTEE COMMITTEE, AND TRIBAL EMERGENCY 20 LOCAL REVENUE SHARING
BOARD DISTRIBUTIONS PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE NANCY SMIT | SECRETARY DESK PHONE: 269.704.8431 ROBYN BURLINGHAM | COUNCIL COORDINATOR CELL: 269.275.2289 DESK PHONE: 269.704.8373 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WASÉYA BEK CHAIR APPOINTMENTS: CULTURE COMMITTEE AND 16 WDC AND GUN LAKE ELDERS COMMITTEE PURCHASE MCKAY TOWER ii 01 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 CONTINUING THE LIFE-LONG JOURNEY OF LEARNING: TRIBAL MEMBER COMPLETES SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE AND HIS RESEARCH IS PUBLISHED IN NEW BOOK
NHBP Tribal Council Treasurer Dr. Jeff Chivis recently had part of his dissertation research published as a WRITTEN BY ERIC MCCLURE chapter within the book, “Encountering Hopewell in the Twenty-first Century, Ohio and Beyond: Volume PHOTO PROVIDED BY JEFF CHIVIS Two: Settlements, Foodways, and Interaction” (published in March, 2020).
As a student, it is often difficult to envision where 2019 (4.0 GPA), recently had part of his dissertation “I have always been interested in how our Ancestors related fees, and even financial assistance to cover learning can take you. Whether you’re putting in extra research published as a chapter within the book, lived prior to European contact,” Dr. Chivis said. “I chose college tuition costs and student loan repayment. effort by participating in tutoring opportunities for “Encountering Hopewell in the Twenty-first Century, to focus on West Michigan and Northwest Indiana more difficult subjects or burning the midnight oil Ohio and Beyond: Volume Two: Settlements, Foodways, since that was and is the territory of our Ancestors. “I hope that seeing a Tribal Members’ work published while intensely studying for an exam, at times it can and Interaction” (published in March, 2020). The book, The time period of my research is also when many of provides inspiration to any Tribal Member who wants seem like all of your hard work and patience might which is focused on the field of anthropology and the the burial mounds were built, which is another area to continue to learn or to pursue something that never pay off. However, by looking at the successes sub-field of archaeology, examines the interactions of interest for me.” they’re interested in,” said Dr. Chivis.. “We are blessed of NHBP Tribal Members who have completed similar and lifeways of Native Americans in the Midwest with a top-notch educational assistance program journeys one can often find powerful inspiration. region from approximately 200 B.C. to 400 A.D. Dr. Chivis, like many other Tribal Members, took and I encourage Tribal Members to utilize the many advantage of some of the impactful educational educational and vocational programs that the Tribe “Regardless of how many degrees you have or how Within the book, Dr. Chivis authored a chapter titled, programs NHBP offers to obtain his expertise and has made available. These programs are great much education you complete,” said Tribal Council “Havana-Hopewellian Cultural Dynamics in West to complete his recent Master of Legal Studies opportunities to achieve success doing what you Treasurer Dr. Jeff Chivis, “What truly is important is Michigan and Northwest Indiana.” Dr. Chivis’ chapter (M.L.S.) degree. love to do. Even though it was a large sacrifice of that you always strive to learn more than you already employs the study of ancient pottery to identify my nights and weekends, I am glad that I completed know. Learning should be a life-long journey.” different Native American communities within the These educational programs are available for students this Master’s degree because it will help me perform West Michigan and Northwest Indiana area, as well enrolled in both Pre-K to 12th grade and post-secondary my Tribal Council duties to the best of my ability. In Dr. Chivis, who finished his doctoral degree (Ph.D.) as their interactions with each other, including trade education, as well as those furthering their education at a similar manner, I am hopeful that more Members at Michigan State University in 2016 and obtained relationships and ceremonial gatherings. The research any age. They offer resources and opportunities ranging can also utilize the knowledge they obtain to come a second Master’s degree in Indigenous Peoples that was included in Dr. Chivis’ published chapter came from incentive programs, funding for textbooks and back and work for or assist the Tribe. This can only Law from the University of Oklahoma in December, from his dissertation, which was a decade-long project. school supplies, laptops, funding for school activity- strengthen our community and Nation.”
02 03 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 Preserving the Past, to Provide for the Future What can you do to help NHBP with Food Sovereignty? There are many things that Tribal Members can do to help with maintaining Culture Department Creates food sovereignty! Keep exercising your right to gather your food, to hunt for your food, and to fish for your food. Ultimately, food sovereignty is our Food Sovereignty Program right to define it in our own terms.
Think of how our Ancestors survived. How our next Seven Generations will survive. Food sovereignty hasn’t disappeared. Every time you hunt, WRITTEN BY SIERRA PEDLEY PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NHBP COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT every time you fish, every time you plant a garden, you are taking part in food sovereignty.
The NHBP Culture Department is currently working on a food sovereignty program If you know of anyone or you have knowledge of any related topics, feel free that includes the preservation and conservation of traditional Native food to reach out to us! We will have Native speakers, presenters and chefs for principles and practices. many of the above topics and would love to include Tribal Members, as well!
What is Food Sovereignty? Food sovereignty is a broad and all-encompassing term. It is also something that we do. Food sovereignty is our inherent right to obtain traditional and healthy foods and define our own food systems, as well as how we obtain it while upholding our Ancestral and traditional values. It is our right to Want to get involved? garden, hunt, fish, trap, forage and harvest. Contact the NHBP Culture Department for any questions related to food sovereignty! NHBP is currently under a grant to create a food sovereignty policy, a food pantry, cooking classes (cooking demonstrations, video series), family container garden projects, field classes, foraging walks, and to improve already established activities such as Lunch and Learn, the Community Garden, Cultural Workshops, Ricing and Sugar Bushing. The Culture Department will also be working with Tribal Elders and youth on certain projects.
We want to bring everything together. How we gather food, who cooks it, who provides it, where to grow it, who teaches it, etc. We want to be a self-sustaining Nation while utilizing our traditional practices and remembering our Ancestors in the process.
Food Sovereignty Coordinator Sierra Pedley 269.704.4169 | [email protected]
APPLIQUÉ ARTWORK BY TRIBAL MEMBER AMANDA WESTRA 04 05 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 The sweet sap of the maple trees had begun “The story of the young man shows the to slowly seep from the heart of the trees out importance of maple syrup in Native culture, as toward the world, a journey that had resulted in the syrup provided the young man with medicine life-sustaining nourishment for generations of and nourishment, invigorating his spirit,” Medawis Indigenous People. said. “The sugar bush also marks the changing of the seasons, from winter to spring, and the “The Blessing of the Maples is when the Tribe Earth’s reawakening and the budding of new life.” comes together to offer a wish for a good sugar bushing season ahead,” Little River Band of To bring the Blessing of the Maples to a close, Ottawa Indians Tribal Member Henry Medawis the Culture Department ceremoniously tapped IV, who worked in the Culture Department at the Grandfather Maple Tree and presented Séma the time the event was held. “The ceremony {Tobacco} to the tree. allows us to thank the Creator for the syrup and symbolize what it means to us. We also give “It is important for the Tribe to continue to hold thanks to our Ancestors for their knowledge of events like Blessing of the Maples because it sugar bushing and maple syrup.” helps to both support the Tribe as a whole, and to keep our culture and traditions intact,” Tribal Elder This year’s Blessing of the Maples was the first Claude Ryan said. to be hosted by the NHBP Culture Department and began with teachings about the cultural significance of sugar bushing and zisbakwet {maple syrup}.
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Member Steve Pego, invited to represent the Grandfather Maple Tree, shared a teaching about a young man who had gone to search for food for his Tribe during the end of a harsh winter. After traveling far and wide, the man was drawn to the Grandfather Maple Tree that told the man of the nourishment that its sap would bring him. REAWAKENING LIFE WITH ZISBAKWET: “Water runs through the Grandfather Maple Tree, ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE MAPLES as water runs through our own veins,” Pego said. “The Grandfather Maple Tree not only provided the man with its sap as nourishment, but also told him all of the things that could come from WRITTEN BY ERIC MCCLURE | PHOTOS BY JAKY REPLOGLE the tree.”
As the cold, snow-wrapped wind whipped and weaved through the buildings and trees on the Pine Creek Pego then conducted a pipe ceremony, followed Indian Reservation, it caused the mighty branches of the Grandfather Maple Tree to creak and squeak by a water ceremony conducted by Match-E-Be- as they slowly swayed back and forth. Even though the sun hadn’t bathed the trees with its rays that Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Left: Environmental Director John Rodwan and THPO Doug Taylor tap the Tribal Member Yebishawn Oldshield, invited to Grandfather Maple Tree. Top: Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Member Steve Pego morning, life was beginning to reawaken deep inside the many maple trees. and Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Tribal Member represent the Grandmother Maple Tree. Yebishawn Oldshield share teachings. Bottom: NHBP Tribal and Community Members come together for the annual Blessing of the Maples ceremony.
06 07 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 2018-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN NHBP Tribal Council is strategically making decisions this year to build a foundation to provide and nurture the future needs of Membership. The Strategic Plan logo is the Grandfather Maple Tree, representing longevity and strength for the next Seven Generations. Under the direction of Tribal Council, NHBP will continue to work toward At the 2018 Annual Membership Meeting, all building a strong and sturdy system for the financial, Tribal Members were gifted a Maple Tree to plant emotional and physical well-being of the Tribe. at their homes. As Tribal Members continue to
watch their trees grow, NHBP will continue to VISION: Embodying the Seven Grandfather rise in the same manner – resiliently. Teachings, NHBP will be recognized as a self- determined, sovereign nation. We will protect and Do you have pictures of your Maple Tree today? promote the cultural, emotional, physical, and We would love to highlight your tree in an financial well-being of our Tribal community for upcoming issue of the Turtle Press! Send your the next Seven Generations. pictures to the Content Production team at [email protected]! Migwéch! MISSION: NHBP is a self-sustaining Sovereign Nation dedicated to achieving the shared vision of our community. We will preserve our culture and history, build a healthy community, provide essential services, and secure our financial future through strategic decision-making.
VALUES: Seven Grandfather Teachings: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.
PRIORITIES: Expressing Sovereignty; Perpetuating Culture; Financial Prosperity; Building Wellness; and Organizational Excellence.
08 09 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 as General Manager and Vice President of Hotel Operations before becoming CEO in May 2017. “Kathy’s level of commitment, expertise and kind smile continues to make FireKeepers one of the best "I think the heart of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band places to work in the nation. Chi Migwéch for your of the Potawatomi, and the heart of the 1,800 continued support, Kathy.” employees of FireKeepers, is really what makes it special," George said, in an interview with – NHBP Tribal Council Vice Chairperson Dorie Rios Native Business Magazine. "In 10 years, what we have accomplished from the service standpoint, but also the impact we have made both on the Tribal community and community as a whole, is something I'm really proud of. There are so many casinos in the state of Michigan, but we really distinguish ourselves by our heart, and it shows every day, and I think that's really what makes the difference."
A HEART THAT LEADS George’s heart is one of the key successes that continues to move FKCH forward. In 2019, FKCH earned FKCH CEO Kathy George and NHBP Tribal Council at the Hotel Tower II Groundbreaking event. FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER several awards, including Best Casino in Michigan (WWMT), Best Casino NAMED ONE OF THE 'TOP 30 CEOS IN INDIAN COUNTRY' and Place to Gamble in Indiana (Fort Wayne expertise and kind smile continues to make FireKeepers newspaper), AAA Four Diamond Award and Best of one of the best places to work in the nation. Chi WRITTEN BY LEIA FULLER | PHOTOS BY JAKY REPLOGLE AND EMILEE GUZAK Housekeeping Award, CasinoPlayer Magazine Best Migwéch for your continued support, Kathy.” of Gaming Awards: Received 11 first-place awards and 11 second-place awards. FKCH also was The 'Top 30 CEOs in Indian Country' looks to drive FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH) CEO Kathy Hotels' Management Development Program honored with the 2019 Corporate Cup Challenge business in Indian Country forward, and Native Business George was recently named as one of Native and spent the next 14 years at Wyndham. for Battle Creek, numerous Best of Food awards at believes that strong leadership is the ultimate strategic Business Magazine’s ‘Top 30 CEOs in Indian various festivals and cook-offs, Quality Inn received advantage in business. Many of the top CEOs in Indian Country.’ George and the other 29 CEOs George then helped open the hotel at Seneca the Gold Award from Choice Hotels for being a top Country oversee world-renowned gaming empires, and highlighted are commended for their continued Allegany Resort and Casino, as well as 10% performing hotel, and The FireHub and Kendall others lead major businesses in federal contracting, work in leading both Tribal Nations and Tribal the temporary casino in Buffalo that was Street Pantry received numerous accolades at the construction, natural resources, financial services and enterprises to new levels of success. later replaced by the Seneca Buffalo Creek local, state and national levels. Casino. After serving as Director of Hotel other industries. George grew up on the Cattaraugus Reservation Operations and Vice President of Resort “On behalf of Tribal Council and NHBP Tribal in New York and was accepted into the Cornell Operations, George switched to the gaming Membership, we are honored to have such an For more information about Native Business Magazine’s University School of Hotel Administration. While side as the General Manager of Seneca Gaming amazing woman leading FireKeepers Casino Hotel ‘Top 30 CEOs in Indian Country’ feature, visit Native at Cornell, she worked at the hotel on campus and Corporation, where she led a team of 3,000 forward,” NHBP Tribal Council Vice Chairperson Business online: www.nativebusinessmag.com. then took an internship in Atlanta, Georgia. After employees in delivering four-star service. Dorie Rios said. “Kathy’s level of commitment, graduating from Cornell, George joined Wyndham George joined FKCH in 2012, and held roles
10 11 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 Left (pg.12): Tribal Member Elliott Stuck shows off his dance moves. Right (pg.12): A PROMISE OF Tribal Member Sofia Rogers on the dance floor. Below: Tribal youth lead the PREVENTION way through the dance line. TRIBAL MEMBERS ATTEND FAMILY PROM TO LEARN HEALTH PREVENTION TIPS
WRITTEN BY LEIA FULLER PHOTOS BY EMILEE GUZAK
he sweet giggles of Elders and youth, the gooey chocolate fountain overflowing like lava, beautiful dresses and dapper suits, the soft sounds Tof music cascading in the background. These are just a few things that made the Family Prom: A Promise of Prevention so extraordinary this year.
12 13 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 which allowed attendees to ask personal questions related to their health journey. Several examples were shared with attendees, such as one demonstration of how much sugar there is in one drink.
“Look at how much sugar is in this one drink!” Tribal Member Elliot Stuck said. “I had no idea
Tribal Members and invited guests joined the there was this much sugar in these drinks!” Health and Human Services Department (HHSD) After the meal and teachings, Tribal Members and their staff in late February for a family prom. Typically guests made their way out to the dance floor to share known as Heart Health, this year’s event shifted in some healthy entertainment. Dance is just one way the focus to family health prevention. To start the to mix exercise and family fun. The evening wrapped up day in a good way, Southern Straight opened with with raffle prizes and handmade gifts. a special Welcome Song.
“This event was a great approach to get the Community “This event gets the Community and our Tribe to be one with each other. What people acquainted with what we offer and what don't know, they can't understand, and this brings our Tribe offers,” Tribal Member Justin awareness and understanding to one’s health,” Hendrix said. Hendrix said. “We want our Community to know the Tribe is still here to help.”
A delicious and hearty meal filled the room with an aroma so sweet. The meal, made special by FireKeepers Casino Hotel banquet staff, was complete with perfectly seasoned chicken or salmon as the protein with a side of vegetables. To treat guests to a tasty dessert, a layered chocolate fountain with a variety of cakes, fruits and cookies to dip, were set out for all to enjoy.
The family prevention style had guests sitting at a table, and one HHSD employee would go Top Left: Tribal Members, staff and guests gather around the dance floor. Bottom Left: Tribal around to each table and teach attendees a topic Tribal Member Virginia Anewishki hugs Tribal Member Miya Mason. Member Evelin Stuck bounces a ball around the related to health. Five minute timers were set for dance floor. Top Right: Transit Bus Driver Julie Gunning and Tribal Member Gwynneth Nugent. each educator to personally share with the tables, Bottom Right: Tribal Members Kiyah Collins and Tom Pratt.
14 15 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 MCKAY TOWER ACQUISITION, HISTORY, AND THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE TO NHBP
WRITTEN BY PRESIDENT & CEO OF WASÉYABEK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC DEIDRA MITCHELL
MCKAY TOWER ACQUISITION
On January 15, 2020, Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, and Gun Lake Investments announced the joint acquisition of McKay Tower, located at 146 Monroe Center NW in downtown Grand Rapids.
The acquisition represents a rare co-investment by the non-gaming economic development entities McKay Tower, the high-profile 16-story high-rise in downtown Grand Rapids, was purchased by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, The historic McKay Tower boasts several architectural details and was one of the first frame buildings in Grand Rapids. of two Michigan Native American Tribes. For both and Gun Lake Investments in January 2020. Tribes, purchasing McKay Tower represents an McKay Tower is the fifth tallest building in Grand and we were excited about the opportunity to continue “Our Tribal Members and the downtown opportunity to have a positive impact for our Tribal Rapids. It is a mixed-use development featuring its historic legacy in downtown Grand Rapids,” said Members and the entire community. Grand Rapids area will benefit from this rare commercial, retail and office space, a first-class Kurtis Trevan, CEO of Gun Lake Investments. “As we partnership,” NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson event venue, conference rooms and three floors of continued to explore the opportunity, we thought it “We are excited to invest in such an iconic and luxury apartments that include a roof-top lounge could be a great opportunity for us to partner with Jamie Stuck said. “McKay Tower will be visible property in downtown Grand Rapids,” said and deck with exceptional views of the city. No Waséyabek Development Company.” effectively managed, generate jobs and career Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO of Waséyabek operational changes are planned for the building. development opportunities, promote economic Development Company, LLC. “It’s a great building The sale of the building from Steadfast Property with a great legacy. It has many new enhancements “When McKay Tower came on the market, we believed Holdings to Waséyabek Development Company, activity in Grand Rapids, and will be a source of and serves as a beacon of commerce in the it represented an attractive acquisition opportunity LLC, and Gun Lake Investments totals $17.5 million. pride for our Tribal Communities.” downtown area.”
16 17 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 HISTORY OF MCKAY TOWER HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MCKAY TOWER TO NHBP
American settler Joel Guild and his family purchased the current site of the McKay Tower from Louis In the 1830s, Grand Rapids consisted of a few Campau in the early 1830s for $25. Somewhere acres of cleared land on both the east and west between June and August of 1833, Guild built a frame dwelling on the site (Chas. C. Chapman & Co., side of the Grand River. A Tribe of Ottawa Indians 1881, p. 194). This structure was widely thought to lived on the east side of the river at the time, on be one of, if not the first, frame buildings erected in what is now present-day Market Street (Dillenback Grand Rapids (Dillenback & Leavitt, 1870, p. 116). & Leavitt, 1870, p. 116).
The current site of the McKay Building has undergone In 1831, Louis Campau, widely known as the official many changes throughout the years. In the 1860s, founder of Grand Rapids, began purchasing land in a mere thirty years after Guild built his small home, what would become known as downtown Grand the Grand Rapids National City Bank built a three- Rapids. He was a strong-minded man, and would story brick building at 1 Monroe next to a few wood- not listen to those trying to convince him that the framed shops. streets should run parallel and perpendicular to the Grand River. Instead, Campau decided the direction In 1914, The National Bank of Grand Rapids removed of Monroe Center would run northwest and “follow the Wonderly Building and constructed the first the Indian trail…which accounts for the diagonal four stories of what would become known street pattern of the city lying between Division, Monroe and Market” (White & Fuller, 1925, p. 33). as McKay Tower, as it stands today (“McKay Top: Painting of Grand River, 1820s, Robert Bushewicz, Chief Tower,” n.d.). Preparator of Exhibits, Grand Rapids Public Museum. Today, the former Indian trail, which is now known Bottom: Map of the Grand River rapids area before permanent white settlement, made from 1831 and 1837 survey records by E.C. The next twelve stories were added from 1925- as Monroe Center Street, connects NHBP’s two Swanson (courtesy Grand Rapids Public Library). 1926. All in all, it cost approximately $1.25 million downtown Grand Rapids properties, the Kendall References: Chas. C. Chapman & Co. (1881). History of Kent County, Michigan; to build the 16-story structure. In 1942, the building Building and McKay Tower. Together with Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships...Biographies of Representative Citizens. History of Michigan...Political and Military History. Retrieved from http://name.umdl.umich.edu/bad0958.0001.001 was renamed McKay Tower after being purchased Dillenback, & Leavitt. (1870). History and Directory of Kent County, Michigan, Containing by local resident, Frank McKay. Previous owners in a History of each Township, and the City of Grand Rapids; The Name, Location and Postoffice Address of all Residents outside of the City; a List of Postoffices in the building's storied history have included The the County; a Schedule of Population; and other valuable statistics. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Daily Eagle Steam Printing House.
National Bank of Grand Rapid, Frank D. McKay, McKay Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mckaytower.com/history/ Top: Circa 1833. The Guild House on the current site of the McKay Tower. Bottom: Circa 1925. The National Bank of Grand Rapids adds twelve floors. White, A., & Fuller, G. (Eds.). (1925). History of Kent County (Vols. 1–Third). the University of Michigan and Steadfast Property Michigan Pioneer Historical Society: National Historical Association, Inc. Holdings, LLC.
18 19 TURTLE PRESS | SPRING 2020 FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL ANNOUNCES LOCAL REVENUE SHARING CONTRIBUTIONS NHBP AND FIREKEEPERS CASINO HOTEL ACHIEVE FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR OF RECORD CONTRIBUTIONS WITH $24.7 MILLION TO THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND THE LOCAL REVENUE SHARING BOARD
PHOTO BY EMILEE GUZAK
FireKeepers Casino Hotel CEO Kathy George, NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck, Michigan Representative Matt Hall, NHBP Tribal Council Secretary Nancy Smit, and NHBP Tribal Council Treasurer Dr. Jeff Chivis. NHBP and FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH) County Commissioner. The funds distributed are announced Feb. 26, 2020, that combined lifetime part of a negotiated agreement between NHBP and the state for 2019 operations at FKCH. revenue sharing payments to the State of Michigan Payments have increased every year except once providing a fantastic package of salaries and benefits and the Local Revenue Sharing Board have exceeded versus the prior year since FKCH opened in August to attract the spectacular men and women who $217 million! The continued operating excellence of “Contributing over $217 million creates an awesome 2009. The payment to the State of Michigan totals form our great team, plus the substantial investment impact for our state and local region, and this the property led to its fifth consecutive new annual more than $18.9 million, an increase of 2.31 percent dollars to maintain and expand our resort,” FKCH announcement is a milepost of great pride for contribution record, with combined payments of over the 2019 payment, while the payment to the CEO Kathy George said. “Every day we witness Tribal Members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band over $24.7 million to the State of Michigan and the LRSB of over $5.8 million is 1.86 percent higher the physical manifestation of this support, as of the Potawatomi and the staff and management Local Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB). than one year ago. This brings the total monies construction of our second hotel tower moves of FireKeepers Casino Hotel,” NHBP Tribal Council NHBP has contributed to the State of Michigan to forward in anticipation of a grand opening later this Chairperson Jamie Stuck said. “Consistently growing Two checks were presented from NHBP; the the business and expanding our base of loyal guests, over $162.7 million and $54.8 million to the LRSB, year. I am so proud of the service our team delivers first for $18,922,234 presented to Matt Hall, who who we attract from across Michigan, plus large and creates a combined lifetime contribution which every day, and that’s what generates guest loyalty represents the 63rd District in the Michigan House sections of neighboring states such as Indiana, totals $217,494,894! and return trips.” of Representatives, a region which includes FKCH. Ohio and Illinois, indicates our team is focused The second check for $5,855,558 was presented to on delivering award-winning service experiences “The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi For the full media release, visit firekeeperscasino. LRSB Secretary Derek King, who is also a Calhoun every day.” are the best owners in the hospitality industry, com/press.
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