On December 12, the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Indian Gaming Management approved and published in the Federal Register the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and the state of Michigan. The amendment directs certain revenue sharing monies to the newly established Native American Heritage Fund, created to help local governments and public and private schools, colleges and universities cover the costs of projects that promote positive relationships with and understanding of the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans in the state.
One provision within the Second Amendment will help schools pay for replacing or revising mascots or imagery that might be considered offensive to Native Americans with new mascots and/or logos that are more culturally appropriate.
NHBP Tribal Chair Jamie Stuck said, “This fund demonstrates our commitment to providing Michigan schools, colleges and universities with the funds needed to improve curricula and resources related to Native American issues and mascot revisions. We understand that schools often don’t have funds available for these types of projects and we are dedicated to removing that obstacle.”
Governor Rick Snyder commented, “I greatly appreciate the productive government-to-government relationship that the state of Michigan enjoys with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. I’m proud that this Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact will provide opportunities for additional partnerships between the tribe, state and schools to promote the rich history and contributions of the first Michiganders and our mutual citizens.”
Other compact amendments allow local governments to receive commitments to cover costs associated with road, sewer or other infrastructure improvements associated with FireKeepers Casino Hotel operations, and allocate funds to local governments for future expenses related to FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
