Billboard Brings Awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children

by Mason Nichols | August 30, 2023 | News

Billboard Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children

On the southwest side of Battle Creek, Michigan, motorists can view a billboard designed by Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Member Kevin Harris II. Harris II, who is a cultural specialist with NHBP and the owner of Culture Dept. LLC, created the billboard to bring increased awareness to the national epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women, men, and children. According to Harris, the red hand represents the movement to stop indigenous women from going missing in the future. The woman depicted in the design represents the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Odawa people collectively known as the Anishinabek.

Waséyabek Development Company Holds Economic Development Showcase and Job Fair at the 2023 Gathering of Potawatomi Nations

by Mason Nichols | August 8, 2023 | News

More than 100 attendees gathered at FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, to learn about the economic advancements of Potawatomi Nation-owned businesses as part of the first-ever Economic Development Showcase and Job Fair. The event, which was hosted by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC (WDC), took place on Friday, July 28, during the 2023 Gathering of Potawatomi Nations hosted by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP).

During the event, attendees spoke with 20 companies to learn about the steps their businesses are taking to enhance a variety of industries, including property management, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, insurance, federal contracting, and beyond. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to learn about the jobs and career pathways available at the companies represented. Jessi Goldner, NHBP Tribal Member and WDC’s Director of Strategic Engagement and Compliance, spearheaded the planning and execution of the event.

“At Waséyabek, we are always looking for ways to promote the hard work of the companies that serve as the economic engine driving the NHBP Tribe forward,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO at WDC. “The Showcase and Job Fair offered an ideal platform to extend an opportunity for NHBP – along with other Potawatomi Nations – to spotlight the incredible work that we are all doing to create a brighter tomorrow for those in Indian Country.”

Exhibitors referenced the ability to provide a snapshot of their businesses to attendees as a key draw to participating in the Showcase and Job Fair, including Kip Ritchie, interim CEO of the Potawatomi Business Development Corporation.

“Not only did this event provide a way for the respective Tribes to showcase their successful businesses, but it also offered a chance for the various leaders to explore opportunities to work together,” he said.

In addition to learning about the companies present, attendees also benefitted from networking with others, something that spilled over into the Potawatomi Economic Summit that took place immediately following the close of the Showcase and Job Fair.

During the Summit, approximately 60 attendees representing 10 Potawatomi Tribes provided updates on economic advancements within their communities. The goal of the Summit was for the Tribes present to learn from each other’s work and to provide a space for future collaboration.

“Having the Tribes together to discuss the work they are performing plays a critical role in how we learn from one another and grow,” Mitchell said. “These continued conversations are vital in building awareness around how we can all advance together.”

The hope is for the Showcase and Job Fair to become part of the Gathering of the Potawatomi Nations each year moving forward, with this year’s event serving as a blueprint for other host Tribes.

WDC Economic Development Showcase and Job Fair

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Names Board Members for Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

by nruffer | August 31, 2016 | News

McKay Tower NY Times Article - McKay[34]

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Names Board Members for Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

The purposes of the Waséyabek Development Company (WDC) are clearly established within its Operating Agreement and Articles of Organization, and have been acknowledged by the Tribal Council. They are as follows: to create and stimulate the economy; create employment opportunities and promote growth; provide services; engage and increase the economic development policies and plans as adopted by the Tribal Council.

WDC is committed to diversifying the economy of the Band for its Members, by promoting and advocating economic development for Tribal businesses, fostering strategic business partnerships, and establishing the Band as a leader of economic development and diversification to achieve economic self-sufficiency, while preserving the Band’s sovereignty, resources and culture.

Mission Statement:

The WDC is committed to fostering the development of a stable, diversified economy for members of the Band which will contribute to the long-term wealth and economic self-sufficiency of the Band, while managing risk and creating quality employment opportunities for members of the Band, thus reducing dependency on public funds and social services.

Waséyabek Board Members

Gil Holliday – two year term

James A. TenBrink – two year term

Chris Day – four year term

Rod Lanning – four year term

Terri Fitzpatrick – four year term

Terri Fitzpatrick

I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I have 29 years of Tribal, public and private sector real estate and economic development experience. I serve as the Chief Operating Officer for a local real estate development and property management firm.

For four years, I have served as Vice President for the Tribal Business Development and Federal Procurement for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. I designed the Tribal business development program and was responsible for Tribal relations. Prior to that, for six years, I served as Real Estate Director for the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, where I also served as Tribal liaison. I also was the Real Estate Director and Vice President of Development for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Kewadin/Greektown Casinos for 10 years. I served as a Utility Authority and Housing Authority Commissioner for the Sault Tribe, as a city planning commissioner, and on various nonprofit boards.

I am honored to be selected to serve on the Waséyabek Board, and look forward to carving a path forward for implementation of the economic diversification purposes for which the company was created, and the opportunities for the Tribe and Tribal Membership in business development, job creation and talent enhancement.

Rod Lanning

I am a lifelong Michigan resident and have been married for 32 years. My wife Christine and I have two adult children, both of whom are active with the Tribe and with FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Sara is currently working at FireKeepers Casino Hotel as an executive intern, and our son Scott is pursuing a degree in hospitality, gaming and entertainment at Central Michigan University. As a family, we have been very active with the various gatherings and events of both the Tribe and FireKeepers Casino Hotel. We feel very blessed, and we appreciate all the opportunities that have been made available to us.

Professionally, I have a business management and economics degree from Central Michigan University. After graduating from CMU, I worked in the financial and banking industry for approximately eight years. I was directly involved in mortgage, commercial and consumer lending and also was a bank branch manager. For the last 25 years, I have worked in the Michigan market as a sales and marketing entity in the food industry. My strengths include developing market strategies and budgets along with growing market share and product branding development.

I possess a strong interest in helping the Tribe continue to succeed and to diversify its assets. On a daily basis my family is totally committed and firmly embedded with the goal of continuing the growth and success of the Tribe.

Gilbert L. Holliday III

I was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. I am the son of deceased Tribal Member, Anna M. Pamptopee. I graduated from Royal Kimball High School in 1960. I joined the U.S. Army in June 1960 and served until 1963, serving in Korea for 15 months. I was discharged as a Sergeant E 5. I am married with two sons both graduated from Michigan State University. I worked in the tool and dye industry and as a computer programmer. I started in real estate and became a successful manager with an office of 85 agents for Century 21 until I retired in 2007.

I served on the Tribal Council from 2000 – 2006 as Tribal Chairman, Vice Chairman and as Sergeant – At – Arms. I also served on the Elders Committee, Veterans Committee, Elections Committee, and have been active with the Tribe.

Chris Day

I am the son of Cecil Day and I was born in Tennessee. I have been married for 22 years to Pamela. We have four children; Corey (21), who attends University of Chattanooga and Chattanooga State, Taylor (16), a junior at Sale Creek High, and twin girls, Lauren and Emily (11), 6th graders at Loftis Middle School. I have had my own company since 2001. The company provides engineering and real estate services for the wireless telecommunications industry. We work for Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint and currently have two office locations with a third location to open early next year.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the WaséybekDevelopment Board and I am looking forward to working with other board members.

James A TenBrink

I graduated from Michigan State University in 1999 and opened my first distribution business in 2005 at the age of 29, providing products and services to much of Michigan. From 2005 through 2013, I have served on multiple state, regional and national board of directors. Currently, I own two businesses. One manufacturers a proprietary liquid deicer used by many municipalities and large commercial business. The other, a consulting business, provides small businesses with business planning and cost control analysis.

The Board of Directors position with Waséybek is a true honor and passion for me. I am very excited to help guide the decisions for all our Tribal Members and the future generations who will benefit from this opportunity. It is my hope that the Waséybek Development Company can begin laying the foundation for our Tribe to stimulate business creation and job development. This will provide our Tribal Members and the generations to come with employment opportunities, health care resources and educational support for many years to come. By investing our resources appropriately, the Tribe can continue to build financial and community strength.

The WDC Board is working diligently through the process of transitioning the company to operate as a separate entity from NHBP Government, including beginning the recruitment process for a CEO, and reviewing policies and solidifying procedures. The Board looks forward to bringing the Membership new and exciting updates throughout the journey.