Laura Spurr facts for kids

Laura Spurr (August 10, 1945 – February 19, 2010) was an important American leader. She was the chairwoman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. This is a Potawatomi Indian tribe that the government officially recognized. The tribe is based in Calhoun County, Michigan. Laura Spurr served as chairwoman from 2003 until she passed away in 2010.

Meet Laura Spurr: A Tribal Leader

Early Life and Nursing Career

Laura Alonzo Wesley was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on August 10, 1945. She grew up in Athens, Michigan. After high school, she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing. She received a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan in 1971. On March 13, 1971, she married Stephen Spurr.

Laura began her nursing career at the University of Michigan Medical Center. This hospital is in Ann Arbor. She worked as a nurse for over forty years. Her career took her to many places across the United States. She worked in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

In 1971, she started teaching nursing. She taught at Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center in Greenwich Village, New York City. Later, she moved to Washington D.C. with her husband. There, she worked as a nurse, administrator, and teacher. In 1987, her family moved back to Michigan. She then worked at a hospital in Detroit.

Laura also earned a master's degree. She studied nursing administration and education at DePaul University. After this, she worked as a supervisor and administrator.

Leading the Nottawaseppi Huron Band

Laura Spurr joined the Nottawaseppi Tribal Council in 1999. She first became the chairwoman of the tribe from 2000 to 2001. Then, she served as the tribe's treasurer from 2001 to 2003. In 2003, she became the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's chairwoman again. She held this important position until February 2010.

Building for the Future: FireKeepers Casino

Laura Spurr worked for more than ten years to help her tribe. She helped place the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's land into a federal trust. This was a big step for the tribe. She also worked to build the FireKeepers Casino on the reservation in Battle Creek.

Laura oversaw much of the work for the FireKeepers Casino. This project cost $300 million. The casino officially opened on August 5, 2009. It is located in Emmett Township, Michigan.

Helping Her Community Grow

Laura Spurr lived in Grosse Pointe Park. This area is near Detroit. She drove to the tribe's headquarters near Athens, Michigan, for work. As chairwoman, she often worked 60 to 70 hours each week for her tribe.

She also represented the tribe on a national committee. This was the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Tribal Operations Committee. Laura also helped create health and education committees for the tribal government. She even started a scholarship program for tribal members. She played a key role in developing new homes, a health center, and a community center on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation.

Honored for Her Hard Work

On February 10, 2009, Laura Spurr received a special award. The Native American Finance Officers Association honored her. She was named one of two "Tribal Leaders of the Year." This award recognized her hard work in developing the FireKeepers Casino. It celebrates Native Americans who help their communities. They are honored for their "perseverance, creativity and outstanding public service."

A Lasting Legacy

In late February 2010, Laura Spurr traveled to California. She was there to present plans for the FireKeepers Casino. She spoke at a conference at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. Shortly after her presentation, on Thursday, February 18, 2010, she collapsed. She was taken to the Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California. Laura Spurr passed away the next day, on Friday afternoon, February 19, 2010. She was 64 years old.

Laura Spurr left behind her husband, Stephen J. Spurr. He is an economics professor at Wayne State University. She also had two sons, Nathaniel and Josiah. Her mother, Irene Wesley, and her sister, Mary Wesley, also survived her. Laura Spurr was buried in a family plot in East Alstead, New Hampshire. Her funeral included a special pipe ceremony.