Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| About 1500 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Michigan | |
| Languages | |
| English, formerly Potawatomi | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Odawa |
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi (NHBP) is a Native American tribe. They are officially recognized by the United States government. This tribe is part of the larger Potawatomi people. They gained federal recognition on December 19, 1995. Today, about 1500 members belong to the tribe. Their main home is the Pine Creek Indian Reservation. It's located in Athens Township, in southwestern Calhoun County, Michigan. The reservation covers about 199 acres. The tribe also owns more land and runs a casino in Battle Creek.
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Understanding the Tribe's Name
You might wonder about the name "Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi." Even though "Huron" is in their name, this tribe is not directly related to the Huron people. Both "Nottawaseppi" and "Huron" actually refer to where the tribe used to live. This was along the Clinton River in southeastern Michigan.
This river was once called the Nottawasippee River or the Huron River of St. Clair. The word Nottawa comes from the Ojibwe language. It was a term that referred to the Huron people. The Huron lived in the area before the Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwe tribes arrived.
A Look at Tribal History
In the 1800s, the Potawatomi people were closely connected to the Odawa and Ojibwe tribes. Together, they formed a group known as the Council of Three Fires. These tribes were not controlled by one central leader. Instead, different groups, called bands, acted on their own. During the 1600s and 1700s, many of these bands moved into what is now Michigan.
In 1820, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi signed a treaty with the United States. This agreement meant they gave up much of their land. In return, they received a smaller area of land for their reservation. This reservation is in Athens Township, in southwestern Calhoun County.
Regaining Self-Government
In the 1930s, the United States passed the Indian Reorganization Act. This law aimed to help Native American tribes set up their own governments. However, many tribes in Michigan, including this one, were not covered by this act. They had to work hard to get federal recognition later on.
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band organized to regain their right to self-government. In 1995, the U.S. Congress officially recognized them as a tribe again. Their main headquarters are in Wakeshma Township, near Athens, in southwestern Michigan. This location is about 17 miles southwest of Battle Creek. The tribe also has offices in Grand Rapids. The tribe serves members living in several counties, including Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Ottawa, Kent, and Allegan.
Tribal Economy
The NHBP tribe owns FireKeepers Casino. This is a large casino with a big parking garage. It is located in Battle Creek, Michigan. The casino operates under an agreement with the state of Michigan.
The tribe also owns Waséyabek Development Company, LLC. This company helps the tribe become financially strong. It does this by buying, developing, and investing in businesses that are not related to gaming.
Important Moments in Tribal History
Here are some key events in the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's journey:
- 1970 – The tribe officially forms in Michigan. They create a written constitution and elect a Tribal Council to lead them.
- 1995 – The United States government officially recognizes the tribe again on December 19.
- 1998 – The tribe buys a 155-acre property near Fulton, Michigan.
- 2000 – An administration building is built for the tribe.
- 2003 – A system of multi-use trails is created.
- 2004 – Road construction begins. On August 7, the Athens Arch is dedicated at Athens High School. This arch celebrates the history of the Huron Potawatomi and the good relationship between the tribe and the town of Athens, Michigan.
- 2005 – The tribe builds its first group of energy-efficient homes on the Reservation.
- 2006 – A Tribal court is set up to handle legal matters.
- 2007 – A Community Center and Health Center are built. A 79-acre property in Emmett Township is placed into federal trust for the tribe. The tribe also places 75 acres of their Q Drive property into a wetland reserve program.
- 2008 – Construction begins on FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan.
- 2009 – FireKeepers Casino opens its doors on August 5, 2009.
- 2010 – Laura Spurr, who was the Nottawaseppi Huron Band chairwoman since 2003 and helped develop the FireKeepers Casino, passes away on February 19, 2010.
