Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit
This past Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend the Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit, presented by Tribal Business News and Native News Online, and hosted at the beautiful Gun Lake Casino in Hopkins, Michigan.
At Tuesday’s reception, I had the chance to connect with Stacy Beach, Vice President of Sovereign Bank, and John VanPool, Director of Policy and Governance at the Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative with the University of Arkansas—and former Assistant Director of Public Information at the Hownikan!
I’ll admit I felt a little out of my element at this summit. But it was an incredible opportunity to learn more about the impact of the 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan through the 2024 Michigan Non-Gaming Tribal Economic Impact Study (organized by Waséyabek of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi). I also gained insight into tribal banks and Native CDFIs, tribal energy financing, federal contracting, the exercise of sovereignty through building codes, higher education’s role in economic development, and opportunities for cross-border trade through foreign trade zones and historic trade corridors. A highlight was a great panel with Bryan Newland of the Bay Mills Indian Community and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing Dr. Kevin Leonard, Director of the Native American Institute at Michigan State University, discuss the impact of reduced federal funding for higher education—including the elimination of the Michigan Indian Leadership Program (MILP). That program is close to my heart, as my daughter attended this past summer. It was a life-changing experience for her at a pivotal time in her life. In August, I wrote to MSU administrators expressing my disappointment about the program’s cancellation—both as a father of a young neshnabékwé and as an elected leader of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. I may elaborate on that more in another post. I was told that my email had an impact, and the university is now exploring ways to bring the program back next summer. I hope other tribal leaders, especially those in Michigan, take the time to write the school in support of this program.
I came home humbled, energized, and wide-eyed about the opportunities that lie ahead for CPN. I’m grateful for the conversations, the connections, and the vision shared over these past two days.
