2022 Accomplishment Report

STRENGTHENING OUR NATION FOR

SEVEN GENERATIONS

NAGANZÉTHÊK

OFFICE OF TRIBAL COUNCIL 4

SHONYA BÉMÉNDÊK Ė ZHËWÉBÊK

TREASURER’S REPORT 8

GÉKYATHÊK NAGANZÉTHÊK

ELDER’S COUNCIL 10

DBAKWNËGÉWGËMËK

TRIBAL COURTS 12

PROGRAMS SERVICE STATEMENTS,

GOVERNMENT MANAGER

LETTER 18

ZHETTHKÉWEN ĖTHË KENOMAGÉK

CENTER OF HISTORY & CULTURE 20

ĖTHË KENOMAGÉK EDUCATION 24

WÉNA’IKÉTHÊK FACILITIES 28

SHONYA ĖTHË KOWABDËMWAT

FINANCE 30

MSHKËKIWGËMËK

HEALTH SERVICES 34

WIGWAM MAKTTHÉWITHÊK

HOUSING & COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT 42

ĖTHË BODWÉWADMIMWAT

LANGUAGE 44

KOWABDANAWA ODË KĖ

THEY WATCH OVER THIS LAND 46

ĖTHË NADMAGÉK

SOCIAL SERVICES 50

MZHENKIWGËMËK

TRIBAL POLICE 54

ZAGBËGON EARLY LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 56

AND STATISTICS

NIGANIWGËMËK ADMINISTRATION 58

GAGDOTHÊK COMMUNICATIONS 60

ĖTHË DGWËBIGAZWAT & YAZHDÉYAKWPI’GÉWGËMËK ENROLLMENT & ELECTIONS 62

ĖTHË NIZHOKMAGÉK

HUMAN RESOURCES 64

MNEDOSHKWEDÉWGËMËK

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 66

SHONYA ĖTHË NDËWABDËMWAT

COMPLIANCE & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 68

Naganzéthêk

Bozho!

On behalf of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council, it is my privilege to share with you our 2022 Accomplishment Report. 2022 was definitely a year to be remembered with many accomplishments for our Tribal Nation. I hope this report will help you reflect with pride on our continued success and maintain a positive outlook for the future. Please be sure to review all of the sections for more detail on the accomplishments by each government department.

Although 2022 was not without its challenges, Tribal Council continued to work closely with our government team members to improve our operations and provide vital programs and services to our citizens to help ease the financial burden caused by the pandemic. With the health concerns over COVID-19 somewhat diminished to start the year, the world began dealing with record inflation and major economic headwinds. These headwinds not only impacted the budget of individuals and families, but businesses also felt the strain. Not many businesses are immune to a recession, and we had to be conservative in our approach as we resumed paying the debt on the expansion of Four Winds South Bend, while continuing to outlay capital to complete the project. We also had to contend with a new competitor entering the Indiana gaming market with the opening of Hard Rock Casino in Gary. A shift in the labor market from the pandemic also forced us to be more aggressive in our offers to prospective employees. Despite the economic headwinds and increased competition, our casinos continued to weather the storm.

We reached a major milestone on August 18 with the opening of the expanded gaming floor at Four Winds South Bend, which gave us an opportunity to increase our gaming revenue with the roll out of Class III slot machines and table games. Many notable guests were in attendance

Front row: Barbara Ann Warren, Elder’s Representative, Rebecca Richards, Chairwoman, Rhonda L. Keene, Member at Large. Back row: Brandon Rapp, Member at Large, Mark Parrish, Member at Large, Gary Morseau, Vice Chair, Alex Wesaw, Treasurer, Sam Morseau, Secretary, John Morseau, Member at Large, Mark Topash, Member at Large, Steve Winchester, Member at Large. Not Pictured: Michaelina Martin, Chief of Staff, Heather Pauley, Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, Samantha Townsend, Administrative Assistant, Michele Winchester, Administrative Assistant, Monica Hadley,Veteran’s Administrative Assistant

for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony including members of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council and Elders Council, Pokagon Citizens, representatives from the City of South Bend, Chairman Sequoyah Simermeyer from the National Indiana Gaming Commission, and members of the media. Members of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council, Elders Council, Four Winds Executive Team, and Indiana Senators and Congressmen cut the ribbon. Additionally, Indiana Senators Ryan Mishler (District 9) and David Niezgodski (District 10), along with Jake Teshka from the Indiana House of Representatives (District 7), were in attendance to show their support. Senator Mishler previously led the effort to help the Pokagon Band secure its Class III Gaming Compact with the state of Indiana, along with support from Senator Niezgodski and Representative Teshka.

The expanded gaming floor at Four Winds South Bend now spans more than 98,000 square feet and includes 1,900 slot machines, 27 table games, a new high limit area, and an additional cage and cashier area. A total of 850 new slot machines and have been added including popular titles such as Dragon Link, Cash Express, Big Fish, Buffalo Link, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, The Price is Right, Jumanji, Conan, and Cashman Bingo. Eleven new table games include 21 + 3 w/ Top 3, Lucky Lucky, Blackjack, Roulette, High Card Flush, and Heads Up Holdem’. Table Games will remain open from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m., seven days a week.

A dedicated Video Poker section has also been created with an additional 56 games. Four Winds South Bend’s new High Limit Room features an additional 46 slot machines with denominations ranging from $0.05 to $100.00.

At the time of this writing, we just announced that the new 23-story hotel tower at Four Wind South Bend will open to the public on Wednesday, March 1.The new structure features 317 rooms including 83 suites, as well as Cedar Spa, Edgewater Café, Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center, an outdoor swimming pool on the third floor, and terraces with spectacular views.

It’s hard to believe we opened our first Four Winds Casino location almost 16 years ago in New Buffalo, Mich., on August 2, 2007. I couldn’t be prouder of the success of our four casino locations, which is a credit to our hardworking casino operations team and all of our Four Winds team members. I’d also like to thank our previous Tribal Council administrations, our project manager, general contractors, construction workers, and vendors that have helped us reach this important milestone!

In addition to planning for the next seven generations by growing our businesses and increasing revenue, we maintained our focus on creating educational opportunities for our citizens and their families. On December 8, we completed a Signing Ceremony with Indiana University South Bend (IU South Bend) and Chancellor, Susan Elrod, to renew and expand our Institutional Award Program, which benefits eligible Pokagon Band Citizens and individuals employed by our various Pokagon Band entities. Under the terms of the agreement, IU South Bend shall provide eligible Pokagon Citizens and employees with Institutional Awards that reduce or eliminate the difference between in-state and outof-state tuition rates.

To be eligible for the Institutional Award, Pokagon Citizens and employees must qualify for admission into IU South Bend, consistent with the university’s usual admission procedures. Admitted

Pokagon Citizens and employees may participate in any IU South Bend undergraduate or graduate program, degree, or non-degree, offered in any modality including online, in person, hybrid, etc. IU South Bend’s online courses were also added to the program.

The significance of this program cannot be understated. The Pokagon Tribal Government strives to make investments that will have a positive impact for our citizens seven generations into the future. Access to higher education opportunities and life-long learning are critical to the long-term success of our Pokagon Citizens and the individuals that are employed by our various business entities. Despite having hundreds of Pokagon Citizens and employees that reside in the state of Indiana, we have thousands more that reside in Michigan and other states. We are extremely pleased that this partnership with IU South Bend will ensure that all of our citizens and employees have access to the same high quality educational opportunities, from one of the top universities in the region.

If you would like more information about educational opportunities at IU South Bend, please reach out to the Department of Education for details. Also be sure to ask about the Pokagon Indiana Education Fund. This fund enables any Pokagon Citizen to attend state funded institutions of higher education, including two- and four-year colleges, plus trade/vocational schools, with all expenses covered. It is not required that our citizens be residents of Indiana to participate in this life changing program.

As we look to 2023 and beyond, the future is bright. We have much to be thankful for and the best is yet to come. I look forward to working closely with the rest of our Tribal Council and all our Pokagon Citizens to help us reach new heights!

Migwėtth, Rebecca Richards Tribal Chairwoman

OFFICE OF TRIBAL COUNCIL

Shonya béméndêk ė zhëwébêk

Summary provided by Alex Wesaw, Tribal Council Treasurer

Finance Board Members

Alex Wesaw

Rhonda L. Keene

Sam Morseau

Steve Winchester

Brandon Rapp

In 2022, how did the Finance Board work toward building a self-sufficient financial future?

• Began investing excess cash balances into Money Market Accounts

• Hired a new financial advisor to oversee the Band’s investments

• Continued to monitor the 2028 debt retirement fund

Other milestones

• Approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment for all employees in 2023

• Approved the 2023 Budget reflecting a new distribution of the RAP funds to assist in increasing the Per Cap percentage that is distributed to citizens

• Approved over $500,000 in 2022 Budget Amendments

• Resumed Quarterly Department budget meetings to ensure accountability for the 2022 budgets

• Approved the funding of $4 million in the Land Acquisition Fund

Outlook for 2023

• Onboard the Band’s new Chief Financial Officer

• Study the Band’s Finance Department to understand operating efficiencies and inefficiencies

• Review the Band’s audit firm to ensure they are still meeting our needs

• Study several issues (such as climate change, others) to potentially create specialized funds to support their activities

Band’s balances as of December 31, 2022

• Unrestricted Cash – $2,135,236.77

• Restricted Cash – $15,094,920.01

• Unrestricted Investment Accounts – $58,944,376

• Restricted Investment Accounts – $469,074,443

Gékyathêk naganzéthêk

Elder’s Council

The Pokagon Band’s Elder’s Council is an extension of the Pokagon Band Government. Our purpose is to:

• Provide guidance for the membership, Tribal Council, Judiciary, Executive, and Legislative branches of the Pokagon Band Government on matters relative to history, tradition, and culture.

• Make recommendations to Tribal Council about goals and procedures to make changes that support the development of Elder-related services.

• Evaluate the Elder’s program and services performance.

• Provide opportunities for Elders to interact for the purpose of satisfying unmet cultural and social needs.

From left to right: Judy Winchester, Chair, Judy Augusta, Secretary, Patricia Williams, Vice Chair, Theresa McFall, Member at Large, Tom Wilson, Treasurer

Dbakwnëgéwgëmëk

Tribal Judiciary

The Judiciary is an independent branch of government established by the Constitution of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The Tribal Court system consist of two levels: the trial level (Tribal Court) and the appellate level (Court of Appeals). The Pokagon Band Judiciary has been an Indian Country model of stability and continuity. Each of the judges have served in the Judiciary since inception of the Pokagon Band courts in 2003 until the recent resignation of the Chief Justice Robert Anderson on his appointment as Solicitor of the United States Department of the Interior. In 2022 Associate Justice Matthew L.M Fletcher was appointed Chief Justice.

The Tribal Court Judges

Chief Judge Michael Petoskey (Grand Traverse Band) is a Michigan attorney with more than 38 years of experience developing and implementing tribal courts in Michigan. He has served on the tribal courts for each of the seven federally recognized Tribes in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Associate Judge David M. Peterson is a retired judge from the 5th District Court for Berrien County, Michigan and is practicing Michigan attorney.

The Court of Appeals Justices

Chief Justice Matthew L.M. Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band) is the Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law at University of Michigan Law School. Associate Justice Jill E. Tompkins (Penobscot) is the Court Staff Attorney for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians Court of Central Jurisdiction. She is leading the development of the Mille Lacs Band Healing to Wellness Court, Noojimo’wgamig Inaawanidiwag (Healing Journey). In 2022, Angela R. Riley was appointed to the Judiciary as an Associate Justice. Justice Riley is a is Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law and Director of UCLA’s Native Nations Law and Policy Center.

Ggëkéndamen dokmezwen We know the act of peace

Peacemaking is at the center of how the Pokagon Potawatomi people have always worked together to maintain order, communicate clearly, and bring about resolution in difficult times of disagreement, heartache, and wrong doings. In villages across Turtle Island, there are teachings that explain our place amongst all of Creation and how we maintain a humble respect for the life forces around us. We’ve hosted many elders and knowledge keepers here over the years, and they continually remark to us on how beautiful, resilient, and progressive the Pokagon Potawatomi people are.

Jason S. Wesaw Peacemaking Coordinator

Utilizing the tools provided to us through our Potawatomi culture to help heal and grow our families and community, the centerpiece of the Court is the Healing Fire Room. It’s a fully functioning indoor area where we can safely host talking circles and ceremonies around a central fire. The Peacemaking Center also has an outside fire area to host talking circles and ceremonies. The fire is at the heart of our identity as Potawatomi people. Fire has the ability to teach, strengthen, and bring out the best of our spirit, especially during times when we need to communicate clearly for the purpose of maintaining healthy family and community connections. In the same manner by which we see the Band prioritize efforts to revitalize our language, history, and cultural teachings, the traditional manner of resolving disputes and healing relationships is an essential part of living with our Potawatomi worldview.

In 2022, the Peacemaking Coordinator provided services for peacemaking circles and educational discussions within and outside the Pokagon Band. The Peacemaking Coordinator hosted students from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns, and law students from Michigan State University and Michigan University. In addition, we were honored to be part of the agenda activities for the Michigan Tribal-State-Federal Judicial Forum Fall Meeting. We took advantage of the opportunity to educate numerous State and Federal Court Judges on our very different worldview regarding justice. We are looking forward to developing a greater relationship with Departments within the Tribal Government to help spread awareness about Peacemaking and its benefits to citizens. By hosting gatherings, recruiting additional Circle Keepers, and helping the Court provide additional resources to the citizens, we look forward to even brighter days for our families and community.

Overview of the Work of the Court

Other work of the Court involves:

• meeting the needs of the Tribal government because it is a federally recognized sovereign nation; and

• providing an independent, fair forum for resolving disputes, conflicts and adherence to Tribal standards. Some of the duties and responsibilities are mandated by the Tribal Constitution. Other duties are the result of laws passed by Tribal Council. Yet, other duties are imposed by court rules, administrative orders or required by the inherent authority of the Judiciary as a branch of government. The Court meets these responsibilities by:

• establishing general rules of practice and procedure before the courts;

• collaborative governmental development for the implementation of the laws of the Band, Court Rules and Administrative Orders; and

• the judicial processing of actual cases transferred or filed in the courts.

Judicial Processing of Cases

The Pokagon Band Tribal Court is a court of general jurisdiction. Tribal Court continues to develop with the growth in the community. The Judiciary and court personnel are committed to providing a court system that reflects the values, culture and spirit of Pokagon Band Tribal community. The following graphs help to illustrate case work by the Tribal courts. To safeguard the public and court staff because of the pandemic, the Court conducted hearings by telephone or video conferencing unless it was necessary to have the hearing in-person with proper protections.

Number of Cases Filed Each Year

Types of Cases Filed in 2022– Total 362

• Redistribution of Per Capita Payments for Delinquent Child Support – 138

• Child Support Recognition and Enforcement – 103

• Civil Infraction – 59

• Foreign Judgment Recognition and Enforcement – 16

• Foreign Subpoena Recognition and Enforcement – 10

• Foreign Judgment Garnishment – 8

• General Civil – 6

• Criminal – 4

• Child Protection – 4

• Landlord Tenant – 4

• Civil Traffic Violation – 2

• Election Challenge – 2

• Personal Protection Order – 2

• Bankruptcy Deduction – 2

• Garnishment of Per Capita Payments by Tribe – 2

Number of Hearings, Scheduling Conferences, and Trials Scheduled Monthly in 2022 – Total 172

• January – 11

• February – 15

• March – 14

• April – 22

• May – 11

• June – 17

• July – 8

• August – 10

• September – 19

• October – 15

• November – 9

• December – 14

Bozho,

It’s been a pleasure looking back at all the Government milestones of 2022. I’m very proud of our government team and their work throughout the year.

You’ll remember that early in the year, Tribal Council approved the 2022 Grocery Card Program, which transitioned to the FSA Nutrition Benefit program in April. Can you believe that Social Services processed nearly 29,000 applications in 2022?

Seeing citizens benefitting from the Fixture, Appliance, Down Payment, and Rehabilitation Program was fulfilling. Our Housing Specialists and Administrative team processed nearly 2,500 applications.

Community & Housing Development (CHD) opened Byéwgëmëk – A Place You Come to Stay. Located at 58155 M-51 in Dowagiac, Byéwgëmëk provides housing for Pokagon Citizens and family members that need a temporary home. To date, we’ve offered short-term housing to several families due to homelessness, house fires, relocation, and other needs. The completion of Byéwgëmëk was followed up with the acquisition of Hillcrest Apartments and Hamilton Square Apartments in Dowagiac. Both properties will undergo extensive renovations, improving the living environment for our citizens and giving the city of Dowagiac a boost.

During the summer, 232 campers ages 5 – 17 enjoyed the annual Kë Gbéshmen summer youth culture camp. Kë Gbéshmen is a collaboration between Center of History & Culture and Education, with extensive support from Purchasing, Facilities, and our Tribal Police Department.

In our quest to strengthen our language skills and advance language conservation across the nation, the team at Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat provided 695 translations or classes to our Tribal Citizens. Their services are in high demand as they processed more than 1,340 language requests.

Pokagon Health Services continues to grow in both services provided and staffing. This growth realized the most significant recorded billing revenue to date. It has always been the goal of PHS to increase grant and revenue dollars to mitigate the need for Tribal Government Funds.

As warmer weather approaches, look at the work the Kowabdanawa odë kė (They Watch Over This Land) team is doing as they recently began Phase 2 of the Dowagiac River Restoration Process. Removing the dam added 159 miles of river and stream access. With the river meandered, fish have returned to waterways that have not been accessible in 100 years. That’s great news for our citizens who fish.

Please spend some time reading the 2022 Accomplishment Report in full. I am immersed in our government work daily, and I was genuinely amazed at what our team accomplished in 2022. Our work is important to our sovereign nation’s development and builds the foundation for the next seven generations.

Migwėtth, Steve Rider Government Manager

Zhetthkéwen ėthë kenomagék

Our Center of History & Culture Team

In 2022 the Center of History & Culture welcomed new Team Members!

Amy Jo Morseau

Cultural Activities Coordinator

Amy Jo Morseau previously worked for the Gaming Commission and has now taken the role of our Cultural Activities Coordinator.

Cusi Ballew

Cultural Sustainability Lead

Cusi Ballew has begun to develop the newly created position of Cultural Sustainability Lead and will be working on seasonal doings like sugar season, foraging, ricing, gardening, food processing/preservation, and many other activities to support and promote cultural sustainability.

Nicole Holloway Director

Rebecca Williams

Youth Cultural Specialist

Daniel Stohrer

Youth Services Coordinator

Matthew Bussler

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Keith and Val Smith

Traditional Medicine Services Contractors

Kë Gbéshmen

In 2022, CHC’s Youth Programs facilitated the annual Kë Gbéshmen summer youth culture camp in collaboration with the Department of Education and with the extensive support of Tribal Police, Facilities, and Purchasing. This camp offers opportunities for Tribal youth to build relationships with other Tribal youth and many other members of our Tribal Community through a series of cultural workshops, social activities, and traditional ceremonies.

232 C AMPERS

11C OUNSELORS

UNLIMITED ACTIVITIES

8th Annual Association on American Indian Affairs Annual Repatriation Conference

The Pokagon Band received an invitation from the Association on American Indian Affairs to host the 8th Annual Repatriation Conference. The Conference focused on collectively healing from the past and committing to being good Ancestors for future generations.

300 ATTENDEES

& CULTURE

Kë Wzhetomen Mizhattëwen Regalia Classes

The Culture Program reinstated in-person regalia classes while continuing to offer our out-of-service area participants the virtual component. Participants created many different items, including:

RIBBON SKIRTS

RIBBON SHIRTS

BANDOLIER BAGS

9 WORKSHOPS

APPLIQUE DESIGNS BEADWORK

90 -135 PARTICIPANTS

Zagbëgon Ceremonies

Our Youth Culture program continues to assist our youth in opening and closing lodge ceremonies at Zagbëgon Early Learning and Development Academy. Weekly, the students begin and end their week in the lodge participating in opening and closing ceremonies.

Mbesniyêk After School Program

Mbesniyêk is geared towards middle school and high school aged Tribal youth. This program’s goal is to find ways to connect Tribal youth to their culture and community in a good way.

8 -15 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE WEEKLY

Gdedésêk Little Otters

Little Otters is an after-school program offered for elementary-age Tribal youth. Weekly activities include seasonal teachings, Potawatomi language, wellness, nutrition, and outdoor activities.

10 - 20 YOUTHS PARTICIPATE WEEKLY

Zisbakwtokan Sugar Camp

105 gallons of sap collected at Rodgers Lake Campground

45-65 gallons of sap = 1 gallon of finished syrup

15 MAPLE TREES TAPPED

4 TRIBAL FAMILIES TAPPED THEIR OWN TREES

2022 THPO Report

• 3 Repatriations

• 876 Section 106 Consultations

• 21 history and culture related presentations, in collaboration with THPO and our Cultural Activities Coordinator, to outside organizations and and schools during November, Native American Heritage Month

Ėthë kenomagék

Our Education Team

Cathy Stone Director

Marisela Goodrich

Administrative Assistant & Higher Education Program

Kristie Bussler

Educational Resource Specialist

Susan Doyle Educational Associate

Skye Wallin

Record & Information Coordinator

Adela Galvan

College & Career Readiness Associate

Erin Burggraf

Title VI Academic Advisor

160 ATTENDED IN THE A HEALTHY STE P WITH EDUCATION

8 GDEDÉSÊK PARTICIPANTS

49 GRADUATES HONORED

1200 K-12 STIPENDS AWARDED

311EEI

The Pokagon Indiana Education Fund PIE

Through the Indiana compact agreement $1-million in higher education funds were made available to Pokagon Band enrolled members.

W-A-Y Program

Widening Advancements for Youth program for High School students in grades 9-12. Beginning in September, this program provides a project-based, personalized learning experience for students who want something different than attending a traditional school.

Indiana University

A signed Memorandum of Understanding with Indiana University South Bend – which includes reduced tuition for Pokagon Band citizens, spouses, or parents along with current employees of the Pokagon Band Government.

Wéna' ikéthêk

Our Facilities Team

Cecil Wilson Director

Jason Holloway Manager

10 Cleaning Services Staff

9 Grounds Staff

8 Maintenance Staff

In 2022, Jason Holloway was promoted from grounds laborer to Facilities Manager. Other new appointments include Dan Babcock as maintenance lead, Sara Wilbur cleaning lead, David Rutherford grounds laborer, Ryan Roach maintenance laborer, Doreen Brown, Christine Maurer, Rhonda Moore, Misty Slabaugh, and Angela Warren all cleaning staff.

2023 Goals

• Overhaul the current heating and air conditioning systems at the Administration Building

• Overhaul the current heating and air conditioning systems at Pokagon Health Services

• Fresh paint throughout the Administration Building

• Convert all buildings to LED lighting

Major Projects in 2022

IMPROVED THE LANDSCAPING AT THE CENTER OF HISTORY & CULTURE

LANDSCAPED BOTH BATHHOUSES AT THE CAMPGROUND

CONSTRUCTED A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OFFICE

COUNTLESS OFFICES MOVES AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

REPLACED THE WALLS ON THE FACILITY SALT BARN

MAINTAINED SERVICES DURING THE MAJOR POWER OUTAGE ON OUR PROPERTIES IN THE SPRING

REPLACED PARKING LOT LIGHTS

Shonya ėthë kowabdëmwat

Our Finance Team

Daniel Parker

Chief Financial Officer

Amy Lingle Controller

Tina Faulkner

Accounting Analyst

Jenice Cloud

Accounting Clerk

Michelle Genereaux

Accounting Clerk

Cailin Piper

Accounting Clerk

Kelly Pike-Inman

Accounting Clerk

Sara Tyrakowski

Accounting Clerk

Crystal Frizzell

Administrative Assistant

Total Fund Distribution for 2022 (%)

• Citizen Services – $40,902,108 (37.4%)

• Sovereign Services – $27,496,562 (25.1%)

• Support Services – $18,649,998 (17.1%)

• CARES/ARPA – $22,303,544 (20.4%)

Expenditures by Department

• Administration – $4,154,111.86

• BCCC – $4,699,744.69

• Buildings – $1,120,494.85

• Capital Project – $1,540,056.74

• CARES /ARPA – $22,303,543.63

• Communications – $547,706.81

• Community Development – $1,010,581.08

• Tribal Court – $1,015,337.69

• Center of History & Culture – $1,065,359.34

• Kowabdanawa odë kė – $3,283,207.41

• Education – $4,081,350.43

• Finance – $1,728,062.51

• Gaming Commission – $6,281,643.44

• Health – $15,722,686.17

• Housing & Community Development – $8,247,771.34

• Human Resources – $660,169.78

• Information Technology – $3,615,907.23

• Ėthë bodwéwadmimwat – $659,779.43

• Legal – $1,752,559.16

• Properties and Facilities – $2,175,494.34

• Pokagon Gaming Authority – $1,508,084.52

• Tribal Police – $8,983,405.84

• Social Services – $12,072,642.19

• Resource Development and Compliance – $344,853.99

• Zagbëgon Early Learning & Development Academy – $777,657.65

• Total – $109,352,212.12

2022 Highlights

• Completed audits of 2020 and 2021 to get back on track with financial reporting

• Had several new team members start, including entirely new departmental leadership in Amy Lingle (in 2022) and hiring Dan Parker (in late 2022)

Finance by the Numbers

23,000 INDIVIDUAL INVOICES PROCESSED FOR PAYMENT (TOTALING IN EXCESS OF $72 MILLION)

11,000 PAYROLL PAYMENTS PROCESSED

26 PAYROLLS

78,000 PER CAPITA PAYMENTS PROCESSED, TOTALING $60,909,551.81

2023 Finance Department Goals are

Build Financial Strength Ensure that the Band is financially sustainable in the long-term and promote alignment between resource allocation and strategic priorities

• Maintain strong balance sheet for long-term stability by refining treasury management strategy

• Refine and focus the budgetary process long-term financial planning

• Ensure that the 2023 and 2024 budgets reflect short-term and long-term strategic priorities of the Band

• Ensure finance department is organized in a way to facilitate easy engagement with and feedback to departments on budgetary concerns

Ensure Effective Financial Operations Design processes for paying our bills, paying our people, and handling financial resources that are simple, cost-effective, compliant, accurate, and timely

• Refine and update financial management policies for all areas of responsibility (Procure to Pay, Payroll, Per Capita, Budget, Treasury, and cash handling/revenue recognition)

• Establish and publish efficient and effective procedures for all areas of responsibility

• Enhance focus on internal control in all processes and establish internal control training requirement.

Provide Clear, Useful Financial Reports Enhance the usefulness and availability of financial information and analyses for Band employees and citizens

• Complete the audit of the 2022 annual financial report on schedule

• Assess chart of accounts and consider reconfiguring to enhance usability of financial reports

• Assess ongoing financial reporting needs/desires for various groups (Tribal Council, other BCCC’s, Citizens (inside or outside of monthly meeting), Directors, other Employees, etc.)

Mshkëkiwgëmëk

Our Health Services Team

Priscilla Gatties Director

Dr. Gerald Morris, Jr.

Medical Director

Jen Hobson Office Manager

Amanda Austin Revenue Cycle Manager

Valerie Turner

Quality Specialist

Latrice Brooks Clinic Manager

Carlos Aguayo Business Manager

Staffing

Daun Bieda

Behavior Health Supervisor

Amanda Baldwin

Pharmacy Manager

Elizabeth Leffler

Community Outreach Supervisor

Heather Stack

Dental Manager

Dean Orvis

Wellness Center Supervisor

Janel Groth

Mshkiki Community Clinic Manager

In 2022, PHS continued its efforts to rebuild the team and return services to levels similar before the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 23 positions filled, including new positions for a Behavioral Health Counselor, a Revenue Cycle Manager, an Integrative Case Worker, a Health and Wellness Advocate, an Advanced Practitioner, a Dental Hygienist, and a 2nd Full Time Dentist for PHS. Mshkiki Community clinic was also fully staffed with the addition of a Physician and Advanced Practitioner.

COVID-19 Response

PHS continued to serve citizens with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as they became available. In addition, the Respiratory Clinic tested patients and provided new anti viral medications for treatment that could be filled at our pharmacy. As COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped, in-person visits resumed, but we continued to offer telehealth services for those that needed them.

Strong Financial Foundation

One goal was to continue to increase grant and revenue dollars to mitigate the need for Tribal Government Funds. In 2022, PHS had the most significant recorded billing revenue to date, approximately $15 million, and for the 3rd year in a row, PHS grant and revenue income exceeded the PHS Budget. PHS saw the initiation of new and revamped patient services throughout the department with plans to grow those services even more in 2023, including Endodontic treatments and Implants for citizens at Mshkiki Community Clinic and a Health and Wellness portal for the Healthy Lifestyles Campaign.

Ongoing Renovations

In 2022, PHS started the process that will see some much-needed renovations to the PHS facility in the next year, including a Pharmacy drive-through and a permanent space for an expanded Respiratory clinic.

Pokagon Health Services by the Numbers

• Fully vaccinated individuals to date – 2,929

• COVID-19 vaccines administered to date – 7,245

• Behavioral Health visits – 6,939

• Clinic visits – 14,698

• Community Outreach Program visits – 3,019

• Dental visits – 4,117

• Optical visits – 1,112

• Rides provided – 915

• Mshkiki Community Clinic visits – 2,549

• Total – 33,394

Revenue

• Behavioral Health – $458,620

• Clinic – $2,263,028

• Community Outreach Program – $58,658

• Dental – $814,382

• Optical – $67,731

• Pharmacy – $10,436,885

• Mshkiki Community Clinic – $593,895

• FWCR Wellness Center – $251,508

• Occ Health – $6,810

• Total – $14,951,517

Key Performance Indicators for PHS

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health has been the awardee of multiple grants in 2022, with these grants, we were able to fund 42 tribal citizens who were struggling with substance abuse to enter a residential treatment center. BH has created a new position titled Behavioral Health Triage Support Specialist, which will assist with telepsychiatry and the MAT program, and will play an integral part in the integration between primary care and Behavioral Health in the timeliness of new patient referrals. Finally, with the impact of COVID-19 on our tribal youth, BH successfully implemented a mixed gender interactive group designed for teenagers aged 12-16 employing a four-part training approach using a table-top role-playing game to teach 50 prosocial skills to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Behavioral Health by the Numbers

• 15 Behavioral Health staff

• 719 Behavioral Health patients

• 242 New Behavioral Health patients

• 7,114 Behavioral Health appointments

Clinic

PHS Clinic continues to grow at a rapid pace providing acute and chronic care. With our COVID grant we have been able to provide staffing for services in the respiratory care clinic and COVID-19 vaccines to citizens, employees, and the greater community. Our MAT program for opioid use disorder and Weight Management programs continue to grow and we are seeing positive results. We continue to offer books to children during well child visits as a result of our participation in Reach Out and Read.

Clinic by the Numbers

• 27 Staff

• 2,800 Active patients

• 222 New patients

• 1,396 Visits to the respiratory clinic

• 47,667 Clinic calls, incoming and outgoing

• 14,698 Patient visits

Community Outreach Program

In 2022, we implemented our health and wellness advocate, enabling us to improve patient cancer screenings, get HLC back up and running, offer Libre continuous glucose monitoring, and restart our monthly fresh fruit and veggie and nutrition education with the school. We implemented the Food Farmacy program that provides education and vouchers for people to add fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet. We hosted several great classes and events and implemented the Smart Moves virtual program partnering with Yale University. We also completed several visits with patients providing family education, lactation education, nursing nail trims, nutrition education, SSDI applications, five wishes, assessments, care coordination, and much more.

Community Outreach Program by the Numbers

• 7 Staff

• 3,019 Visits

• 435 Diabetes-related visits

• 975 Immunizations

• 6 Blood drives with 80 donors

• 197 Participants in Light the Way 5k

• 250 Food vouchers distributed

• 36,667 Miles driven

Community Outreach Program Events and Classes by the Numbers

• 12 Children trained in babysitting course

• 34 Families enjoyed the Annual Baby Celebration

• 180 Attendees, including staff, at A Healthy Step

• 86 Smiling faces at the Father’s Photo Booth

• 12 Citizens (average per class) learned cooking tips at Cooking Matters

• 25 Educated at the Fruit and Veggie monthly at the school as well as Healthy Nutrition Education Month

Dental

2022 was a very busy and productive year for Dental. We welcomed new members to our team including a dentist, dental assistant, and dental hygienist, greatly improving access to care for our patients. We also implemented various new pieces of technology including four new autoclaves, a new intraoral scanner for our Cerec crowns, as well as a Dental hard and soft tissue laser. New services offered in 2022 include Myofunctional Therapy/Myobrace and Frenectomies for tongue and lip tie releases. October was an all-time recordbreaking month for dental billing revenue totaling $61,627.

Dental by the Numbers

• 11 Staff

• 3,427 Patients

• 228 New patients

• 4,117 Visits

Optical Services

In 2022, optical served our patients by offering a wide range of selections and always striving to have new inventory.

Optical Services by the Numbers

• 1 Staff

• 1,112 Patient visits

• 530 Glasses ordered

Pharmacy

Pharmacy continues to increase in prescription volume from year to year. On October 11, we had a new record day filling 508 prescriptions. Our revenue surpassed $10.4M with the addition of tribal pharmacies receiving the all-inclusive rate from the State of Michigan.

Pharmacy by the Numbers

• 5 Staff

• 56,046 Prescriptions filled

• 75 Blister packs

Purchased/Referred Care

In 2022, PRC processed a record 3,269 referrals. We continue to sign up patients to Medicare Part D in conjunction with pharmacy to increase revenue and help patients meet their needs. We also continue to sign up patients through the ACA to help offset cost of patient needs.

Purchased/Referred

• 7 Staff

• 3,269 Referrals

• 5,082 Clinic

Care by the Numbers

Transportation by the Numbers

This year our transportation department exceeded the previous year with 915 transports for patients to appointments.

• 3 Staff

• 915 Transports

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center expanded hours to 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. We offered certified personal training, group classes, swim lessons, sports clinics, outdoor activities, cardiovascular or strength training, flexibility session, and relaxation techniques. The Healthy Lifestyles Campaign (HLC) and weight loss management programs also resumed. We averaged more than 500 visits per month from our patients. We offered two fitness classes a week, virtual classes, an elder’s program, youth activities, and an adult open gym for various games and events.

Wellness Center by the Numbers

• 3 Staff

• 4,488 Visits

Mshkiki Community Clinic

Mshkiki Community Clinic continues to grow at a rapid pace providing acute and chronic Medical and Dental care. The purchase of the endodontic microscope at end of 2022 will enable the Dental clinic to start offering root canal and implant services in 2023 to community as well as tribal members. We added a part time dentist and dental assistant to assist with expansion of services.

The Medical clinic is starting to grow as well with the addition a fulltime physician and physician assistant. We continue to work with the Communications Department to introduce the community to the clinic.

• 12 Staff

• 2,108 Dental patients served

• 390 New dental patients

• 486 Medical patients served

• 115 New medical patients

• 3451 Incoming calls tracked (starting in March)

Wigwam maktthéwithêk

Our Housing & Community Development Team

Jim Coleman Director

Wendy Hatcher

Office Manager

Jessica Kubik

Administrative Assistant

Aleigha Bracke

Administrative Assistant

Megan Rick

Rental Property Manager

Lynne Foerster

Assistant Property Manager

Robert Torzynski Planning Manager

Steve Wahweotten

GIS Specialist/Assistant Planner

Anthony Foerster

Residential Building Official

Kim Cushway

Housing Specialist

Jonathan Curtis

Residential Maintenance Technician

Matt Orvis

Residential Maintenance Technician

Kylie Britton

Housing Specialist

Melinda Thompson

Housing Specialist

Michelle Barco

Housing Specialist

Darlene Hoekstra

Housing Specialist

2022 welcomed several new people to the HCD team, as well as new roles for some. In all, seven staff members came on board as a new employee or moved into new roles within the department. The Community Development Team of Robert Torzynski and Steven Wahweotten spent the year assisting the community with development planning for Crystal Springs property. They identified future needs and completed long range tribal transportation plan.

11FAMILIES LEASED POKAGON BAND LOTS

6 CITIZEN FAMILIES PURCHASED A HOME USING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

96 ACQUIRED APARTMENTS UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL CITIZEN HOUSING

80 FAMILIES PROVIDED WITH TRIBAL HOUSING

1,200+ MONTHLY STATEMENTS AND RENTAL PAYMENTS PROCESSED

2,427 APPLICATIONS PROCESSED FOR THE FIXTURE, APPLIANCE, DOWNPAYMENT, & REHABILITATION PROGRAM

46 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED MONTHLY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

48 CITIZENS LEASED STORAGE AT CHINODIN

8 HOUSEHOLDS UTILIZED THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE WELL & SEPTIC PROGRAM

10 NEW GUEST ROOMS AT BYEGWEMEK TEMPORARY LODGING AT M-51, PROVIDING SHORT TERM LODGING FOR CITIZENS IN NEED

Ėthë bodwéwadmimwat

Our Ėthë bodwéwadmimwat Team

Rhonda Purcell

Mskwathigwék Director

Carla Collins

Wémkwëmikwé

Advanced Language Specialist

Kyle Malott

Bmethwen

Advanced Language Specialist

Margaret Long

Wabeshkinëgegkwé

Language Apprentice

Anthony Tibbitts-Warren

Language Apprentice

Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat continued to utilize virtual language classes to keep the reach wide so that we can offer language learning opportunities to all, regardless of distance. We continued to work with language instructors, linguists, and students from our relatives’ bands to strengthen our language skills and advance language conservation across the nation. Sadly, 2022 also brought with it the loss of one of our greatest and most respected elders and fluent speaker, Jim Thunder Sr. (ben). His absence here in our physical space will be strongly felt as we continue moving our Bodwéwadmimen forward as he would have wanted us to. It is in his memory that we will continue to work with each other for the survival of our perpetual sound.

11PARTNERSHIPS

12 PRESENTATIONS/ EVENTS/CONFERENCES 4 GRANTS

Mango Project Update

• 1,607 Mango Users/Potawatomi Lessons

• 15,008 Lessons Studied/Mango Potawatomi

• 1,093 total hours studied

Key Performance Indicators

• 427 Government Requests/Classes/Translations

• 695 Citizen Requests/Classes/Translations

• 363 Pokagon Citizens Serviced

• 287 Outside Requests (other tribal)

• 359 Outside Requests (non-Tribal)

2023 Ėthë Bodwéwadmimwat Goals

• Work towards awarded grant objectives and supporting grants we were invited to participate in by fellow Potawatomi bands.

• Support the language apprentices, students, and Zagbëgon staff on their language journey.

• Learn best practices for language documentation and preservation for future generational language use.

• Prepare to bring to staff a Potawatomi Linguist

• Identify opportunities to serve all demographics of our Pokagon citizenship.

Kowabdanawa odë kė

Our Kowabdanawa odë kė Team

Jennifer Kanine Director

Mindy Morseau

Administrative Assistant

Vic Bogosian

Natural Resources Manager

Grant Poole

Water Quality Specialist

Justin Palthe

Environmental Specialist

David Ferris

Invasive Species Technician

Dale Keene

Natural Resources Technician

Richard Roach

Natural Resources Technician

During 2022, the Kowabdanawa odë kė (PBKK) team included eight full-time individuals, two seasonal team members, and three summer interns. Environmental Specialist, Kyle Boone, took a different job in April. Justin Palthe was hired in October as the Environmental Specialist. We also changed our name to Kowabdanawa odë kė, which means they watch over this land.

Several of our staff took on new certifications:

• Jennifer Kanine: Certified Wildlife Biologist with the National Wildlife Society

• Vic Bogosian & Jennifer Kanine: Wetland Delineation Certification Course Completion

• David Ferris: Renewed Pesticide Applicator Certification

Dowagiac River Restoration Progress – Phase 1

Two restored meander bends and straw mulch seeding over the entire area. The image was taken facing the east on September 9, 2022.

Image showing the lead up to the first restored meander bend and the two bends that have been restored, taken facing northeast. Image was captured during a high water event on October 20, 2022.

Image captured during leaf-off with the two restored meander bends and lead up to the first bend. The old river can be identified between two rows of trees near the center of the picture. The image was taken facing west on February 1, 2023

THEY WATCH OVER THIS LAND

Kowabdanawa odë kė by the Numbers

234 HUNTING, FISHING, & GATHERING LICENSES

90 FIREWOOD PERMITS

14,724 SANDHILL CRANES WERE COUNTED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 14 – MARCH 28

3,320 TREES PLANTED , FEATURING 23 SPECIES

327 PLUSH TURTLES DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT 21 STATES

23,069 BAT CALLS HEARD THROUGH ACOUSTIC METERS IN DOWAGIAC, HARTFORD, NEW BUFFALO, AND NORTH LIBERTY

40,000 CONTINUOUS WATER QUALITY MEASUREMENTS

Prairie Restoration

• 32 acres of prairie planted

• 25 acres mowed to enhance prairie plantings

Invasive Species Management

• 357 acres managed for multiple invasive species including common reed, reed canary grass, giant ragweed, Japanese knotweed, tree of heaven, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, Siberian elm, and purple loosestrife.

Mnomen River

• 34 acres of rivers were surveyed

• 337 monitoring plots surveyed for river rice

Indiana Dunes

• 511 acres monitored for mnomen and invasive species

• 493 monitoring plots surveyed within Indiana Dunes

Small Mammal Trap & Release

• 824 trap nights resulted in 305 captures in Dowagiac, Hartford, New Buffalo, and North Liberty

Turtle Mark Recaptures and Releases

• 77 captures with 23 of those being recaptures

Bird Surveys and Number of Species Spotted

Ėthë nadmagék

Social Services by the Numbers

Grocery Card/FSA Nutrition Benefit

• 2,967 Unduplicated applications submitted

• 29,045 Applications processed

• 54,709 Cards/benefits sent out or posted

Temporary Covid Assistance Program

• 289 Applications processed

• 105 Applications approved

LIHEAP

• 160 Unduplicated Pokagon households that received assistance

• 475 Individuals impacted from assistance

Pokagon Band Commodities Program

• 378 Cumulative USDA households benefited

• 1,134 Cumulative USDA households benefited

• 257 Cumulative EFP households benefited

• 486 Cumulative EFP individuals benefited

• 1,292 Holiday food boxes distributed

Childcare Development Funds

• 55 Unduplicated children who received assistance

• 26 Unduplicated households who received assistance

Supplemental Heating Program

• 190 Households received assistance

• 592 Individuals received assistance

Emergency Services Initiative

• 497 Households received assistance

• 811 Individuals received assistance

Title VI

• 3,303 Meals served

Indian Child Welfare Act

• 697 Cumulative cases

• 13,553 Collateral contacts

• 418 ICWA inquiries for eligibility confirmation

For Kids’ Sake

• 442 Cumulative project youth

• 132 Cumulative primary adults

• 1,806 Collateral contacts

Victim Services

• 53 Cumulative adults

• 10 Cultural Specialist households

Pokagon Band Burial Fund

• 61 Burial requests submitted

Our Social Services Team

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Emily Roach

OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Maria Isa Solis

DIRECTOR

Mark Pompey

OUTREACH WORKER

Michelle Piper-Fisher

OUTREACH WORKER/ ARAP–FSA

Barbara Vincent

COMMODITIES SITE SUPERVISOR

David Halquist

COMMODITIES SITE ASSISTANT

Tyler Howard

VICTIM SERVICES SUPERVISOR

Casey Kasper-Welles

KID’S FIRST MANAGER

Samantha Hickok

CULTURAL SPECIALIST FOR VICTIMS SERVICES

Andrea Jackson

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MANAGER AND CASE WORKER

Kristine Johnson

VICTIMS SERVICE THARPIST

Nicole Sailor

TRANSITION CASE WORKER

Marie Willis

ARAP–FSA

Arynn Foerster

ARAP–TCAP

Ciera Johnson

ELDER’S SPECIALIST/LEAD

Beth Warner

ELDER’S COOK

Mike Finney

FAMILY SERVICES SUPERVISOR

Karen Mikosz

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE WORKER

Christina Zayak

FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTIONS WORKER

Christynn Black

FAMILY WELFARE WORKER Open

INDIAN CHILD WELFARE WORKER

Tori Moore

CASE AIDE

ARAP/FSA

Ray Bush

FAMILY WELFARE WORKER Open

ELDER’S ASSISTANT

Lisa Adair

Mzhenkiwgëmëk

Our Tribal Police Team

William Lux Chief

Michael Bradley

Deputy Chief & Emergency Manager

(retired December 2022)

Scott Hanley Operations Lieutenant South Bend

Doug Callahan Operations Lieutenant

Ben T. Graves Training Lieutenant

Brian Beauchamp

Detective Lieutenant

Angelia Ramos

Emergency Manager

Jill Hershberger

Office Manager

Beth Klug

Administrative Coordinator

Recognition of Tribal Police in the State of Indiana

For Tribal Police to become a recognized Police agency in Indiana, new Legislation had to be written, as the Tribe is the first Federally recognized Tribe in Indiana. Through State Represented Senate Bill #347, Chief Lux testified in a Senate committee and then a House committee in Indiana. The Bill eventually went to the House floor for a vote and was voted in unanimously. The Governor then signed the Bill, which went into effect on July 1, 2022.

The Tribal Police are currently working with ILEA (Indiana Law Enforcement Academy) on getting all officers licensed in Indiana. As a result, we will be the first police department with officers licensed in Indiana and Michigan. Huge thanks go to Representative Ryan Mishler and Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter, who both highly supported this effort.

Standards (MCOLES) Initiative

For Tribal Police to be able to activate their MCOLES licensing, they first are required through State Statute to be sworn in by a Sheriff. MCOLES is a partial reason for the Cross Deputation agreements the Tribal Police have with local Sheriffs. This initiative was tried some ten years ago and failed. The Association put a good plan together, and ultimately, six Tribal Chiefs attended an MCOLES Board meeting in November to give a presentation. The MCOLES Board voted unanimously to move forward on changing Legislation. This Legislation will follow the same method as Indiana did, and we expect new Legislation to happen in late summer or early fall.

Active Shooter Trainings

Tribal Police continue to concentrate on Active Shooter training working with the Government and Casinos to get employees trained.

Human Trafficking Training

Tribal Police continue to be active in Human Trafficking trainings and investigations.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Plan

Tribal Police are working with Joel Postma, the MMIP Coordinator for Michigan from the U.S. Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office. The Tribe has started working on an MMIP Community Response Plan.

Tribal Police Department by the Numbers

• 3,728 Complaints Taken

• 548,293 Miles Driven

• 2,504 Assistance to Other Agencies

• 192 Alarms

• 209 Community Resource Activities

• 294 Casino Money Escorts

• 25,320 Property Inspections

• 985 Verbal Warnings

• 1,277 Traffic Stops

• 64 Tribal Citations

• 4 Indiana Citations

• 489 Michigan Citations

• 1 Federal Arrest

• 165 Felony Arrests

• 299 Misdemeanor Arrests

• 776 Criminal Investigations

Zagbëgon

Our Zagbëgon Team

Autumn Carlson

Site Manager

Cecil Wilson Jr

Bus Driver/Class Aid

Cheri Sullivan

Bus Driver/Class Aid

DeJonay Morseau

Language Specialist

Donald Sumners

Elder Cultural Associate

Zagbëgon Events

Elizabeth Milliken

Center Assistant

Gerald Inman

Cook

Carrie Neumann

Zibé Teacher

Kellie Wilson

Zibé Teacher

Tamela Watson

Peshkwa Teacher

• Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen – Rainbow Painting

• Lodge Build

• Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen – South Bend Cubs Game

• Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen – Family Picnic

• Zagbëgon Graduation

• Zagbëgon Orientation

• Site Visit – Rainbow Trout Storyteller

• Field Trip – Dingus Pumpkin Patch – Zibé

• Field Trip Dingus – Pumpkin Patch – Peshkwa

• Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen – Harvest Day

• Trunk or Treat

• Honoring Our Veterans Parade

• Field Trip – Discovery Zone/Carousel

• Gdenwémagnenanêk Mdagwéwen – Holly Fair

Zagbëgon by the Numbers

25 ENROLLED STUDENTS

17 GRADUATES

3 CLASSROOMS

3 LEAD TEACHERS

3 ASSISTANT TEACHERS

383 CHILDREN ATTENDED THE SPECIAL EVENTS

15 HOSTED FAMILY EVENTS

256 STAFF ATTENDED THE EVENTS

435 ADULTS ATTENDED THE EVENTS

Niganiwgëmëk

Our Adminstration Team

Steve Rider Government Manager

Sarah Gideon Executive Administrative Assistant to Government Manager

Christina Saltzman Administrative Assistant

Hailee Ettinger Administrative Assistant

Our Purchasing Team

Jessica Shagen

Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Kristie Partridge

Inventory Control Specialist

Michael Newcomer

Purchasing Agent

Michael Engen

Shipping, Receiving, & Purchasing Clerk

The Purchasing Team experienced a couple of changes in 2022. The first being the separation from the Finance department and now working under the Administration department. The second being the hiring of a Purchasing and Inventory Manager.

Jessica Shagen, Purchasing and Inventory Manager, is no stranger to the Pokagon Band. She began her career here as a staff accountant for Housing & Facilities in 2010. She’s spent valuable time in Finance and Compliance, as well.

The Purchasing Team received Cost Principles for Federal Grants Training in August, and Tribal Contracting & Purchasing Certification Training in September.

In 2023, the Purchasing Team is working on updating and improving processes, policies, and procedures, working towards automating the Purchasing process, and identifying control measures for inventory and the warehouse.

Purchasing by the Numbers

• 4 Staff

• 2,277 Purchase orders processed

• 8 RFPs completed

• 109 Credit cards reconciled

• 15,625 square feet of inventory managed

Gagdothêk

Our Communications Team

Amy Tribbett Director

Lisa Vetne Senior Graphic Designer

Jessica Hightower Communications Specialist

The Communications team was fully staffed for most of the year with the addition of the new Communications Director, Amy Tribbett. With the support of our media consultant, David Gutierrez, with Dresner Corporate Services, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians received 560 media placements throughout the year. The exceptional amount of public relations coverage supported the internal communications strategy the team was leading. In all, the Communications team worked on more than 600 projects in 2022.

Ėthë dgwëbigazwat & Yazhdéyakwpi'géwgëmëk

Our Enrollment & Elections Team

Theresa Barber

Election/Enrollment Supervisor

Lindsey Williams

Election/Enrollment Clerk

Ėthë nizhokmagék

Our Human Resources Team

Mary Eccles

Human Resources Director

Rachel Asakevich

Human Resources Manager

Erin Brousseau

Human Resources Generalist

Laura Desilets

Human Resources Generalist

Sheila Thornton

Human Resources Administrative Assistant

Highlights of 2022

• Compensation Study on 165 unique positions

• Revision of the Wage and Salary Grid

• Policy updates and Rollouts

• Employment Handbook

• Telework Policy

• Employee Appreciate Policy (with assistance from Compliance and Administration)

• Employee, Contractor, and Volunteer Screening Policy

• Compensation Administration Policy

326 INTERVIEWS

427 COVID-19 QUARANTINES AND CONTACT TRACING

77 NEW ONBOARDINGS AND 42 INTERNAL TRANSFERS

63 EMPLOYEES OFFBOARDED

59 LEAVE ADMINISTRATIONS PROCESSED

14 WORKERS COMPENSATION INJURIES PROCESSED AND CARED FOR

2022 PREFERENCE HIRING RATIO WAS 62.5%

119 POSITIONS FILLED

20 OPEN ENROLLMENT MEETINGS WITH EMPLOYEES AND 66 CHANGES PROCESSED

191 NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY CHECKS FOR CONTRACTORS AND HOUSING

Mnedoshkwedéwgëmëk

Our Information Technology Team 2022 was a challenging year for the IT Department, due to the supply chain shortage and the rapid expansion of government offices post-COVID to get us all back to operational capacity.

The IT Department acquired new leadership, and a complete re-organization of the staff occurred to re-align our efforts to secure and protect our data and infrastructure and build our core foundation. We have incorporated mid and higher-tier job positions to reduce our dependencies on 3rd party vendors. To strengthen our core foundation, we completed a migration of all our data from Office 365 commercial cloud to Office 365 Government cloud services to give us better control of our sovereignty and compliance requirements.

We have now built a foundation for our future to expand our services to address the agency’s needs.

How IT Supports the Government & Citizens

DATA CENTER AND OPERATIONS

DISASTER RECOVERY

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

SERVICE DESK

CYBERSECURITY

AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE

IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE AND APPLICAATION

Shonya ėthë ndëwabdëmwat

Our Compliance & Resource Development Team

Marchell Wesaw

Director of Compliance

Tribal Resource Development

Anne Dueweke

Resource Developer

Tribal Resource Development

Through the work of the Resource Development team, the Pokagon Band received 28 new funding awards or agreements for a total of $6,901,939 in 2022.

As part of on-going awards management in 2022, the Department of Compliance assisted the Pokagon Band in overseeing approximately $121,108,000 in Federal and other funding agreements. The 134 contracts, agreements, and distributions funded 205 programs or projects. These diverse activities include everything from increasing the capacity of the Pokagon Band’s victim services program to providing the nutrition food card and relief payments to tribal citizens.

GA NKËMGEZWAT

AMY TRIBBETT EDITING

LISA VETNE DESIGN

JENNIFER MARCUSSEN ARTWORK

JESSICA HIGHTOWER

PHOTOGRAPHY

THEY WORKED ON IT

POKÉGNEK BODÉWADMIK

A SOVEREIGN NATION

WHO PROMOTES OUR CULTURE

AND STRIVES TO

EMPOWER POKÉGNEK FAMILIES .