Six community projects in the state have been awarded grants totaling almost $480,000 by the board of the Native American Heritage Fund.
Before the winners were announced at the board’s June 17 meeting, a total of 11 applicants were evaluated. The awarded grant funds will provide support to schools and programs that aim to make positive changes in accordance with Native American history and culture.
State gaming revenue supports the fund.
Winners to receive awards in August
The public ceremony for award presentation is scheduled to take place at FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek on Aug. 19, starting at noon.
The following individuals/organizations have been awarded the NAHF grants for the year 2022:
- The Chippewa Hills School District was awarded a sum of $52,371.20 to facilitate the replacement of their existing mascot, the “Warriors,” with a fresh brand identity known as the “Golden Knights.”
- Hartford Public Schools has been awarded a grant of $132,249.25 to support the implementation of a new, impactful curriculum and facilitate the transition of the school mascot from the “Indians” to the “Huskies.”
- A sum of $87,500 has been allocated to the Lansing School District for the purpose of rebranding, specifically to introduce a new mascot.
- The College Completion Corps program will continue to receive funding of $55,000 from Michigan’s College Access Network. This funding will enable the program to place three completion coaches at three tribal colleges for the upcoming school year. The colleges included in this program are Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, and Bay Mills Community College. These completion coaches will be responsible for supporting and guiding students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or students of color, with the aim of helping them succeed and persevere in college.
- A sum of $12,295 has been allocated to the Native American Affairs Council at Western Michigan to organize an event titled “A Conversation with Dallas Goldtooth.” The esteemed guest, hailing from the Mdewakanton Dakota and Dine tribes, will engage in discussions alongside Native News Online.
- Saranac Community Schools received a grant of $139,318.90 to facilitate their transition to the new mascot, the “Red Hawks”.
Nixing racist mascot imagery a priority
Although grant funding provides support for various projects, schools focusing on altering racist mascot imagery were given priority. This prioritization stems from the recognition that implementing such changes can become financially burdensome due to the costs associated with altering uniforms, logos, buildings, and other related aspects.
In a statement, NAHF Chairperson Jamie Stuck emphasized that by allocating funds towards the removal of racist mascot imagery, we can ensure a greater availability of financial resources in the future to support proactive programs and curriculum development.
In recent years, positive changes have finally manifested in the professional level of sports, with teams like the NFL’s Washington Commanders and MLB’s Cleveland Guardians leading the way. These changes have been a long time coming.
The NAHF members strongly advocate for schools to involve local Tribes, as well as students and the community, in the decision-making process for new mascots.
Native American Heritage Fund established in 2016
The Native American Heritage Fund came into existence in 2016 as a result of a second amendment made to the Tribal-State Gaming Compact between Michigan and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), which is a federally recognized tribal government.
The amendment enables the NAHF to receive an annual deposit from state gaming revenue. It commenced with an initial deposit of $500,000 for the fiscal period of 2016.
To maintain a balance of $500K, a deposit will be made at the end of each fiscal year. For instance, if the fund’s expenses in a fiscal period amount to $200,000, the subsequent period’s deposit will be $300,000.
The purpose of the funds is to support the enhancement of relationships among schools, local governments, and federally recognized Native American Tribes in the state. The allocated funds are designated for educational resources, programs, and initiatives that foster a comprehensive understanding of Michigan Indian history. This includes efforts such as replacing offensive mascots.
The allocation of funds is decided by the board members of NAHF. The board is composed of two members chosen by the governor, two members chosen by the NHBP Tribal Council, and the director of Michigan’s Civil Rights department, or a representative selected by the director.
The board members for this year consist of Stuck, who is the NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson. Dorie Rios holds the position of vice chairperson as the NHBP Tribal Council Vice Chairperson. Elizabeth Kinnart, a Citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, serves as the secretary. Melissa Kiesewetter, the Tribal Liaison/Native American Specialist for the Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights, fulfills the role of treasurer. Lastly, Kimberly Vargo, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, is a board member.
