Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

06/26/2026

To bring our Recap feature full circle, we wanted to share some photos of our glorious Grand Entries ✨

NHBP is thankful to everyone who was in attendance, from Tribal Members to relatives traveling from afar, and everyone who showed their support of this Tribal Nation and Indigenous Peoples.

Kche Migwetth! We look forward to seeing you next year ✨

06/26/2026

The Maternal Child Health Team is planning some fun in the sun this July at Lamar Park Splash Pad! ☀️ 🌊

Don’t forget to bring your swimwear! Sunscreen, snacks, and refreshments will be provided. 🛟🧴

Open to NHBP Tribal families and families of other federally recognized Tribes with children ages 0–8. Transportation from the Pine Creek area is available upon request.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Riley Palmer at [email protected] or 269.223.0005.

06/25/2026

On our fourth day of Pow Wow recap, we wanted to share photos from the many held throughout weekend. This public event attracts attendees from all walks of life, and it is so rewarding to see everyone embracing Bodéwadmi culture respectfully.

06/25/2026

🌕✨ Join us for a Full Moon Ceremony with Mae Pego and Angie Francisco!

Open to NHBP Tribal Members and their household members, NHBP direct descendants, NHBP employees, and members of other federally recognized Tribes.

We hope you can make it!

06/25/2026

🦷 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭. Regular dental visits can catch small problems before they become painful or expensive to treat. NHBP Dental Services are here to support you and your family.

06/24/2026

FREE Kickball Workshop for Athens Youth!

NHBP, in partnership with the DEA Educational Foundation, is excited to offer a FREE kickball workshop for Athens youth in Grades 3–7!

Spots are limited, so be sure to register by June 26 using the links below.

⚽ NHBP Tribal Youth Registration:
https://deaef.wufoo.com/forms/sn9wrxb18vryks/

⚽ Athens Non-Tribal Youth Registration:
https://deaef.wufoo.com/forms/wahn3sm0mnt4ib/

Don't miss this fun opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and enjoy some friendly competition!

Athens Area Schools

06/24/2026

For Day 3 of the NHBP recap, we are highlighting our amazing Kwék {women} dancers. Sisters, mothers, aunties, and grandmothers alike brought healing through the Jingle Dress Special, dazzled in their Fancy Shawls, and embodied strength in Traditional styles.

To each and every Kwék Dancer, Kche Migwetth for your participation!

06/24/2026

For the past decade, Deidra Mitchell has helped shape the future of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi through her visionary leadership of Waséyabek.

Her dedication, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment have transformed Waséyabek into a nationally recognized economic development organization, creating opportunities that will benefit our Tribal Nation for generations to come.

We are incredibly grateful for Deidra's years of service, leadership, and lasting impact. As she prepares for her well-earned retirement at the end of 2026, we celebrate her remarkable legacy and wish her nothing but the very best in this next chapter. 💙

Migwéch, Deidra, for all you have done for our Tribe and our people.

As Deidra Mitchell prepares to close an extraordinary chapter at Waséyabek at the end of 2026, it’s hard to overstate the impact of her leadership over the past decade.

When Deidra stepped into the role in 2016, Waséyabek was an emerging vision. Today, it represents a thriving, diversified portfolio with full or majority ownership of more than 30 legal entities, employing over 900 people across the U.S. Along the way, she helped build a dynamic investment platform that spans industries – from advanced manufacturing and defense to healthcare, real estate, business advisory services, and beyond.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Deidra built more than a portfolio – she built an incredibly strong foundation. She established the systems, culture, and strategic discipline that turned Waséyabek into a respected, forward-looking economic development engine that is recognized throughout Indian Country. Her leadership has played a critical role in strengthening long-term economic sustainability and advancing the sovereignty of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

Over the years, Deidra has also become a respected voice in the region and beyond – earning recognition from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as a Woman of Influence and as one of West Michigan’s most impactful business leaders.

As she looks ahead to a well-earned period of rest and time with family, her legacy is firmly established – not just in the growth of Waséyabek, but in the opportunities it will continue to create for generations.

Thank you to Crain's Grand Rapids Business and Mark Sanchez for highlighting this important milestone and capturing the story behind such a remarkable run.

Deidra, your leadership has set the standard – and your impact will be felt for years to come.

Full story: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/banking-finance/cgr-waseyabek-ceo-deidra-mitchell-leaving-20260624/

06/24/2026

** PRESS RELEASE **

Multi-Agency Human Trafficking Operation Conducted in Branch County

BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN — On June 23, 2026, the Branch County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Coldwater Police Department, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police, and the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, conducted a human trafficking and s*x trafficking operation.

During the operation, law enforcement officers contacted several potential trafficking victims. With the assistance of S.A.F.E. Place and the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (BCCADSV), victim-centered services and support were offered and provided to the individuals contacted during the operation. Investigators also contacted several individuals seeking to purchase commercial s*xual services, and appropriate law enforcement action was taken.

Any person charged or cited because of the operation is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. No further operational details are being released currently due to the ongoing nature of related investigations and until a charging decisions are made by the Branch County Prosecutor's Office.

This operation focused on both identifying and assisting potential victims while also addressing the demand side of commercial s*xual exploitation. Human trafficking investigations require cooperation between law enforcement, victim service providers, local businesses, and community members. The partnership between several law enforcement agencies, S.A.F.E. Place, Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (BCCADSV), and area hotels is a strong example of the community-wide effort needed to combat human trafficking and s*x trafficking in Branch County and the surrounding region.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2024 there were 32,309 trafficking-related signals received nationwide, resulting in 11,999 identified potential cases involving 21,865 potential victims. In Michigan, the Hotline reported 764 signals, 340 identified potential cases, and 585 potential victims in 2024. These numbers reflect reported information only; human trafficking remains widely underreported.

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities. Warning signs may include a person appearing fearful or controlled, being unable to speak freely, lacking control over identification or money, being transported between locations by another person, or showing signs of coercion, abuse, or exploitation.

If you or anyone you know is or is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, resources are available. Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 911. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you are encouraged to contact the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians Victim Services Department at (269) 704-8396 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “help” to 233733 (“BEFREE”).

You can also report suspected human trafficking to your local police department or Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888. Additionally, most of these resources can be accessed via email or a website. You can remain anonymous.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police’s “Stand Against Trafficking” program, initiated in 2024 and in concert with a sizable Department of Justice grant award, has worked collaboratively with multiple area law enforcement agencies during multiple operations to address this pervasive issue, and this operation is just one more example. We extend our thanks and appreciation to all participating agencies, victim service providers, hotel partners, and community members who allowed us to collaborate with them to assist in identifying victims, supporting survivors, and holding offenders accountable.

Thank you,

Alexis Nickles
Human Trafficking Investigator
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police
2221 1 ½ Mile Road
Fulton MI 49052
269-729-5222

Portions of this operation were made possible through a 2025 Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) grant, award number 15JCOPS-25-GG-00656-INDI, issued to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

06/24/2026

Traditional Healing Services with Steve Pego will be offered in July!

Traditional Healers provide traditional healing services for requests such as but not limited to:
• Neshnabé names, colors, Clans
• Doctoring for illness
• Natural medicines for treatment of illness
• Dreams and spiritual guidance

There are no out-of-pocket fees for Traditional Services; however, offering a full pipe bowl of natural Séma {To***co} to the Traditional Healer is the normal protocol.

Open to NHBP Tribal Members and their household members, NHBP direct descendants, NHBP employees, and members of other federally recognized Tribes.

For questions or to schedule, contact Traditional Helper, Andre Mandoka, at 269.704.8410 or [email protected].