Benefits of Native American Casinos

Matthew Wesaw, Chairman of

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi

"We will assume the role of building a tribal government that will assist in breaking the cycle of dependency through improved programs in healthcare, education, housing, economic development, and increased stipends.  A tribal citizen, who has good self esteem, good health, an education, and a job, is a tribal citizen who has pride in being self sufficient and taking care of their family.  This can be a very difficult task and without strict oversight, we can easily find ourselves overspending if we move to fast." 

Native American casinos create programs like elders meals, transportation for home bound elders, burial for those that can't afford to have a proper burial, vocational training, educational programs, language education, police protection, fire protection, emergency services........ 

Matthew Wesaw Pokagon Chairman

National Congress of American Indians
December 7, 2009.

TO: Secretary Clinton

Our Chairman is one of a few that represents the entire Native American population in his position at the National Congress of American Indians. A position he has stated that he is honored to have. The committee met with President Obama along with many great Nations recently and gave Secretary Clinton the recommendations for change, they are as follows:

1. Refocus on substantive goals while respecting tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility.
2. Develop accountability and tracking provisions.
3. Focus on solutions, bring positive discussions to tribal nations.
4. Inter agency cooperation.
5. Create opportunities for both formal consultation on developed proposals and early informal scoping on tribal issues.

Click this for Matthew Wesaw interview link 

Matthew Wesaw State police link

United Tribes of Michigan link

Michigan Civil Rights link

(Click on the title of this story for for the entire report)