State of Indiana and Pokagon Band sign government accord

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM

The State of Indiana and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, a sovereign, federally-recognized Indian tribe, announced Monday the signing of a government accord between the parties which provides a framework for further fostering a strong, reliable, and respectful government-to-government relationship.

“This accord provides a framework to work collaboratively for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I’ve sincerely enjoyed learning about Pokagon history and culture as well as getting to know and work with Chairman Wesaw,” said Governor Holcomb.

Matthew Wesaw, Pokagon Band Tribal Council Chairman, added, “As the first federally recognized Tribe in the State of Indiana, the Pokagon Band has been very pleased with the positive working relationship we’ve enjoyed with Governor Holcomb and his administration over several years. This Accord signifies another historic milestone in our partnership, and I would personally like to thank him for his willingness to complete this process before the end of his second term. His contributions and accomplishments for all of the citizens of the great State of Indiana are part of a lasting legacy he can be proud of.”

About The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s sovereignty was reaffirmed under legislation signed into law by President Clinton in September of 1994. The Pokagon Band is dedicated to providing community development initiatives such as housing, education, family services, medical care and cultural preservation for its more than 6,000 citizens. The Pokagon Band’s ten-county service area includes four counties in Southwestern Michigan and six in Northern Indiana. Its main administrative offices are in Dowagiac, Mich., with a satellite office in South Bend, Ind. In 2007, it opened Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend in January 2018. The Pokagon Band operates a variety of non-gaming businesses through its investment enterprises, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority. More information is available at www.pokagonband-nsn.gov, www.fourwindscasino.com and www.mno-bmadsen.com.