The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana has announced the results of its recent Tribal Council election. On Saturday, August 9, newly elected and re-elected members were officially sworn in to their three-year terms.
Gary Morseau Sr. has been re-elected as Vice Chair. Two new members, Anita Morales and Erin Topash Burggraf, were elected as Members At Large.
Tribal Council Chairman Matthew Wesaw expressed his thanks to the outgoing Members At Large, Rhonda Keene and Mark Parrish, for their service. “Both want the best for our people and have worked hard serving as elected officials and as tribal citizens,” Wesaw said in a statement. He also extended congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected members, stating, “I look forward to working closely with our Tribal Council on the priorities of our Tribal Nation.”
The Pokagon Tribal Council is the sovereign government of the Pokagon Band. It consists of 11 members who are elected to staggered three-year terms by Pokagon citizens. The council is responsible for overseeing community development initiatives, including housing, education, and healthcare. Members also serve on the Pokagon Gaming Authority, which manages the tribe’s Four Winds Casinos.
Other members of the 11-member Tribal Council who are continuing their terms include:
- Matthew Wesaw, Chairman
- Alex Wesaw, Treasurer
- Sam Morseau, Secretary
- Andrew Bennett, Member At Large
- John Morseau, Member At Large
- Victor Warren, Member At Large
- John P. Warren, Elders Rep.
