The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) community bids a heartfelt farewell to a powerful voice, tireless advocate, and compassionate leader, Tribal Council Secretary Nancy Smit. Nancy has chosen to retire following the completion of her current term, making space for Tribal growth and new leadership. A woman of strength and spirit, Counselor Smit’s journey is best defined by service, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her people. Over the years, she has been a cornerstone of NHBP governance, culture and advocacy, leaving behind a legacy that will guide generations to come.
Nancy’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to service and healing. She holds:
- A Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies from Bemidji State University.
- A Master of Arts in Christian Ministries with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling from Briercrest Biblical Seminary.
- A Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University.
These degrees were not simply milestones for Counselor Smit; they were tools she used to uplift, empower and advocate for the NHBP community.
Following the tragic loss of then-Secretary Christine Lanning, Nancy answered the call to serve, selflessly accepting an appointment to the Tribal Council on August 16, 2018. Her ability to lead with compassion and integrity was recognized again in 2019 when she was officially elected to office, and once more in 2021, when Tribal Members reelected her, placing their trust in her vision and voice.
During her tenure, Nancy served with distinction, not only as Tribal Council Secretary but also as Chair of both the Culture Committee and the Elder Committee. Her leadership ensured that NHBP’s traditions were not only preserved, but actively practiced, protected, and passed on.
From her work with FireKeepers Casino Hotel, where she most recently served as Team Member Relations Supervisor, to her involvement on various NHBP committees over the last 15 years, Counselor Smit has made a lasting mark. Her efforts were especially crucial during times of national economic insecurity, as she advocated for the delivery of essential services and resources to Tribal Members. She fought tirelessly for tribal sovereignty, justice, and the conservation of Michigan Tribes’ aboriginal territories, always ensuring that the voices of NHBP were heard and respected on every platform.
Nancy’s leadership has always reflected a deep understanding of cultural responsibility. She embodied the wisdom of the Seven Generations before her, making every decision with future generations in mind. Her resolve to carry forward the values, language, and stories of NHBP stands as one of her most cherished contributions.
Even during personal struggles, which she shared openly and bravely with the community, Counselor Smit remained steadfast, committed to doing the hard work, standing for tradition, and ensuring indigenous visibility in every act, every meeting, and every policy.
As Counselor Smit steps away from her official duties, the NHBP Tribal Council formally recognizes her extraordinary service and dedication to her Tribal Nation. At the last Tribal Council meeting on April 17, 2025, the Tribal Council passed a resolution to commemorate Nancy’s many years of service to NHBP and FireKeeper’s Casino Hotel. Nancy’s legacy is not measured by titles held or terms served—it is reflected in the people she helped, the traditions she honored, and the community she loved. Her voice will continue to echo through the lives of the people she’s impacted and the cultural foundations she helped to strengthen.
To view the photo gallery from the Tribal Council meeting honoring Nancy’s retirement, please follow the link: https://nhbp.passgallery.com/-nancysmitresolution/gallery
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