Written by Leslie McLove | Photos by NHBP Tribal Member and Photographer Johnathon Moulds

“It takes someone very special to work for a Tribal Community,” said NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck during his opening remarks for the 2023 Service Awards, held on December 8 at the Pine Creek Community Center. “We hope this event and the recognition you all receive today shows our gratitude and appreciation for all of you.”

The Service Awards Ceremony annually recognizes Team Members celebrating 5-year service increments to the NHBP Tribal Government. Hosted by the NHBP Human Resources Department and CEO Barry Skutt Jr., the ceremony serves to thank them personally for their service.

During his opening remarks, Stuck shared a story highlighting the amazing work provided at NHBP Health Clinics. He spoke of how, during a recent visit to Minnesota for a health-related meeting, Bemidji Area Director Daniel Frye stood up in front of representatives from 34 other tribes and acknowledged NHBP. Frye shared words of appreciation as he personally thanked NHBP’s Grand Rapids Health Facility for their assistance in taking such great care of a Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Member who lives in the Grand Rapids area and needed some dental work.

“To see the impact that our team is making, not just within our local communities, but at the state, regional, national and even a global level, it’s just amazing how far we’ve come in such a short period of time.”

Jamie Stuck

“All of this would not be possible without people like you in this room. Please know you are appreciated and valued,” said Stuck.

Next, Stuck introduced the first five-year service award recipient, CEO Barry Skutt Jr.:
“It’s nice to have a CEO who has integrity and intelligence and at the same time the calmness to take things as they come. Barry is not afraid to stick up for the employees. And to see a CEO who sticks up for his executive staff and coworkers, which I know can sometimes be a challenging job, is amazing. He’s not afraid to offer his opinion and solutions to situations.”

In total, 31 Team Members came together to celebrate and be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

One 20-year service award was handed out to Events Coordinator Kathy Mackety, who started her career at NHBP working in the Environmental Department as an Indoor Air Quality Specialist. At that time, she was certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go into Tribal Members’ homes to test Radon Gas levels and record data about their homes. Mackety, along with Environmental Technician Robert Williams, Environmental Consultant John Rodwan and a handful of other NHBP employees, installed the very first Radon Mitigation System on The Reservation during her first year working for NHBP.

“This is not just a job to me. I have grown up here,” said Mackety. “These are my people, and this is my home. I have witnessed several milestones with the Tribal Council. I have witnessed several milestones with the land. I have witnessed several milestones in our Membership and several milestones as a government; I wouldn’t trade any of this for anything.”

“I am probably the most relocated employee that NHBP has. I have moved my offices more times than I can count, but my favorite spot was in the basement of the old administration building (now the Tribal Police Department), housed with Billy the Buffalo Head. (Laughing) I wonder where he is now?”

Mackety said the thing that keeps her working for NHBP is “The Members! Tribal Members are the reason we all have jobs here at NHBP. I love my job, and I love who I work for. I don’t just have one boss. I have 1678, to be exact. All of whom, are very precious to me and should be to anyone working for NHBP. This realization helps me remain humble and accountable.”

So many great memories have been accumulated by Mackety throughout her years of service, but her favorite is “When NHBP reaches a new milestone. I celebrate each of them! Each new building, each new housing development, each new milestone – small or huge; I celebrate them all! With that said, I have to say that one of my all-time favorite milestones, the one I was most excited about, was when they turned 1 ½ Mile Rd. into a PAVED road. PROGRESS!!!”

With 20 years of service under her belt, Mackety has had a front-row seat to the evolution of NHBP over the years.

“Seems like I have seen history being made at Pine Creek more times than I can count! This is a great problem to have!” said Mackety. “For instance, when I first moved to The Reservation, our home went from one of the most recent and up-to-date homes to the most ‘outdated’ home in less than five years. That was fast.”

There’s an intangible level of learned knowledge, which one acquires throughout their 20-year tenure, so we asked Mackety to share with us what advice she had for new employees who may have felt overwhelmed in their new position. Her top piece of advice is: “Show Up!”

Show up ready for anything. Show up ready to put your best foot forward. Show up ready to lend a hand and be part of the solution.

“I can honestly say that after 20 years, I still love my job, and I still love who I work for! How many people can honestly say that? I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

kathy mackety

Congratulations to the following 31 Team Members who were honored for their milestone work anniversaries with NHBP in 2023:

20 Years
Kathy Mackety

15 Years
Margaret Fairchild
Sarah VanOostendorp

10 Years
Carter Bright
Jolane Conklin
Francis Rugg
Sheila Spidle
Kimberly Shafer
Christopher Allen
Frederick Jacko
Rosalind Johnston
Sheena Kiogima
Jennifer Anewishki
Robyn Burlingham
Dena Juday

5 Years
David Beatty
Roland Bellman
Jason Chivis
Daniel Crouch
Taylor Fraser
Timothy Goergen
Kallie Howell
April Knickerbocker
Christa Lindsay
Sierra Pedley
Joseph Sisco
Barry Skutt Jr.
Erin Stark
Elizabeth Wilk
Heather Younkman
Denise Day

Click HERE to view the full photo gallery from the 2023 Employee Serivce Awards Ceremony.