The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi is pleased to welcome Chris Rogers as the newly-appointed Chair of the NHBP Gaming Commission. As a longtime leader in the community, Rogers’ new role comes as no surprise following the retirement of former Chair Shirley English in late 2020.
As Commission Chair, Rogers is charged with promoting tribal economic development and self-sufficiency, maintaining the integrity of Indian gaming, and ensuring that NHBP is the primary beneficiary of its gaming activities. In carrying out these responsibilities in a manner that promotes and preserves the Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) values and traditions, the Commission strives to be guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings – Debnawen (Love), Wdetanmowen (Respect), Wédaséwen (Bravery), Débwéwen (Truth), Gwékwadsewen (Honesty), Èdbésendowen (Humility) and Bwakawen (Wisdom).
Prior to his appointment as Chair, Rogers served as an NHBP Gaming Commissioner for more than five years. He currently sits as a board member for Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, as vice chair, and is a member of NHBP’s Housing Committee and Planning and Land Use Committee. In addition to his commitments to the tribe, Rogers also owns and operates a successful real estate company based out of Battle Creek, Michigan, and serves on the board for the Substance Abuse Council, as well as the Young Child Association. True to his benevolent nature, he is also an eight-gallon blood donor for the American Cross.
“On behalf of Tribal Council, we are proud to announce Chris Rogers as Chair of the Gaming Commission,” Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck said. “I’m confident that his experience as a Gaming Commissioner for the past several years, as well as his relations with FireKeepers Casino Hotel, and dedication to several NHBP committees, will continue to be a valuable asset for the tribe.”
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About The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
NHBP, a federally recognized Tribal government with more than 1,500 enrolled Tribal Members, gained federal recognition December 19, 1995. The Tribe’s main offices are located at the Pine Creek Indian Reservation near Athens, Michigan, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. NHBP provides benefits, programs and services to Tribal Members through various Tribal government departments, as well as a Tribal Police Department, Tribal Court and Gaming Commission.
NHBP’s economic development entities include FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH), a Vegas-style casino, and Waséyabek Development Company, LLC (WDC), which focuses on the pursuit of non-gaming, economic diversification opportunities.
Under the Tribal-State Gaming Compact, NHBP distributes a percentage of its annual slot machine revenue from FKCH to both the State of Michigan and to the Local Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB). The Native American Heritage Fund, established in 2016, serves to provide resources to improve curricula and educational resources related to Michigan Indian history, as well as to fund initiatives that promote mutual respect and cooperation between local communities and Michigan’s federally recognized Tribes.
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