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Homer A. Mandoka is serving his eighth term on the NHBP Tribal Council, where he has held a seat continuously since 2002. Mandoka serves as Chairperson and leads both the Elders and the Tribal Emergency Preparedness Committees. In addition, he represents NHBP as a delegate to the United Tribes of Michigan. He served as a representative on the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board and he orchestrated the formation of the Native American Heritage Fund with then-Governor Rick Synder. After graduating from Union City High School, Mandoka earned an associate degree from Kellogg Community College, graduating with honors. Before his election to the Tribal Council, Mandoka was a police officer for the city of Bronson, Michigan, where he currently resides with his wife, Kathy. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Ariel Boonstra was sworn into the NHBP Tribal Council in Spring 2024, beginning her four-year term. Boonstra graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Agricultural Science from Utah State University. Raised in West Michigan, Boonstra graduated from Grand Haven High School in 2013. In addition to fulfilling her duties as Vice Chairperson, Boonstra chairs both the Education and Enrollment Committees and serves on the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board and the Native American Heritage Fund Board of Directors.

Jessica Blain was elected to the NHBP Tribal Council in November 2025 and serves as Secretary. She brings more than three decades of business management experience to the role, having guided and worked with companies through startups, expansions, global training initiatives, and acquisitions. Blain chairs the Culture, Housing, and Journey to Wellness Committees.

Robert Larson began his four-year term on the NHBP Tribal Council in November 2025 and serves as Treasurer. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley State University, with additional studies in biology and geospatial technologies. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Western Michigan University, which he is expected to complete in fall 2026. Larson’s professional background includes work with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and teaching environmental management at GVSU. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran and former firefighter, he also serves on GVSU’s Native American Advisory Council. In addition to fulfilling his duties as Treasurer, Larson chairs both the Indigenous Rights and Tribal Environmental Advisory Committees. He also serves on the Native American Heritage Fund Board of Directors and as Ex-Officio of Waséyabek and the Ogitchedaw Society.