Naganijek
Tribal Council
The current NHBP Tribal Council consists of Chairperson Homer A. Mandoka, Vice Chairperson Ariel Boonstra, Secretary Jessica Blain, Treasurer Robert Larson, and Sergeant-at-Arms Dorie Rios.
In addition to their responsibilities related to the Tribal government, NHBP’s Tribal Council also provides oversight to FireKeepers Casino Hotel and Waséyabek Development Company, LLC.
Embodying the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Tribal Council oversees the implementation of the Tribe’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan to ensure the continued growth and economic security for the next Seven Generations.
For donation request inquiries, please complete the following form and send to:
Bianca Beerman, NHBP Tribal Council/FDA Coordinator
1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way, Fulton, MI 49052
Fax: 269-704-8582, Email: bianca.beerman@nhbp-nsn.gov
Homer A. Mandoka
Chairperson
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
Vice Chairperson
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.
Robert Larson
Treasurer
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.
Jessica Blain
Secretary
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.
Dorie Rios
Sergeant-at-Arms
Dorie Rios was elected to the NHBP Tribal Council in 2010. She serves as Sergeant-at-Arms and chairs both the Planning and Land Use Committee and the Cemetery and Parks Committee. In addition, Rios was appointed to the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes. Rios currently resides in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She has worked for the NHBP government for over 27 years. In 2014, she was named one of the “Native Americans 40 Under 40” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Board of Directors.