The Michigan Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF) was created as part of the Second Amendment, approved in 2016, to the 1988 Tribal-State Gaming Compact between the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) and the State of Michigan. The NAHF is a public body politic established by an Interlocal Agreement pursuant to the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967 and in accordance with the Compact. Up to $500,000 per year from NHBP’s state revenue sharing payments go into the new Fund, which is dedicated to promoting understanding, history and good relationships with the State’s Native Americans. The funds will be distributed in the form of grants to schools, colleges and universities, and local governments to assist with initiatives to improve curricula and resources related to Native American issues, and mascot or imagery revisions, ideally in collaboration with Michigan’s Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Native American Heritage Fund

Board of Directors

The NAHF is governed by a five-member Board of Directors: two members appointed by the NHBP Tribal Council; two members appointed by the governor of Michigan; and the Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or their designee. Calhoun County’s administration currently provides financial and communication support services to the NAHF Board of Directors through an intergovernmental agreement. Meetings of the NAHF Board of Directors are open to the public.

PositionNameAppointed ByRepresenting
NAHF ChairpersonAriel BoonstraNottawaseppi Huron Band of the PotawatomiNottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
NAHF Vice ChairpersonMelissa IsaacMichigan GovernorState of Michigan
NAHF SecretaryJadi MallettMichigan GovernorMichigan Department of Civil Rights
NAHF TreasurerRobert LarsonNottawaseppi Huron Band of the PotawatomiNottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
NAHF Board MemberVacant
NAHF Board Schedule