Nottawaseppi Huron Band mourns passing of Secretary Christine Lanning

Thursday, March 29, 2018  

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi is mourning the passing of Christine Lanning, who was the secretary of the tribal council.

Lanning served as treasurer from 2013 up until her appointment as secretary last August. She chaired the council's cultural committee and the elders committee, and also served as the chair of the tribe's annual powwow.

"Christine genuinely cared about people. Her deep affection and appreciation was evident in her genuine smile and her famous hugs," the tribe said in a statement on Thursday.

Lanning passed away on Wednesday, the tribe said. No cause of death was reported but the tribe said she died "unexpectedly."

Family members have a sacred fire burning for Lanning at the powwow grounds on the reservation in Michigan, a relative said on Thursday. Services and funeral arrangements are pending.

"Christine had a special passion for her work to prevent domestic violence and to support and care for its survivors. She was a member of the board of directors for S.A.F.E Place women’s shelter, for which she was a tireless fundraiser and frequent volunteer," the tribe said. "During Christine’s tenure on tribal council, she supported the implementation of NHBP’s Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction and Domestic Violence Code. Her efforts enabled survivors to find safety and live their lives free of abuse."

Christine Lanning, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi