Pokagon Band welcomes new council members

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Newly-elected leaders of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, clockwise from upper left: Victor Warren, John Morseau, Alex Wesaw and Andrew Bennett. Photos courtesy Pokagon Band

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Indianz.Com

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians held a swearing-in ceremony for four newly elected members of its tribal council.

The inauguration took place on Saturday. Joining the council are Andrew Bennett, John M. Morseau, Victor Warren and Dr. Alex Wesaw.

“On behalf of our current tribal council and more than 6,000 Pokagon citizens, I would like to personally welcome our newly elected members,” Chairwoman Rebecca Richards said in a news release on Tuesday. “We have a mix of returning members, as well as a first-time member, all of which will contribute to a very productive Council.”

“I look forward to working closely with everyone to achieve our goals, and I would also like to sincerely thank our outgoing members at large, Brandon Rapp and Steve Winchester, for their service to our tribal council and our nation,” said Richards.

Bennett, Morseau and Warren are serving on the council as at-large members. Bennett and Morseau have previously served on the tribe’s executive governing body while Warren is a newcomer.

Wesaw is also a returning member. He was elected as Treasurer of the council, the tribe said.

The council consists of 11 seats. Elections are staggered, with members serving three-year terms.

The Pokagon Band is headquartered in Dowagiac, Michigan, with a satellite office located in South Bend, Indiana. The tribe’s homelands cover four counties in southwestern Michigan and six in northern Indiana.