Longtime President of Detroit Indian Agency, Arthur Brant, Passes Away

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

DETROIT – Arthur W. Brant, a Mohawk Indian, who served for over 20 years as president of the North American Indian Association of Detroit, died at the age of 57 this past Monday after complications after triple bypass heart surgery.

A memorial service will be held in Detroit today at 1 pm edt, at the
North American Indian Association of Detroit
22720 Plymouth
Detroit, Michigan 48239.

Arthur Brant - Mohawk

At the time of his death, Brant served as vice president of the Michigan Indian Education Council.

“Art was a valued member of the Michigan Indian Education Council serving as its vice-president and serving as the master of ceremonies at the annual Critical Issues Conference. He worked tirelessly for the rights of Native people throughout the Great Lakes region and across the continent. His dedication to the preservation of our cultures and rights will have a lasting impact throughout all of our tribal nations and communities,”

commented Frank Ettawageshik, a board member of the Michigan Indian Education Council and executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan.

Brant also participated in the Longest Walk II, which began in San Francisco and ended in Washington in 2008 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Longest Walk in 1978 and to bring attention to Indigenous Sacred Sites.

“Art was well known American Indian leader in our area. Whenever we asked for something, he would do it. We asked him to frequently to provide security for our events and he accepted the role,”

commented Martha Hinojosa, prevention consultant at the American Indian Health and Family Services in Detroit.

Brant is survived by his wife of 37 years, Francis and two daughters, Casey and Sarah.

posted June 16, 2012 9:59 am edt