Pokagon Potawatomi Indians Host National Indian Child Welfare Association Fundraiser

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN – The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is proud to announce a community fundraiser for the National Indian Child Welfare Association to be held on Saturday, April 28.

Terry Cross - Seneca

The National Indian Child Welfare Association is a private, non-profit organization focused specifically on improving the lives of American Indian children and families by helping tribal communities implement services that are culturally competent, community-based, and focused on the strengths and assets of families.

The event is open to the public and will take place in the Pokagon Community Center located on 27043 Potawatomi Trail in Dowagiac, Michigan starting at 4:00 pm.

A traditional Potawatomi dinner, silent art auction, and special presentations will be featured during the event. The art auction will consist of items all donated by Pokagon artists including a black ash basket by Jennie Brown, a contemporary clay bowl by Kathy Fondess, a clay pot by Jason Wesaw, a quilt by Julie Farver and more.

Special presentations will be made by National Indian Child Welfare Association Executive Director Terri Cross, Seneca; Pokagon Band Department of Social Services Director Mark Pompey; and Pokagon Band Council woman Marie Manley.

The goals of the event are to raise at least $2,000 for National Indian Child Welfare Association, and just as importantly, to educate Pokagon citizens on the extreme need for American Indian foster families.

It is the hope of event organizers to inspire more Pokagon families to become foster families to the many Pokagon children that are in need of safe and loving homes.

For more information please contact Michaelina Magnuson Martin at michaelina.magnuson@pokagonband@nsn.gov or Alex Wesaw at alex.wesaw@pokagonband-nsn.gov.

posted April 25, 2012 8:40 am edt