Native American Heritage Fund to Hand Out Checks

The Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF) is handing out checks on Friday to the cities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, to offset the costs of removing objectionable art on city property. 

Kalamazoo has already removed the sculpture in Bronson Park.  Six other recipients, including the city of Battle Creek, will share nearly a half million dollars.   A press release from the NAHF says the grants are a "unique, one-of-a-kind initiative that assists Michigan’s K-12 schools,  colleges, universities, and local units of government with the costs of projects that promote positive relationships and accurate information about the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans in the state."  The 2018 grants approved include:

1. City of Battle Creek – $3,377.50 to assist with removal and replacement of a stained glass window medallion in City Hall.
2. City of Kalamazoo – $76,765 to assist with the removal of the Fountain of Pioneers and site improvements at Bronson Park.
3. Belding Area Schools – $334,690.60 to support the replacement of equipment, apparel and signage following the revision of the school’s mascot from Redskins to Black Knights.
4. Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba – $2,013 for The Living Circle of Life project.
5. Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie – $10,000 for an education initiative to increase local tribal imagery on campus and implement cultural events.
   Michigan Technological University in Houghton – $30,488 for a partnership project with
6. Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College to co-create curricula.
7. Suttons Bay Public Schools – $12,500 to the Friendship Community Center/LIFT Teen Center to expand hours and create new programming for the only local after school program for sixth through 12th grade youth, with 70 percent demographic consisting of Native American students.

The  NAHF 2018 Check Distribution will be held Friday, Sept. 14, at FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan.  The NAHF invites businesses, community organizations and community members to attend the first-ever check distribution to witness this historic and exciting experience.

The City of Battle Creek does not have a time scheduled yet for removal of the window.  Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing will be at Firekeeper's on Friday to accept the grant check on behalf of the city.