Four Winds Casinos, Pokagon Band helping organizations support Native Americans

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and Four Winds Casinos are supporting organizations that offer resources to Native Americans in their communities through a donation of $435,000.

Money was distributed amongst 12 organizations, all of which have their own missions and needs, including Beacon Children’s Hospital, Logan Community Resources, Inc. And Kwek Society, which offers period products to Indigenous students across the country.

“What we do is make sure that their schools are well-stocked with supplies and as a result, they stay in school and they're just able to be the awesome kids that they already are without having to worry about something that's a necessity,” said Kwek Society founder and Executive Director, Eva Marie Carney. “Having this support from the Pokagon Potawatomi nation is incredible.”

Another organization that was awarded funding is Saint Joseph High School, which will use the funds to change its mascot from the Indians to a new, yet-to-be-determined mascot.

“We have several things in our athletic facilities and our building that will be changed or added in terms of signage and displays so it'll also help us fund new uniforms for many of our athletic teams and also some additional gear and promotional items that'll help us share the new mascot with our community,” said Saint Joseph High School Principal John Kennedy.