Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians donates to South Bend nonprofits

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians donated $1.5 million to South Bend nonprofits as part of a voluntary agreement between the tribe and the city.

The Pokagon Band said the donation is to support the area they have called home for centuries as well as other people who live there.

“This is not just an investment in the city, it's an investment in the community where we live, work, and play and anything that we can do to help improve the quality of life of people across the board that's part of our culture and tradition,” said Matthew Wesaw, the Chairman of Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Agencies who will receive a portion of the money include the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County, The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Beacon Children's Hospital and the South Bend Community School Corporation.

The Band also contributed seven hundred thousand dollars to resurface and enhance the Prairie Avenue landscape last year.