Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians host grand opening of Tribal Village

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians unveiled the Tribal Village Thursday, the tribe's brand new housing complex on the same grounds as the future Four Winds Casino South Bend.

The village includes two bedroom duplexes and two and three bedroom townhomes.

The complex will eventually include 44 housing units, a community center and facilities for health services and tribal government programs.

Tribal leaders and city leaders were on hand to celebrate the opening.

“This is the first tribal housing in the state of Indiana. What we’re looking at are four quads and two elder houses right now. The site can sustain about 44 homes," Tribal Chairman John P. Warren said.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg attended the celebration.

“Great for the city. You know, tribal citizens are South Bend residents," Mayor Buttigieg said.  “This empowers them to provide resources in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”

“It is a big deal because you need a place for community. A place for us to gather," tribal member Deborah Williams said. “Family is one of our core values. And to be with your family is one of our most important things.

Families will begin moving in next week.