Waséyabek

06/02/2026

This May, we welcomed five summer interns to the Waséyabek team. We'll spotlight each one over the course of the next several weeks! First up is Gabriel Ohngren, Legal Intern from Wayne State University Law School.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸?

Supporting Waséyabek in their mission to foster sustainable economic growth and diversification for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

Coming to law school from my own Tribe (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), I knew that I wanted to do something to support other Tribal Nations and Tribal sovereignty. Waséyabek offered the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to both of those goals at the forefront of a quickly growing area of law as Tribes increasingly focus on non-gaming economic development. I am also looking forward to exploring the intersection between Federal Indian Law and the many other areas of law that Waséyabek engages with.

05/22/2026

“What would I want to know as a Tribal Member about what Waséyabek is doing, and what’s next?” - Jessi Goldner, Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Waséyabek.

Heading out for Memorial Day? We've got the perfect travel companion for you – the latest episode of the Tribal Economic Development podcast. Jessi Goldner joins Deidra Mitchell and Erika Weiss to discuss the critical nature of establishing a deep connection between the Tribe and its non-gaming economic development arm, including how nurturing such a connection leads to portfolio growth and widespread acclaim for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and Waséyabek’s efforts across Indian Country.

👉Access the full episode now: https://waseyabek.com/tribal-economic-development-episode-11-connections-collaborations-strategic-engagement-jessi-goldner/

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Waséyabek President and CEO Deidra Mitchell on being named a 2026 Woman of Influence by Crain's Grand Rapids Business!

For more than a decade, Deidra’s leadership and continued dedication to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi has enabled Waséyabek to realize its vision of building a thriving economic engine owned by NHBP, respected by the world, and trusted to empower every generation. Deidra’s work has created jobs and supported the long-term growth of communities – all while positively impacting the Tribe, the West Michigan business community, and wider Indian Country.

Thank you to the Crain’s Grand Rapids Business team for a wonderful event and congratulations to all the incredible women who were honored this year.

05/13/2026

🎙️ 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗲́𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗸

What does it take to build meaningful connections across Tribal communities, business partners, and the broader economic landscape?

In Episode 11 of Tribal Economic Development, hosts Deidra Mitchell and Erika Weiss are joined by Jessi Goldner, Waséyabek's Vice President of Strategic Engagement, to explore how intentional outreach, cultural integration, and relationship-building are driving long-term success.

The conversation highlights how strategic engagement can strengthen trust, create workforce pathways, and position Tribally owned organizations as leaders in Indian Country.

💡 Key themes:
+ Building sustainable relationships across Tribal and non-Tribal communities
+ Developing future leaders through education and engagement
+ Creating long-term value through transparency, communication, and collaboration

🎧 Listen/watch now: https://waseyabek.com/tribal-economic-development-episode-11-connections-collaborations-strategic-engagement-jessi-goldner/

Jessi Goldner, Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Waséyabek, joins hosts Deidra Mitchell and Erika Weiss to for a conversation on the many benefits leveraging strategic engagement initiatives brings to Waséyabek and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

05/06/2026

Safari Circuits’ acquisition of LaCroix’s Grand Rapids manufacturing plant in late 2025 is already delivering meaningful results – for Safari, for the community, and for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.

From new contracts to job creation, the impact has been immediate. The deal has also earned notable recognition, including:

🏆 Deal of the Year (Manufacturing) from Crain's Grand Rapids Business M&A Deals and Dealmakers Awards
🏆 Deal of the Year Under $10MM from ACG Western Michigan’s Outstanding Growth Awards

On Wednesday, May 20, ACG Western Michigan will host a signature program offering a closer look at how this deal came together. The session will highlight how Waséyabek and Safari Circuits – working closely with Dickinson Wright and Waséyabek family company DWH – brought the acquisition to life, including lessons from navigating due diligence and integration under a tight timeline.

Join Ben Borisch and Phil Smith for insights into the process behind this award-winning transaction.

👉 Register here: https://acgwmich.org/event-6586264

04/15/2026

Waséyabek Federal Group is currently seeking talented professionals for a range of roles, including HVAC Design Engineer, Senior Piping Designer, Senior Process Engineer, and more.

Join a mission‑driven organization offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to support the long‑term legacy and sustainability of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi – all within a welcoming, growth‑focused workplace where your skills and values truly matter.

👉 Apply today: https://waseyabek.com/applynow

03/31/2026

As we wrap up an impactful week at , we’re energized by the conversations, connections, and collective commitment to advancing Tribal economic sovereignty. RES continues to be a premier national opportunity for Tribal leaders, enterprise executives, policymakers, and strategic partners to advance diversification and the long-term sustainability for Tribes. This year was especially meaningful for Waséyabek:

✓ Insightful dialogue on improving stakeholder engagement
✓ Strengthened inter-Tribal relationships, including collaboration among Potawatomi leaders
✓ Productive meetings exploring partnership and growth opportunities
✓ Engaging panel on "Improving Stakeholder Communications" featuring Jessi Goldner, Waséyabek VP of Strategic Engagement, Sara Moore, Waséyabek Board Vice-Chair, and Bryan Small, Founder and CEO of Small Consulting Group

We’re grateful to everyone who connected with our team and contributed to forward-looking conversations about governance, economic resilience, and community impact.

The momentum continues. 𝙈𝙞𝙜𝙬𝙚́𝙘𝙝!

NCAIED - National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development

03/26/2026

‼️ REMINDER: Applications for the Leadership, Exploration, and Development Program are open through 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯𝟭 to Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Members, parents/spouses of NHBP Tribal Members, and members of other federally recognized Tribes. Take a deep dive into Waséyabek and our operations as you learn, connect, and build your skills.

🔗 Apply now at https://waseyabek.com/lead

🌟 Apply Now: 2026 Waséyabek LEAD Program! 🌟

Waséyabek is excited to invite Tribal Members to apply for the 2026 Leadership, Exploration, and Development (LEAD) Program!

LEAD provides a deep dive into Waséyabek and its operations, giving participants hands-on exposure to portfolio company businesses and opportunities to learn from experienced industry professionals.

Participants will gain:
✨ Exposure to different job types and required education
✨ Understanding of leadership roles across boards, departments, and companies
✨ Site visits to operating companies
✨ Insights into business and investment operations
✨ Professional development including LinkedIn tips, resumes, interviews, headshots, and networking opportunities

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?

- Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Members
- Parents/spouses of NHBP Tribal Members
- Members of other federally recognized Tribes

Whether you are exploring career options, building skills, or deepening your understanding of Waséyabek, LEAD is your chance to learn, connect, and grow!

📅 Apply by: March 31, 2026
🔗 Learn more/apply: https://waseyabek.com/lead

03/25/2026

We’re proud to spotlight BLDI, a Waséyabek family company delivering high‑quality, cost‑effective environmental services across the Midwest. For more than three decades, BLDI's team of engineers, geologists, and scientists has helped clients navigate everything from environmental due diligence to remediation, forensic engineering, v***r intrusion, wetlands work, and more.

BLDI’s practical, relationship‑driven approach – and their commitment to the values of our Tribal ownership – continues to make a meaningful impact for the communities and partners they serve.

Learn more and check out the latest from BLDI at https://bldi.com/.

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

03/24/2026

Last week, Waséyabek President and CEO Deidra Mitchell shared high-level insights on the accelerating momentum of economic development across Indian Country alongside Casey Lozar (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis), Julio Martinez (Mno-Bmadsen), and Brian D. Decorah (Gun Lake Casino Resort) during the Tribal Business Boom Power Breakfast.

A big thank you to Crain's Grand Rapids Business and Joe Boomgaard for spotlighting the work we are performing to advance long‑term sovereignty, resilience, and economic strength for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.