News
 POTAWATOMI BINGO CASINO’S MIRACLE ON CANAL STREET RAISES NEARLY $1 MILLION
30 MILWAUKEE AREA CHILDREN’S CHARITIES BENEFIT; CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE PROGRAM’S 1994 INCEPTION SURPASS $10 MILLION

MILWAUKEE (Dec.10, 2010) – Thirty children’s charities from southeastern Wisconsin are splitting $997,426 tonight, after Potawatomi Bingo Casino announced the money raised during their Miracle on Canal Street program. Each charity received $33,247. Additionally, the program surpassed $10 million raised since its inception in 1994.

Money for the program is raised though special Miracle bingo games and a few special events. The funds have been accumulating throughout the year and the 2010 total was revealed during an event tonight in the Casino’s Nest of Life Bingo Hall.

“It is truly inspiring that our guests have raised more than $10 million since the beginning of the Miracle on Canal Street program,” said Melanie Martin, Bingo Director at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. “I’m honored to be a part of the process, and I know we are all passionate about improving the quality of life for area children each year.”

The 2010 Miracle on Canal Street charities that received a $33,247 donation Friday night include:
  • Adaptive Community Approach Program Inc. – Waukesha County
  • Advocates of Ozaukee – Ozaukee County
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County, Inc. – Ozaukee County
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee presented by The Milwaukee Business Journal – Milwaukee County
  • Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin presented by Clear Channel Outdoor – Milwaukee County
  • Danceworks, Inc. – Milwaukee County
  • Discovery World – Milwaukee County
  • Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast presented by Time Warner Cable – Milwaukee County
  • Helping Hands, Healing Hooves – Ozaukee County
  • Hope House presented by Lamar Outdoor – Milwaukee County
  • Hope Network, Inc. – Waukesha County
  • Journey House presented by WITI FOX 6 – Milwaukee County
  • Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc. – Milwaukee County
  • LifeStriders, Inc. – Waukesha County
  • Milwaukee Christian Center – Milwaukee County
  • Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra – Milwaukee County
  • Neighborhood House of Milwaukee presented by presented by CBS 58 – Milwaukee County
  • Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, Inc. – Milwaukee County
  • Penfield Children’s Center presented by Milwaukee Radio Group – Milwaukee County
  • Sojourner Family Peace Center – Milwaukee County
  • Spotted Eagle, Inc. – Milwaukee County
  • St. Vincent de Paul Society – Milwaukee County
  • Starting Point of Ozaukee – Ozaukee County
  • The Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of Washington County – Washington County
  • United Community Center presented by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Milwaukee County
  • Unity in Motion, Inc. – Milwaukee County
  • Urban Ecology Center presented by WISN TV 12 – Milwaukee County
  • Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center presented by Clear Channel Radio – Milwaukee County
  • Wild Space Dance Company – Milwaukee County
  • Wisconsin Art Education Association – Milwaukee County
The organizations will use Miracle on Canal Street funds to improve the lives of children in our community by addressing multiple needs - from basic needs to specialized therapy, from educational programs to extracurricular activities. Miracle funding will help support Hope Network’s Portable Crib Program, providing low-income mothers and their babies with a new portable crib and a baby layette. Both Helping Hands, Healing Hooves and LifeStriders, Inc. will use Miracle dollars to provide physical and psychological therapy to children through equine-assisted activities. Children’s Hospital will apply funding toward building its Playroom of Hope for the siblings of hospitalized patients. These are just a few examples of the miracles that will be made possible because of this large gift.

“We feel so fortunate to have participated in Miracle on Canal Street this year,” said Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director of Milwaukee’s United Community Center of Milwaukee. “The funding we receive through Miracle will go a long way in benefitting the many youth we serve in the Milwaukee community.”

Penfield Children’s Center was selected by the Milwaukee Radio Group – one of the program’s 10 media partners – as its signature charity.

“It’s been a thrill to participate in this year’s program, and unreal to find out tonight how generous Potawatomi Bingo Casino and its guests have been in contributing to Miracle on Canal Street,” said Christine Holmes, president of Milwaukee’s Penfield Children’s Center. “It’s so important because this money benefits the community’s most vulnerable – our youth.”

The Casino increased the number of charities to receive help this year from 20 to 30 to help respond to the increasing demand for services by local non-profit organizations.

“Everyone has felt the pinch of a changing economy, particularly agencies dependant on contributions,” Martin said. “We wanted to help as many as we could and still provide a sizable donation.”

Potawatomi Bingo Casino continues to make a significant positive economic impact on both the state and local communities through tribal revenue sharing and support of local charities and community organizations. “Caring for the Community” is one of five key areas of focus that serve as the foundation for the Casino’s social responsibility efforts entitled Building on a Tradition of Responsibility.

More than 200 charities applied for a chance to be selected for the 2010 Miracle on Canal Street program. Twenty of this year’s charities were chosen through a random drawing held in August. The other 10 were selected by the Casino as signature charities and were sponsored by media partners. Children’s charities throughout southeastern Wisconsin can apply for the 2011 program in late spring. Details will be posted on the website at paysbig.com/miracle.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino is one of two casinos owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. It is located at 1721 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wis. The casino is a showcase for high stakes bingo, offering some of the nation's highest daily payouts. A popular attraction for local guests, tourists and tour groups, the casino features blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette table games, video and reel slot machines, and a variety of live entertainment. Potawatomi Bingo Casino is committed to raising awareness of the risks of problem gambling, maintaining a level of first-class customer service, while investing in its most valuable asset - more than 2,400 multicultural employees. Through the Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation and Miracle on Canal Street, the casino supports numerous local charities and community organizations. Driving directions and more information about Potawatomi Bingo Casino can be obtained by calling toll-free, 1-800-PAYS-BIG or by visiting the website at www.paysbig.com.

Bill Seeks Eliminating Alaska Native Corp. Advantage in SBA Program
By Michelle Tirado
11/17/2010

Business, Federal Agencies • Tagged: Alaska Natives, SBA 8(a) U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), who chairs the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, is expected to introduce legislation this week that would get rid of the advantage Alaska Native corporations have in getting federal contracts, as reported by the Associated Press on Nov. 16.

The bill would take from these corporations contracts with no monetary caps under the SBA 8(a) Program, created to help small disadvantaged firms compete for federal contracts, though it would not bar them from participating in the program.

It would require Native corporations to qualify under the same rules as other program participants; and they would also have to meet size requirements. And while they would still be able to receive no-bid contracts with $5.5 million caps for goods and $3.5 million for services, larger contracts would require them to compete.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino Recognized for Its Responsible Gaming Efforts

June 9, 2010

MILWAUKEE (June 9, 2010) – Potawatomi Bingo Casino will be given the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) at its annual conference in Portland, Ore., on Friday, June 11.

The mission of the NCPG is to increase public awareness of problem gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education.

Awards are given annually to individuals and organizations in a number of categories to recognize their work in addressing the issue of problem gambling.

“Advocating responsible gambling is our Casino’s number one social priority,” said Mike Goodrich, General Manager of Potawatomi Bingo Casino. “We’re extremely proud to be honored for our efforts, but we will not rest on our laurels. Gambling should always be looked at as recreational. When it becomes a problem for our guests, we need to help connect them to the resources they can turn to for help.”

For several years, Potawatomi Bingo Casino has placed an increased emphasis on addressing the issue of problem gambling. A few of these efforts have included:
  • Contributing $140,000 to the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling since 2008
  • Providing a member to the board of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling
  • Spearheading an effort to enhance responsible gaming at all casinos around the state
  • Implementing a comprehensive communications program to Potawatomi Bingo Casino guests and team members, media and the Milwaukee community
Previous winners of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award include Churchill Downs, the annual site of the Kentucky Derby; and Foxwoods Resort Casino, one of the largest Native American-owned casino resorts in the country, located in Mashantucket, Conn.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino is one of two casinos owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. It is located at 1721 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wis. The casino is a showcase for high stakes bingo, offering some of the nation's highest daily payouts. A popular attraction for local guests, tourists and tour groups, the casino features blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette table games, video and reel slot machines, and a variety of live entertainment. Potawatomi Bingo Casino is committed to raising awareness of the risks of problem gambling, maintaining a level of first-class customer service, while investing in its most valuable asset – its 2,500 multicultural employees. Through the Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation and Miracle on Canal Street, the casino supports numerous local charities and community organizations. Driving directions and more information about Potawatomi Bingo Casino can be obtained by calling toll-free, 1-800-PAYS-BIG or by visiting the website at www.paysbig.com.

PACT Act a hidden power grab for states

Friday, March 12, 2010

The US Constitution has what is known as the Indian Commerce Clause. It basically states that Congress has the power to regulate commerce with Indian Tribes. Unfortunately, Congress just outsourced that power to the states.

On Thursday night, the US Senate passed what is known as the PACT Act, without even taking a vote. It was by unanimous consent. All Indian Country needed was one US Senator to object, but no one stepped up.

The PACT Act does several things. Mainly it prevents the post office from shipping Internet tobacco products, which for some tribes is big business. However, it does something else that isn’t so clear. It gives the states the power to enforce what is known as the Jenkins Act, a federal law, against tribal economic interests.

Giving the any state the power to enforce a federal law against a tribe is wrong and sends chills up my spine. To be blunt the states have proven over and over again that they can’t be trusted. Their greed always kicks in at some point and they use the law to rationalize it.

But the PACT Act is particularly tricky. There is a portion of the PACT Act that is intended to make tribes feel better. It clarifies that the new law doesn’t impact Tribal sovereignty. Well that is nice of them until you realize what game the states have been playing the last 20 years.

States rarely attack Tribes directly on economic issues because they largely can’t make us do anything. What they do is attempt to get their way indirectly by controlling those who deal with Tribes. “Don’t sell that to the tribe without state tax or we will take your license and throw you in jail” is surprisingly effective on non-Indians.

Interestingly, the US Supreme Court gave them idea in 1990’s when it made the helpful suggestion to states that they move the “legal incidence” of tax upstream economically to those who sell to tribes. This system was further endorsed in 2005, when the court ruled that the downstream economic effects of state tax laws on tribes don’t matter. The states have been using this playbook to isolate tribes economically ever since.

But the Tribes’ are not stupid! In the tobacco industry, the Tribes have been selling directly to each other in what is the modern day emergence of Tribe-to-Tribe commerce. When one tribe sell to another tribe, they are much more likely to ignore the state laws and their threats.

States hate the emergence of Tribe-to-Tribe commerce because it forces them to confront tribes who are acting under tribal law on tribal land. Enter the PACT Act. The Pact Act protects tribes, it says so right in the law. But it doesn’t protect those who sell to Tribes. In fact, it requires all sales to Tribes to be reported to the state and if it isn’t reported then the state can sue you in federal court for a felony violation of the Jenkins Act.

United States Census 2010 - Be Counted

It’s Easy…It’s Important…and It’s Safe

Did you know that Milwaukee is home to almost 13,000 American Indian and Alaskan Native People?

Did you know that this is the largest concentration of Indians in the state of Wisconsin and represents over 13 percent of the State’s Indian population?

Did you know that federally funded Urban and Reservation Indian programs for housing, education, workforce development, and healthcare are based on population data collected on the Census?

Did you know that it’s important that Indian people identify themselves as American Indian only and correctly identify their tribe of enrollment on the Census Form?

Census Day is April 1, 2010

Ten Questions…Ten Minutes…Ten Years

Native Pride – It’s Our Time to Say We Are Indian and We Are Proud!

For More Information Visit: www.indiancountrycounts.org

United States Census 2010 - The Importance of the Census for Indian People

The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.

The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more.

Urban and Off-Reservation Indians are an important part of the population of Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 13,000 American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians reside in the Milwaukee Metro Area. Federal funding decisions for Indian Health Services, Indian and Native American Employment and Training Programs, and Indian Education support Programs in Public Schools are all based on Census counts of the number of individuals in our community. It is important that each Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian be counted. It is also important that each person identify their tribe of enrollment and identify as Indian only. Individuals that indentify as more than one race are grouped into multi-racial categories by the Federal government and have a negative impact on funding decisions for Indian programs.

With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Questions about how we live as a nation ⎯ our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more ⎯ are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. Absolutely no personal or household information collected on the Census can be given out to any person, not even the President of the United States. Therefore, it’s important that everyone be counted where they are currently living without the fear of consequences or punishment.

For more information on why the Census is important for Indian People, visit the National Congress of American Indians 2010 Census Web site at www.indiancountrycounts.org. For questions or Census assistance, please contact Darren Kroenke at (414) 342-0700 or by e-mail at kroenke@spottedeagle.us.