.entry-date::after {content: ” by Val Niehaus”;} April 15, 2017 – Full Issue As everyone likely knows, renovation of an old building takes a lot of time, effort, funds and patience. It is not an easy task for any individual or group to begin and actually complete, but the Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) did just that. They now have an outstanding building to show for their efforts. This beautiful accomplishment is located on the Wgema Campus in the historical Concordia Neighborhood on Milwaukee’s Near West Side. The Wgetthta (meaning “Warrior”) Building was originally built in 1900, 117 years ago, and at that time it served as a setting for students and staff to pursue their studies during the Concordia College years. This renovated building will now house the FCP Executive Council, Foundation, Gaming Commission, Tribal Court, and Legal department. In addition, it has three different conference/gathering rooms that can be used for a multitude of purposes. The estimated cost of this renovation was $11.5 million and after seeing the finished product, it would appear it was worth every penny. On Thursday, March 23, an event was held to dedicate this new addition to tribal facilities and to open it for use. The event started with a tribal blessing of the building led by Phil Shopodock, FCP tribal elder. After giving this blessing, Shopodock explained to the attendees the purpose and meaning of the blessing. Tom Devine, CEO of Potawatomi Business Development Corporation (PBDC), spoke about the historical significance of this building, along with detailing FCP’s help towards renovating this building as well as other structures on the Wgema Campus. He says, “The ultimate goal of the tribe is to redevelop Concordia trust property to meet the needs of the Indian community in the Milwaukee area and the Milwaukee community as a whole. The tribe envisions a revitalized, mixed-use campus of community services, education and economic development.” Next to take the podium was City of Milwaukee Common Council 4th District Alderman Bob Bauman. Bauman has actually lived just a few blocks away from this area for 20+ years and said, “This area was pretty dormant before the tribe took this area into trust. We talked about many possible potentials of what this campus could be. After some negotiations with the tribe, they have succeeded at every expectation that both the city and I have had for redevelopment of this area, and for the project as a whole. I thank you for the commitment you made to this city and the investments. We hope to continue this relationship far into the future.” Devine then introduced City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett has been a huge supporter of FCP throughout his entire career. He was on board early with the support of the new hotel, data center and bio-digester. Barrett recognizes the extent of FCP’s impact on Milwaukee’s business and environmental landscape. He says, “One thing I have always admired most about the Potawatomi is their love for the land, the love for the environment and the respect they show for both. They understand the spiritual relationship between people and the earth and, to me, that is something that is very, very important. What I have seen happen here over the last decade is a continuation of that. It is clear that the Potawatomi are in this for the long haul, and, as a mayor, I cannot tell you how appreciated that is. This investment has made you stronger, the city richer, and is something we all appreciate.” The last speaker for the occasion was FCP Chairman Harold “Gus” Frank. Devine spoke of Frank as a visionary for this area and described how his brain is always looking forward to what can next be accomplished in this city. He cited him as a great example of someone who sets out to get things done. Frank started with a sincere acknowledgment of gratitude to everyone who showed up for this opening. He spoke about a bit of the process that led up to this decision by him and the council as to what was the best course for the tribe to pursue. He later spoke of the character he initially saw within this building – especially the stained-glass windows in the gathering room – and how it was envisioned that it could be revitalized into something great again. He expressed how pleased he now was to be able to see the project completed and to be able to see those visions made reality. He finished his presentation saying, “On behalf of the FCP people and executive council, I say Chi Migwetch!” FCP has turned this area of Milwaukee around for the city, the people, and the tribe. They have taken something that had incredible history and decided not to allow abandonment and another pile of rubble. Instead, FCP made it into a showplace that will serve many uses over the coming years. They have turned many of the buildings on this campus into masterpieces that will be cherished, preserved and utilized for decades to come.