Former Pokagon Band leader to leave Michigan civil rights post


Matthew Wesaw

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is losing its first Native American executive director.

Matt Wesaw, the former chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, joined the department in October 2013 and will leave after his two-year contract ends in October. The recent death of his mother contributed to his decision, The Lansing State Journal reported.

“It’s been a good run,” Wesaw, 62, told the paper. “I just feel a need to spend more time with my family.”

Wesaw, a former police officer, told the paper that he's proud of his work to protect the rights of disabled employees and on the Advocates & Leaders for Police & Community Trust program.

Get the Story:
Michigan civil rights leader stepping down (The Lansing State Journal 8/31)

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