Kowabdanawa odë kė (They watch over this land)
Kowabdanawa odë kė's mission is to conserve, protect, and promote the wise use of natural resources through planning, environmental stewardship, and agricultural initiatives which support stronger, healthier, and more sustainable lands that provide diverse opportunities for tribal citizens.
Recycle your household hazardous waste items at Kowabdanawa odë kė!
Did you know we're accepting household hazardous waste items year-round? Bring your items to Kowabdanawa odë kė to dispose of them with respect to Mother Earth. Click here for a list of items accepted and those we do not accept.
Kowabdanawa odë kė encompasses Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Agriculture.
- Environmental Quality
- Natural Resources & Conservation
- Agriculture
Environmental Quality will develop and implement regulatory programs based on the Pokagon Band Constitution and Section 2.04 of the Health, Environmental Protection, and Building Codes Act. Much of the regulations and rules are addressed by NREPA and are based on federal environmental statutes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administering.
Natural Resources & Conservation will conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of tribal citizens.
Agriculture will strive to promote access to healthy foods, food sustainability, and food sovereignty for tribal citizens through enhancing tribal properties for native wild foods and through creating accessible gardens and collaborations with producers. Additionally, collaborations and education will provide tribal citizens with opportunities to learn to grow, preserve, and store food, so that living in or near food deserts does not prevent healthy living.
Do you have ideas you want to share with us about natural resources, environmental quality, agriculture, or hunting, fishing, and gathering? We want to hear your comments, concerns, and suggestions. Share them with us by following the link below!
Kowabdanawa odë kė Suggestion Form
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
Provide Your Comments Regarding the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
The Band was awarded a grant under the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program to create an implementation-ready, realistic, and achievable Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). This plan will lay out specific strategies to reduce air pollution while building climate resilience within the Tribal community. As a result of this project, the Band will improve its understanding of current and future greenhouse gas emissions, prioritize actions for reducing emissions and work towards more resilience within the community.
Kowadanawa odë kė is seeking citizen input in building and informing the development of the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. If you would like to share your thoughts on renewable energy, pollution reduction and/or climate adaptation, please stop in the office, submit a suggestion below, or reach out via email (PBKK@PokagonBand-nsn.gov).
Kowabdanawa odë kė Team
Jennifer Kanine, Director
Vic Bogosian, Natural Resources Manager
Mindy Morseau, Administrative Assistant
Grant Poole, Water Quality Specialist
Justin Palthe, Environmental Specialist
Kyle Mundy, Climate Resilience Specialist
David Ferris, Invasive Species Specialist
Dale Keene, Natural Resources Technician
Richard Roach, Natural Resources Technician
Anthony Nelson, Natural Resources Research Technician
Victoria Toney, Agricultural Specialist
Kowabdanawa odë kė
Contact Information
32142 Edwards St.
Dowagiac, MI 49047
269.782.9602
800.517.0777
Email: PokagonDNR@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.