FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2024
CONTACT: James Nye
269.598.4248
james@nyeadvisors.com
(Wayland, Mich.) – Today, the Gun Lake Tribe and Gun Lake Casino announced significant
donations to underserved tribal communities in West Michigan, and a Canadian First Nation.
The Wasauksing First Nation in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada received a monetary donation
from the Tribe and Casino in the amount of $15,000. In addition, West Michigan urban Native
Americans received 6,700 items valued at $73,000.
A donation drive was held throughout the month of November at the Casino and Tribe’s
Government Campus. Donated items sent to urban Native Americans include coats, boots,
hats, gloves, toys, non-perishable food, household items, and personal hygiene products.
“During the holiday season we are reminded of those who are less fortunate, and it warms our
hearts to organize donation drives for those in need,” said Sal Semola, Chief Executive Officer of
Gun Lake Casino. “We thank casino guests, casino team members, tribal citizens, and our
friends and neighbors here in West Michigan for giving so much to make the holidays better for
underprivileged Native Americans in Michigan and Canada.”
Each year, during the holidays, the Tribe and Casino holds a donation drive designated to help
less fortunate Native communities. Last year donations were sent to Walpole Island First
Nation in Ontario, Canada, valued at over $95,000. Those donations included coats, boots,
hats, gloves, clothing, toys, non-perishable food, and household items.
“This event has become a big success thanks to the teamwork amongst many wonderful gaming
and government staff members, our Tribal Council, our tribal Citizens, and the local
community,” said Virginia Sprague-Vanderband, Council Member. “Our Citizens see our
relatives in need and show how much we value them through our generosity. The Gun Lake
Tribe will continue to lay down sema and pray for the health and well-being of all our relatives.”
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About Gun Lake Casino
Gun Lake Casino is a premier gaming and entertainment destination, is located off Exit 61 on U.S. 131,
halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Gun Lake Casino is nearing its $300-million expansion,
which features a 252-room luxury hotel, a full-service spa, meeting space, and additional dining options
that are set to open in March 2025. The Wawyé Oasis, a stunning 32,000-square-foot glass atrium with a
year-round tropical climate, will feature a state-of-the-art entertainment center with multiple pools.
This space will also serve as a vibrant nightclub, live concert venue, and versatile banquet facility. The
venue is scheduled to open in May 2025.
Currently, the casino offers a variety of thrilling gaming options, including 2,300 state-of-the-art slot
machines, over 50 table games, a live poker room, a modern sportsbook, and keno. Gun Lake Casino is
comprised of high-quality dining amenities, including Shkodé Chophouse with a contemporary take on
American cuisine, CBK (Craft·Bar·Kitchen) inspired by the brewery culture in Michigan, 131 Sportsbar &
Lounge with over 6,500 square feet of meeting space, and over 1,000 square feet of viewing surface for
panoramic views of live events, and Harvest Buffet featuring fresh ingredients, cooked to order.
Gun Lake Casino is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi. Gun Lake Casino is
committed to giving back by seeking opportunities to improve the quality of life in the community it
serves. We believe it is a privilege and responsibility to help build and maintain a positive and healthy
community. For more information, visit https://gunlakecasino.com.
About Gun Lake Tribe
The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe) has a rich history in West
Michigan and a close connection to the land. The Bradley Indian Mission, located near Wayland, is the
historic residential and cultural center point of the tribal community. The Tribe’s ancestors, and political
predecessors, signed treaties with the United States government dating back to 1795. The Tribe was reaffirmed to federal recognition in 1999. For more information about the Tribe visit https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/
