Gun Lake Casino Donates To Walpole Island Tribal Nation

Members and patrons at Gun Lake Casino in Michigan have been generous in donating gifts. Thanks to their generosity and further donations from the business arm of the Gun Lake Tribe, the casino was able to ship a trailer packed with gifts to the Walpole Island Tribal Nation in Ontario, Canada.  

Overwhelming response

Gun Lake Casino gave over $95,000 in donated goods to this Tribal Nation in economic difficulties. Chief Executive Officer Sal Semola thanked guests and the tribal community for their overwhelming response. He said that the yearly fundraising campaign has great significance for the Gun Lake Tribe. It allows them to support fellow tribal nations facing economic challenges. 

Historically, tribal communities have faced challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Some are luckier than others in accessing economic opportunities, like running casinos.  

Donating essential items

In fundraising campaigns, like the “Stuff the Trailer” drive, the types of items individuals donate are mostly essential. These may include non-perishable food, household items, and protective clothing such as coats, boots, hats, and gloves. The only luxury items are the toys often included for children so they can celebrate the holiday season. The donations were collected at the Gun Lake Casino and the tribe’s government offices. 

The Walpole Island Nation

The area where the Walpole Island Nation lives is at the mouth of the St. Clair River on Lake St. Clair. This lies on the border between Michigan and Ontario. The Canadian government designated this area as unceded territory in the late 19th century.  

Since then, the Walpole Island Nation has faced economic difficulties. They found it increasingly difficult to access resources in their traditional territory. They were often treated as criminals on their own hunting grounds. Today, more than half of the population of about 1,700 lives in poverty.  

The Gun Lake Tribe

The Gun Lake Tribe’s relationship with Walpole Island Tribal Nation has been a lengthy one. It has donated for at least the past three years to its fellow tribal nation across the border in Canada.  

The Gun Lake Tribe has a successful casino and resort, which puts it in a position to help other tribal nations who are less fortunate. From humble beginnings, it now has a Tribal Government in Bradley, MI that serves as the nation’s Capital. The Tribal Council works towards improving the lives of citizens and is passionate about passing down traditions and beliefs to future generations. 

The Gun Lake Tribe has made many donations besides the ones to the Walpole Island Tribal Nation. For example, it donated more than $11,000, along with physical goods, to the American Indian Center in Chicago.  

Why donating is important

Those thinking about donating to worthy causes like this may be interested to know why you should donate. You can make a difference on your own, but in many cases, you have a greater impact when many people donate together towards a specific cause. Every donation adds up to impact the lives of those in need, such as the Walpole Island Nation. One of the benefits of donating is that it helps you to feel good about yourself when you give to those in need.