The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has announced it is walking away from a $30 million federal contract following backlash over its involvement in ICE's plans for immigrant detention centers. The decision came after criticism arose on social media, labeling the contract as contrary to the tribe’s values given its historical context of displacement and detention.
Tribal Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick referred to the reservations as a historical precedent akin to detention centers in his video announcement and indicated the tribe’s understanding of their ancestors' trials through colonization. He expressed relief that the Nation had successfully exited all affiliations with ICE after discussions about the contract raised concerns within the tribal community.
The contract was initially awarded for about $19 million for the design of detention facilities, with a modification that raised the cap to just under $30 million. Allegations have been raised regarding the opportunity for the tribe to secure such contracts without competitive bidding requirements. Questions persist about the oversight of the Tribal Council regarding this contract and its alignment with the tribe’s ethics.
The tribe's actions reflect a broader sentiment within Indigenous communities regarding the intersection of business interests and cultural values. In light of the contract's scrutiny, tribe officials are set to convene to address how economic decisions can better align with their values in the future.
Past records reveal that the firm behind the contract was previously connected to enhancing federal facilities significantly. However, details on how this specific contract was refined continue to raise questions among both community members and local stakeholders.
As the situation develops, tribal leaders remain committed to revising their approach to business dealings, ensuring they reflect both the community's needs and values moving forward.
