Laura Spurr
Laura Wesley Spurr | |
|---|---|
| Tribal Chairwoman, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Laura Alonzo Wesley August 10, 1945 FireKeepers Casino, homes, a health center and a community center on the Pine Creek Indian Reservation ; forty years in nursing. |
| Awards | Honored as one of two "Tribal Leaders of the Year" for 2009, by the Native American Finance Officers Association |
Laura Spurr (August 10, 1945 – February 19, 2010) was the American
Biography
Personal life and career
Spurr was born Laura Alonzo Wesley in Battle Creek, Michigan, on August 10, 1945, but was raised in Athens, Michigan.[2] She attended Athens High School before earning a bachelor's degree in nursing on a scholarship to the University of Michigan in 1971.[2][3] She married her husband, Stephen Spurr, on March 13, 1971.[2]
Spurr began her nursing career at the
She received a master's degree in nursing administration and education from DePaul University,[2] later working as supervisor and administrator.[2]
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi
Spurr joined the Nottawaseppi Tribal Council in 1999.[2] She became chairman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi from 2000 until 2001, before becoming the tribe's treasurer from 2001 until 2003.[2] Spurr once again became the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's chairwoman in 2003, a position she held until February 2010.[2]
Spurr worked for more than a decade to place the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's land in a federal
A resident of
On February 10, 2009,[1] the Native American Finance Officers Association honored her as one of its two "Tribal Leaders of the Year" for her efforts to develop the FireKeepers Casino.[1] The award honors two Native Americans who positively influence their communities through "perseverance, creativity and outstanding public service."[1]
In late February 2010, Spurr travelled to
Her husband was
Spurr was buried at a family burial plot in East Alstead, New Hampshire, following her funeral, which included a pipe ceremony.[4]
References
- ^ Mlive.com. 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
- ^ Detroit News. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
- ^ a b c d Stevens, Lynn (2008-12-04). "Laura Spurr leads a Battle Creek tribe toward the long-awaited opening of its casino" (PDF). Western Michigan Business Review. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
- ^ a b c d Christenson, Trace (2010-02-28). "Laura Funeral is a celebration of Laura Spurr's life". Battle Creek Enquirer. Retrieved 2010-03-13.[permanent dead link]