After more than a year fighting for the civil rights of minorities in Michigan from his office in Lansing, Matthew Wesaw now has the opportunity to continue to champion their causes on an even larger platform.

The former leader of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians was recently appointed to serve on the United States Civil Rights Commission’s (USCCR) Michigan Advisory Committee, beginning a two-year term with the board effective as of Jan. 29. As one of the 13 other members of representing the state on the advisory board, Wesaw will volunteer to assist the national organization with fact-finding, investigation and information sharing.

“The committee will advise the civil rights commission on our views of discrimination occurring within the state,” Wesaw said. “I will be doing at national level what I’m responsible for doing right now at the state level.”

The Michigan committee is one of 51 different committees advising the USCCR, representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The USCCR itself is an independent, non-partisan agency made up of eight commissioners, who help oversee the nation’s civil rights policies and laws.

Wesaw has been protecting the rights of the people of Michigan as the director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. As head of the agency, Wesaw oversees their operations across three state offices, providing a variety of services to help improve the conditions of minority and underserved populations in Michigan.

“I was honored that someone suggested my name for the position,” Wesaw said, speaking of his new appointment. “I feel it’s a privilege to continue to serve, no matter if it’s the people in Michigan or throughout the country. It’s what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

A 25-year veteran of the Michigan State Police, Wesaw was a longtime leader within the ranks of the Pokagon Band, serving for years as a member of tribal council. In 2009, Wesaw was elected as chairman, overseeing the development of two Four Wind Casinos, including one near the tribe’s headquarters in Dowagiac.

“For me, there was no greater privilege than working with your own people,” Wesaw said.