Bozho! (“Greetings” in Potawatomi)
My name is Alex Wesaw and I was recently hired by the Ohio History Connection to serve as their Director of American Indian Relations.
I am a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, a federally recognized tribal government in Michigan and Indiana. I grew up in Fairfield County in a village named Bremen. Currently, I live in Clintonville in Columbus, Ohio.
Prior to joining the Ohio History Connection, I served on my tribe’s governing body (Tribal Council) and our Gaming Authority (the governing board of our four gaming facilities) since 2017. I was re-elected to another term earlier this year. I am very proud of the work I get to do supporting my community and I will continue to serve on Council in addition to serving as the Director of American Indian Relations. I am in the process of writing my dissertation to earn a PhD from Ohio State University in City & Regional Planning. Additionally, I bring a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s in communication from Ohio University with me to the organization.
During my time as a graduate student at Ohio State University, I am very proud to have worked with the three student governments, the University Senate, the Provost and the President to see that the University recognizes and celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day annually and on the academic calendar. It is so important that the University and everyone connected to it do not forget Native people are still here, and recognize all of their contributions to our country.
I am excited to work with everyone at the Ohio History Connection to implement their American Indian Policy. Approved by the Board of Trustees in 2019, this policy recognizes 15,000+ years of Native people in the land we now call Ohio. The cultural and political contributions made by both the ancestors of and the present-day American Indian Tribes should be honored and celebrated. Ohio History Connection seeks to honor that legacy by upholding a policy that guides how the organization engages federally recognized Tribal Nations that hold shared interests, histories and ancestral ties to Ohio.
Additionally, being a Forever Buckeye, I am particularly excited to have found an opportunity to bring my knowledge and skillset to the Ohio History Connection and the people of Ohio while being able to stay here at home.
