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Nix is newest Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe

Jeremy Nix, 2018 selection as Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe, says a few words after receiving the honor on Thursday morning, June 21, at the 50th annual Chief's Breakfast at the Historic Forks of the Wabash.
Jeremy Nix, 2018 selection as Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe, says a few words after receiving the honor on Thursday morning, June 21, at the 50th annual Chief's Breakfast at the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Photo by Scott Trauner.

The Wednesday before Heritage Days holds the most closely guarded secret in Huntington. But on Thursday, June 21, the secret was revealed, as Jeremy Nix was announced the 50th Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe.

Nix was already on the program for the breakfast held at the Historic Forks of the Wabash, serving as the event’s master of ceremonies. His opening remarks humorously ribbed some of the 49 previous chiefs, a yearly traditional custom. Little did he know his closing remarks would include his own appreciation for the accolade, presented to a member of the community in recognition of his or her accomplishments in promoting Huntington as a desirable place to live, work and prosper.

Moments before the big announcement, 2016 Chief Mike Perkins, on behalf of last year’s win-ner, Homer Hiner, described Nix’s accomplishments as attributes befitting a chief. One of the first things he noted was that Nix and his family had returned back to his native Huntington in 2003 to live and work, as an attorney.

“You are someone for which the terms, ‘community involvement’ and ‘community accomplishment’ are interchangeable. You are both an enthusiastic volunteer and energetic leader,” Perkins read. “Your professional career has been marked by notable hon-ors and no small measure of recognition. But most of us know you from a direction you have provided while filling important civic, leadership roles.”

Nix went to Northwest Elementary School, Crestview Middle School and graduated from Huntington North High School in 1996 in the top 25 of his class. He was a biology major at Indiana University and studied law at Loyola University, graduating in 2003, cum laude, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Nix’s community involvement covers a long list, having served with many charitable and social service organizations. Among them are Parkview Huntington YMCA, Parkview Huntington Hospital Foundation, Huntington County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Huntington County, Boys and Girls Club of Huntington County, Optimist Club, The Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana and SS. Peter and Paul Parish.

In addition, Nix has been selected as a Rising Star by the rating service Super Lawyers for 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“Those who have had the pleasure of working with you know you ap-proach every challenge with a rare combination of energy, humility and good cheer,” Perkins said. “You are among those who best represent the next generation of leaders in Huntington County.”

Hiding out of sight until the announcement, Nix’s wife, Mindy, his parents and members of the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office, where he works part-time, were in attendance for the presentation of the award.

Nix had to alter his closing remarks to an acceptance speech, saying, “This part wasn’t scripted,” as the audience gave him a standing ovation.

“It really has been a blessing for me and for our family to come back to Huntington. The re-ception we’ve received has just been unbeliev-able,” Nix said. “Thank you all. I appreciate all the generosity you’ve shown toward me.”

In observance of the 50th year of the Chiefs of the Flint Springs Tribe, 1982 Chief David Brewer, the most senior chief in attendance at the breakfast, announced a new endowment called the Chiefs Legacy Fund.

The fund, which will mainly come from the fellow chiefs to be administered through the Huntington County Community Foundation, will provide a gift each year for a charitable purpose, Brewer said. The first year’s recipient will be announced at the 2019 Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe Breakfast.

Perkins said as chief, Nix’s duties include receiving the accolades and praise from his fellow citizens in Huntington County and forming together the group of chiefs for any reason that concerns the common good of the city.

Nix’s first official act as a newly-installed chief was to formally open the 2018 Heritage Days festivities, dedicating the rest of the week through Sunday, June 24, to the multitude of events scheduled with the theme of “The ’50s: Community Strong.”