The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announced it presented a $1.2 million check to the city of South Bend Friday.

This was the first of a yearly contribution from the Pokagon Band in its voluntary revenue-sharing agreement with the city.

"This investment in our homeland is important to us," Pokagon Band Chairman Matt Wesaw said in a release. “We know that strong schools and health care are important to Pokagons and our neighbors. South Bend is a city with the vision to support the same quality of life we do. We look forward to a long and impactful partnership.”

The money comes from Class 2 gaming devices at Four Winds Casino in South Bend. The annual payments come in lieu of property taxes, with 1 percent of revenue from such games being paid directly to the city and another 1 percent paid to the South Bend Redevelopment Commission, which is meant to help improve education and help the city address poverty and unemployment.

The agreement is similar to those already in place with three other communities where Four Winds Casinos operate, in New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac.

“The city is thrilled to receive the first installment in the voluntary revenue-sharing agreement with the Pokagon Band,” Mayor Pete Buttigieg said. “This agreement is one of the only of its kind and reflects our strong working relationship with the tribe. These funds will help the city further empower our residents to thrive.”