HOWNIKAN Zisbaktokégises | April 2021

Top photo: Native wildlife flourishes due to CPN’s regenerative agriculture efforts. New lease program bridges A LOOK INSIDE Page 4 gap for potential homeowners Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Housing Department helps CPN members and other tribal citizens find safe, affordable homes in the Nation’s jurisdiction. With rental and mortgage assistance opportunities, the new lease with Quill art develops patience, option to purchase program helps cultural connection for artists people transition into homeownership. “Kind of bridges that gap for people Pages 8-10 that are almost here but not quite and just need a little bit of help with maybe 2021 Tribal Election Candidates getting their debt load reduced, getting their credit scores up to a point that the Pages 15-16 bank is not going to turn them away and just get them prepared for the homeownership experience, period,” said homeownership manager Sherry Byers.

In 2019, she and Housing Department Tribal member Ashley Garcia and her husband, Seth, sign their Director Scott George began developing paperwork to begin their journey to homeownership. the program. The first family with a lease with option to purchase signed The program they have a student loan. Maybe they Remembering Potawatomi their contract in early 2021. CPN have something else out there that they’re ghost towns member Ashley Garcia and her husband The lease with option to purchase trying to take care of. So there is also Seth said they appreciate the guidance program allows participants to move into a debt-to-income ratio portion of that Pages 18-22 they received from the housing a new home built by the Tribe under a that we’re looking at also,” George said. department and the Citizen Potawatomi three-year lease. During that time, they Tribal Executive and Community Development Corporation. take part in credit counseling services Funded by the Department of Housing Legislative updates from the CPCDC and First National and Urban Development, applicants “I highly suggest it,” Ashley said. “It Bank & Trust, Co. and work to improve must meet the HUD low income honestly hasn’t been hard at all. Just their credit scores. At the end of those limit — 80 percent of the state non- Pages 23-24 turn in your documents do what three years, they have the option to buy metropolitan median family level — Walking on you need to kind of thing.” the home with their lease payments determined by the household’s size. helping reduce the purchase price. The program is open to tribal citizens George and Byers hope to build up a within the Nation’s jurisdiction, with waiting list and help people prepare “It’s going to give them three years to CPN members given preference. for homeownership before they move. make their credit a little better. Maybe NON-PROFIT FIRST CLASS The lease payments generally match those

STANDARD MAIL STANDARD of a mortgage, with taxes and insurance paid from them as well. If prepared to purchase within the timeframe, the lessee may also qualify for a $20,000 buy-down grant toward the mortgage. PR SRT STD PR SRT US POSTAGE PAID US POSTAGE PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT PAID PAID PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT NO 49 PERMIT U.S. POSTAGE “We’re going to be doing constant NON-PROFIT ORG NON-PROFIT STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 STIGLER, OK 74462 PR SRT FIRST CLASS FIRST PR SRT inspections, constant budget counseling, financial counseling, homebuyer education counseling,” Byers said. “There’s just going to be a series of things Citizen Potawatomi Nation • Request for Ballot • 2021 Election going on that entire three years. And we’re not trying to get into all their Name please print business, but we want to make sure that Address they know and are prepared so when that three years is up, they are able and City State Zip should be successful at going through the homebuyer process and maintaining that I reside within the boundaries of CPN Legislative District No. . home during their 30-year mortgage.” (Oklahoma residents should write Oklahoma in the blank above) In a few short months, the Garcias have Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare this to be my legal signature and learned from their sessions with the CPC- Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal roll number. DC and discussions with FNB’s loan offi- cer. They see purchasing the home before Signature Tribal Roll # the end of the lease as a distinct possibility. (If you do not know your roll number, call 800-880-9880 and ask for Tribal Rolls) Must be postmarked no later than June 6, 2021 “They walk you through the entire process. So they make it really easy Mail to if you don’t know what you’re doing Citizen Potawatomi Nation Election Committee because we sure didn’t,” Seth said. PO box 310, Tecumseh, OK 74873-9900 Continued on page 5 2 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Group therapy offersFreedom from Smoking

While rates have decreased by approximately two-thirds in the last 50 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2019 that 34.2 million Americans smoke cigarettes. Its prevalence among American Indians/Alaska Natives remains high at 1.5 times the national average, or 26 percent of all Native Americans. “Back in 2001-02, Oklahoma tried to get the tribes more involved, and so they created a coalition, the Native American Tobacco Coalition, and I was one of the ones who was part of that original group representing (Citizen Potawatomi Nation),” said CPN Behavioral Health Therapist Ray Tainpeah. He began working for the Nation’s behavioral health department in 2000, and after attending training and learning about resources, Tainpeah started leading smoking cessation classes for Tribal members and employees in However, Tainpeah said the best It helps to calm their nerves about create customers for life beginning 2005. The department holds eight- method is whatever works; he doing a smoking cessation class.” at a young age. It often motivates week courses throughout the year for discusses lozenges, patches, gum and attendees to attempt to stop the cycle. groups of eight to 12. The sessions other options during the course. Since successfully quitting takes many use the American Lung Association’s attempts, breaking someone’s self-doubt He also incorporates Native uses of Freedom from Smoking curriculum Group dynamic about their ability to commit to their traditional tobacco as a part of prayer. At and teach attendees various options decision is a significant barrier. Tainpeah the end of the course, attendees make for giving up cigarettes forever. While the physical methods to believes the community environment tobacco ties using the medicine wheel’s cessation remain essential, a strong peer allows people to redirect their thinking colors — red, yellow, black and white. “Being open-minded and trusting network proves its psychological worth — the first step in the stages of change. the process of being involved with throughout the group class. Tainpeah “We take the commercial misuse of others who are trying to quit is one said it typically takes six or seven “In order to remove doubt, we talk about tobacco out of our lives and put it back of the most difficult things to do in serious attempts to quit before someone creating a vision. Can you see yourself in its proper place where different tribes their life,” Tainpeah said. “And to permanently breaks the habit, and not smoking? Do you see yourself not still use tobacco in a ceremonial way, be able to quit and stay quit is one encouragement makes all the difference. smoking? And making them create that in a controlled way,” Tainpeah said. of the most important decisions vision in their lives, in their minds, to say, that a person makes in their life.” “That’s what’s unique about this class ‘I will quit, and I’m going to quit,’ and “Being in a tribal clinic, we have is that you get support from the other removing doubt and putting in hope and that opportunity to explore and The National Native Network’s Keep people. Oftentimes when people putting in a vision for change,” he said. incorporate those different tribal beliefs It Sacred campaign reported the try to quit on their own, they’re and customs and ways that’s going disproportionate levels of chronic met with a lot of negativity. ‘You’re Native traditions to be helpful for them to connect diseases among American Indians not going to quit. You tried to quit or reconnect to their heritage or to and Alaska Natives, including lung before.’ … And unfortunately, even The Keep It Scared website reported, their identity as tribal people.” cancer and asthma, reflect high sometimes in family members, there’s “Commercial tobacco companies have tobacco use in the same populations. not a lot of support,” he said. targeted American Indians and Alaska Leading the group smoking cessation Natives in marketing, sponsoring events classes has become one of his favorite CPN Health Services offers Chantix Tainpeah understands the struggle and giveaways, devising promotional and most satisfying parts of his job. as a method to quit; often something to quit; he smoked for 10 years strategies, and misappropriating attendees have not tried before. as a youth and young adult. cultural imagery and concepts.” Those For more information from the efforts include branding and packaging Behavioral Health Department, “That’s one thing that keeps people “It’s helpful to work together, and targeted explicitly to Native Americans. visit cpn.news/CPNBH or call coming and staying is to get on the it eases people’s resistance because 405-214-5101. Read more from Keep medication and that it’ll work — it’ll sometimes they’re unsure whether As a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe, It Sacred at keepitsacred.itcmi.org. do what it’s supposed to do to block they can do this,” he said. “And so Tainpeah knows the effects of Big the brain receptors. With the absence when they see that there’s other people Tobacco on Indigenous communities. of the nicotine, the brain doesn’t realize here who are going through it, too, or He shows videos explaining the that the nicotine is not there,” he said. have been through it, it helps them. companies’ marketing efforts to

The Hownikan is published by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and is Hownikan mailed free to enrolled Tribal members. Subscriptions for nonmembers 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma are $10 a year in the United States and $12 in foreign countries. The Hownikan is a member of the Native American Journalists Association. CPN Executive Committee Reprint permission is granted with publication credit to the Hownikan. Tribal Chairman: John “Rocky” Barrett Vice-Chairman: Linda Capps Editorials/letters are subject to editing and must contain a traceable address. Secretary/Treasurer: D. Wayne Trousdale All correspondence should be directed to Hownikan, Editorial staff 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801 Editor: Jennifer Bell Page/graphic designer: Trey DeLonais Questions: [email protected] or 800-880-9880 Editor: John VanPool Graphic designer: Emily Guleserian Writer: Mary Belle Zook Address changes should be sent to Tribal Rolls, Writer: Paige Willett Photographer: Garett Fisbeck Writer: Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Submissions coordinator: Mindee Duffell 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801

Get the Hownikan via email! If you would like your newspaper via email, please send your name and address to [email protected] and let us know. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 3 Accounting department receives “Achievement for Excellence” for 32nd year The Government Finance Officers funds and CPN’s economic Association awarded the Citizen contribution to the larger community. Potawatomi Nation Accounting Department the Certificate of “You have to remember that the Achievement for Excellence in Nation is the biggest employer Financial Reporting for the 32nd in Pottawatomie County, so we year in a row in December 2020. showcase other employers to show how much bigger we are,” she said. The GFOA awards the excellence Due to the pandemic, the GFOA gave certificate based on an analysis of the digital certificates for fiscal year 2018-19. Tribe’s Comprehensive Annual Financial This month, CPN anticipates receiving Report. It takes meticulous record a medallion via mail to add to a plaque keeping and forethought throughout the that displays a decade’s worth of awards. entire fiscal year to prepare and submit the report. While CPN has received the “It’s what I expect to be normal around award for more than three decades, it here,” Chisholm said. “My goal is remains a focus for the department. to maintain a department that can continuously produce this quality. “It’s still is a sense of pride,” said CPN’s That’s really what my focus is.” Chief Financial Officer Mary Chisholm. The CPN Accounting Department celebrates winning a Government Finance “The Nation’s been able to get it for Officers Association excellence award for more than three decades. Reviewing the comments and critiques so long, I would be devastated if we that come with the recognition, didn’t. You know, it’s like your child. It’s staff contributed and that compiling offices, enterprises, health care system she is already thinking of how to pretty exciting to get it every year.” it alone would be impossible. and more. As a sovereign Native improve next year’s report. Nation, CPN’s comprehensive annual She became the Nation’s CFO “It’s our product,” she said. “This shows financial report is more complex than “They always seem to find something that in August 2019, and this year’s you how our department functions many other institutions that follow you can make a little bit better. We had recognition felt particularly gratifying. as a whole. It takes every piece within the same guidelines for the award. a few small tweaks that we need to make our department to come up with this. for the new one, and we go through and “This was the first award that actually And on top of that, it also showcases “It is a challenge, and I really like address each and every one,” she said. came through with my name on it, and the Nation because it has pictures and a challenge,” Chisholm said. that was exciting,” Chisholm said. other descriptions and notes about With a new year comes new challenges, what’s happening with the Nation.” It also highlights Tribal citizenship and the accounting department prepares While she served as the department’s totals, the population distribution for how to display what CPN has official signatory on the report, Chisholm The annual report outlines financial across the country and abroad, the overcome and contributed to while recognizes the entire accounting assessments of the Tribe’s government education department’s scholarship considering the next fiscal year. Tribal member takes community creation into her own hands Tribal member Amanda Funk understanding that our neighbors and knew Native people lived around our peers have about who we are and her in Pennsylvania, but it seemed about why it matters,” Funk said. they sat beneath the surface. She decided to change things herself, Educating children on Native history and searching for a way to bring Native Indigenous culture became a benchmark Americans together and help the for the center, especially in an area wider community see their influence whose public school curriculum does and offerings. In 2020, she founded little to teach tribal history accurately. the Widoktadwen Center for Native Funk believes in its importance for Knowledge in Reading, Pennsylvania. both Native and non-Native students. “There just was always the sense of “We are really doing all of our students and especially our Native students invisibility being in this place,” she a disservice by not authentically said. “And it was like if you didn’t representing them in all of these live in Oklahoma or somewhere different arenas, but especially in the else more out West, that people classroom, and I see the next wave of didn’t see Native people at all.” Native youth growing up … to feel There are no federally recognized proud about who they are,” she said. tribes in Pennsylvania. While many Name and logo Native Nations called the area Funk’s family serves as one of her main motivations for connecting with the their homeland, including the Erie, Indigenous communities in and around Reading, Pennsylvania. (Photo provided) Choosing a name for the organization the Haudenosaunee, the Lenape proved difficult. Funk considered Delaware, and the Susquehannock connections with the Darling, Smith, Bringing her passion back to Pennsylvania, many English and Potawatomi words tribes, Funk felt no Indigenous Willmett and Bourbonnais families while Funk has worked for the last five years and phrases and finally decided presence as a child and young adult. researching her genealogy as an adult. on the organization’s development, on Widoktadwen (WE-doke-tah- eventually bringing on fellow Kutztown dwin), which means community in “I thought of my own kids growing Her desire to learn more grew while University graduate Alexi Weiskircher, Bodéwadmimwen. While she began up here in Berks County, and I want she attended graduate school at the center’s visual director and research learning Potawatomi and building her them to have a different kind of Kutztown University and met other coordinator. Widoktadwen focuses vocabulary, she felt like the phrase just fit. experience,” Funk said. “I want them academics interested in Indigenous on acting as an educational resource “I kept thinking of, ‘What makes it the to grow up being able to proudly say cultures and learning more about who they are, to be able to show their for local schools, environmental right one? Because I really do want it themselves. Funk’s idea for the community what Native people look stewardship, and Indigenous to embody who we are,’” Funk said. Widoktadwen Center solidified when like, what they do, what we’re capable activism in eastern Pennsylvania. she took a trip to New Mexico for of, what our contributions are.” When breaking down this word and its an Indigenous studies conference. “I really hope that we’ll have a kind roots, it translates closer to “togetherness” Inspiration and education of cultural touchstone here, where and “to do things together,” she said. “I was very excited to see just a there’s also an opportunity to create a Born in the Virgin Islands, Funk knew different world and just what it networking community of Native people “There’s this sense of being her Potawatomi descendancy came looked like to be in a place where you here and ways for us to learn together connected,” Funk added. from her father, a member of the could see more clearly that Native or to share some of the challenges we Tescier family. She later discovered people were there,” she said. see in our own community, and the Continued on page 6 4 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Quill art develops patience, cultural connection for artists

Porcupine quills have inspired recent “It was a really great time for me as a just a little bit of vinegar because the research into improving the design child growing up to have that with her, vinegar holds the color,” Baker said. of hypodermic needles and surgical and … her showing me how to pluck the staples, but Nishnabé people have porcupine and what to do,” Baker said. After sorting the colors, she closes her used them for practical and artistic eyes and envisions the image she hopes purposes for hundreds of years. “There’s a lot of Aboriginal women to make after threading the quills to the or men that I’ve met who have their birch bark. Some of her favorites include Quill art uses the structure of the different ways or different teachings animals and different flowers. The mammal’s primary defense mechanism of how they gather the supplies.” soaking and hot water make them flexible to create sturdy and beautiful hand-made enough to build three-dimensional applique quill boxes, headdresses, jewelry The surrounding community structures as part of a box lid. Baker and much more. While some traditional knows her as a quillwork artist. She has made many boxes for her family. items serve utilitarian functions, the obtains porcupines to pluck from vast majority of the objects made in the others who come across roadkill “I used to do cool pictures for my last 150 years remain purely artistic. and either call her or bring them mom, and I used to do Blue Jays. to her home. She does not hunt. And when people would look at my However, it is a dying art form. Removing the quills while preserving Commissioned as a gift for a spiritual quillwork, they were like, ‘Those aren’t Wasauksing First Nation member their structure requires practice. leader among the Three Fires communities quills. That’s a picture.’ I said, ‘No, Shelley Baker carries on the tradition they’re quills,’” she said and laughed. “I look for someone that has a woodstove of Walpole Island, Ontario, Canada, today, teaching other tribal members this quill box by Clarence Pangowish for like the ashes from the woodstove. … Sorting the quills and placing them side how to collect gawyek (quills), honors the leader’s clan and their role They give me a better grip when I start by side is a time-consuming process, wigwas (birch bark) and as keepers or protectors of medicine. wishkbemishkos (sweetgrass). from behind the head of the porcupine meant for those with a steady hand and vigilance to the art. Baker’s eyes often and then pull the quills out,” Baker said. “Once I’m done with the porcupine, then “What people don’t realize or understand tire by the end of a long session, and she I go bury it,” Baker said. “And I thank is the work that goes into gathering Both the seasons and the porcupine’s prefers natural light while working. The your supplies for making a quill age make the task more or less the Creator for the gift that they have more important lesson behind the process box. I was really fortunate at a very complicated and affect the quality. given me, and I put my tobacco down.” of creating a box escaped her as a child. young age, like 6, 7 years old, and Painting a picture getting those teachings from my “Porcupines aren’t good during July and “You have to have patience to do grandmother. So when I go out, I August because it’s almost like they’re this,” Baker said. “At a very young age molting their quills, and in the ends Baker cleans the quills before beginning when I learned, not knowing what my close my eyes, and she’s with me. She’s the coloring process. Dyeing the with me all the time,” she said. of the bottom of the quills, they retain grandmother was teaching me at the water or they break off. So they’re no quills requires a significant amount time until I got older — she taught Finding the necessities good to use unless you’re making, let’s of time, especially to achieve me patience, which I have a lot of.” say, necklaces or earrings,” she said. different shades of certain hues. Baker began making quill boxes at 8 years Now, she passes on quillwork to others old or younger. She remembers modeling Older porcupines sport longer, stronger “I put water in (a pot) to boil, and then and believes in the importance of Native the style after her grandmother’s and pieces, and their thick winter coats I’ll pour the dye in there, the powder Americans returning to their cultures aunt’s work, always attempting to present an additional challenge. She pulls dye, and make sure that it’s all mixed mimic their beauty and precision. the quills whole with no breaks or tears. into the hot water. And then I add Continued on page 14 CPN Legislative update: February 2021 On Feb. 25, 2021, the full CPN the second Wednesday of January • U.S. Department of Education’s Legislators then confirmed the legislature convened their February or the end of a new filing period as Native American Career and Technical nomination of Robert Coffee and meeting. Following the approval designated by the Legislature.” Education Career Program Roy Tucker as judicial appointees of minutes from the November at this June’s General Council and December Tribal legislature Following that, legislators • Centers for Disease Control and election. If confirmed, the justices meetings, legislators approved an overwhelmingly supported a resolution Prevention CARES Act Funding will serve another six-year term. amendment to Title 4, Chapter confirming the appointment of Andrew • U.S. Department of the Treasury’s 1, Section 4-1-147 of the Citizen Walters to fill the open position of A fee-to-trust application for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Potawatomi Nation Election Code. District 11. Walters is unopposed for the Hardesty Grocery property to be sent to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs June 2021 election and will serve the • U.S. Department of Justice’s The amended section clarifies that “the was also approved for non-gaming remainder of Lisa Kraft’s term until June Coordinated Tribal Assistance filing period for Tribal Elections shall 2023. Tribal Chairman John “Rocky” use. Additionally, legislators approved Solicitation Program the voluntary relinquishment of Joann begin on the second Wednesday of Barrett swore Walters in following the Rae Beller’s Tribal citizenship before December prior to the next election resolution’s affirmation by the legislators. • National Park Service Tribal Historic and end on the second Wednesday of Preservation Office Grant Program enrolling 346 new members of the January prior to the next election unless The legislature approved Citizen Potawatomi Nation. amended by the Tribal Legislature prior several resolutions supporting A resolution supporting an increase to this beginning date. A candidate applications for funding: in U.S. Indian Health Service must file by United States Mail, Federal funding for the Nation’s Sanitation Express, or United Parcel Service, • Institute of Museum and Library Construction dedicated to like- received no later than 5:00 PM of Services Basic Library Services Program new homes was also approved. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 5 Slavin descendant continues family traditions Crafting one-of-a-kind, thoughtful Pochedley began sewing in her youth, colors and fabric. She employs pieces of regalia provides Citizen and she appreciates the opportunity mindfulness during every step. Potawatomi Nation member Lakota to use the skills passed down to her Pochedley encouragement and by her mother and grandmothers. “I look at old designs, but I talk with folks motivation. Although the Slavin about which designs are still recognized descendant maintains a busy schedule “I would say if not all, most of as family or clan designs and which as the tribal historic preservation officer my grandmas were seamstresses designs have become more available for for Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of some sort, whether they were all Potawatomi people to use,” she said. of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake professional seamstresses or just sewing to meet the needs of the Pochedley often allows the imagery Tribe), she finds creating, especially for to come to her organically, letting loved ones, offers a sense of balance. family. … That’s part of where some of my interest came from,” she said. inspiration flow unhindered. It can “There’s nothing like it — when you see take a single night or months to finish the whole puzzle come together because When Pochedley moved to Oklahoma, one design. She said with regalia it took so much time, and so much of many individuals shared different meant for traditional or ceremonial what I create is just for that one person. methods and styles of regalia making purposes, it is particularly important It’s truly amazing,” Pochedley said. with her, including Ardena O’Neal, that others can recognize the pieces Gayla Mosteller, Leslie Deer and Esther are Potawatomi by using traditional She grew up outside of Cleveland, Lowden. After moving to Michigan, elements that set Nishnabé regalia apart. Ohio, but her studies and career have Pochedley and her partner, fellow allowed her to live all over the United CPN member and Curley descendant “There are definitely moments where I States, including Texas, Oklahoma and Bill Hobia III, began attending local feel much more comfortable and creative. Michigan. Throughout her experiences, Potawatomi language and culture … When I am at those points, I act on she has taken the opportunity to learn events, where she met Madalene it, and I know it’s time to make some things because I don’t always know how traditional skills from those around her. Big Bear, Mon-ee Zapata and many long it will last or when inspiration other Bodwewadmi/Nishnabé artists. “Growing up, I was lucky because I was will strike again,” Pochedley said. taken to powwows, and I did always “Over the last year or so, I have really Often, her partner will assist want to participate and dance. So, that felt I have come into my own as an and provide his advice when was a huge catalyst for me wanting to artist and seamstress. I credit my Shelby Hobia and son Emilio Garcia pose deciding color combinations. learn how to make these things because mom, mother-in-law, and other family in regalia made by Lakota Pochedley. I wanted to be out there dancing. I members and friends encouraging me “I always joke that it’s a team felt that desire and wanted to carry on and folks like Madalene and Peggy her brother, Elan Pochedley. Through effort,” she said and laughed. those teachings in that way,” she said. Kinder (for) sitting down with me these projects, she found a renewed to discuss traditional designs and sense of pride in bringing back some Although Pochedley appreciates Although she has a variety of talents like techniques, in particular, hand-stitched traditional styles, like pleated men’s every part of developing regalia, she moccasin making and beading, Pochedley appliqué. Those conversations and ribbon shirts and hand-stitched appliqué. said nothing compares to seeing enjoys crafting ribbon work and appliqué encouragement really helped build up someone wear her creations, especially pieces the most. She uses modern and my confidence, but I’m also thankful “I like to experiment with different things, her nephew, Emilio Garcia. time-honored methods to make sachkin they were willing to take the time to and I like to look at a lot of old pieces,” (traditional women’s blouses), ribbon make sure I was comfortable with the she said. “I’ll talk to people about those, “To see him go out there (dancing) — he shirts and skirts. Respecting each image, different techniques and the ways in like old photos or old pieces that you just naturally knew what he needed to background and message are important which we traditionally designed and can find in digital collections, and kind do. He’d make his way out there, then to Pochedley, and that reverence constructed our regalia,” Pochedley said. of talk through some of those techniques come running back to us. And I’d have dictates which approach she employs. that were used. I always like to keep in to say that moment itself kind of sums Finessing takes time and dedication, and mind how we can incorporate those styles up all the times that I see folks wearing “If I’m using old family designs or those within the past few years, she has begun and techniques into our current regalia.” the things I’ve made,” she explained. meant to honor the old ways, maybe crafting her own style and approach. using old traditional colors, I will When beginning the process, Pochedley Learn more about her work and typically use or incorporate hand- Process speaks with the individual who will potential commission opportunities, stitched ribbon work techniques. receive it. Next, she completes initial which Pochedley makes on a per- Then if it’s more contemporary, I’ll Pochedley recently made ribbon shirts research, like reviewing family photos, project basis, by reaching out via email just use my machine,” she said. for her partner, Bill Hobia III, and before creating a sketch and finalizing at [email protected].

Lease Program continued... coming off of one side or the other. In addition to their daughter, the Garcias “I think it’s exciting, especially because Two of the homes that were built recently welcomed a son, Fisher, and the we just got married in March of last The houses with a loft to try to add a little extra energy efficiency and new appliances year. … This is our first home together. to it and give a little extra feeling of were selling points. They chose one of I mean, we lived together in our rent Built along King’s Road on Tribal not only openness but a place where the homes with a loft, which Ashely said house before that, but just having property in Pottawatomie County, the you can either watch TV, separate gives them space to grow as a family. something that’s going to be ours five single-family homes range from from everybody else,” George said. and that we’ve worked so hard for is a 1,200 to 1,600 square feet on a one- “It feels very homey and stuff. And huge accomplishment,” Ashley said. acre lot. Each features an open floor The housing department and developers obviously, we’re going to be here for concept and costs between $130,000 also focused on reaching net-zero a while and just a place to grow, and To learn more about CPN housing and $160,000. The property comes energy while remaining within the for (Ryley) to grow up and our baby programs, visit cpn.news/housing. with the purchase of the house. The parameters and cost for those who to grow up too. So that’s exciting,” the Watch a video presentation about homes also include new electric qualify. Despite the difficulties of DeLonais family descendant said. the lease with option to purchase appliances, including a washer, reaching those specifications in rural program at cpn.news/leasevid. Read dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator Oklahoma, the houses use less energy The Garcias signed their paperwork about the Housing and Urban and large pantries in the kitchen. than many more expensive homes. It and moved in time to celebrate Ryley’s Development income limits at significantly decreases utility bills and sixth birthday in their new house cpn.news/HUDlimits. Call the CPN “The kitchen, living room, dining room allows homeowners to put more money — a significant milestone since they Housing Department at 405-273-2833. is all an open area with bedrooms toward maintenance and their mortgage. typically travel for family parties. 6 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Disproportionate representation of Native Americans in foster care across United States Native Americans are up to four times more likely to have their children taken and placed into foster care than their non-Native counterparts. Oklahoma Department of Human Services reported in 2020 that Native children represented more than 35 percent of those in foster care, yet Native Americans make up only around 9 percent of Oklahoma’s population. “That is the definition of racial disproportionality,” said Citizen Potawatomi Nation FireLodge Children & Family Services Foster Care/ Adoption Manager Kendra Lowden.

While the Indian Child Welfare Act before removals occur. However, the law “Some ICWA cases may be newsworthy, hold them together is just somebody has existed since 1978 and provides is not always followed or understood. however, the way journalists report to support them. And, it can really added protections, numerous factors ICWA stories can encourage anti- change the dynamic of everything.” continue to impact the unequal rate Post 1978 Indian sentiments and influence of Native American representation negative behavior toward tribes and FireLodge Children & Family Services Placing children and facilitating within the foster care system. tribal citizens,” the guide stated. has numerous programs to help prevent adoptions with Native families, especially family separation as well as ones to Need for ICWA those from the same tribe, mitigates some Key NAJA recommendations include get guardians back on the right path. of the long-term outcomes that resulted never referring to blood quantum, Before 1978, approximately 80 percent from policies prior to ICWA; however, protecting child privacy, reaching out “There are many times that when a of Native American families living on many states remain non-compliant. to tribal experts, and understanding parent becomes involved with child reservations lost at least one child to the welfare, that’s the first time they have “Part of that reason is there are no legal the law is not based on race. foster care system, according to data ever been offered help. It’s the first repercussions,” Lowden said. “So if a compiled by National Indian Child “This perpetuates the false idea of the time that they’ve been able to realize Welfare Association. Additionally, more state does not follow the law or have law being unfair compared to other that some behaviors are problematic than 25 percent of all Native children their workers work with families in the races and ethnicities. Indian status or are not helpful, so they get engaged were removed from their families, way that the law outlines, they are not is not ‘racial’ but rather ‘political’ as in therapy and parenting classes and with 85 percent receiving placements going to get their funding pulled. … a matter of law,” Lowden said. learn the skills they were not able to outside of their tribes or relatives. There is not a huge incentive for states due to their raising or the environment to follow it, especially if they don’t Solutions “And that was even if there was have strong partnerships with tribes.” that they’ve been in,” she said. no abuse — there were no issues OKDHS data indicates more than When CPN becomes involved occurring,” Lowden said. “Even if there According to an OKDHS report 80 percent of Oklahoma’s foster and were willing and fit family members released in September of 2020, 7,774 adoptive homes are not Native American, in child welfare cases, FireLodge available, these children were still children were in Oklahoma foster but the likelihood of having a Native Children & Family Services’ number adopted out to white families.” care, and 322 were in tribal custody. child placement is high. While the one goal is reunification. Yet, of the 7,452 in state custody, state requires training to become a “As long as it’s safe and appropriate, being These policies continue to negatively 2,567 were Native American. foster or adoptive parent, Lowden impact individuals, families and with their family is really how a child’s believes ICWA-specific instruction and identity develops,” Lowden said. “If we tribes. Non-tribal placement and “Despite the extraordinary number of tribal consultation can assist foster and adoption has created identity issues American Indian children in custody can keep a child with their family, we adoptive homes to better meet the needs don’t disrupt their identity or what and disconnected feelings along with in Oklahoma, foster/adoptive parents of Native American children in their care. negative mental health outcomes. do not currently receive substantial they’re learning about themselves.” training about the Indian Child “Since the current OKDHS foster/ FireLodge assigns a skilled and qualified “They may be living in a community Welfare Act or how to care for the adoptive parent training pre-service staff member to each case. These where they’re the only Indian person, unique, individual needs of American curriculum lacks substantial ICWA individuals work one-on-one with and when people feel stress, anxiety, Indian children,” Lowden said. training, it is very likely families will families and build relationships that are depression, a lot of times they cope in feel lost or unsure of how to connect critical to long-term success. Lowden unhealthy ways, and that is in order The Bureau of Indian Affairs released children to their heritage,” Lowden said. to mask their trauma,” she said. Guidelines for Implementing the also sees the department’s work as a Indian Child Welfare Act in 2016 to Preventing children from entering the way to uphold CPN’s sovereignty. Past federal efforts including forced provide resources, references and system may be as simple as being a removal, boarding schools and more more to assist with implementing good neighbor, friend or relative. “The reason that we do become involved contribute to inherited trauma, which and upholding ICWA. in every case is we care about the can have destructive effects on Native “You should always report child abuse and families. We don’t want any Potawatomi American family units and their dynamics. “There is positive progress that is neglect whenever you suspect it, but there’s children lost from the Tribe,” she said. being made,” she said. “But there a lot of things that community members “Historical trauma … is passed down are other issues that impact ICWA, can do to assist families and prevent “We’re trying to undo what was done to emotionally, psychologically, internally including media misrepresentation, bad things from happening,” she said. us, and there’s still a long way to go when and also externally,” Lowden said. so people have the wrong idea about we still have a very disproportionate the law and how it helps families.” This could include helping get children to amount of American Indian children ICWA attempts to decrease the number school or providing contact information in foster care compared to other races. of Native American children that are In response to the need for to potential resource providers. But, we are seeing good things happen.” removed from their communities and knowledgeable and improved culture, helping ensure the future is reporting, the Native American “Offering support to people and not Learn more about FireLodge brighter and healthier. It sets requirements Journalists Association developed judging them is key,” Lowden stressed. Children & Family Services by calling for states to work directly with Native Recommendations for Reporting on “It can’t hurt to offer, and that may be 405-878-4831, or check them out Nations and establishes specific standards the Indian Child Welfare Act. the one thing that family is needing to on Facebook @CPNFireLodge.

Community creation continued... illuminate things so we can see them community nonprofits. The coronavirus she said. “I know that it’s Potawatomi clearly. And it just seems like the fire is pandemic has forced efforts to remain the world over who are doing the Next, she sought to stylize a logo also the centerpiece. And that’s where online for the time being; however, same, who are doing it within their that paired well with the name. She a lot of this community happens. That Funk anticipates growth into in-person own households when they’re teaching chose a simple red flame to symbolize and I grew up loving to camp and events and classes in the future. their kids the language and struggling Potawatomi people’s traditional loving a good campfire,” Funk said. to learn right along with them.” role as Keepers of the Fire. “It’s going to be amazing to see what While the organization remains small, kind of a change comes about in our For more information about the “But also, we see fire as a symbol of she retains hope for the future. In communities because I’m not the Widoktadwen Center for Native knowledge itself. We see fire as a place February, she leased its first office only one pushing to create this sort Knowledge, visit widoktadwen.org where we gather. Fire is what we use to space in the downtown area near other of change on the ground where I am,” or facebook.com/widoktadwen. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 7 Caseworker’s path lined with desire for investigation, love of families April is Child Abuse Prevention “Everyone wants to know that you belong Month, a time when programs across and that you want to know who your the country like Citizen Potawatomi ancestors were,” she said. “In child Nation’s FireLodge Children & welfare, ICWA is a way to connect to Family Services bring awareness to your family, your tribe and your culture. child abuse and neglect and advocate It is a way to feel as though you belong.” for happy and healthy childhoods for all. CPN Indian Child Welfare Coots’ husband is a CPN member, Department caseworker Whitney Coots and she is a Choctaw Nation citizen. helps children of neglect and abuse However, she was not connected to improve their situation every day. her Indigenous roots in her youth. She sought a different career path “Learning about the families and being while in college, but life events and involved with these kids and wanting to interests opened doors for her to get them closer to their culture has made utilize her skills in an unexpected me the same way. I want to know more way. Coots graduated in 2015 from about the Choctaw culture,” Coots said. the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond with a double major in Her position with CPN has also forensic science and criminal justice, and expanded her ability to adapt to joined FireLodge’s workforce in 2019. quick changes and perform under CPN ICW caseworker Whitney Coots enjoys her new career helping Native pressure. Coots’ full household “I originally wanted to do crime scene children through the complicated processes of foster care and adoption. includes four children, ranging investigation. I love it. I still do. My from infant to 7 years old. major was a blast, but it is really hard to Seeing both sides “During my time with OCS, I saw find jobs in forensic science,” Coots said. the parent and adult side of the child “I’m used to chaos,” she said, but she still While working for Oklahoma Court welfare system, and that’s when I describes herself as “Type A.” Parting She perused work in criminal justice Services as a probation supervisor, Coots realized I actually wanted to be more with her daily routines sometimes proves and spent four years as a probation spent her time keeping in touch with on the kids’ side and work with the challenging. However, she has come to supervisor before accepting her those on probation in Lincoln County children in custody,” Coots said. appreciate that a busy workday brings the current role as an ICW caseworker with misdemeanor charges, including unknown and improves her adaptability. in September 2019. The change reset DUIs, drug possession, domestic assault Having her second son, Cohen, and a her career goals, unveiling a desire to and battery, public intoxication and more. love for kids pushed her to seek a new “It’s always ever-changing and help Native children and families. position. After interviewing with CPN, different, and I like that. You never “That would include monthly reporting she knew it was a perfect fit. A year and quite know what you’re getting into “I didn’t understand the depth of the with each client, drug testing, testifying a half later, she named reunifications and when you go to work,” Coots said. (the Indian Child Welfare Act) whenever in court, creating court reports, making adoptions as her favorite part of her job. I started. I knew what it was, and I sure that they are completing all their Her focus stems from FireLodge knew the basis of ICWA, but not truly necessary probation requirements as well “It can be mentally and emotionally Children & Family Services’ mission what it stood for. And so now that I as being a support system,” she said. draining. But at the end of the day, it’s and spending each day helping Native understand that ... protecting ICWA really rewarding seeing children be families and children achieve their and Native American children is what Coots found the work fulfilling as she reunified with their parents, and knowing best possible lives — together. I feel I was called to do,” Coots said. saw many people make significant strides you helped play a role in that is just towards improving their day-to-day lives. such an awesome feeling,” Coots said. “I just think it’s so important to know However, her love for forensic science that once a child is removed, the main remains strong and manifests itself “It was rewarding that you would see each Growth through knowledge goal is to reunite the children with their into true crime television binges and person go through stages and come out parents in a safe, healthy and loving Investigation Discovery marathons. of an addiction and come out of that Coots quickly learned about ICWA environment. ICWA and FireLodge Coots’ husband Ryan still has trouble lifestyle and become a more positive after accepting her position. It help make this possible,” Coots said. understanding her affection for the genre. parent and person. You just saw them prioritizes reunification and keeping overcome so many obstacles,” she said. Native American and Indigenous For more information about FireLodge “He’s like, ‘How do you watch foster kids with families of the same Children & Family Services, visit this to go to bed?’ I’m like, ‘I just Often, the State of Oklahoma puts tribe to decrease generational breaks potawatomi.org/services/firelodge or find like it,’” she said and laughed. clients’ children into foster care. in heritage and cultural tradition. them on Facebook, @CPNFireLodge. Taking care of our elders during the pandemic

By Janet Draper, CPN Adult Now that a lot of people are working from family members, friends and occurring, they cannot make this issue Protective Services Director from home or are quarantined, elders clergy has only added to the stress, known, especially if the abuser is the one are at a greater risk of abuse. fear and hopelessness our elders are assisting them to make or receive a phone In fiscal year 2019, the Tribe used Office experiencing. As many elders are call. The visits must somehow be made of Victims of Crime funding it had Many abuse hotlines are claiming the attending virtual church services in person, if not by a family member, set aside to establish and develop the number of calls are down, but that and doctor appointments, this is an by a trained professional APS worker. first adult protective services program should not be perceived as a positive excellent time for others to observe to address elder abuse issues within sign. Elder abuse has not “gone away.” and be alert for any signs of abuse. Please contact the CPN Adult our community. Officially established The lower amount of abuse calls received Protective Services if you suspect abuse/ in January 2020, the program made should be considered a red flag that We agree that masks should be worn, neglect is occurring or has occurred. great strides in its first few months. We people are unable to reach out for help. caution should be taken and social Call 405-878-4831, Janet Draper, were excited to provide these necessary Abusers are using the threat of the virus distancing should occur; however, we ext.1171 or Brian Moore, ext.1186. services to our Tribal elders. Then the and quarantine to further isolate their must be allowed to visit our elderly, unthinkable happened — COVID-19. victims. Being locked in the house with especially if they are in a long-term The statewide reporting hotline the person they might be most afraid facility. It is a known fact that abuse and is 1-800-522-3511, or you can Aging adults are a particularly vulnerable of — who might be threatening, hurting neglect occurs in these facilities. Now contact them at OKHotline.org. group to the deleterious effects of or manipulating them — makes their that no one is “putting eyes” on our COVID-19. With numerous shelter-in- If the victim is Native, the state fear even worse. Isolation is one of the elderly, we wonder, what is happening? will contact the proper tribe. place orders in effect to promote social greatest risk factors for elder abuse, distancing during the pandemic, and Since COVID-19 is a new virus, we Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the coronavirus pandemic is a Adult Protective Services has a increased dependency of older adults breeding ground for social isolation. must put laws into place to address on others, the pandemic heightens these special circumstances. Most of memorandum of understanding the potential for elder abuse. Most This isolation is also occurring in long- our elderly cannot make phone calls with the State of Oklahoma. perpetrators are often close relatives. term care facilities. Denied visitation without assistance. If abuse or neglect is 8 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Tribal election candidates 2021 Chairman candidates John “Rocky” Barrett - Keweoge (He Leads Them Home)

with a team of bright people; were not huge failures, but tunnel, the beacon of hope in news from Facebook, not the TV and (3) experience – a wise each taught a lesson: do not get a dark place.” Throughout our or newspaper? How many times man once said: “Experience is into businesses that you aren’t history, as we were robbed of have you been with a person not what happens to a man, it experienced in, or in a market our land and livelihoods for four who spends their entire time in is what a man does with what for, or another business that straight generations, our Tribe your presence on their phone? happens to him.” Over the 36 helps the business or service that provided for our survival. How many young people do not years I have had the honor to you want to provide. Most Our shared blood, our kinship, share conversations or personal serve as your Tribal Chairman, of all, do not get the Nation saw us through the hardest interaction, or feelings, except I’ve had the good fortune into operations that it does of times. That is what we are through emojis or five-word to have many successes: our not or cannot control. Pick doing now. CPN is stepping up texts on their iPhone? An entire new Constitution, the new talented people and let them again and helping our kin. We generation is missing the benefit Legislature, the Executive learn from their mistakes and are providing financial help, of shared experiences, learning Branch, the Tribal Courts, benefit from encouragement. medical treatment, shelter for from stories of an elder, reading What would make you an grocery businesses, medical the homeless, protection for our books and magazines, singing, effective Tribal leader? facilities, the banks, CPCDC, How do you plan to most vulnerable, and most of dancing, music, daydreaming, Heritage Center, golf course, our engage Tribal citizens? or learning a skill. They have I believe the most important all – opportunity. Opportunity gaming and hospitality facilities, is what we hope for, work “disconnected”, and they are traits an effective tribal leader Elder and low-cost housing, the The last year has been the most missing out on the good stuff, should possess are (1) empathy difficult of my experience. The for, and all need. That is how Rural Water District, and the we can engage our people. the real joys of life. I hope that for others – caring about your aggregation of the very talented pandemic cut us off from the appeal of their tribal identity, fellow Citizen Potawatomi people who made it work. each other, isolated our most In your opinion, what their “warrior spirit” or their and putting them first in the vulnerable people, and often is the most pressing “woman’s power,” will come priorities of our tribe; and Some were not successes. The left us with a sense of dread and Tribal issue currently? into their lives and save them. (2) innovation – using the cattle ranch, our radio stations, fear. For many, it was a time successes of the tribe to guide the Sacred Heart Historical of financial stress, joblessness, It is what I call “disconnection.” you to the next project, but project, St. Gregory’s University and worry about their future. How many of you know with some new approaches and partnership, the pecan farm, the It is the job of CPN to be Potawatomi people, especially ideas gleaned from working Mini-Putt, and the RV Park, the “light at the end of the young people, who get all their

Lisa Kraft

Nation, helping us grow and Language, ceremony, and modern In your opinion, what includes investing in our youth, expand our lands. I know what tools and techniques. I have been is the most pressing marketplaces and networking we need to do to improve our privileged and am honored to be Tribal issue currently? for our artists and entrepreneurs, support system for members, and working with some of our great and innovating and investing in to rekindle the fire and embrace elders and teachers. I have been Raising the power of our people’s sustainable businesses. To move the heritage of our great people. learning the language, which is the voices. We can better honor the further down the road, we need I will practice transparency, in lifeblood of our culture. I practice virtues of leadership and equal a unified and thriving nation, leadership, in legislation, and in rituals and a way of living that is representation, and give our one that takes care of all of our how we inform and engage our at the heart of who we are. We will members a better opportunity to members, regardless of location, members. We need some essential bring back ceremonies, gatherings, participate in our government and and one where our collective checks and balances, stronger and rituals and practices that we as a in our businesses. Being Citizen voices are stronger than any one representation in our legislature, people have embraced for many gen- Potawatomi is a link to one of the individual. We are a people of and an independent media. Lastly, erations. Lastly, we need to embrace most magnificent and enterprising action, seeing from all angles, What would make you an I know how to execute programs modern ways of communication, tribal communities in America, changing and adapting, working effective Tribal leader? and projects. I have spent my including social platforms, to better and our full potential has yet to in harmony, and sensing all career organizing and leading connect with our people. We are all be realized. Our current chairman that goes into life to achieve our In part, my experience. I have some highly effective teams, and over the country and the globe, and has been in place for 40 years, he purpose. It is with that power in been working with tribes for over I will leverage that experience and this should not limit us or restrict has taken us down a long road, mind, that I would be honored 26 years, building nations and those resources for our tribe. us from knowing one another, or and it is time for change. We can to serve as your next tribal helping them thrive. I have spent in helping our members, it should better recognize and embrace our leader. You can learn more about over a decade in key leadership How do you plan to empower us and give us a stronger heritage, and there are several me and my plans for our great roles for our own Potawatomi engage Tribal citizens? opportunity to expand and grow. growth opportunities. This nation at cpnchairman.com.

Steve Castaneda - EConOush (Little Leader)

What would make you an How do you plan to In your opinion, what funds from our business and our effective Tribal leader? engage Tribal citizens? is the most pressing members do not benefit unless Tribal issue currently? they jump through tons of hoops I listen to everyone to make the best All members have a voice. I believe to get funds for different reasons. decision for all parties involved. In it is overdue for their voices be a Where is the money for our people? every decision I make I will keep part of every decisions made. It How much money do we have I am doer rather then a talker. our members at heart, our tribe is time to show we are a tribe of to pay the city and or county in is nothing without its people. many not just the people of power. taxes? We as a tribe have plenty of HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 9 District 1 candidates Kevin Roberts - Kakingeshi (Grizzly Bear)

an employee base of 150K, and centered on the people. The rela- My engagement objective For 2021, in my opinion there 19K Agents. Within several depart- tionships forged, and helping them is focused on connecting are 2 critical issues facing ment operations, I was responsible succeed both individually and as the tribal community within our our tribal nation. for decentralized staff across the a team were very gratifying. I be- district, and ultimately the district USA & Canada, including at lieve my experiences will serve me to the broader CPN Nation. Key 1.) Covid-19 pandemic Getting the our Corporate Headquarters. I lead well in the CPN legislative role. areas being focused upon include pandemic behind us via ongoing, virtual teams across Human Re- culture, language, educational practiced mitigation measures sources, Claims & Catastrophe How do you plan to opportunities, and informational along with vaccinations for Operations, Agency/Market- engage Tribal citizens? all that can receive one. This ing, Enterprise Technology, and awareness & assistance relating to Based on my experiences with services, and benefits available. ultimately could have an impact the Administrative Services depart- on our June Family Gathering. ment. Staying connected with my leading decentralized, virtual teams, reciprocated engagement In your opinion, what decentralized staff was critical. I 2.) June Election It is important is dependent upon others is the most pressing leveraged in-person contact in ad- that everyone eligible to vote, desire, motivation and willingness Tribal issue currently? What would make you dition to unified communication votes in the June election. Keep an effective Tribal leader? tools available at the time. I was to engage. I plan to provide the Based on my experiences during informed on the issues associated consistently recognized by senior opportunities, and motivation for I recently retired from an executive leadership, my staff, and my peers engagement within my respective the past 30 years, I believe the with this years election. I pray leadership position with a fortune for being exceptional at forging legislative district. I will do that by Citizen Potawatomi Nation has for community spirit, strength & 50 organization - State Farm In- strong, sustaining relationships, offering in-person, geographical made significant progress on many progress as the CPN moves forward. surance Company.During my 36 organizing, and motivating others. area meeting forums during each fronts. I would not be running as Henry Ford once said …..”Coming year career, I held various man- My teams were outstanding and calendar year, supplemented with a candidate had it not been for together is a beginning, agement, and executive leadership that was reflected in their achieve- access via social media platforms, the 2008 decision to allow for Keeping together is progress, positions. Our organization had ments. The part I most appreciated email, text, and phone access. elected legislative representatives. Working together is success”

Alan Melot

development. I am a coordinator light, I want to travel throughout Tribal sovereignty has always more people learn our language, who can unify a diverse group for the district and engage in person been and will always be our culture and unique Potawatomi the benefit of everyone. Finally, I whenever possible, preferably with most pressing issue. We must identity. As we establish districts see myself as a legislative leader monthly trips to different meeting have effective self-governance that are populated with engaged, rather than a cultural leader, and places. When that is not possible, I and a strong Potawatomi caring, knowledgeable and wise will use every opportunity as will connect via Zoom, Facebook, identity. Cultural knowledge is Potawatomi, we will ensure that a legislator to strengthen our email or telephone. Some of our the foundation of tribal identity. we have a tribe worth fighting for. cultural leaders and work to create District 1 citizens are already Citizen Potawatomi need to know An effective government rests on opportunities for our Elders to pass getting together via Zoom, with our language, our wisdom and that foundation of Potawatomi wisdom to younger generations. different folks taking the lead our ways to be able to justify our citizens. Chairman Barrett and his to make connections and share existence as a nation. Our language administration has worked hard How do you plan to resources. This type of grassroots department has worked hard to for legal and economic sovereignty, engage Tribal citizens? and that strength should not be activity should be generously and preserve and teach the language, vigorously supported! I will take taken for granted. Future leaders and I believe that we should This is a complicated question in every opportunity to support will do well to emulate his passion spare no efforts to support their What would make you an the COVID-19 era. As a mental these Potawatomi who are not for our people and continue to effective Tribal leader? health therapist, I am a frontline passive and will work to use tribal work. Further, I believe that we fight legal battles as necessary, plan worker and have been vaccinated resources in places like this where need people in each district who wisely for financial success, and I respect others, have integrity, am so I consider myself safe to freely people are hungry for Potawatomi can connect personally and teach govern in the best interest of the passionate and committed, and interact with others. I recognize connection and tribal support. Potawatomi language and culture. people. I ask for your vote and have a vision for a strong Nation. that our citizens have a wide variety We need to expand our language for your prayers, so I can be part One of my strengths is to recognize of responses to the pandemic, In your opinion, what department to have individuals of that effective government. the skills and talents of others, though, and want to be sensitive to is the most pressing in each district who are tribal and to facilitate their growth and other’s choices and beliefs. In that Tribal issue currently? employees with the task of helping

Drew (Jon) Boursaw

What would make you an How do you plan to meeting has become commonplace. expanding them. These benefits effective Tribal leader? engage Tribal citizens? These virtual meetings will take are valuable to the lives of every the place of in-person meetings Tribal member. I believe it would I have many years of leadership This falls in line with the until the pandemic is over. be in the best interest of all to experience. During these years importance of communication. work on expanding these benefits. I found that the key to being a I will use every form of In your opinion, what successful leader is communication. communication possible to reach is the most pressing An effective Tribal leader listens every Tribal member in Region Tribal issue currently? and communicates with every One: social media, email, phone Tribal member in their region. calls, etc… I also plan to create I believe the most pressing Tribal members need to know that virtual regional meetings. With issue is not only maintaining I will listen and support them. COVID and 2020, this form of the existing Tribal benefits but

David Slavin - Gzhiptot (He’s Fast)

What would make you an now, as I did then, if I use these that are available to communicate In your opinion, what effective Tribal leader? four attributes as a guide and good with as many Tribal members is the most pressing communication. It will help me in in District 1 as possible. Tribal issue currently? When I completed the being a good effective Tribal leader. questionnaire for my naming I would encourage tribal members The health and safety of the work ceremony, I talked to my How would you plan to to research their family history by force and the financial security of dad about question 17. engage Tribal citizens? talking to their elders. Encourage the Nation. A stabilized work force allows the nation to provide tribal members to use the online classes The question asked, to put these The pandemic has created a members not only the services they four words: wisdom, compassion, challenge for all of us. In the past to learn the language and to now have. But to provide additional courage and generosity, in order of there where meetings to meet visit the culture center when in services as they become available. importance. I stated to my dad that with the candidates running for Shawnee. Plan vacation time Such as the Cares Act that provided this would be hard to do as they office. I will use the How Ni Kan, during festival, the last weekend in assistance to many Tribal members. are all important in your personal Potawatomi Web site, and all June if possible. And to offer my and professional life. I believe other forms of communication assistance when ever it is needed. 10 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN District 4 candidates Jon E. Boursaw - Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear)

in 4 of my assignments and years. I have worked very hard attend the monthly Elders To me the most pressing issue as a Staff Officer in several to make myself available to the Potluck Luncheons held in is the future cost of providing CPN members in the District. I Rossville. I will use my monthly the benefits and services we key positions. Most recently I have kept them apprised of items Hownikan column as a way to enjoy today that are funded have had 17 years’ experience of interest, upcoming events, keep the members aware of new through Tribal revenue. With in senior positions in Native and benefits such as the CARES developments, upcoming tribal the substantial growth of new American Governments. Orig- assistance. As a result of my time functions and give recognition of members over the past couple inally, I served as the Executive in these two positions I am very individual achievements by CPN of years how are we going Director for the Prairie Band familiar with the major activities, members. I will continue to to fund the increase costs in Potawatomi Nation in Mayetta, programs, and projects ongoing expand my email list of members the future for benefits such KS for 6 ½ years where I super- within the Nation. I have devel- in the District which allows me as scholarships, mail order vised 32 Tribal Programs. This oped and maintained a good rela- to contact members directly pharmacy, health aids, burial gave me firsthand knowledge tionship with the CPN Program about Tribal activities, upcoming fund and even the Hownikan? on how tribes are supported by Directors. Though out all of this events and other items of interest. We must continue to expand the federal funding and grants. This time I have regularly attended Finally, I plan to continue to Tribe’s economic development What would make you an was followed by being asked to and participated in the CPN hold regularly scheduled hours in efforts while ensuring those effective Tribal leader? take on the position of Director Annual Family Reunions and my office in Topeka. This allows we have and those in the of the Citizen Potawatomi Na- the Gathering of Potawatomi. to me to directly assist members future are generating lasting I have had career of positions tion Culture Heritage Center with topics such enrollment, revenue for the Tribe. that have prepared me to be in Shawnee, OK for 2 ½ years. How do you plan to mail-order pharmacy, some an effective Tribal Leader. I My first assignment was to lead engage Tribal citizens? housing issues, and health aids, am a retired Colonel of the the effort in creating the Tribal US Air Force where I served Veterans Wall of Honor. Finally, I plan to continue to hold annual In your opinion, what on active duty for over 24 I have served as the Dist 4 Leg- District meetings at various is the most pressing years. I served as Commander islative Representative for eight locations in the District. I will Tribal issue currently?

Elexa “Amo” Dawson

communities struggle with Financially, I believe we there are more CPN members the elements of our culture? dis-ease and disconnection. I should be investing in our living in Kansas than enrollees Where can we practice our believe our culture, including culture and our people. We are of any other nation? We language? How do we honor our foods, language, and overconsuming as US citizens, are many, and our alliances our ancestors today? These spiritual practices, is the path creating more than our share can be strong if we invest in are questions our people are forward for our people. of waste. I do not believe that ourselves, and in each other. asking, and I want to explore industrial growth and the the answers by diving into our I plan to create space for pollution that comes with it I join with many other Tribal culture through language, food community and connection are wise investments for our leaders in calling for all CPN and togetherness. I think we on a regular basis. One of people. I believe we can be members to make learning can only know who we are in the primary ways we learn simultaneously prosperous and our language a priority. It’s the context of community. our culture is from our elders, strong in our values as people hard to learn language without but too often age groups are of the fire, stewards of the land. practicing it. Meeting and Travel restrictions prevented the 2020 Potawatomi Gathering. Photo by Dave Leiker broken apart. How do our prioritizing language and culture How do you plan to Having been to a few of these kids know that elders eat first will strengthen our Nation. engage Tribal citizens? Gatherings, I can say what a What would make you an if they’ve never been to a effective Tribal leader? In your opinion, what loss for our community that meal where that tradition is My priority as Citizen is the most pressing was. As a legislator, I will My campaign is a response to a practiced? Mainstream culture Potawatomi Nation District 4 Tribal issue currently? support all citizens traveling to spoken need in the community taught us to hide elders away legislator will be community. Gathering, and hold regional for closer connection to our and consider communication Our families are spread across I would like to see more people gatherings independently tribe and our heritage, so we can with them a charity. That is the state, and we need regular, claiming their heritage and to keep our culture alive. be whole, healthy people in the not our way. We can gather accessible, in-person (when being proud to be Potawatomi present. Physical and mental together as multi-generational safe) community gatherings in their daily lives today. What wellbeing are our birthright families and see how that to strengthen our community does that mean? What makes as Potawatomi people, yet our cultural practice benefits us all. in Kansas. Did you know that us Potawatomi? What are What’s in your glass? By Kayla Woody, House of Hope drug” that has been purposefully used obtaining and providing the consent Consent is never implied by things like DVPI Prevention Specialist to create a situation where the intended without the fear of “ruining the mood.” past behavior, what you are wearing, victim of an assault is vulnerable, where you go, who you are with or if Picture yourself out with friends on a alcohol is often the device used to take Consent also isn’t just one question. you have consented previously. There Friday evening, and you follow them to advantage of the victim with ease. There needs to be an atmosphere of has to be clear communication every the local club in town for some drinks comfort and trust that you create single time. Even couples who have and harmless fun. When you arrive at A common response when alcohol is throughout any experience. Just because been in long, committed relationships your destination, the first thing you want involved during a sexual assault is that you do not hear “no” does not mean or who are currently married must is a beverage. Do you get that beverage it somehow lessens the crime, as if the the person is consenting. Planned first get consent before acting. from the bar yourself, or do you let a perpetrator was not aware of what Parenthood provides a great idea on how friend grab it for you? Or maybe you was happening and is somehow less to remember the idea of consent. They It is important to understand that anyone are even offered a drink by an admirer responsible for their actions. The blame use the main phrase “I love FRIES.” can be a victim of sexual assault, no that sees you walk in. Do you accept and responsibility normally falls on the This stands for Freely given, Reversible, matter their gender, sexual orientation, the drink, or do you say, “No thanks”? victim. This is a huge, false assumption Informed, Enthusiastic and Specific. age, race or economic status. To be able and is incorrect. Research shows just how Some ways to ask for consent are: to make changes and put a stop to sexual Believe it or not, when you accept a alcohol can be used to target victims. assault, we have to educate ourselves and drink, either from an acquaintance Alcohol is not responsible for the choices • Would you like if…? also help educate others. April is Sexual that you know or from someone that a person makes, and it is never an Assault Awareness Month and is a great you don’t, you place yourself at high acceptable excuse for a sexual assault. • Would you enjoy if…? time to reach out to local organizations risk. Alcohol is the most frequently used like CPN House of Hope to find substance to assist in sexual assaults. Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact • You wanna…? ways on education and prevention. The American Addiction Centers or behavior that occurs without the reported that around 69 percent of explicit consent of the victim. To prevent • I was thinking about. … How If you or someone you know is sexual assaults involve alcohol use by these types of acts from happening, we does that sound? experiencing sexual assault, intimate the perpetrator and about 43 percent must understand what consent looks like partner violence, and/or stalking • Does this work for you? the victim personally using alcohol. and sounds like. Consent is beginning and would like more information, Whether it happens because the victim to have more emphasis in our culture • Are you enjoying this? please contact the House of Hope has become intoxicated by the amount than ever before, but what often gets left at 405-275-3176 or visit us online at consumed or the use of a “date rape out of the discussion is how to go about • Is this OK? facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 11

Keep Our Fire Strong Under Rocky Barrett’s Leadership, CPN:

Has come from just a trailer for an administrative building, to 18 major businesses on tribal land with over 2000 jobs.

Continues to expand to over 36,000 tribal members.

Went from under $600 in the bank to having over $550 million in assets and community economic impact last year.

Established the largest tribally-owned national bank chain.

Provides over 1,500 college scholarships per semester with an annual scholarship fund of $7.5 million. Distributed over $40 million in CARES funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and thousands were vaccinated.

Thirty Six Years Of Continuous Progress! Vote To Stay On The Right Path. Vote For Rocky Barrett. Paid For By John “Rocky” Barrett (Kewoge - “He Leads Them Home”), Shawnee, Oklahoma 12 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 13 14 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Gearing up for a successful harvest

Late winter and spring marks the time of “The benefit to that is we’re getting all year farmers prepare for the busy seasons those natural fertilizers from the cover ahead. For the Citizen Potawatomi crops that are going to benefit the Nation, this includes soil testing, planting native grasses in the summer. We have crops, administering key nutrients as made it to where we have almost zero needed and conducting the first harvest. input aside from a very small nitrogen application in the winter,” Kitchen said. CPN has grown its agricultural operations in the past year, adding 105 acres of cover Before settlement, grasslands thrived crops and expanding lease opportunities. across Oklahoma. According to the “We actually had a pretty profitable 2020 season,” said Tonya Kitchen, CPN ag manager. “We tried some new programs, what we call a 50/50 contract, and we did figure out that those are profitable on acreages that were over 20 acres.” With a 50/50 contract, CPN retains land ownership and pays for any herbicide or fertilizers, but the lessee takes on the expenses of harvesting and processing. Tribal land provides the Nation additional income- In the end, the Nation and producer generating opportunities through agricultural endeavors. each receive 50 percent of the harvest, which usually includes bailed hay. best option for every piece of Tribal The variety of seeds included in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, property, regardless of how small or large. cover crops mixtures also ensure On the Nation’s smaller acreages, tallgrass prairies have been reduced that the animals who consume production is lower, so utilizing the by 85 to 98 percent. The Nation’s One main goal of CPN’s agriculture the hay receive a balanced diet. 50/50 model does not provide enough enterprise is to increase year-round approach helps restore Oklahoma’s return on investment. Allotment and economic growth. Cover crops provide According to Michigan State University native grasslands along with improving other policies caused CPN and its Tribal key nutrients and soil insulation Extension, “Harvesting cover crops offers soil health and economic viability across members to lose much of the Nation’s throughout the winter, resulting livestock producers the opportunity to CPN land for generations to come. original 900-square-mile reservation. in spring harvesting opportunities capture highly digestible nutrients for Kitchen hopes CPN’s agricultural The CPN Department of Real Estate that other producers do not have. their animals and provides benefits to enterprise experiences another fruitful Services oversees the Tribe’s agricultural the soil in their cropping systems.” year in 2021 by expanding on best endeavors and works hard to get property “What we’re really excited about is practices and making sound land- under CPN’s domain once more. This that everybody is running out of After the spring harvest, CPN allows management decisions. Learn more often means purchasing a few acres hay, or they will be running out of native plants, like little bluestem, about their efforts as well as how to at a time, but Kitchen and her staff hay, and we’re going to have it. We’ll big bluestem, Indiangrass and purchase hay at cpn.news/dres. employ teamwork to determine the have a product to sell,” she said. switchgrass, to grow and flourish. Helping make homeownership a reality By Payton Moody car loans, making home improvements or paying other major expenses. Debating on purchasing your first home? Are you considering the costs compared Aside from the financial benefits, to renting or leasing? There are many homeownership also gives people factors to keep in mind when buying a a sense of pride in themselves and house, and it is important to consider embodies the “American Dream.” every avenue. Understanding the benefits of homeownership can help make the FNB benefits decision easy. First National Bank & Trust At First National Bank & Trust Co. of Co. is here to assist Citizen Potawatomi Shawnee, Oklahoma, we are dedicated Nation tribal members across the United to helping you find the solution that best States with becoming homeowners. fits your lifestyle and budget. Our bank Return on investment is one of the few financial institutions that provides HUD-184 home loans Owning a home is more than just a from the U.S. Department of Housing purchase; it’s an investment in your future, and Urban Development, available only especially in regard to establishing a family. to federally recognized tribal members. It is a gateway to long-term financial Our mortgage lender, Jeff Scroggins, success. Instead of paying monthly rent to specializes in these home loans and is a landlord, mortgage payments go toward dedicated to finding the right fit for you. building equity. In a sense, this creates savings for the future. Homeownership No matter your current financial also can provide potential tax deductions. situation, we are committed to service. Our team of experts are here to make Making consistent mortgage payments on the seemingly difficult process of time demonstrates to lenders that you are purchasing your own home a breeze. a good borrower and pose a low risk for First National Bank is here to help in all defaulting. This strong credit history will of life’s tough decisions, so give us a call be helpful in the future when applying for today to get started: 405-275-8830.

Quill work continued... or teaching other communities, adults, elders, watching their creations — it’s just and unique art forms. She provides constructive criticism while watching beautiful because it’s theirs,” Baker said. students work, providing tips and The Citizen Potawatomi Nation teaching them how to fix mistakes. Cultural Heritage Center displays “I always say, ‘It’s your first one. It’s going several pieces of quill art, including to be unique. It’s your creation,’ which, boxes. Some are available for online it is. And the thing is with teaching kids viewing at potawatomiheritage.com. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 15 Remembering Potawatomi ghost towns From bustling pioneer settlements to oil booms and busts and growing metropolitan areas, the state of Oklahoma has undergone many changes since the Potawatomi arrived in Indian Territory in 1872. That includes the demise of many small, rural communities. Although numerous towns once existed throughout Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s jurisdiction, a few stand out, including Adell, Burnett, Econtuchka, Isabella/ Clardyville, Pleasant Prairie, Sacred Heart and Pearson/Pearson Switch. In the 19th and 20th centuries, municipalities existed within a short distance from each other due to the lack of modern transportation. While a journey of 10 to 20 miles today can occur in less than 30 minutes, in the late 1800s, that was simply not the case. “It was truly just for a function of Sacred Heart Mission daily life. It was easier to have these Adell smaller, scattered communities so “Why Mary Margaret chose hers in the “Burnett gave them a run for their that people could go about their daily Once located 2 miles east and 1/5 mile center of the county is likely that being in money for a few years before a central location is a good bet. … If you settlement patterns changed, and it business of farming or doing whatever south of the Old Seminole Agency scatter your land out a little bit, and the slowly died out,” Dr. Mosteller said. they needed to do,” said Dr. Kelli in present-day central Pottawatomie tide changes and the circumstances change Mosteller, Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s County, the town of Adell received its Cultural Heritage Center director. … you protected yourself a little bit from The town dissolved in 1907, name after the daughter of Amable those vulnerabilities,” Dr. Mosteller said. but its legacy continues The arrival of railways increased and Mary Margaret Toupin, Adell transportation and travel, which Toupin Bowles. The Toupin family are Although Adell ceased to exist around “Making the most of it in very impacted whether or not known as one of the founding families 1898, the Toupin family remains challenging circumstances has communities thrived or dwindled. for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. alive and strong within the CPN. been something that makes them a prominent family in the Tribe and Burnett carries them through today,” she said. Named after descendants of Potawatomi Econtuchka Chief Abram Burnett, the town of Burnett was located 4 miles west and While many Indian Territory communities 1 mile north of present-day Macomb, were quiet, sleepy towns, Econtuchka Oklahoma. Although Chief Burnett held a reputation as a haven for outlaws. remained in Kansas where the family Econtuchka is Seminole word that means established successful businesses, many “the line,” named for its location along the of his descendants moved to Indian Potawatomi and Seminole reservational Territory to expand their enterprises. boundaries in the northeast corner of what is now Pottawatomie County. “That’s one thing you have to consider is when you move from one reservation “When you’re close to borders like to the next, your family connections are that, there is oftentimes a question not severed,” Dr. Mosteller said. “When of jurisdiction, and it becomes a the Burnett family moved down … the grey area because people don’t know markets were expanding for their trade which authority has judicial control goods and horses and all of the things over that space,” Dr. Mosteller said. that had made them fairly well-off in Several Potawatomi families took Kansas. The conditions were very similar.” allotments nearby through the Dawes The town of Old Burnett (Photo provided by the Pottawatomie County Museum) At one point in the town’s history, Act of 1887, including some Bertrands it was the largest community and Bazhaws, due to its proximity “Before the railroads came, (towns) Amable received an allotment just south in County B, which eventually to the North Canadian River. popped up around people’s allotments of the current Citizen Potawatomi became Pottawatomie County. “It was a strategic location to choose, and settlements and roads that had Nation’s complex, and Mary Margaret especially when there were still a lot of chose hers in the middle of the “It had saloons; it had hotels; it had been made for horses and carts. After questions about where the Oklahoma that, it was almost all based around reservation, next to the town’s center. a mill,” she said. “Some of these towns existed for three months then Capitol was going to go — where the the path of the railroad because that’s real centers of power were going to be what drove industry,” she explained. “You see this a lot, towns named dissolved, but Burnett was an actual after women, and a lot of times it’s town with a really great trade base.” and where the railroads would continue to extend back into Seminole, Creek The land runs in the 1880s and 1890s because it was the Potawatomi woman However, the railroad’s and Cherokee territories,” she said. also impacted settlements as hopeful who was the actual land holder. Her establishment through Tecumseh landowners staked their claims to non-Native husband would have caused the population to shift. Continued on page 16 property near suspected railways access to that land because of his and other places of opportunity. wife’s status,” Dr. Mosteller said. “The land runs really determined what Adell Toupin Bowles also served as was considered valuable, and there was the community’s first postmaster. a new calculation in that,” Dr. Mosteller “This is something that you see said. “It wasn’t just a question of whether throughout the county, and the history it is arable farmland or is it close to a of a good number of these towns is source of water? It was also how close it is the first postmaster was a woman,” she to some of these existing towns, and how said. “That is because the position close is it to the path of where existing of a postmaster, much like a teacher and future railroads are going to go?” or a nurse, was seen as one that was respectable for a young woman.” Some municipalities quickly grew around families and their need Records indicate Amable supported for a school and access to supplies. his daughter’s role as postmaster, However, the rapid changes across and although he owned his own Indian Territory caused many to property elsewhere, he chose to Tom Sander’s place near Pearson, Oklahoma (Photo provided disappear almost as fast as they began. settle and live on his wife’s land. by the Pottawatomie County Museum) 16 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN

Ghost Towns continued... cation’ and you lived in Pottawat- Pleasant Prairie Although little remains of these omie County, this was the most once lively towns, their impact on By the end of 1907, the town dissolved natural choice,” Dr. Mosteller said. After signing the Treaty of 1867, Pottawatomie County — and Citizen as residents began moving closer Citizen Potawatomi began making Potawatomi — history remains today. to Shawnee to be near businesses, Sacred Heart inspired Citizen their way south from Kansas, moving schools, churches and more. Potawatomi tribal member Albert to a community named Pleasant “I think it’s really important for us Negahnquet to become the first Prairie in the southern portion of the to remember these — we call them Isabella/Oberlin/ full-blooded Native American new reservation in Indian Territory. ghost towns — but the families that Clardyville/Wagoza Catholic ordained priest. helped to found them are still here. “It was temporary. They were settling Their descendants are still around. … I Early in Indian Territory and Oklahoma’s “He really learned at the knee of a lot here to just get their feet under think recognizing the initiative that beginnings, it was not uncommon for a of the fathers who taught at Sacred them,” Dr. Mosteller explained. it took to strike out in someplace town to change its name based upon its Heart and helped get that mission new and try to make a go of it in a leadership at the time, as was the case for When Tribal members had to select established,” she said. “He then went way, it really shows the efforts and Isabella/Oberlin/Clardyville/Wagoza. The allotments in the years that followed, to seminary in Rome, and he came the heart (of) our early Potawatomi town, located approximately 5 miles west many of the families moved elsewhere back and taught amongst his people.” families who settled around here and of Asher, began as Isabella on Feb. 15, across the reservation. Eventually, Wanette the county. And it’s something to be 1875. Ten days later, it became Clardyville. absorbed Pleasant Prairie. However, Rather than receiving his education to not only remembered but respected the Nation remembers its impact. minister to other communities, Albert, and honored,” Dr. Mosteller said. “This is one of those towns that if … you ordained Father Dom Bede, wished to had a time-lapse map of the county, this “It was sort of the first home base. It teach the gospel in his Native language Learn more about these towns and the one would be changing fairly rapidly, was where those Potawatomi families to fellow Citizen Potawatomi members. Potawatomi families that helped establish and it would actually be changing came down and saw this was going to them by visiting potawatomiheritage.com location as well,” Dr. Mosteller said. be their future and resolved to make the “That was something that was very or touring the Cultural Heritage Center. important to him,” Dr. Mosteller said. best of it and to turn this into our new Joshua Clardy, a Citizen Potawatomi, homeland as best we could,” she said. established a general store. The town The Catholic Church’s impact on the was first named after his wife and local Nation, and Sacred Heart in particular, postmaster Isabella before its change. can bring about varied emotions and memories for Citizen Potawatomi Traditional take on Oklahoma’s state meal “It was primarily his family, and families today. Some see the mission Hunting, trapping and fishing have always Preparing venison dishes today may a few others, who settled around and other religious influences as an been mainstays for the Nishnabé people. seem difficult, but employing a little him,” she said. “As people started integral part of assimilation efforts, Since the Citizen Potawatomi arrived in time, proper seasoning and love can moving closer to other resources, the viewing the church and its work as a Oklahoma, taking advantage of the state’s provide delicious results. Check out town actually moved a few miles.” negative aspect of the Nation’s history. plentiful white-tailed deer population as this recipe below to learn how to well as other wild game has provided lean, use venison to create a traditional Sadly, Clardy experienced the “It is perceived differently depending on healthy meat and offers opportunities spin on fried steak. Check out the negative aspects of living in the people’s understanding of it — people’s for CPN members to continue adhering video tutorial at cpn.news/steak. “Wild West” firsthand when he was experiences with it. … But we can’t to Potawatomi cultural customs. violently attacked at his store. discount that Sacred Heart and the “He just sort of threw his hands up and lived experiences of our ancestors are said, ‘This is not really worth all of what critical pieces of our history as Native we’re going through,’” Dr. Mosteller said. people but our history as the first people to really set up and establish what is He returned to Kansas where he became today Pottawatomie County,” she said. involved in the newspaper industry. In 1901, tragedy struck Sacred Heart “He was really successful,” she said. “He when a fire damaged and destroyed actually was owner or part-owner and numerous buildings. Instead of had a key role in several newspapers rebuilding, the school moved to a in Kansas into the 1880s and 1890s.” new location further north that later became St. Gregory’s University. Although Joshua and Isabella’s children However, the Mission Church at Sacred remained in Oklahoma, the town’s Heart remains an active perish today. named changed to Oberlin, and Mary Trousdale served as the new Pearson/Pearson Switch postmaster. It moved once more on July 18, 1881, to where the community Albert Negahnquet’s father Steven of Pleasant Prairie once thrived. At Neghanquet received an allotment this time, it changed to Wagoza. near the town of Pearson, later named Pearson Switch. Many other By June of 1884, little remained Potawatomi also called the area home. of the migratory town. “It was referred to as Pearson Switch Sacred Heart because the Rock Island Railroad, as it came south out of Shawneetown, The Potawatomi tribe granted the came to a split and had a side Catholic Order of St. Benedict 1-square- spur that went farther west in to mile of its new reservation in Indian the county,” Dr. Mosteller said. Territory to establish a church and educational facilities. Began by Father The railroad strategically placed Dom Isidor Robot in 1876, the Sacred additional lines to capture more rural, Heart Mission came to fruition with the remote areas. It increased the ability help of nearby Potawatomi families. to deliver goods and conduct trade. “Sacred Heart is actually integral to the Although it mostly comprised of the history of the Catholic Church west of Neghanquet’s land, a settler with the the Mississippi,” Dr. Mosteller said. “It name of Pearson established a store. served almost as the archdiocese of the church in Indian Territory for a while “A lot of these towns are named because it was the first, large established after a person who either owns mission, and it had a lot of reach.” the land or the person who had the biggest business,” she said. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, many Potawatomi converted According to Dr. Mosteller, this to Catholicism, and before the land area of the county may not have runs and statehood, Tribal members grown and flourished without the served as one of the largest numbers Rock Island Railroad creating a spur. of Catholics within the territory. However, even the railroad could not prevent the town from dissolving. The church established a girls’ school in the 1880s before completing “Having one element that draws the boys’ facilities shortly after. people to your town is often not enough to keep them when all “If you were going to send your child these other towns are starting to somewhere to get that ‘Western edu- grow more quickly,” she added. HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 17 Active duty Army soldier sees opportunities in travel, people skills Citizen Potawatomi Nation member position as a forward observer, the same Justin Swarb sought to fulfill his desire job as his uncle. With no regrets, Swarb to see the world when he enrolled in encourages those considering enlisting to the military right out of high school. talk with someone about their experience. “Before I left for the Army, I’ve only been “If you’re going to join, definitely take to Mexico on a cruise and then the state the time, do the research and make of West Virginia, and I think Alabama sure you find a job, no matter what when I was a kid,” he said. “Other branch you’re in, that you’re going to than that, I never really seen any other love when you go to join,” he said. state or country. So (I joined) just to do something, I guess you can say, and Swarb’s family members on both sides serve my country. … Proud to do it.” have long military service records in many branches, including the Army, Following boot camp, Swarb deployed Marine Reserves, Coast Guard, Navy and to Kuwait in May 2018. After more. His great-grandpa on his father’s spending a few months there, he side, where his Potawatomi lineage switched between a couple of bases comes from, served in the Army as well. in Afghanistan and returned to the U.S. in January 2019. His work as a Although Swarb attempted to prepare forward observer requires precision himself to leave his family and and focus while aligning artillery hometown of Waller, Texas, to serve, and mortar fire as well as setting up the longing to return took over. observation points — all while adjusting “When I left for the Army, I thought I to rapidly changing circumstances. was ready to get out of Texas, and as Still active duty, Swarb is stationed soon as I got on a plane to Oklahoma at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, to Fort Sill, I realized that I wanted to Colorado, until November 2021. stay in Texas. I’m counting the days till I get back to it. But I thought I wouldn’t “While I’m in the States, it is pretty much miss it, but I definitely do,” he said. just being mission-ready, training and everyday tasks, whether it be paperwork However, he grew close to the others in this unit. Swarb named the “brotherhood” or going to fix our vehicles,” he said. “I’d Swarb (left) uses skills he learned in the Army in everyday life. (Photo provided) say probably about once a month we go between him and his fellow soldiers as his favorite thing about enlistment. out to the field for a couple of weeks.” information, and the position requires “Me and my buddy played pool with quick thinking and confidence. two ANA soldiers. It was pretty cool. Communication and “I’ve got friends that I’ve known for a We couldn’t communicate because we decision-making couple of years — or we’re not even so He also learned “the ability to just couldn’t really understand each other’s much a couple of years, just a few short figure stuff out on my own,” he said. When asked about abilities he learned language, but it was nice. ... Never years or a few months — that would while enlisted, Swarb said, “I’m not Traveling to bases throughout the thought I’d be able to do that,” he said. take a bullet for me, and you can’t really even sure where to start to name off.” country and around the world made find that anywhere else,” Swarb said. Swarb emphasized that improving Swarb feel comfortable talking to Following active duty, he, his wife He listed the people skills he has anyone and everyone, from casual communication skills comes down honed throughout the last several acquaintances to professional contacts. to one thing: “Just always be open- Bailey and son Ryker plan to return to years as something he uses every day. minded because you never really know Texas, where job prospects await him. “Just meeting people from different the other person unless you conversate “I’ve always had them, but in the walks of life, and different states and with them consistently and are around The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural military, you try to be as clear as different heritages, all different kinds them and know how they react and Heritage Center honors Tribal members possible and communicate as much of backgrounds — it’s definitely talk and everything like that.” who served and places their pictures as possible so that everybody’s on cultured me, in a sense,” he said. on the Veterans Wall of Honor. If you the same page,” Swarb said. Family and service are a veteran and member and would While stationed in Bagram, like your place on the wall, please call Consistent and precise correspondence Afghanistan, Swarb and the other Before joining, Swarb talked with one 405-878-5830 and ask for KeAnne is essential to his position as a soldiers in his unit sometimes of his uncles who served in the Army for Langford or Blake Norton or email forward observer and a mission’s socialized with Afghan National more than two decades. He helped Swarb [email protected] success. He also disseminates Army members from a nearby base. pick what path to follow, which led to his or [email protected]. Freeman serves Native-owned business in multiple capacities Felecia Freeman did not plan to seek out about 300 members, including a handful over a decade ago, she has assisted in a board seat with the American Indian of businesses based outside of the state. making more than $40 million in loans Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma. to Indigenous entrepreneurs. She is also Along with the state level organization, the CPCDC’s liaison to the Comanche It just sort of fell into her lap. there are local chapters in Tulsa, Nation’s Revolving Loan Fund. Oklahoma City, the Lawton area, “I don’t think I ever officially ran,” she southeastern Oklahoma, north-central For Freeman, joining the chamber said with a smile. “It was one of those Oklahoma and far eastern Oklahoma. was simply a natural extension situations where the officers and of her professional work. members asked me to do this. Last Due to the ongoing pandemic, the year, I said we might have more capable chamber has moved its monthly meetings “Our goals are common,” Freeman said. people available, but it was easy for the online, both at the state and local level. “At the CDCDC, our goal is to enhance board to ask me as someone who knows Although plans are underway for an financial futures for Native-owned how to put items on the agendas and in-person event in July at River Spirit businesses. The chamber’s goal is the upload them and take minutes. I didn’t Casino in Tulsa, Zoom participation same; we want to help grow those Native- just jump out and say, ‘I’ll do it.’” may be a COVID-induced change that owned businesses, give them any kind becomes permanent for the chamber. of technical support, any networking or A descendant of the Rhodd family, any collaboration that we can do to help Freeman started a two-year term in “It’s something that’s probably going to Native-owned businesses in Oklahoma.” January as state secretary of the American turn into an option, even when we can Indian Chamber of Commerce of meet again in person,” she said. “It may Felecia Freeman Find more about the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma. She was initially appointed to be a great option for people who want Outside of her board seat, the the board in April 2019 to fill a vacancy. to join a meeting in say, Tulsa, where I’d Oklahoma at aiccok.org. Visit the University of Central Oklahoma have to spend two hours driving up there. Citizen Potawatomi Community Launched in the early 1990s, the chamber alumna is a commercial loan officer Development Corporation online at is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings “It will open up a lot of doors all over and certified credit counselor for the cpcdc.org or on Facebook @cpncdfi. together Indigenous entrepreneurs and the state versus just networking with Citizen Potawatomi Community businesses and serves as a liaison for tribal your Tulsa people or Stillwater people or Development Corporation. Since economic development issues. It has Lawton people or even Oklahoma City.” coming on board with the CPCDC 18 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN Tribal Chairman – John “Rocky” Barrett On March 26 at FireLake Arena, another Family Reunion Festival Reunion Festival to be a Citizen Those who continue to spread we administered our 10,000th canceled, but I trust the advice Potawatomi event, unlike the that falsehood — despite vaccine dose to the spouse of a of our medical professionals. old days of inter-tribal powwows written proof going back to Tribal member from Oklahoma These same doctors treat our when our people virtually March 1 when the Tribal paper City. Our success is thanks to loved ones at the clinic and quit participating. Festival is went on our website — must an innovative collaboration have guided us through this of utmost importance to me, really not want you to show between our emergency horrible year of pandemic. but so is the well-being of you, up to vote on June 26. management department, my fellow Tribal members. CPN Health Services and the Here is the hard fact: this Well, I do want you to vote, Federal Emergency Management pandemic is not over. We have This is what leadership duty by ballot or in-person if Agency. I thank them all for had double the number of requires: listening to the experts, you are nearby. Increasing their commitment to our people. positive cases reported this week, telling our people the truth and participation in Tribal elections and another six people are in making the best out of a bad is one of the reasons I fought By the time you receive this quarantine. Our worry is that situation. There is a rumor that for CPN to adopt the 2007 paper, we’ll have administered a half of the Festival attendees one of my election opponents constitution, which provided Tribal members representation, Bozho nikan few thousand additional doses who come to Shawnee in June is planning a personal powwow regardless of their location. (Hello, my friend), in our community to Native are from out of state, where with the help of a few who have and non-Native alike. We are case numbers remain high and opposed my election in the past. If you cannot vote in-person, hope this month’s Hownikan thankful that the vaccination vaccines aren’t widely available. Please use caution in considering please return the ballot request finds you and your family efforts have reduced the number With a large portion of Festival I this, if you are. The news of in this newspaper. I would be well and happy. Here at home, of confirmed positive cases. attendees being youths who Festival’s cancellation is sad, but very grateful for your vote. we continue to show progress We have also seen fewer of our cannot be vaccinated and elders getting sick would be worse. We in combatting the coronavirus employees out on quarantine who are much more likely to are working to still make some It is an honor to serve as pandemic. At the time of or through confirmed have serious complications, parts of it possible online. Our your Tribal Chairman. writing, the federal government COVID-19 diagnoses, which the risks outweigh the rewards. CPN Cultural Heritage Center announced that their new goal is a great financial benefit. Imagine a multi-generation and CPN Public Information Migwetch is to have 200 million vaccine Throughout 2020, it was family attending and everyone Department will host digital (Thank you), doses administered by the first common to have more than one from the great-grandchild Festival activities, and I John “Rocky” Barrett 100 days of the new presidential 150 employees on average away to the great-grand parent encourage you to participate. term. This updated objective from work each pay period. falling ill and taking the virus Keweoge comes after the country easily back to their community. It In-person voting will take (He Leads Them Home) Tribal Chairman surpassed the administration’s Our trust in CPN’s medical would be a great tragedy to place. This is just as it was last 100 million doses in 100 days experts got us to this point. Not our Tribe and your families. year, when CPN members cast goal, and providers across the every decision we have made their ballots inside a very socially country have worked with through this last year has been Believe me — I wish with all distanced FireLake Arena. federal, state and tribal partners easy, and perhaps with hindsight my heart that I could predict to far exceed expectations. It of a few years, we’ll have a better the future. I don’t relish telling Rumors published on the is a good example of what we perspective of where we might you this news, especially because internet that say in-person can do as a country as we pull have made a different call. I under my leadership, we voting is canceled are not together in the same direction. am very disappointed to have started and shaped the Family true! We will vote!

Vice-Chairman – Linda Capps doctors will tell you not to be people gathering, and then only virtual involvement for the crushing to think that a strong, alarmed if you get the virus after with strict protocols like wearing festival. There will be everything vital man with so much life and you have been vaccinated. The masks and social distancing. from a virtual Festival Kickoff potential ahead of him can be symptoms should be much less The repeat absence of the CPN with dates and times of events swept away by the coronavirus. pronounced than if you were Family Festival for the end of to virtual tours of the CPN I would do anything in my not vaccinated. Your chances June is a disappointment for Cultural Heritage Center and power to keep this from of going to the hospital with all of us. We so much wanted Eagle Aviary as well as history happening to another family. extreme symptoms are very to have the Festival, but there presentations, family research, CPN continues to provide a safe slim. It still is a disappointment are still too many unknowns. language lessons, craft classes environment for our employees when cases after vaccination The recent cases of children and, of course, in-person voting and guests to the greatest extent occur. You will recall that contracting the virus has been and the General Council. These possible under the direction information accompanying the especially alarming. Children are just a few events that are of Dr. Adam Vascellaro. We vaccine warns that a person are not eligible to be vaccinated planned. Hopefully, the virtual are fortunate to have his can contact COVID-19 if and may not be eligible or have schedule will be set for Monday, guidance and leadership. they have been vaccinated, but the availability of vaccine for June 21 through the General the severity of the symptoms months to come. Yet, if they Council on Saturday, June 26 at Once again, I cherish the Bozho should be minimal. I suppose are positive for the coronavirus, 3 p.m. In addition, there may be opportunity to be your Vice- (Hello), I simply was not expecting they can spread it to family a virtual bingo game at the end Chairman. May you have the possibility so soon. members and friends. of the virtual programming. many happy days ahead of he COVID-19 situation is you for spring and summer. Ta little better at the Citizen As we are now into spring Another concern is more than Granted, virtual is not as good Potawatomi Nation. At the same with the summer months half of our visitors at Festival as the in-person event, but it Migwetch time, we are disappointed to see ahead of us, my prayer is that time are from out of Oklahoma. is a far cry better than people (Thank you), several COVID-19 cases after a our communities will be safe getting sick from catching the That makes a difference, too, Linda Capps person has been fully vaccinated. from the sting of death due because we do not follow each coronavirus. Two weeks ago, Segenakwe The same disappointment exists to COVID-19. We cannot be state in terms of vaccinations the surrounding communities (Black Bird Woman) each time a child is diagnosed too careful. Our chief medical and COVID-19 cases like we lost our beloved superintendent Vice-Chairman with COVID-19. We have director has been our go-to did in the beginning of the of Gordon Cooper Technology 405-275-3121 work also heard of other cases within for decisions on “opening up” pandemic. We would want our Center to COVID-19. Although 405-650-1238 cell the surrounding area where for large numbers of people to people from out-of-state to be he was not a member of our [email protected] coronavirus occurred in people gather at CPN. Thus far, we safe in their travels. The good Tribe, he was known by many that have been vaccinated. The have been very selective about news is that we do plan to have Tribal members in the area. It is HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 19 District 2 – Eva Marie Carney During the February meeting, we considered and approved a proposal to accept a sizeable al- location from the federal govern- ment of $3.1 million for distri- bution to Tribal citizens through the Low-Income Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, the terms of which are specified in detail by the federal government. You can find more details about the program at potawatomi.org/low-income-pro- gram or by calling 833-481-0638 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Please read the program Bozho nikanek description, call the information NMAI Archives visit, (Hello friends)! number if you have eligibility December 2017 questions, and spread the word Update on Knowledge 360° (NK360°) about the program to all Tribal legislative meetings at cpn.news/360NN. You’ll citizens who might be eligible. find educational materials and ur latest quarterly Archives visit (virtual) teacher training materials that Olegislative meeting incorporate Native narratives, was held on Feb. 25. Our I’ve heard from several of you more comprehensive histories information technology who are disappointed that I am and accurate information about department posts the video not able to schedule a National Native America. This could be a NMAI Archives visit, October 2015 of our legislative meetings Museum of the American valuable resource to use if you are within a day or two of the Indian (NMAI) Archives a teacher or to introduce to your meetings. You can watch the visit. All NMAI facilities in favorite student’s teaching staff. February meeting video and Washington, D.C., and New catch up with earlier meetings at York remain closed, but NMAI’s I am eager to get back to the cpn.news/legislature. You’ll see holdings can be searched at Archives with a group of fellow that we continue to admit new cpn.news/NMAIcollect. Potawatomi as soon as NMAI citizens to our rolls at a robust will let me schedule a visit! I’ve pace — 290 in November, 93 in Another valuable NAMI resource included here some photos of December and 346 in February. is NMAI’s Explore Native past visits to the NMAI Archives.

District 2 contest?

I’ve not posted details for our annual contest because I’m short on ideas this time. This would be our 11th contest year, I believe, and perhaps the contest has run its course. If you have ideas for our theme (Potawatomi heritage NMAI Archives visit, 2016 and culture-centric), please share them with me. As a reminder, in Reunion Festival this year. I’ll Bama pi 2020, you were asked to submit miss you and so many CPN (Until later), stories about your use of your staff and other volunteers who Eva Marie Carney CPN ID card; our 2019 contest make this event so memorable. Ojindiskwe (Blue Bird Woman) asked for photos of something Next year in Shawnee! Representative, District 2 or someone that best reflects 5877 Washington Boulevard your Potawatomi heritage. Please be in contact PO Box 5591 I’ll miss you Write, call or email me to chat or Arlington, VA 22205 obtain or offer information. As 866-961-6988 toll-free It’s so regrettable that we are your elected legislator, I’m here [email protected] NMAI Archives visit, 2016 not able to gather for a Family to listen and to assist when I can. evamariecarney.com

District 3 – Bob Whistler member in need of food, go is useful and helps you, other income families with rent and/ five-year program will give us to freefood.org/s/texas to find family members or a friend. or outstanding utility expenses. $500,000 each year for five a facility near you in Texas. The program is rather complex years. Information on this I have created a website in order in that the parameters vary by should be forthcoming within If you have a relative in a to better serve District 3 at different parts of the country the next few weeks from staff. different state, the website CPNdistrict3.com. There is a and even within different features a dropdown menu link in the website where you cities. Information on how to 400 new members may contact me and submit where you can select by state or apply for this program will be your email address, which I will At our Feb. 25 meeting, we enter a zip code where you wish carried on the Tribal website at add to my group list for future approved membership to about to find resources. In the Dallas potawatomi.org as well as on the area, one of the sources listed is rush information. Please go on 400 new members in our Nation. Tribal Facebook page, facebook. Fifty of those are in District 3. the Dallas Urban Inter-Tribal and sign up; information that com/citizenpotawatomination. I ask that each family that was Center. However, there are over may be very important to you added to go to my new website 60 locations in north Texas and will get to you possibly earlier. Secondary education if they do not get email from me over 560 in the state of Texas. As your elected representative, in STEM I am your voice to CPN! and add their email to receive Bozho nikan You will need to check with CPN has applied for funds the few messages that I send Low-income rent/utility (Hello friend), whatever facility you go to for that will complement our basic out. I cannot be your voice if I emergency assistance can’t get the message out to you. Food banks eligibility. For the Urban Inter- scholarship undergraduate Tribal Center of Texas, they Here is another item that I was program for those seeking IRS 2020 tax sent this information out by will provide food for non-tribal able to get out by email. At the postsecondary degrees in filing deadline I email a day or so after we had members that live in two specific Feb. 25 legislative meeting, we science, technology, engineering, submitted our articles for the zip codes. You do need to prove approved a resolution for a CPN mathematics or computer On Feb. 22, the IRS announced March edition of the Hownikan. that you are a Native American application to secure funds to be science. We approved a that Texas residents suffering For any of you that may need with supportive identification used from mid-March through resolution for funds of 2.5 from the 2021 winter storm to find a food bank due to your if you live in another zip Dec. 31, 2021. This program million dollars for this program now have their IRS tax filing loss of income or have a family code. I hope this information was established to assist low- at our Feb. 25 meeting. The deadline extended from April 20 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN 15 to June 15, 2021. For any On Saturday, May 8, 2021, I group in their immediate area to interested in joining a group services, benefits and questions of you that have lost a spouse am holding a District 3 Zoom help build more interest in our to help increase interest in our about the budget, resolutions in 2020, you may file a joint meeting from 10 a.m. to Nation. My thoughts are that Nation, please contact Joshua. and expenses. I again ask for tax return. In addition, you noon. Our June 2021 Family by forming such groups, they the avenue to contact you may also file as a “qualified Reunion Festival has been can assist me in finding meeting Joshua Walters via email so I may get timely widow(er)” under publication canceled due to COVID-19 locations as well as offering 713-823-2644 information to you as it surfaces. uncertainty. I am hoping to ideas on what they would like [email protected] 501 for the next two years, Bama pi which basically gives you almost hold face-to-face meetings later me to bring to a meeting in in the year and will be asking If there are any other members (Later), a joint filing deduction. For the way of information, crafts, residing in or near Corpus anyone who lost a spouse one you what you would like those or for that matter, staff to talk Bob Whistler meetings to include at the May Christi, Galveston, Houston, or two years ago, I suggest you about a specific topic. The most Wichita Falls, Tyler, Dallas, or Bmashi (He Soars) see if you qualify for this same meeting. The link for the May recent person to contact me Representative, District 3 meeting will be provided later. Ft. Worth who would like to tax exemption, since it almost was Joshua Walters who lives in get a group started, let me know 112 Bedford Road, Suite 116 doubles your tax deduction. District groups Leander, Texas. Leander is very and I will get your information Bedford, TX 76022 Keep in mind — I am not a tax near Austin and Round Rock, out in the Hownikan. 817-282-0868 office attorney, and I recommend you As with each of our districts, Texas, and really not too distant 817-229-6271 cell talk to a licensed tax advisor to they tend to be fairly large, and from San Antonio. We have a In closing, I am humbled and 817-545-1507 home confirm that you are eligible we are not able to get to all fairly large population in the honored to represent you. As [email protected] [email protected] for this tax deduction category. locations on a regular basis. I several counties that are adjacent already mentioned, I am your have had a couple of District 3 to those cities. For those of you voice to the CPN executive District 3 Meeting citizens ask if they could setup a living near Leander and are and legislative branches on

District 4 – Jon Boursaw • Several flashlights and ceremony is now scheduled lots of extra batteries for Thursday, April 29 at 3 — all necessary sizes p.m. just inside the inside the • Anyone wear glasses? Have entrance to Skyline Park on an extra pair in your kit Burnett’s Mound in Topeka. for all family members. CPN Elders Potluck • Prescriptions/other meds, Luncheons are back seven-day supply I just confirmed with Tracy • Large first aid kit (You may Kinderknecht, the senior need more than Band-Aids.) support network RN in • Cheap raincoats or ponchos Rossville that the monthly CPN Elders Potluck Luncheon • Blanket or two for each is back on the calendar. The member of the family first luncheon will be held on • Small amount of cash Friday, May 14, 2021. Join Bozho Education, has released her small-frame church, one-room and/or extra credit card us, and bring a side dish or a (Hello), annual report on the CPN school, general store, early drug (You probably won’t dessert. If you plan on attending, scholarship program, and I store, blacksmith shop and small Are you prepared to survive find your wallet.) please RSVP to Tracy or town train station. The Old after a devastating storm? am pleased to report that the Brenda at 785-584-6171, no • Backpacks or bags to carry Prairie Town is located on the total number of scholarships later than Tuesday, May 11. t is springtime in Kansas, and all of these items in case in Kansas ranks third in the grounds of the historic Ward- that means there is always you have to evacuate nation with 432 students Meade house, one the earliest Honored to serve you I homes in Topeka. The board the potential for a damaging Go online to check out the receiving CPN scholarships. of directors is very interested It is an honor to serve you as storm or tornado. Now is the more comprehensive lists. My Only Oklahoma, with 1,341 in adding the Native American your district representative. I time to make extra preparation last thought: your survival kit, scholarships, and Texas, with village to depict the tribes that appreciate hearing from CPN efforts, just in case. We have all regardless of its size, must be 439, ranked higher than Kansas. at one time lived on or near members in Kansas, whether seen or heard about the items stored in a manner that ensures Kansas State University had current location of Old Prairie in the form of a letter, email, you should have stored away in it is going to survive the tornado. the highest number of CPN Town. This would include the phone call or in the office. case a tornado hits your home. It isn’t going to do you any good scholarship students outside Prairie Band Potawatomi, Kanza Please let me know how I can The following list is far from all if it goes when the house goes. of the state of Oklahoma with of the items that you may or 65 recipients. The following or Kaw, Delaware, Shawnee be of assistance to you. If you should have in your emergency CPN history makes is a breakdown showing the and Citizen Potawatomi. The are not receiving emails from kit, but rather it is a simple list it to seventh grade number of students at each of idea is to have replicas of the me, it is because I do not have of those items needed to get classrooms statewide the major schools in Kansas type of construction used by your current email address, or you started building your kit. receiving CPN scholarships: the tribes. Most common of what I have is incorrect. All You may recall that last year I these would include a wigwam you need to do is send me • Drinking water, one gallon per was asked by the director of the • Kansas State University: 65 and a teepee. We also discussed your email address, and I will person for three days (Don’t Kansas State Historical Society • Kansas University: 57 the idea of including a prayer enter you into my District 4 forget water and bowl for pets.) and Museum to participate in circle and possibly a medicine information file. My contact • Washburn University: 36 information is listed below. • Extra leash(es) for your dog(s) a review and update of a new wheel. My role so far has been Kansas seventh grade history • Pittsburg State University: 26 to contact the other tribes • Supply of nonperishable Migwetch textbook, to which I agreed. The • Wichita State University: 25 and ask a representative to food (If in cans, don’t forget new text has been printed. I join the board in the design (Thank you), a manual can opener.) • Emporia State University: 19 was given a copy, and I am very and construction of this Jon Boursaw, • Extra food for your pets pleased to report that several • Ft. Hays State University: 13 important piece of Kansas Wetase Mkoh (Brave Bear) of my recommended changes, history. Should be interesting. • Paper towels and toilet paper Representative, District 4 additions or deletions have For more information about Dedication 2007 SW Gage Blvd. • Paper plates, bowls, cups been included in the new text. the CPN Scholarship Program, Topeka, KS 66604 and plastic utensils Numerous topics appearing for contact the CPN Department ceremony for the Burnett’s Mound exhibit 785-861-7272 office • Change of clothes the first time in the textbook of Education by email at 785-608-1982 cell include the removal from Indiana, [email protected] (Remember: you may be Last year, plans had been [email protected] the Sugar Creek Reservation, or by phone at 405-695- in your PJs when it hits.) made to conduct a dedication Office hours: St. Marys Academy and even a 6028 or 1-800-880-9880. ceremony for the Burnett’s 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays • Special items for infants picture of Lewis Vieux. At least Mound exhibit on March 3-5 p.m. Thursdays • Sturdy shoes for all the seventh grade students in Native American village at 27, only to have the event Other times: please call members of the family Kansas will know how we got Old Prairie Town in Topeka postponed just a week before here. I’m anxious to hear how • Towels and soap, extra A few weeks ago, I was invited due to the pandemic. It appears our CPN youth in that grade will toothbrushes and paste to meet with a few members that current COVID restrictions react to see part of their Tribe’s of the board of directors for have been lifted to the point • Comb or hairbrush, in case history being in their textbook. Old Prairie Town in Topeka where we can possibly hold the you make the evening news I hope they take pride in it. to discuss the addition of a event this year. I just completed • Battery-powered radio and CPN scholarship program Native America village to their coordinating with Shawnee plenty of extra batteries current display of various County Parks and Recreation • Cell phone charging cords, if Tesia Zientek, the director buildings depicting an early Department to reschedule you are lucky and have power of the CPN Department of Kansas town. These include a this event. The dedication HOWNIKAN APRIL 2021 21 District 5 – Gene Lambert I would rather write about some The project was taken on If your timing is right, you can losing his continued presence of the beauty in the world. by Father Eusebio Kino, a enjoy an Indian taco and visit created a huge uprising. I Jesuit priest who worked the histories hanging on the believe this was in the late A discussion came up with an to spread Christianity to walls as you move through. 1990s. A lot of damage occurred associate a few months ago. I the Americas, specifically during the tribal unrest over found it interesting and start- the Native communities. A casket with Father Eusebio the loss of this special person. ed researching. Hope you find Kino’s image is there to it worthy as well. It is about a You will find the mission along honor the spiritual leader When talking to Father Albrecht Spanish mission on Native Amer- the road through Tucson or as loved by the people. in Santa Barbara, his comment ican land. If you have additional you head to Nogales, Mexico, was one you can be certain information not written here, I as it is about 60 miles from You can say a prayer, and belonged to a priest. “They are would love to hear about it. Nogales and approximately it is believed with sincerity just crying out for help.” His 10 miles from Tucson. your prayer will be answered statement was of no concern Lets’ start with one of the most because Father Kino will hear to the physical damage, rather famous missions here in Arizona. The mission was built on what and acknowledge as he was the heart of the people. the Tohono O’odham Nation the recognized “holy man.” San Xavier del Bac tribal members considered It is still beautiful, Bozho Mission, Tucson, Arizona sacred ground and remains My visits always connected heartwarming and inspiring. (Hello), in honor to this day. to Father Albrecht as he ran Francis Xavier was a Spanish It is certain there are many s we travel forward through and maintained not only Jesuit and acknowledged as San Xavier is called the “White stories like this state to state 2021, we see there isn’t the physical structure but A a patron saint of the Roman Dove of the Desert.” As you and reservation to reservation. much change before us other the morning mass as well. Catholic missions. He was drive just outside Tucson, you than the distribution of the known as a member of the will see a magnificent white form The tribal members came to love Take the time. It is worth it. COVID-19 vaccination plan. It first seven Jesuit order and him, of course, as he was full of in the desert and undoubtedly If you cannot visit these has apparently changed state to traveled extensively. He was love for them. You wouldn’t have ask yourself, “What in the world beautiful places personally, do it state in regard to the priorities born on April 7, 1506, at the to talk to him more than five is out in the middle of the desert online. There is so much to see. and timeframe involved. Xavier Castle close to Sanguesa, surrounded by an entourage of minutes to recognize his special Navarre (Spain) and died Dec. connection. While I am not of We do see a light at the end breathtaking protected cacti?” Love you guys, so take 3, 1552, and was canonized the Catholic faith, it did not mat- of the tunnel, however. We care of yourselves. on March 12, 1622. It is There was a group of artists who ter to him or to me as I learned have reached the one-year definitely the beginning of the participated in the refurbishing about his love for the mission Your legislator, mark of isolation and public beautiful San Xavier del Bac. of the already beautiful structure. as well as the people it served. concerns. How long this will Some of the same artists Eunice Imogene Lambert last? We really don’t know as According to the National who worked on the Sistine Unfortunately, after years Butterfly Woman new strains are being identified. Park Service, the San Xavier Chapel found the noteworthy of service to San Xavier, the Representative, District 5 building was started in 1700 on mission in dire need of repair. Catholic Church decided to 270 E Hunt Highway, Ste 229 Politics haven’t slowed down land considered to be sacred to Their work was impressive! move Father Albrecht to Santa San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 either as each party accuses the Tohono O’odham Nation Barbara and replace him with 480-228-6569 the other of un-American acts. and completed by Franciscans I have visited the mission another Franciscan Jesuit priest. [email protected] Let’s just let that go for the in 1797. It was also said the many times and am always moment. We’ve lost friends founding of the mission quieted by the stillness as The tribal members had become and relatives on that subject. actually occurred in 1692. you enter its history. so close to Father Albrecht, and

District 6 – Rande K. Payne certificates, her family members In my opinion, California state deserve better than that and so with fearless determination. His would have been misclassified government has failed all its do our children, grandchildren death was not COVID related. as Latino, white or other. citizens in practically every and their children. If we are Many of you have seen and facet of government — in to remain, we must maintain talked to him at district events California Native American particular, Native Americans — our connection to the past. and Family Reunion Festival. tribal leaders said that COVID with regard to the pandemic. Bobby was my biggest fan as deaths have shrouded their We recently received word I was his. We shared a bond communities, yet state figures Most tribes within Califronia that Family Reunion Festival that only the closest of brothers show few American Indian have long been skeptical of is canceled this year. While can share. He was always people have died here compared the state’s data concerning coronavirus numbers seem to there for me. I will forever be with other states with significant Native Americans. Racially be headed in the right direction reminded of his carefree spirit Indigenous populations. Leaders misclassifying Native Americans and more and more people are in a gentle breeze, a soft rain, a and experts fear deaths in during a pandemic is historical being vaccinated, it’s still too slow and radiant sunset, a full their communities have been trauma in real time, the article early to be confident we can moon, a shooting star, children undercounted because of a long concluded. I think that it’s our gather safely. However, it is still playing and an empty chair at history of Native Americans responsibility to make sure we an important election year, as the campfire. His passing is a Bozho nikanek being racially misclassified. identify and are counted as Vice-Chairman Capps said in the great loss for our entire family, (Hello friends), This damaging practice can bar Native American. We have to February Hownikan. As I have and we miss him dearly. Rest own it; no one else is going to. recently read an article in Native people from getting the said numerous times, voting in peacefully in the arms of Jesus, dear brother. Bama mine. USA Today with a headline help and resources they actually Racial misclassification isn’t new our Tribal elections is the single I need, the article goes on to say. most important thing we can do that read, ‘We’re born Indian for Native Americans. It goes Potawatomi word of and we die white’: Indigenous as citizens of the great Citizen California has the largest back decades, if not centuries. the month: nsezé leaders in California fear COVID Potawatomi Nation. I believe number of American Indians Whether intentional or through deaths are going undercounted. voting is our most important Remember, you can look up and Alaska Natives in the stereotyping based on a person’s last name or amount of right, and I also believe we this word or any other word at The article begins with the story United States. California’s should consider it our duty. As potawatomidictionary.com. COVID-19 data isn’t reflective pigmentation, misclassification of two COVID-19 deaths in further disconnects us from Vice-Chairman Capps said, “This of national data that shows the Sigala family. Pinoleville our ancestors and erases the is one way to truly feel connected Wisdom from the Word: “A Native Americans, who Pomo Nation citizen Leticia atrocities they endured. to your Tribe.” I think that if we friend is always loyal, and a Aguilar lost her grandmother are especially vulnerable to truly consider ourselves Native brother is born to help in time Betty Sigala and Aunt Liz Sigala COVID-19 because of chronic Being Native American isn’t just Americans, we should participate of need.” Proverbs 17:17 to COVID-19. The family had diseases such as diabetes, heart about statistics, belonging to a in our Tribal elections. Let your Migwetch (Thank you)! to deal with a double burial. disease and hypertension, are certain group or being counted voice be heard and your vote be dying at horrifying high rates. Amid the grieving, Aguilar correctly. It’s more of an attitude, counted! Please take the time to Bama pi made sure to identify her family Data from the Centers for a frame of mind. It boils down request your absentee ballot, vote (Later), members as Native American Disease Control and Prevention to a people’s past, present and and mail it in. It’s that easy! on their death certificates. shows American Indians and future. We have the records to Rande K. Payne Alaska Natives are the single prove where we came from. We In closing, I must share with Mnedo Gabo “I’m so glad that we were able to group hardest hit by the know our ancestors’ struggles you that on Feb. 5, my oldest Representative, District 6 have them counted. It meant a pandemic. They are diagnosed throughout modern history. brother Robert Lee (Bobby) 31150 Road 180 lot to us as Natives,” she recalled at nearly twice the rate of white If we ignore our heritage, we Payne has walked on. At age Visalia, CA 93292-9585 8 months later. Aguilar was people, hospitalized almost 4 are denying who we are today 76, he finally succumbed to 559-999-3525 office fearful that if hospital staff were times as frequently, and die at and put our future in jeopardy congestive heart failure. It was 559-999-5411 cell allowed to fill out the death 2 1/2 times the rate of whites. of extinction. Our ancestors a lengthy battle that he fought [email protected] 22 APRIL 2021 HOWNIKAN District 7 – Mark Johnson writing, a third vaccine came Americans throughout the year, that ihs.gov/findhealthcare can As always give me a call, and I online, and it will greatly expand and that looks to continue. help you locate a health care will be happy to work with you the opportunities for members According to their own facility around the country that on any questions you may have around the country to receive an statistics on ihs.gov/coronavirus will treat you with proof of your or provide you with additional inoculation from COVID-19. as they relate to CPN tribal citizenship. If you do not information you may need to While CPN Health Services District 7, they have: have a Tribal ID, please contact access Tribal benefits that may has done an excellent job in CPN Tribal Rolls immediately be available. Please also take the distributing vaccines in the California area at cpn.news/tribalrolls or time to give me a call or send Oklahoma jurisdiction, those • 73,075 vaccines available by calling 800-880-9880. me an email with your contact of us in the other legislative • 37,690 vaccines administered information so that I can keep districts may need help finding Phoenix area (includes And again, election season is you informed of the happenings vaccines in and around them. Utah and Nevada) here, so please take the time to within the Nation and district. Although there are a wide • 87,840 vaccines available request your ballot and return array of federal, state and • 59,607 vaccines administered it when you get it. I urge you Migwetch local websites and call centers to examine the growth and (Thank you), that have come online, like Seeing how the same statistics stability our Nation has enjoyed, vaccinefinder.org from the CDC, show the case positivity rates and let us not step off the path Mark Johnson, Bozho nikanek Tribal members with a valid in those two IHS areas are that’s gotten us to where we Wisk Mtek (Strong as a Tree) (Hello friends), CPN ID card are allowed to be 10 percent and 6 percent are as Citizen Potawatomi. Representative, District 7 seen at Indian Health Service respectively, it is best to explore 1565 Shaw Ave., Suite 202 know many are all looking for clinics throughout the United as many ways as possible to find Once again, I would like to say Clovis, CA 93611 I opportunities to receive the States. IHS has been increasing a way to get vaccinated or other what an honor it is to serve you 559-351-0078 cell COVID-19 vaccine. At time of its supply of vaccines for Native health care services. Don’t forget as your District 7 representative. [email protected]

District 8 – Dave Carney able to gather face to face, Please be sure to vote this year. In our first legislative meeting It is my sincere hope that the and now we are confronted The Chairman’s seat, District 1 of 2021, the body passed several District 8 Fall Feast can happen with a second cancellation and District 4 are contested elec- resolutions applying for federal in Portland, Oregon, this year of the Nation’s annual tions. There are two challengers funding for museum and and that the turnout is even Family Reunion Festival. As for Chairman, four candidates library services, technical and better than in years past. unpleasant as it is, this is the for the District 1 seat (the North- adult education, supplemental right move for the health east states) and one challenger CARES Act funding and Please be sure to request an and safety of our people. for the District 4 (Kansas) seat. National Park Service funds absentee ballot and participate. for Tribal historic preservation. As always, it is my honor to One of the most significant 2020 was a very challenging Additionally, the Nation serve as your legislator. events of the Festival (held the year for all of us personally and was able to acquire a much last Saturday of June) is the the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. sought after property — the Dave Carney in-person voting for Tribal Challenging would be an Hardesty Grocery Store land Kagasghi (Raven) candidates and the annual set understatement. Lost enterprise that sits in the center of our Representative, District 8 aside budget. While the in- revenue, distribution of CARES properties — and it was a 520 Lilly Road, Building 1 person voting will happen, the Act funds and the enrollment of great thing to be able to vote Olympia, WA 98506 Bohzo nikan draw of the Festival will be a record number of new Tribal to put this land in to trust for 360-259-4027 (Hello friend), missing, and this will likely lessen members were the highlights of the future generations. Lastly, [email protected] the number of votes cast. That the year. I’d like to compliment we approved a resolution t seems like it’s been a very means voting by absentee ballot the administration and staff containing a large list of new Ilong time since we’ve been will be even more important. for rising to the occasion. enrollees into the Tribe. District 9 – Paul Wesselhöft Bozho nikan name. Our group’s header photo urday.” We are a membership of your continuing service to the (Hello friend), is Eagle Dance by Potawatomi over 300 soon to be 400. Fellow Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” artist Woody Crumbo. Potawatomi creatives — join Potawatomi artists us and share your art forms. I’m pleased to be a member of The group is for Potawatomi this important committee and lease check out the members from the various News plan to propose resolutions that Potawatomi Artists private P American and Canadian tribes. will enhance our Tribal history, Facebook group where members Chairman Barrett appointed me culture, arts and language. can display and/or enjoy various Creative works don’t necessarily to a new committee: the Tribal art forms such as paintings, have to be Potawatomi themed, Culture and Art Committee. Migwetch photography, music, drama, and members don’t have to be He wrote, “Dear Representative (Thank you), poetry, short stories, crafts, artists themselves. The group Wesselhöft: Since you are one of jewelry and regalia as well as is not a forum for arguments, our number that has exhibited Paul Wesselhöft Potawatomi history, culture and controversy, politics, campaign- an interest, and talent, in art and Naganit (Leader) language. In the Facebook search ing, selling non-creative works culture, (particularly fiction and Representative, District 9 bar, simply type ‘Potawatomi or evangelizing. Advertisements poetry), I am appointing you [email protected] Artists’ and one of the results and promotions of creative works to the Tribal Culture and Art [email protected] will be our group with the same are welcomed every “Shop Sat- Committee. … Thank you for District 11 – Andrew Walters Bozho After much thought, I now as home. If it had not been for impact on ours by keeping (Hello), know that my journey started their tenacious ways, their desire our Tribe strong and honoring hundreds of years ago and to survive, their bonding into their sacrifice. I also have a hen does a journey really thousands of miles away. It family, I would not be here. debt to each of you — a debt Wstart? Does it start at started when our ancestors, I hope to pay in service to your first step, or when you fighting to survive, formed a Our ancestral family laid the my Tribe. I am honored to be pack to go? Maybe it starts cooperative, a group, a Tribe to bricks that formed the road your District 11 legislator. when you first begin planning. help one another. That Tribe we now walk on, that we all For me, I believe my journey grew, through good times and now share. If it had not been Thank you for your trust started when I was sworn in bad — through journey after for them, we would not have a and blessings as we continue as a Tribal legislator. But then journey. From the western shores Tribe. We would not be family. our journey together as maybe, the journey started of Lake Michigan, throughout So, I think it proper to thank Citizen Potawatomi. when Cora and I decided that the Great Lakes, Indiana and our ancestors for their ways, Andrew Walters upon retirement, we would Illinois, to Kansas and finally their work, their hardships, [email protected] move to Shawnee, and I would Oklahoma, the journey has their toil and blood. I think [email protected] try to give back to the Tribe taken our people to this point we all have a debt to pay to all the Tribe has given us. in time, to this place we know them for their lives and their WALKING ON APRIL 2021 23 Steven Tinney Barbee; and great –nephews, Verden, Oklahoma; grandson of her Indian family. She was Baird (Martin), sister Kay Mason Barbee and Bjorn Andy Blevins and wife Jennifer part of the Willmette family. Baird, and brother Bob Baird Waggoner. He was preceded of Verden, Oklahoma; grandson in heaven. She is survived in death by his mother, JoAnn Denver Blevins of Verden, She is survived by Alta Schencks by husband, John Jeffords; Tinney; and stepmother, Brenda Oklahoma; granddaughter of Tulsa, daughter; and George daughters, Michelle Huffman, Tinney as well as beloved Brandy Roller and husband Schencks of Pryor, son; several Angela Huffman, Traci Lawson pets June, Reign and King. Quinton of Sulphur, Oklahoma; surviving members of her and Sondra Jeffords and their 11 great grandchildren; 2 family include grandchildren, families; siblings, Pat Felton, Steven was buried next to his great-great grandchildren; and Anthony Schencks, Brian Ron Baird, Sally Herman, Teresa mother, whom he dearly loved, special friend Karen Wilkerson Schencks, Joshua Schencks Baird, Mike Baird, Joe Baird and in Porterville, California. of Chickasha, Oklahoma. and Talyiah Schencks; great- Vi Pancratz, and their families. grandchildren, Hailey Schencks, Curtis Schencks, Sawyer Edna Gay Blevins Melba Schencks Schencks and Sage Schencks; Peggy Hutson sisters, Judith Washam, Nora Funeral service for Edna Melba Lee Schencks (Sinor) Peggy Hutson of Broseley, Mis- McManus and Lora McHenry; Gay Blevins, 103, of Verden, was born on March 9, 1934, in souri, passed away at the age of and one brother, Jon Sinor. Oklahoma, were held Pryor, Oklahoma, to George 85. She worked at Doctors Hos- Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. pital and the Poplar Bluff School Steven Britt Tinney, a resident and Alta Sinor (Cargill) of Preceded in death by her System before retiring to travel of Wright City, Oklahoma, Pryor. After an extended Edna was born the daughter of loving husband, Frazure with the love of her life, Alex. passed away on Jan. 28, 2021, Jerome and Anna Melot on Oct. illness, she accept the Lord’s Schencks; mother, Alta Sinor; at the age of 53. He was born 7, 1917, in Wanette, Oklahoma, invitation to join her heavenly father, George Sinor; and her Peggy was a member of Palace in Porterville, California, on on the Citizen Band Potawatomi family on Jan. 1, 2021. She sister, Georgia “Lucy” Link. of Praise and a Tribal elder April 11, 1967, to Mary “JoAnn” Reservation. She died on Dec. 1, grew up in Pryor and graduated of the Citizen Potawatomi Pryor High School in 1952. (Staley) and Elton Tinney. 2020, in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Mary O. Jeffords Nation, a descendant of Rosetta She then attended College at Trombla. She loved to read and Steven was an avid music lover Edna married her husband Northeastern State University, work outside in her flowers, who spent many of his younger Denver Blevins on May 21, where she received a master’s but her favorite pastime was years enjoying fishing, hiking, 1935. The couple moved to degree in education. She was a good long conversation, as camping, shooting and going to Verden in 1953 where they part of the Delta Kappa Gamma she never met a stranger. concerts with family and friends. raised their three sons, Wesley, Society while attending NSU A 1985 graduate of Monache Tony and James. During her and after. She went on to Peggy is survived by her High School, Steven was life, she served others as a teach in several states, holding dog, Rosie; children, Kaye active in wrestling, swimming, homemaker and an active teaching certificates in Kansas, (Kenny) Spencer of Poplar diving and water polo, and member of her church. She was Maine and Oklahoma. She Bluff, Missouri, Larry (Carolyn) became a Tulare County Sheriff known for being an excellent ended her career in Oklahoma Hutson of Greenville, Missouri, Explorer, which eventually led cook. The oldest member of after 24 years of teaching at Teresa (Ross) Gilmore of Palm to a career in law enforcement. the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Chouteau Elementary Public City, Florida, and Lora Lee Steven was a deputy sheriff Edna enjoyed being on the go Schools. Even after retirement, Hutson of Ash Grove, Missouri; before going to work for the and looking at the scenery along she went on to mentor the one brother, Ronnie (Cheryl) California Department of the back roads of Oklahoma. next generation of teachers by Williams of Poplar Bluff, Corrections, where he retired observing and helping in the Missouri; four grandchildren, a correctional sergeant. Edna was preceded in death by teacher’s certification process. Cherish Heydenreich, Kristal her husband Denver Blevins; Mary O. Jeffords passed Hutson Aldana, Joshua Trout Several years ago, Steven parents, Anna and Jerome Melba was married to Frazure to her heavenly home on and Emily J Warren; eight told his brother Ron that he Melot; son and daughter- Scheneks in 1958 in Salina, Jan. 11, 2021, in her home great-grandchildren; and missed their dad Elton, who in-law, Wesley and Georgia Kansas. They moved all over the surrounded by her family after Barbara Bynum, Frank and had moved to Oklahoma a Blevins; grandson Cory Blevins; United States due to Frazures a long battle with cancer. She Charlotte Hillis; and many few years earlier, and that he and siblings, Wanda, Roy, career with the United States will be missed by so many. cherished family and friends. had decided to move out of Ruth, Thelma and Vera. Air Force. Finally returning California to live closer to him. home in 1976, they settled Mary was a dedicated and She was preceded in death The last several years, they were Edna is survived by her son and made their home in loving mother, grandmother by her loving husband, Alex; blessed to have been able to Tony Blevins and wife Juanita Chouteau, Oklahoma. They and wife. Mary held an her daughter, Rebecca spend a lot of time together. of Globe, Arizona; son James raised two children together, unwavering faith in God, which Cook; and her parents, Irven Blevins of Verden, Oklahoma; Alta and George Schencks. she shared with those who and Hazel Williams. Steven is survived by his father, grandson Terry Blevins and surrounded her. Her beautiful Elton Tinney; his brother, Ron wife Darling of Los Angeles, She was a proud Citizen smile and infectious laugh will Graveside services were held Staley (Josie); nieces, Amanda California; grandson Rodney Potawatomi Nation member. forever live in our hearts. at Browns Chapel in Broseley, Barbee and Victoria Staley Blevins and wife Jolanda of She enjoyed reading about the Missouri. We say good-by (Dayton Waggoner); nephew, Colorado Springs, Colorado; history, learning the language Mary joins her father Charles knowing they are now at Ronnie Staley; great-niece, Layla grandson Neal Blevins of and knowing the solidarity L. Baird, mother Olive C. peace. Together again. 24 APRIL 2021 WALKING ON Bobby Thomasson Debbie Netterville There was a private family gious laugh filled her home with a burger run.” Everything graveside burial service. A laughter until the end of her days. from fast food to Dakotas in memorial service for friends and She was patient, kind and forgiv- Blanchard, to Chinese or the family is planned for May 15. ing, and will be deeply missed. steakhouses in Norman. A memorial fund has been She and Mike have four “grand- established at First Financial Linda Marie Kirk cats.” They love to go camping Bank to help cover final with them and have a cat door expenses and medical bills. In on the RV. They were great lieu of flowers, please consider company for Linda and showed donating to this fund. their love in unique ways. Linda did not want a traditional Juanelle Brant Beauford funeral or viewing. She only asked that family and friends get together at their home when Debbie Lou Haines James the weather gets nice. The kids Netterville, age 59, of can all fish at their pond, which Weatherford, Texas, passed away they have stocked for the little at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth ones, and they can catch them on Feb. 3, 2021, after a month- with every cast. It is the only Bobby Glenn Thomasson, a long battle against COVID-19. social gathering she would totally member of the Pettifer family, enjoy. She was cremated, and walked on Jan. 16, 2021, at the Debbie was born to Ronnie her beautiful urn sits on the age of 66 surrounded by his Clyde Haines Sr. and Juanita Linda Marie Kirk was the mantel with a matching necklace beloved family in Tecumseh, “Dickie” Charline Haines on July Daughter of J.C. and Marylee holding their wedding rings. Oklahoma, after a two-year long 25, 1961, in Fort Worth, Texas. Johnson of Moore, Oklahoma, Every morning, Mike walks by battle with metastatic melanoma. and wife of Larry “Mike” Kirk and says, “Morning, Princess.” Debbie grew up in of Dibble. She is remembered by He was born April 9, 1954, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and her daughter, Kathy Kraus and Longview, Texas, to Bobby Gene graduated from Weatherford Jimmy Joe Wyatt Juanelle Brant Beauford husband Barry of Nashville, Ten- and Peggy (Pettifer) Thomasson High School in 1979. joined her Lord and Savior on nessee; son, David Kirk and wife but spent his early life in Kathy of Moore; grandsons from Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and During high school, Debbie be- Monday, March 1, 2021, at 91 years of age. She was born on Nashville, Brandon and Evan; considered it his hometown. gan working at Citizens National Bank, now known as First Finan- Aug. 28, 1929, to Walter and granddaughters from Moore, Shelby, Amber and little Sabrina. He met his beloved wife Kaye cial Bank, and continued work- Lena Mae Brant, and was the youngest of seven children. in 1976 at Henderson State ing there after high school while Linda fought many health issues University, and they were married attending Weatherford College. Juanelle was preceded in death but ultimately succumbed to Jan. 7, 1978, in Arkadelphia, by her parents, siblings and her COVID-19 on Feb. 8, 2021. She Arkansas. He was a devoted and Debbie devoted over 30 years husband of 66 years, Don K. was a wonderful wife, partner loving husband who considered to the bank and was currently Beauford. She is survived by her and friend to Mike for 52 years. her his partner in all things. serving as the vice president of First Technology Services, daughter and son-in-law, Laree He would often tell her jokingly, “Princess, I don’t know if this He is fondly remembered by his Inc. for First Financial Bank. and C.L. Barnett; her son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Carla thing is going to last. Only time son, Ben Thomasson; daughter, will tell.” In 1970, she gave up Kendra Kirker and husband Debbie was a registered member Beauford; four granddaughters: of the Citizen Potawatomi Melissa Rivera and husband her job at Oklahoma National Jimmy Joe Wyatt, age 58 of Gary; and his two grandchildren, Mortgage to be a stay-at-home Social Circle, Georgia, passed Elizabeth and Timothy Kirker. Nation and descendant Mark; Audrey Masoner and of the Higbee family. mom and raised two kids of away on Wednesday, Feb. He is survived by his mother, husband Chad; Mariah Robertson and husband Ryan; whom they are very proud. The 10, 2021. He is preceded in Peggy Hill; stepfather, Lee She enjoyed attending Native death by his parents, Roma and Sierra Wills and husband result was six grandchildren, Hill; sister, Suzanne Pipkins; American dances and events. ages 11 months to 20 years. Collins and Larry Wyatt. He Ethan; five great-grandchildren: and brothers, David, Patrick She crafted dance clothes for is survived by his wife of 35 Delane Janeway, Emma and Sam; along with many her family as well as sold some, Linda loved to rock and swing. years, Shanda Wyatt of Social Masoner, Hazen Masoner, nieces, nephews, cousins and taking great pride seeing her She had recliner rockers in Circle, and sister, Crystal Tayin Masoner and Everly Mae aunts who loved him well work in the powwow circle. the house and porch swings Wyatt of Conyers, Georgia. and will miss him greatly. He Wills; as well as numerous on covered front and back was preceded in death by Debbie enjoyed the time around loving nieces and nephews. decks. She chose which swing Jimmy Joe was a loving husband, his maternal grandparents, Halloween, working several years by where the sun was and the a good brother and a friend to Juanelle went to meet her heav- Pat and Viola Pettifer. at Hangman’s House of Horrors time of year. She enjoyed the all who knew him. He cared in Fort Worth, and devoted nu- enly father at peace, surrounded simple things. Fancy clothes, deeply for all his family. He Bobby loved literature, music merous hours decorating the yard by her loving family. She was a jewelry or socializing were not was just Jimmy Joe who will and poetry but also enjoyed at her home for others to enjoy. woman of quiet strength with a at the top of her list. She and always be in our hearts and maintaining electrical true zest for life. In her younger Mike traveled when they could remembered as a wonderful equipment and “tinkering” of Debbie is survived in death by years, she loved to travel with her in their fifth-wheel RV to the husband, brother, son-in-law, all sorts. He was a kind, gentle her parents, Ronnie Sr. and sisters as often as she could. She Rockies, Nashville or Florida. nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. soul who worked hard and Juanita Haines of Weatherford; was a talented artist who honed He had that certain twinkle in spent his life providing for husband, Kenneth Netterville of her skills at Oklahoma A&M Near the end, she got a his eye that let you know he was his family and loved ones. Weatherford; sons, Jesse James of College for Art and would go on smartphone. She loved ordering always up to something. He Fort Worth, and Samuel James to publish her artwork in maga- her own things as she got around loved being outdoors, fishing He chose to be cremated, and and his wife Traci and their zines and commission specialty poorly — clothes, patio furniture and just working with his the family will announce children, Britton and Briley of pieces until her late 80s. She or medical needs. Amazon projects. Our lives were truly memorial services at a later Aledo; brother, Ronnie Haines spent countless afternoons with became her best friend, and she blessed to have him with us. date. To share memories, Jr. of Weatherford; nephews, her granddaughters on adven- got so excited when the packages visit the online guestbook Alex Haines and his family, and tures to the zoo and science mu- came. Linda loved to eat out, We will see him again. at cooperfuneral.com. Austin Haines; and many friends. seums. Her quick wit and conta- or as she called it, “making Love you always, dear. Submitting CPN burial assistance through Tribal Rolls obituaries The $2,000 CPN Burial Assistance Fund is automatically available to all enrolled CPN members. You may fill out

To submit an obituary, please a burial assistance fund form if you would like for us to keep it on file in case of any change in resolutions. send a word document with Please note: Once a CPN tribal member has passed, the Tribal Rolls office must be notified in order for CPN to no more than 300 words, a 300dpi photo and a contact provide burial funding. Information and instructions for the burial process will be sent to the next of kin and will phone number to be discussed then.

[email protected] For more information, please call Tribal Rolls at 405-878-5835 or email [email protected].